First Voice - Current Issue

December 2000 | January 2001

4-8 News
Mixed response to Brown's pre-Budget deals; FSB makes fuel demands; more directory scams; FSB aid for flood victims; supermarkets survive Government probe; local rates plan rapped

10 Letters
Federation and metrication stance; brickbats and cheers for fuel protesters; unfair payment terms; beware Climate Change Levy

12 Design for business
Tom Bloxham believes in applying the wise disciplines of small business even though his company is a multi-million pound concern

17 Cover story: Weighty matters
Steven Thoburn awaits a court trial over his alleged use of imperial scales. First Voice considers the implications of the case

18 A vintage partnership
How cooperation helped two small businessmen thrive in the cut-throat world of supplying wine to the big supermarkets

20 Expansion the quick way
If you can't beat them, buy them. But when you buy another business, you need to know what you are getting, how much you're paying ÐÊand what you might lose

26 FSB member service
A new feature highlighting key benefits of belonging to the Federation

30 British Business 2000
Full report and pictures from this vital melting pot for small businesses

PLUS
24 Richard North Letter from Brussels
27 FSB News
32 Q&A Your business questions answered

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Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, errors and omissions are not the responsibility of the publishers or of the editorial staff. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers or editorial staff. All rights reserved. Unless specifically stated, goods or services mentioned are not formally endorsed by the FSB which does not guarantee or endorse or accept any liability for any goods and/or services featured in this publication.