Better Late Than Never? 2009 Budget Date Announced

Alistair Darling has finally announced the date for the 2009 Budget Statement.

Scheduled for 22 April 2009, this makes it the latest budget statement since labour came to power in 1997.

It is thought the budget will have to include downwardly revised growth predictions, reflecting worsening economic conditions.

In last year's Pre-Budget Report, which was also delivered far later in the year than normal, the Chancellor said the UK's ecnomy would return to growth by the second half of this year. This is not a view held by many commentators.

As ever, we will keep you informed.

Watch this space.

Alan Young To Host 'Frugal-Preneur' Web Chat on Make Your Mark

In these difficult financial times, we are all more conscious then ever of how we spend our money. But what can entrepreneurs learn about applying thriftiness to their business?

If you would like to find out more about how to save money for your business and make your money work smarter, then the frugal-preneur web chat, hosted by Make Your Mark, could be for you.

In this web chat, I shall be advising home based entrepreneurs on the most cost effective ways to set up and run a business from home. 1st Addition Accountancy Limited was, in fact originally set up and run from my own home, in a bid to minimise start-up costs and maximise efficiency.

Joining me will be Clive Lewis, Head of Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) Issues at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Clive is responsible for developing ICAEW policies on SME issues and communicating to government.

We will both be there live from 1pm today, Tuesday 10 February to provide expert answers to your questions.

To access the web chat, just click on the link below:

http://www.makeyourmark.org.uk/get_involved/make_your_mark_webchats

See you there.