SmallBusinessNewz

The Federation of Small Businesses is looking to make life a little easier for small business owners in the UK.  Prime Minister Gordon Brown should receive a letter from the group asking for increased (and easier to access) rate relief.

In a message delivered to 10 Downing Street, "The FSB is . . . urging the Prime Minister to use his existing powers in the Rating Act 2007 to reintroduce an element of rate relief of up to 50 per cent for entrepreneurs with empty commercial premises," according to an official statement.

This is something that - assuming they hear about it - small business owners will almost certainly greet with cheers.  The little caveat leads us to the second part of the FSB's request, though, and what seems to be an odd trend.

Earlier this week, the Forum of Private Business claimed that a great many UK businesses don't know about an impending increase in the minimum wage, and face fines and prosecution as a result.  Now, the FSB writes, "[M]any businesses are unaware of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme which aims to alleviate the rate bill for thousands of businesses occupying commercial premises.  The FSB points out that businesses are being denied the relief because it is not automatically applied by local authorities."

Is there some sort of UK news blackout on things that will benefit small businesses?  At any rate, it looks like more help might be on the way.