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       <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/</link>
       <description>Small Business, Freelance and Outsourcing News</description>
       <item>
        <title>Budget could have done more for freelancers and entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Budget_could_have_done_more_for_freelancers_and_entrepreneurs/18660962/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:56:29 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With more than two million out of work, unemployment is at its highest level since Labour came to power in 1997. But does the latest Budget do enough for freelancers and entrepreneurs? ]]> </description>
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        <title>Growing  opportunities in freelancing websites</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Growing__opportunities_in_freelancing_websites/18660961/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:05:38 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There is no doubt that in many sectors there are now fewer available roles and hence freelancers face much greater competition in the present recession. Indeed the numbers of people entering the freelance market are increasing as unemployment soars and job seekers are turning to freelance work. ]]> </description>
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        <title>Aspiring freelancers advised to “fly with it”</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Aspiring_freelancers_advised_to_“fly_with_it”/18660960/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:52:46 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A recent article in The Times highlights some interviews with experts in the field of freelancing.&amp;nbsp; They have a wealth of advice for newcomers which is summarised briefly.

Founder of FreelanceUK.com Helen James says that freelancers can learn the essentials &amp;ldquo;on the job&amp;rdquo; and that the best way is to talk to other freelancers. ]]> </description>
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        <title>Supportive spouses key to success for freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Supportive_spouses_key_to_success_for_freelancers/18660959/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:43:11 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Apparently, having a supportive spouse is the key to success in business. Not that as freelancers, we don&amp;rsquo;t know that.&amp;nbsp; 

New research by Bibby Financial Services, has revealed that 38 per cent of spouses whose partners ran a business, thought that working at the weekends was acceptable. 44 per cent of spouses also thought that &amp;lsquo;working late at the office&amp;rsquo; into the night was not to be ruled out and in fact, was necessary at times. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Supportive_spouses_key_to_success_for_freelancers/18660959/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New Internet Explorer 8 out today!</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_Internet_Explorer_8_out_today!/18660958/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:11:47 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The latest browser from Microsoft should be with us at 16:00 hours, GMT today, assuming no last minute hold ups with its download servers!

Internet Explorer 8 is to be launched at a conference of web designers and developers MIX09 which takes place at Las Vegas today. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses take to twittering</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_take_to_twittering/18660957/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:08:05 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A recent poll conducted by O2 the mobile phone company has found that 17 per cent of small businesses are now using&amp;nbsp; Twitter for their business communications. Indeed, 28 per cent of these have opened a Twitter account in the last four weeks. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_take_to_twittering/18660957/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers’ costs are coming down</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers’_costs_are_coming_down/18660956/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:53:12 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Owners of small businesses are paying less for core goods and services than for a number of years, according to research carried out by More Than.

Small business costs were down by 2.9% in the last quarter of 2008, with cheaper fuel, insurance and raw materials. However, the figure for the whole year was 3.6% for small businesses, although it was less for micro firms &amp;ndash; including &amp;ldquo;one-man bands&amp;rdquo; &amp;ndash; at only 3%. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>New training options for small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_training_options_for_small_businesses/18660955/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:12:45 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ In these challenging times of recession it is a good idea for freelancers and small business owners to brush up on existing skills and indeed acquire new ones.

It seems that there is a lot of relevant material in university foundation degree programmes that can be put to good use for small business owners and freelance workers. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_training_options_for_small_businesses/18660955/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Good news for freelancers as unemployment set to soar</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Good_news_for_freelancers_as_unemployment_set_to_soar/18660954/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:17:57 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As the global recession bites even harder, it&amp;rsquo;s not good news on the job front as unemployment is forecast to rise to 3.2 million next year, according to the British Chamber of Commerce. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>IT Hit By Credit Crunch</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IT_Hit_By_Credit_Crunch/18660953/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:06:41 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ It appears that IT projects around risk management, post-acquisition integration and cost-cutting are going to be the hot topics this year according to analyst house IDC. However, other IT programmes won't be so lucky: the company is predicting some will be held back, trimmed down or broken up as the recession continues to take its toll. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IT_Hit_By_Credit_Crunch/18660953/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>A sound business model sets freelancers on to success</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/A_sound_business_model_sets_freelancers_on_to_success/18660952/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:02:45 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ For your enterprise to thrive a sound business model is essential.&amp;nbsp; It will confer a &amp;ldquo;strong competitive advantage&amp;rdquo; to quote the words of LFE Capital Chief Executive Leslie Frecon on commenting on the business model used by online luxury goods operator Portero. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/A_sound_business_model_sets_freelancers_on_to_success/18660952/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Bank Charges Ruling Paves Way</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bank_Charges_Ruling_Paves_Way/18660951/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:03:12 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Banks and building societies may be forced to return money equating to billions of pounds to consumers after a court threw out their appeal over unauthorised overdraft charges. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bank_Charges_Ruling_Paves_Way/18660951/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses won’t welcome Post Office sell-off</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_won’t_welcome_Post_Office_sell-off/18660950/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:33:03 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many small businesses look set to be disappointed by the sell-off of Royal Mail. A poll among its members by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) showed that nearly half of the respondents wanted the country&amp;rsquo;s mail to remain in public hands.

However, the Government appears to be set on selling a minority stake to a rival operator as part of the group&amp;rsquo;s overhaul. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_won’t_welcome_Post_Office_sell-off/18660950/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance writer to raise money twittering across the globe</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_writer_to_raise_money_twittering_across_the_globe/18660949/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:59:47 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance journalist Paul Smith has conceived the brilliant plan to travel across the world to raise money for Charity:water, using the Twitter community as his sole support. In a recent &amp;lsquo;Twinterview&amp;rsquo; with journalism.co.uk he explained that he will be only able to accept offers of accommodation and travel from Twitter users without involving any third parties. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_writer_to_raise_money_twittering_across_the_globe/18660949/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New Code of Practice for IT disaster contingency could help small firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_Code_of_Practice_for_IT_disaster_contingency_could_help_small_firms/18660948/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:15:30 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Most small business have little or no provision for contingency should their IT systems fail. Many use non-networked laptops (particularly, of course, &amp;ldquo;one-man bands&amp;rdquo;) and never take back-ups of the data on their computers. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_Code_of_Practice_for_IT_disaster_contingency_could_help_small_firms/18660948/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Free Legal Support</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Free_Legal_Support/18660947/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2009 11:58:37 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The National Union of Journalists is offer free legal support to its members in cases of copyright infringement. This is under a deal that the NUJ has negotiated with Thompsons Solicitors. This is an expanded service which will be available to members in England and Wales. However, only those cases where claims are deemed to have 'a reasonable chance of success' will be accepted by the union. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Free_Legal_Support/18660947/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Government has been no help to small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_has_been_no_help_to_small_businesses/18660946/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:20:32 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses in the UK are unhappy with the support &amp;ndash; or rather the lack of it &amp;ndash; that they are receiving from the Government.

