You’ve dreamed it. You’ve built it.  Now give your business lift-off with the 2010 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Business Competition.

Nine cash prizes are up for grabs and entrepreneurs compete against each other regionally before competing for the all island Best Emerging and Best High Growth titles.

In this edition the Arthur Cox Belfast Employment Group’s Employment Alert will focus on the Agency Workers Regulations, discuss some recent decisions of interest and examine what’s on the horizon with regards to the two NI Employment Bills, the extension of flexible working rights and the proposed phasing out of the national default retirement age.

Tax levels on Northern Ireland businesses are to be examined by a committee of MPs, it has been revealed.

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will consider whether the level of corporation levies should be made the same as in the Irish Republic or what alternative measures could make the economy competitive.

A record number of people will start their own business this year in the face of rising unemployment, an industry group has predicted.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said 300,000 people will become their own boss, helping to create new jobs, as well as boosting the economy.

Young people see business leaders as their new role models, claims a survey.

 A total of 43 per cent of young people admire Sir Richard Branson and Simon Cowell more than Victoria Beckham, Katie Price and Rio Ferdinand (6 per cent), finds a report from charity Media Trust.

On 20^th April 2010 Ulster Bank said it has set a target of providing £300m in new lending to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Northern Ireland over the next 12 months.

The figure is an increase of 20% on the £250m that the bank committed to lending to local SMEs last year, although Ulster Bank highlighted it had beat its target and lent more than £290m to around 1,000 businesses over that period.

Placement – A positive impact on your future

Studies have shown that students and graduates with relevant work experience are highly regarded by today’s employers.

Our objective is to facilitate Belfast Met students in getting involved in a work partnership throughout their time of study at the College.

Invest Northern Ireland are launching their new Enterprise Development Programmes, comprising of the Go for it and the Growth Programmes.

Economy Minister NigelDodds today reinforced the importance of small businesses to the local economy.

The Minister was speaking at the official opening of North City Business Centre’s new office facility at Duncairn Gardens.