A poll of 4,000 small traders by the Federation of Small Businesses concluded that government efforts to stimulate the economy had so far had &amp;ldquo;no impact&amp;rdquo;. As evidence to support this claim, the federation said that over half of firms were seeing a slide in their sales of products and services in the last couple of months. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_has_been_no_help_to_small_businesses/18660946/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Social networking sites still an untapped resource for majority of  freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networking_sites_still_an_untapped_resource_for_majority_of__freelancers/18660945/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:10:02 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ It has been recently found by a recent survey conducted by&amp;nbsp; BT Tradespace that the use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter&amp;nbsp; and YouTube&amp;nbsp; by&amp;nbsp; freelancers and small businesses has more than doubled from 7% last year to 15% at the same time this year.&amp;nbsp; However, it was found that only 13% regularly log on to their chosen site. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networking_sites_still_an_untapped_resource_for_majority_of__freelancers/18660945/</guid>
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        <title>Twitter Away</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Twitter_Away/18660944/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 16:34:47 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Any freelancer knows that self promotion is the key to success and if you want to find more work and get yourself recognised, then Twitter is a medium that allows you to do so. Twittering allows users to send a &amp;lsquo;tweet&amp;rsquo; to their &amp;lsquo;followers&amp;rsquo; of up to 140 characters. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Twitter_Away/18660944/</guid>
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        <title>Not all is lost for freelancers in the recession</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Not_all_is_lost_for_freelancers_in_the_recession/18660943/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:18:09 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers are finding life tough in the recession, just like the rest of the country.

At times like these, companies often look to get rid of their contract staff before having to take the drastic action of cutting employed staff.

The demand for freelance marketers has taken a knock in recent times, and recruiters at Xchangeteam report a &amp;ldquo;fairly significant&amp;rdquo; decline in request for freelancers compared with this time last year. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Not_all_is_lost_for_freelancers_in_the_recession/18660943/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Stopthief Protects Your Phone </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Stopthief_Protects_Your_Phone_/18660942/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:20:26 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ If you are constantly moving around which is the norm for freelancers everywhere, your phone is more likely to be at risk of being stolen. Statistics from the Home Office suggest that a mobile phone is stolen every 12 seconds in Britain, making it one of the biggest areas of criminal activity in the country. UMU has developed Stopthief, an application that provides peace of mind in case your smartphone is either lost or stolen. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Stopthief_Protects_Your_Phone_/18660942/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Mobiles on Flights</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Mobiles_on_Flights/18660941/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:52:12 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ If you have been in the position of having to fly somewhere but needing to make an important business text, or need to be contacted by the office then there is good news. The ban on in-flight mobiles has been lifted on the business flights from London to JFK airport in the USA on BA flights. Although there are no plans for voice calls at the moment the company is considering the possibility in future. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Mobiles_on_Flights/18660941/</guid>
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        <title>Colourful Phones - LG KP501</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Colourful_Phones_-_LG_KP501/18660940/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:23:47 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ If you are going to have a phone, and it&amp;rsquo;s a must in the freelance industry, have one that stands out! The Orange exclusive Cookie touch-screen phone is also available in two new colour variants. Alongside the original black version, pink and silver options have been introduced extending the choice for a practical phone mixed with aesthetic appeal. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Colourful_Phones_-_LG_KP501/18660940/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Can the Palm Pre compete with the iPhone?</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Can_the_Palm_Pre_compete_with_the_iPhone?/18660939/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:28:48 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Three weeks ago the Palm Pre phone was announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Although it won&amp;rsquo;t be released in the UK until later in 2009, it could challenge other models to become a popular business tool. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Can_the_Palm_Pre_compete_with_the_iPhone?/18660939/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Facebook just gets better on the  iPhone!</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Facebook_just_gets_better_on_the__iPhone!/18660938/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:23:02 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Creators of the popular social networking site Facebook&amp;nbsp; have announced a new improved&amp;nbsp; version 2.1 for the Apple Iphone.&amp;nbsp; So far, 4.5 million users have taken advantage of the free availability to download Facebook on their mobiles and the trend is continuing, despite the application&amp;rsquo;s unfortunate reputation for crashing. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Facebook_just_gets_better_on_the__iPhone!/18660938/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>How to Stay Competitive</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/How_to_Stay_Competitive/18660937/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2009 12:24:58 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There has been a record rise in unemployment in the United Kingdo in recent months and the freelance market is one area that could see business booming. However, with so many people deciding to go it alone, how can you remain competitive? ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/How_to_Stay_Competitive/18660937/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>The Government Enterprise Finance Guarantee</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/The_Government_Enterprise_Finance_Guarantee/18660936/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:39:36 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ On the face of it, banks will no longer have any excuse to reject business owners seeking loans to help them in the current recession; over the next two years there are to be government loan guarantees of &amp;pound;21bn gradually fed into the banking system. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/The_Government_Enterprise_Finance_Guarantee/18660936/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Government incentive for small businesses to recruit</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_incentive_for_small_businesses_to_recruit/18660935/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:14:55 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New government plans could mean that small businesses could be paid up to &amp;pound;2,500 to employ a person who has been without work for six months or more. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is talking with the business community about how jobs can be saved during the current economic situation. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_incentive_for_small_businesses_to_recruit/18660935/</guid>
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        <title>Dreading Those Tax Returns</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dreading_Those_Tax_Returns/18660934/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 10:28:45 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As a freelancer, whether you've set yourself up as a sole trader or as a limited company, it is your responsibility to take care of the accounting unless you appoint an accountant. New freelancers should register as self-employed within three months of beginning work as there is a penalty for not registering. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dreading_Those_Tax_Returns/18660934/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Tax burden hurts small firms in the UK</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_burden_hurts_small_firms_in_the_UK/18660933/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:14:46 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Taxation is taking a significant proportion of money from small and medium businesses at a time when economic conditions are already making life tough.

Research by debt protection group Creditsafe reveals that small businesses are having to pay around 16% of their outgoings on tax obligations. Tax is their third biggest expense. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_burden_hurts_small_firms_in_the_UK/18660933/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Signs of optimism in the markets</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Signs_of_optimism_in_the_markets/18660932/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:51:58 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ No one could pretend that the economy is in a good state or that 2009 will be an easy year, but at least we may have seen the worst of stock market volatility.

The UK stock market reached its low-point of 3,781 on 20 November, but since then it has shown remarkable stability and had climbed to 4,665 by Tuesday afternoon (6 January). This is a rise of 23%. Is that making the headlines? Is anyone shouting from the rooftops? No, because good news doesn&amp;rsquo;t make for good headlines. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Signs_of_optimism_in_the_markets/18660932/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>People turn to the internet for news</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/People_turn_to_the_internet_for_news/18660931/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:47:28 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ US research has shown that the number of people using the internet as the main source of their global and national news has gone up significantly in the last 12 months.

In September 2007 24% said they used the internet as their main news source, but this has risen to 40% at the end of 2008, according to the Pew Research Center for the People &amp;amp; the Press. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/People_turn_to_the_internet_for_news/18660931/</guid>
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        <title>Consumer Confidence creeps up</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Consumer_Confidence_creeps_up/18660930/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There has been an increase in consumer confidence in the final month of the year, but it doesn&amp;rsquo;t look as though anyone is fooled into thinking the recession is anything like over.

Market research group GFK NOP found there was a rise of two points in consumer confidence in December, to a score of -33. This indicates that buyer optimism is still very low, but maybe the reduction in fuel prices and interest rates has struck a chord with a few. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Consumer_Confidence_creeps_up/18660930/</guid>
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        <title>Firms cut back on charity in hard times</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Firms_cut_back_on_charity_in_hard_times/18660929/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:33:26 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The recession is causing firms to cut back on charity donations, according to a survey.

A poll of 1,200 owner-managers carried out by accountancy firm Tenon shows that 46% of firms are continuing to support their local community, but this is down from 71% in 2007. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Firms_cut_back_on_charity_in_hard_times/18660929/</guid>
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        <title>Potential for freelancers in times of recession</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Potential_for_freelancers_in_times_of_recession/18660928/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:22:10 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ While freelancing as a career can be challenging at the best of times, it is even more so in the present economic climate. This is the time however for freelancers to diversify their skills. 

The way forward seems to be a combination of positive forward thinking and a willingness to use social media platforms such as Twitter and&amp;nbsp; podcast hosting services like Libsyn. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Potential_for_freelancers_in_times_of_recession/18660928/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Passion is the key to successful freelancing</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Passion_is_the_key_to_successful_freelancing/18660927/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:40:31 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancing journalist and photographer Christian Payne is known online as &amp;lsquo;documentally or our man inside&amp;rsquo;. In a recent interview arranged by Twitter at an event for the Webby Awards, he tells journalism.co.uk, &amp;lsquo;I inspire people to ask themselves what they are doing by interviewing them or talking to them in a social media sense &amp;hellip;&amp;rsquo; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Passion_is_the_key_to_successful_freelancing/18660927/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>More help needed for small software firms, says report</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/More_help_needed_for_small_software_firms,_says_report/18660926/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:57:19 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A report has suggested that a government procurement system should be made simpler to help smaller firms.

The report, from Intellect and the British Computer Society (BCS), says the system to apply for public-sector contracts should move away from a large, multi-year process and should be simplified so that it favours smaller businesses. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/More_help_needed_for_small_software_firms,_says_report/18660926/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Cold Christmas expected for UK SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cold_Christmas_expected_for_UK_SMEs/18660925/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2008 09:56:16 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ It looks as though it&amp;rsquo;s going to be a cold, cold Christmas without customers for many British small businesses this festive season. 

A survey carried out by SmallBusiness.co.uk showed that 34% of SMEs said it had so far been the worst trading Christmas they&amp;rsquo;ve ever experienced, with a further 28% saying that it has been &amp;lsquo;very slow&amp;rsquo; to date. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cold_Christmas_expected_for_UK_SMEs/18660925/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Disabled people should get more support to start a business, says FSB</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Disabled_people_should_get_more_support_to_start_a_business,_says_FSB/18660924/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 09 Dec 2008 14:52:47 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says that disabled people should be supported when trying to set up their own business. This would assist the many disabled people who find it difficult to find paid employment, and then turn to setting up their own company as an alternative. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Disabled_people_should_get_more_support_to_start_a_business,_says_FSB/18660924/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers should make the best of a recession</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_should_make_the_best_of_a_recession/18660923/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:10:12 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ We are fully embroiled in economic turmoil and a recession is almost upon us. We are seeing interest rates not experienced since the early fifties, a housing crash worse than the nineties and unemployment about to rise sharply.

Is it good news or bad news for freelancers? ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_should_make_the_best_of_a_recession/18660923/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Beware “BlackBerry thumb”!</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Beware_“BlackBerry_thumb”!/18660922/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:11:39 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Investigation has shown that desk-bound employees are at risk of suffering from work-related health conditions.

Business development manager at the On Site Massage Company, Karl Monahan, says that conditions, such as &amp;lsquo;mouse elbow&amp;rsquo; and &amp;lsquo;BlackBerry thumb&amp;rsquo; are becoming more recognised in the UK, the terms having originated in the US. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Beware_“BlackBerry_thumb”!/18660922/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses examine the pre-budget report</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_examine_the_pre-budget_report/18660921/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 10:17:23 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Business leaders have generally welcomed the Chancellor&amp;rsquo;s pre-Budget report which had a broad range of economic measures designed to limit the effects of the economic downturn. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_examine_the_pre-budget_report/18660921/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Working from home gains in popularity</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_from_home_gains_in_popularity/18660919/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:13:54 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With the numbers and likelihood of redundancies rising all the time, more people then ever before are opting to work from home. A feature article in the Daily Telegraph reported that many people are finding it a good way to achieve a better work-life balance. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_from_home_gains_in_popularity/18660919/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses in line for government help</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_in_line_for_government_help/18660918/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:55:57 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Never since the 1930s have times been so dire for many of the 4.7 million small businesses in the UK says a report from the Financial Times on Thursday. This is why Chancellor Alistair Darling is about to introduce new measures to help them through the present economic crisis. Indeed this month has seen a sharp rise in unemployment and a fall in house prices, so it is not surprising that small businesses are under threat and need a helping hand. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_in_line_for_government_help/18660918/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Positive role of spouses in small to medium businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Positive_role_of_spouses_in_small_to_medium_businesses/18660920/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research from a recent survey conducted by Bibby Financial has found that around two thirds of business owners&amp;rsquo; spouses contribute regular unpaid work, enabling these firms to remain profitable. Indeed 20% of respondents state that they work unpaid for five days or more, ensuring their partner&amp;rsquo;s business is a success. Indeed it was found that such partners contribute about 230 million unpaid hours per year. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Positive_role_of_spouses_in_small_to_medium_businesses/18660920/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Social networking should be retained in hard times</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networking_should_be_retained_in_hard_times/18660917/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:31:44 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Social networking sites are said to be &amp;lsquo;a necessary way of working&amp;rsquo; in the modern day and age, and are becoming ever more useful to companies.

Independent think tank spokesman Peter Bradwell, of Demos, said that using such sites should not be seen as an add on for businesses, but rather as important communications tools. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networking_should_be_retained_in_hard_times/18660917/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small business owners risk losing it all</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_owners_risk_losing_it_all/18660916/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2008 11:47:53 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A survey by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) of more than 8,500 members found that 49% are keeping their companies going by putting their possessions at risk. Many small businesses are run from the owner&amp;rsquo;s home, which means that their dwelling is part of the assets of the business. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_owners_risk_losing_it_all/18660916/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Interest rate cut too late for many small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Interest_rate_cut_too_late_for_many_small_businesses/18660915/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2008 18:26:38 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The stunning interest rate cut by the Bank of England this week is much needed, but has come too late for many small businesses.

According to a survey by the Federation of Small Businesses around 50 small businesses have been shutting down each day, due to the economic downturn. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Interest_rate_cut_too_late_for_many_small_businesses/18660915/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses in London remain optimistic</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_in_London_remain_optimistic/18660914/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:04:48 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses in London are said to be showing a wartime spirit in these times of economic and financial hardship.

Research by business advisory service Business Link shows that more than half of companies surveyed claimed they were in a better position to survive the current &amp;lsquo;crunch&amp;rsquo; than their corporate counterparts. Almost 60% said they had plans for growth over the next year. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_in_London_remain_optimistic/18660914/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Blogs need checking!</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Blogs_need_checking!/18660913/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:39:25 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Blogs have become very popular over the last few years, and have expanded beyond personal diaries to a way in which large companies can communicate quickly and easily with their clients and potential customers. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Blogs_need_checking!/18660913/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>BlackBerry Storm 9500 coming soon</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BlackBerry_Storm_9500_coming_soon/18660912/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Another entry coming soon to the smartphone market is the BlackBerry Storm.

BlackBerry phones have longed been renowned for their email, and they have been improving the entertainment and web access for their phones. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BlackBerry_Storm_9500_coming_soon/18660912/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Make less fuss about the pay gap, says report</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Make_less_fuss_about_the_pay_gap,_says_report/18660911/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:07:22 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A report from the Institute of Economic Affairs says that there should be less fuss made about the gap in pay between men and women as it is mostly the result of choices made by the sexes. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Make_less_fuss_about_the_pay_gap,_says_report/18660911/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>The Google Phone - T-mobile G1</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/The_Google_Phone_-_T-mobile_G1/18660910/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:36:36 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Another powerful mobile phone joins the fray in the UK on 30 October. This is the T-Mobile G1, or the Google phone as it is popularly known.

Already 25,000 people have pre-registered for the device, which is an Android open-source powered mobile phone. Unfortunately some of them will be left disappointed come the day, as all pre-orders made after 3 October will only arrive by 10 November at the latest. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/The_Google_Phone_-_T-mobile_G1/18660910/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Cameron calls for assistance for small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cameron_calls_for_assistance_for_small_businesses/18660909/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:11:28 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ David Cameron, leader of the Conservatives, has called on the Government to implement measures to help small businesses in the current economic downturn. He said a cut in National Insurance contributions from small businesses by 1p could save them up to &amp;pound;600 a year. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cameron_calls_for_assistance_for_small_businesses/18660909/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses must be wary of new Internet laws</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_must_be_wary_of_new_Internet_laws/18660908/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2008 10:41:33 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Most small businesses get themselves a fairly low-cost website, knowing that they must have presence, but not wanting to spend a fortune on ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_must_be_wary_of_new_Internet_laws/18660908/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>End unpaid work, says campaigner</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/End_unpaid_work,_says_campaigner/18660907/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:21:49 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ UK freelancer Mark Watson is campaigning to end the practice of employing journalists on an unpaid basis under the guise of work experience. He has submitted a proposal to the Low Pay Commission who will report on media working conditions next year. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/End_unpaid_work,_says_campaigner/18660907/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>How freelancers can survive the financial crisis</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/How_freelancers_can_survive_the_financial_crisis/18660906/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:54:23 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An experienced freelancer says that diversification and investment in yourself are the best strategies for freelancers to survive the current financial crisis.

With the economy in turmoil as a result of the credit crunch it is highly likely that a lot more jobs will be lost in the coming months.

 ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/How_freelancers_can_survive_the_financial_crisis/18660906/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Number of home workers set to increase</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Number_of_home_workers_set_to_increase/18660905/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:20:41 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New legislation in the UK should increase the number of employees who work from home. The change in the law will allow people with children under 16 to become flexible workers &amp;ndash; this could affect 4.5m people. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Number_of_home_workers_set_to_increase/18660905/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Sony New  Digital Book Reader - E-Reader PRS-505/SC</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sony_New__Digital_Book_Reader_-_E-Reader_PRS-505SC/18660904/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2008 19:08:11 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Sony has launched a new Reader ebook, an electronic device about the size of a paperback book (but slimmer), on which you can read your ebooks.

The product could be a boon to freelance writers, many of whom have written ebooks, which are easier to produce and publish than &amp;ldquo;real&amp;rdquo; books.
 ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sony_New__Digital_Book_Reader_-_E-Reader_PRS-505SC/18660904/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Inequality in salaries inspire more women to become freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Inequality_in_salaries_inspire_more_women_to_become_freelancers/18660903/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:33:48 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Women in the workforce are still losing out when it comes to achieving equality in salaries. The main problem is the small number of women reaching higher positions in companies due to traditional attitudes regarding women&amp;rsquo;s traditional role in the home and the demands of childcare.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Inequality_in_salaries_inspire_more_women_to_become_freelancers/18660903/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Women call for greater flexibility in working practices</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_call_for_greater_flexibility_in_working_practices/18660902/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:11:25 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many women in the workforce are seeking employment which gives them an opportunity to achieve a good work life balance. They no longer want to work unrealistic hours but instead are looking to spend more time with family and friends, fitting their job around their life instead of the other way round, as has been the norm.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_call_for_greater_flexibility_in_working_practices/18660902/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancing offers much greater flexibility to working mums</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_offers_much_greater_flexibility_to_working_mums/18660901/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:50:19 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ While it&amp;rsquo;s never been easy to combine the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of a busy career, British working women are certainly feeling the lack of much needed flexibility in the workplace. More and more women with children are turning to self employment as a result. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_offers_much_greater_flexibility_to_working_mums/18660901/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Microsoft to venture further into European comparison shopping market</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_to_venture_further_into_European_comparison_shopping_market/18660900/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:46:51 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Microsoft is to purchase Greenfield Online which owns the European price comparison website Ciao.co.uk in a bid to improve its own search engine experience and making it much more consumer friendly. The deal is expected to be closed in the final quarter of 2008. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_to_venture_further_into_European_comparison_shopping_market/18660900/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Does your company need a blog?</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Does_your_company_need_a_blog?/18660899/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:50:25 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many individuals have blogs, but should a company have one? So long as it is done well, a blog can be useful. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Does_your_company_need_a_blog?/18660899/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Growing use of social media technologies in businesses </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Growing_use_of_social_media_technologies_in_businesses_/18660898/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:18:12 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A recent survey of over 500 executives carried out by global IT consultancy Avanade has found that social media technologies can have tremendous impact on client relationships in businesses. Around 60% of those interviewed agreed that social networking are becoming intrinsic to a firm's communication strategy.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Growing_use_of_social_media_technologies_in_businesses_/18660898/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>HTML emails better than plain text for marketing </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/HTML_emails_better_than_plain_text_for_marketing_/18660897/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:56:43 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ HTML emails can really enhance the user experience according to sector commentator Mathew Patterson on .net magazine. The ability to incorporate rich features such as graphics, diagrams, line spacing and added emphasis can really improve the appeal of a marketing email and so is far more effective than using plain text, he says. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/HTML_emails_better_than_plain_text_for_marketing_/18660897/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>ASA bans Apple iPhone advert</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/ASA_bans_Apple_iPhone_advert/18660896/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:56:41 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An advertisement for Apple&amp;rsquo;s iPhone has been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The TV advert promised access to &amp;ldquo;all parts of the Internet&amp;rdquo;, but as the mobile device cannot offer Flash or Java, complainants claimed that many websites could not be viewed completely. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/ASA_bans_Apple_iPhone_advert/18660896/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Journalists increasingly turn to blogs as primary resource for stories</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Journalists_increasingly_turn_to_blogs_as_primary_resource_for_stories/18660895/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:57:12 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A recent report published by the European Digital Journalism Study has disclosed that many as one quarter of European journalists are using online blogs as a valuable resource for new stories and that one third rely on these entirely. This, it adds, was virtually unheard of three years ago. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Journalists_increasingly_turn_to_blogs_as_primary_resource_for_stories/18660895/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Limited budget no obstacle to website optimisation</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Limited_budget_no_obstacle_to_website_optimisation/18660894/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:57:27 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Website owners can still attract Internet traffic to their site while on a limited budget and the main thing is getting the basics right, according to Chris  Lake, editor-in-chief of online market research publisher E-consultancy.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Limited_budget_no_obstacle_to_website_optimisation/18660894/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Prolific growth of Internet and Broadband access in the UK</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Prolific_growth_of_Internet_and_Broadband_access_in_the_UK/18660893/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:07:31 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New figures released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that nearly 16.5 million households, around 65% of the population, now have Internet access showing an increase of over 1.2 million since last year. 56% of UK homes have broadband access which is 5% up from 2007, while use of dial up continues to decline at 9%, a reduction of 1% from last year.
 ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Prolific_growth_of_Internet_and_Broadband_access_in_the_UK/18660893/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Smaller businesses undeterred by economic climate</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Smaller_businesses_undeterred_by_economic_climate/18660892/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:02:50 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ According to a recent study, small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) are ignoring current economic pressures as many plan to maintain or increase their advertising budget next year. Recent figures have been revealed from the Local Commerce Monitor carried out by the Kelsey Group for Adotas, an online analysis company. It seems that, of a total of 81%, 47% of SMB will maintain present levels of advertising spending while 34% are set for an increase.
 ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Smaller_businesses_undeterred_by_economic_climate/18660892/</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Creative subjects vital for economy</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Creative_subjects_vital_for_economy/18660891/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:56:39 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Creative subjects have been treated as second best for too long says Les Ebdon, vice chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire. It is time that the government invested as much in the creative industries as it does in science and engineering. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Blackberry Bold enters smartphone war</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Blackberry_Bold_enters_smartphone_war/18660890/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:27:05 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Until recently the BlackBerry has been the smart choice for business users but since the introduction of the Apple 3G iPhone with its easy connectability to business email systems, the BlackBerry has had to face some challenging competition.&amp;nbsp; The highly popular iPhone, with its excellent music playing features, is all set to exceed sales of 10 million this year. 
BlackBerry has responded to Apple&amp;rsquo;s success by recently launching its latest smartphone, the BlackBerry Bold, which is expected to challenge the iPhone and has even been described by some as the &amp;lsquo;iPhone killer&amp;rsquo;.

 ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Promising future for mobiles in freelance work market</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Promising_future_for_mobiles_in_freelance_work_market/18660889/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:46:37 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As mobile technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, it has been suggested that Internet resources will eventually be able to make use of up-to-the-minute-mobile phones to reach social networkers. This holds enormous potential for freelancers and job hunters generally for accessing work online via their mobile phones.&amp;nbsp; 
 ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Promising_future_for_mobiles_in_freelance_work_market/18660889/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>London 2012 Olympics create opportunities for freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/London_2012_Olympics_create_opportunities_for_freelancers/18660888/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:30:45 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With the Beijing 2008 Olympics underway it is a good time to think about London 2012. With the big sponsors always present at Olympic Games and the immense amount of preparation needed, there is no doubt that a large number of work opportunities will be created for both businesses and freelancers. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Social networking vital to freelancers' success</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networking_vital_to_freelancers_success/18660887/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:48:29 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There is an unprecedented increase in social networking across the globe.&amp;nbsp; Facebook, Plaxo and other networking sites are popular tools to enable users to grow their network of friends - increasingly freelancers are considering using these valuable resources to benefit their freelancing businesses too. 
 ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networking_vital_to_freelancers_success/18660887/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>India IT industry projected to see a fivefold increase by 2016</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/India_IT_industry_projected_to_see_a_fivefold_increase_by_2016/18660886/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:44:08 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ India&amp;rsquo;s IT business is &amp;lsquo;set to rise fivefold in eight years&amp;rsquo;, according to a forecast by Evalueserve. The market research firm predicts that India&amp;rsquo;s IT industry will more than double its share of the country&amp;rsquo;s booming GDP by 2016. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>UK Online freelancing on the rise</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_Online_freelancing_on_the_rise/18660885/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:30:34 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Online freelancing in the UK is becoming more and more popular, as Britons are increasingly looking to supplement their income by taking on freelance projects in their spare time. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_Online_freelancing_on_the_rise/18660885/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs defy economic downturn</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_defy_economic_downturn/18660884/</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:16:55 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ While the credit card and current economic downturn appear to be dominating the media these days, a recent study indicates that over half of all small business owners remain optimistic and do not intend to change their expansion plans. ]]> </description>
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        <title>Dotcom veteran joins top online freelance services marketplace</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dotcom_veteran_joins_top_online_freelance_services_marketplace/18660883/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:27:23 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Dotcom veteran brings extensive online experience to PeoplePerHour.com: the UK&amp;rsquo;s  biggest and fastest-growing online marketplace for services. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dotcom_veteran_joins_top_online_freelance_services_marketplace/18660883/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance photographer in Facebook libel case</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_in_Facebook_libel_case/18660882/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:20:16 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance photographer has to pay &amp;pound;22000 for setting up a fake Facebook profile that libelled a former classmate. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_in_Facebook_libel_case/18660882/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Policymakers split over interest rates</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Policymakers_split_over_interest_rates/18660881/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:18:09 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Most of Bank of England policymakers voted to keep rates unchanged at 5% at July&amp;rsquo;s meeting, but one voted for an interest rate rise and another for a cut. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Policymakers_split_over_interest_rates/18660881/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Credit crunch "treated lightly" by marketers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_crunch_treated_lightly_by_marketers/18660880/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:13:39 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A &amp;ldquo;surprisingly high&amp;rdquo; number of marketers said they were confident that their companies will increase their business over the next year when asked by the Chartered Institute of Marketing. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_crunch_treated_lightly_by_marketers/18660880/</guid>
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        <title>Credit crunch forces middle class professionals to seek extra income</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_crunch_forces_middle_class_professionals_to_seek_extra_income/18660879/</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:42:23 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Thousands of middle class professionals are looking to earn extra income in order to deal with the credit crunch and soaring prices. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_crunch_forces_middle_class_professionals_to_seek_extra_income/18660879/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Outsourcing to private sector doubles to £80bn.</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_to_private_sector_doubles_to_£80bn./18660878/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:07:42 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An article published in the FT today says that outsourcing of public services to the private and voluntary sectors has almost doubled to close to &amp;pound;80bn in little more than a decade and makes up a far larger part of the economy than previously thought ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers reject pay-rise to stay self-employed </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_reject_pay-rise_to_stay_self-employed_/18660877/</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:36:10 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A recent study has shown that 50% of freelancers would reject a 100% increase in pay if it meant returning to regular employment.
An independent working life, flexible hours and being your own boss were quoted as reasons for rejecting a return to the &amp;lsquo;rat race&amp;rsquo;, even with the cash incentive. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Inflation is fuelling UK’s second job culture</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Inflation_is_fuelling_UK’s_second_job_culture/18660876/</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:50:30 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Consumer inflation is forcing increasing numbers of people to seek second income, says online marketplace for services PeoplePerHour.com. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs see opportunity in downturn </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_see_opportunity_in_downturn_/18660874/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An economic downturn is a time when many entrepreneurs see new opportunities for business, according to research by Tenon Forum. Over 60 per cent of entrepreneurs are feeling confident in the year ahead, and the number of entrepreneurs making &amp;quot;concrete plans&amp;quot; during the credit crisis has risen from 70 per cent in 2007 to 85 per cent now.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_see_opportunity_in_downturn_/18660874/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Use internet or phone when conducting business research </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Use_internet_or_phone_when_conducting_business_research_/18659014/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A market research company has said that businesses should use the internet or the telephone to conduct &amp;quot;cost effective&amp;quot; research.According to Simon Lidington, vice president of The Market Research Society (MRS), small businesses could benefit most from good online or telephone research.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Use_internet_or_phone_when_conducting_business_research_/18659014/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Petrol prices 'affects' small business growth </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Petrol_prices_affects_small_business_growth_/18658822/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The high cost of oil worldwide, and high duty imposed by the government has created an unstable problem for small businesses. That's according to Phil McCabe of the Forum of Private Business(FPB) who said that few SMEs are seeing any point in planning for the future because of the high price, and continuing rises, in petrol.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Petrol_prices_affects_small_business_growth_/18658822/438011909</guid>
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        <title>New fund available for female entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_fund_available_for_female_entrepreneurs/18656650/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Female entrepreneurs are to be able to access a &amp;#163;10 million fund to finance loans, training and mentoring.  A partnership between Lloyds TSB and Enterprising Women is offering members the chance to apply for &amp;#163;30,000 loans from the fund, and is intended to help women entering the world of entrepreneurialism with their business ideas.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_fund_available_for_female_entrepreneurs/18656650/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New pay-gap and employment laws to be proposed</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_pay-gap_and_employment_laws_to_be_proposed/18656638/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ All forms of age discrimination are to be outlawed if the government successfully brings in new legislation, the BBC has reported.  Although discrimination over age in work environments has been illegal since 2006, other areas such as travel insurance and health cover will now be targeted, in a change to the Equities Bill expected to be announced today.  ]]> </description>
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        <title>EC announces plans for SMEs </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/EC_announces_plans_for_SMEs_/18656630/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The European Commission has launched its small business reforms, and promised &amp;quot;less red tape and more red carpet&amp;quot; for the continents SMEs. Among plans released yesterday is the creation of a European Private Company legal status which will allow businesses to trade across the continent without having to incorporate local subsidiaries, and a VAT exemption threshold increase to &amp;#163;80,000, a &amp;#163;13,000 increase on the current UK level.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/EC_announces_plans_for_SMEs_/18656630/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Mobiles 'vital' for small businesses </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Mobiles_vital_for_small_businesses_/18658834/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Research from the RadioFrame Networks has found that mobile phones are vital to small business owners. The survey also found that many bosses are now using their phones for a variety of purposes including email, instant messaging and internet browsing.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Mobiles_vital_for_small_businesses_/18658834/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FSB calls on EU to 'help small businesses'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB_calls_on_EU_to_help_small_businesses/18654748/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:56:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the EU to take positive action to help SMEs fulfil their potential to help Europe get out of its &amp;quot;economic malaise&amp;quot;.  They have pointed to four key areas to help small businesses including regulatory exemptions for micro enterprises, small business elements to impact assessments, clearer EU law commencement dates, and a 12 week consultation period.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB_calls_on_EU_to_help_small_businesses/18654748/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Companies finding recruiting and retention tough</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_finding_recruiting_and_retention_tough/18654732/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses in the UK are finding it difficult to retain staff as well as recruit them in the first place, according to a new survey.  Recruiters Ochre House found that nearly 70 per cent of the 900 employees surveyed did not plan to stay in their job for more than the next six months, with 28 per cent stating the culture and ethics of their employer as a reason to leave.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_finding_recruiting_and_retention_tough/18654732/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Employers may not be able to offer pensions opt-out</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employers_may_not_be_able_to_offer_pensions_opt-out/18654713/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Proposed changes to the Pensions Bill will see employers no longer able to encourage or force their workers out of a workplace pension scheme.  The change will also prohibit the offer of inducements such as bonuses or higher salaries to encourage those in work to not enter a work pension scheme.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employers_may_not_be_able_to_offer_pensions_opt-out/18654713/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses benefit from VoIP services</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_benefit_from_VoIP_services/18652420/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:57:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses and home-workers should consider the benefits of using VoIP (voice over internet protocol) as many are being &amp;quot;exploited&amp;quot; by the big telecom companies, a director has said.  Vincent Potier, managing director of Vonage, a VoIP provider said small businesses should consider the service as &amp;quot;it's much cheaper&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_benefit_from_VoIP_services/18652420/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Employers looking abroad for skilled workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employers_looking_abroad_for_skilled_workers/18652399/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An increasing number of employers are now turning to skilled foreign workers to fill specialist shortages, and the UK is now ranked second in a list of the top destination for global workers.  According to statistics released by Manpower, 20 per cent of employers are welcoming workers from the likes of Poland, India and Latvia, the top sources for foreign skills.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employers_looking_abroad_for_skilled_workers/18652399/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Start-up numbers increase in first quarter</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-up_numbers_increase_in_first_quarter/18650537/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Numbers of new start-upshave increased for the highest number in the last three quarters according to new research from Barclays.  Estimates by the bank suggest that there were 98,000 new start-up businesses in England and Wales from January to March this year.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-up_numbers_increase_in_first_quarter/18650537/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FSB: Government blamed for rising business costs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Government_blamed_for_rising_business_costs/18650102/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The government is being blamed by the majority of small businesses for their inability to cope with rapidly rising costs. That's according to a poll of over 9,000 business owners by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), with nearly 90 per cent saying that policies on items such as fuel were making the situation worse for SMEs.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/more+money_1316_18650102_0_0_7009147_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Government_blamed_for_rising_business_costs/18650102/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Social networks 'beneficial for businesses of all sizes'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networks_beneficial_for_businesses_of_all_sizes/18648136/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Social networking sites have much to offer those businesses hoping to stay at the cutting edge of their sector, whether a small business or large organisation.That's according to the Social Media Portal, which said that sites offering networking services can be instrumental in ensuring that companies are up-to-date with the latest industry developments. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Social_networks_beneficial_for_businesses_of_all_sizes/18648136/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs 'driven by idea' not money</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_driven_by_idea_not_money/18648261/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The desire to see an idea succeed rather than to earn large sums is the force pushing most entrepreneurs to branch out on their own, a recent survey revealed.Research conducted by VentureNavigator found that the impulse to create a start-up operation was a passion for a business concept. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/happy+man+on+phone_1316_18648261_0_0_7012559_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_driven_by_idea_not_money/18648261/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Unusual start-ups added to award candidates </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Unusual_start-ups_added_to_award_candidates_/18645810/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Some surprising new start-ups have made it to the finals of the HSBC Start-Up Stars awards, including an eco wedding stationary business and an environmental coaching firm. Cherrygorgeous, offers stationary for weddings that they claim is carbon neutral, based on their use of local digital printers and 80 per cent recycled material.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Unusual_start-ups_added_to_award_candidates_/18645810/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>UK 'top' for staff training</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_top_for_staff_training/18648068/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Britain tops Europe for staff training, a new report claims.In a survey of 1,000 medium and large companies in the UK, French e-learning specialist Cegos found that 61 per cent of staff had training last year, compared to less than 50 per cent of companies in Italy, France, Germany and Spain. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_top_for_staff_training/18648068/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Too much experience can be negative for entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Too_much_experience_can_be_negative_for_entrepreneurs/18645799/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Even if an entrepreneur craves experience, it seems to much of something can be bad for you, as a new survey has found that those with to much varied work experience have lower incomes due to not having a specialist area. The findings, in an edited version of the book Entrepreneurs: Jack of all Trades or Hobos? in the Times, also state that the number of occupational categories in which a person works raises their success within that business.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Too_much_experience_can_be_negative_for_entrepreneurs/18645799/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs confident of business growth</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_confident_of_business_growth/18643570/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The current state of the UK economy is not a worry to most entrepreneurs, with nearly a half predicting that their revenue will grow over 20 per cent over the next year, according to a survey. However, over half of those questioned in Entrepreneurship UK: 2008 by Deloitte said that their business had already been affected by the credit crunch. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_confident_of_business_growth/18643570/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New training law set out by government</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_training_law_set_out_by_government/18643546/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Over 20 million workers in England will now be able to request time out to train, the secretary of state of Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham said today. He added that he expected 300,000 people a year to train in their relevant job area under the new legislation, hoped to be in place by 2010.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_training_law_set_out_by_government/18643546/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Continued lending not good for small business </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Continued_lending_not_good_for_small_business_/18641534/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A journalist at the Telegraph has warned that the continued strength in corporate lending is not a sustainable path to follow, and small businesses will &amp;quot;bear the brunt&amp;quot; of the turmoil that could engulf the economy. The higher prices of raw materials such as petrol as well as a need for banks to require collateral assets in the form of small businesses' properties, is leaving companies with &amp;quot;little room for manoeuvre&amp;quot;, according to Tracy Corrigan.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Continued_lending_not_good_for_small_business_/18641534/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New tool to assess business resilience</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_tool_to_assess_business_resilience/18641477/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ SMEs can now check their resilience in the current financial crunch thanks to a new online tool. The Self Assessment Business Diagnostic, developed by PI consulting, is a five minute online questionnaire that examines company performance in five key areas.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_tool_to_assess_business_resilience/18641477/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Outsourcing to increase during credit crunch</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_to_increase_during_credit_crunch/18641466/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A survey of the British Bankers Association by the Management Consultancies Association (MCA) has found that the credit crunch is likely to lead to a &amp;quot;wave&amp;quot; of outsourcing in the financial industry. Just over half of respondents said that they knew how to get good value from outsourcing, but only a quarter thought they understood how the offshore industry worked.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_to_increase_during_credit_crunch/18641466/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New charge for taking away rubbish </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_charge_for_taking_away_rubbish_/18639493/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses will be hit by a further charge requiring them to buy licences from the government if they wish to take away their own rubbish.A ruling by the European Court of Justice means that up to 388,000 small businesses will be hit by the &amp;#163;30 charge, as well other groups such as GPs and nurses who make home visits.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_charge_for_taking_away_rubbish_/18639493/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Teach your child to be a good entrepreneur </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Teach_your_child_to_be_a_good_entrepreneur_/18639306/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:06:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Leading entrepreneurs in the UK are backing a campaign by Country Living magazine that is encouraging children to play outside, with many saying that doing so helped them with their business ideas. Ruth Badger, Sir James Dyson and Sarah Beeny all support the campaign, and say that building wooden tree houses and playing war all added to their strategic thinking and encouraged their entrepreneurialism in later life.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Teach_your_child_to_be_a_good_entrepreneur_/18639306/438011911</guid>
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        <title>New small business fraud hitting owners</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_small_business_fraud_hitting_owners/18639295/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses should be aware of a business-to-business trick that is affecting many in the UK, according to an article on the BBC. An offer to include details on a European-wide business directory may seem like a good idea, but the key is to check the small print.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_small_business_fraud_hitting_owners/18639295/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses should take managed risks</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_should_take_managed_risks/18637449/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies in the UK should take more risk if they want to expand, a new survey by BT has found. In a survey that questioned 2,000 business chiefs over ten countries, 85 per cent of businesses in India said that by being braver there were able to &amp;quot;seek considerable growth&amp;quot; and offer &amp;quot;innovative commercial propositions&amp;quot;.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_should_take_managed_risks/18637449/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Study into freelance work launched</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Study_into_freelance_work_launched/18637298/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 14 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance work in the UK is to be studied by Kingston University, in an attempt to find out how many freelancers there are in the country. The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), a freelance trade body, wants to get people to understand there is a third way in the jobs market for people who don't want to be an employee or an employer.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Study_into_freelance_work_launched/18637298/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Young workers: More work, less play</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Young_workers:_More_work,_less_play/18637290/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Young people are working longer weeks and are letting their home lives slip, a new survey suggests.The findings, by American Express Insurance Services, have questioned whether or not the home-work balance is in good shape, with 44 per cent saying they have no &amp;quot;me time&amp;quot; and 15 per cent say they find it difficult to switch off from work in their free time.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Young_workers:_More_work,_less_play/18637290/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Website gives start-up advice</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Website_gives_start-up_advice/18635154/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The challenges facing many start-ups are huge, but the rewards can be just as big, with that in mind BusinessWeek.com has released its tips on the best way to start up a new small business. An important fact to remember is that many start ups won't have much extra time, as many expect. Without any annual holidays or guaranteed weekends, work can be tough and tiring ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Website_gives_start-up_advice/18635154/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Small businesses vulnerable to online fraud</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_vulnerable_to_online_fraud/18635105/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Deputy first minister for Wales Ieuan Wyn Jones has warned that small businesses are vulnerable to internet fraud. Speaking at an event in Newport yesterday he said: &amp;quot;E-crime affects all areas of society. It can be damaging for businesses, directly hitting their bottom line and deterring them from effective use of the internet.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_vulnerable_to_online_fraud/18635105/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Event to help small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Event_to_help_small_businesses/18633092/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:39:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A series of regional events aimed at helping start-ups and entrepreneurs set up their own small business will be taking place across the country in the next few weeks. Startupslive, an event sponsored by Barclays, BT Business and Microsoft, is aimed at helping those who require financial backing for their enterprises to find ways of getting it.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Event_to_help_small_businesses/18633092/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Wages stagnate at 40</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Wages_stagnate_at_40/18632955/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Money website fool.co.uk has reported that contrary to the belief that life begins at 40, many find that wages stagnate after a boom in their 20s and 30s. Unfortunately for those in their 40s a double blow occurs, with not only wages evening off, but also more money being spent in that age bracket, with 85 per cent owning their own homes, three in ten having families in their homes and six out of ten supporting others, including children and parents.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Wages_stagnate_at_40/18632955/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Small businesses 'should shop around for energy supplier'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_should_shop_around_for_energy_supplier/18632939/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:40:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ When facing energy supplier problems small businesses are the least able to cope, energywatch has said. Knowing that contracts for energy are different between companies and consumers, small businesses should shop around for the best deal.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_should_shop_around_for_energy_supplier/18632939/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Apprentice style interview tips </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Apprentice_style_interview_tips_/18626880/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As well as inspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses, the BBC series The Apprentice can also show how to conduct yourself (or not) in an interview. With that in mind the BBC website has released its top tips for people who find themselves with the interviewer from hell.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Apprentice_style_interview_tips_/18626880/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Small firms confused by FSA advice</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_confused_by_FSA_advice/18630955/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Continuous fee increases and uncertainty around the Financial Services Authority's (FSA) change to a principles-based approach is leaving many small businesses feeling overwhelmed, a retired expert has said. Mark Rothery, the former chairman of the small businesses panel set up by the FSA, also said that dealing with new fair contract terms is causing confusion.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_confused_by_FSA_advice/18630955/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>More employers using temps </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/More_employers_using_temps_/18631051/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:51:30 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Employers are increasingly turning to temp workers and contractors during the current economic situation, two surveys have suggested. The results, from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and KPMG show the advantages of working in the temp job market, with it being an excellent choice for those looking to start again in work, or try out something new.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/More_employers_using_temps_/18631051/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Scotland sees decline in start-ups</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Scotland_sees_decline_in_start-ups/18628963/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Only one industry in Scotland saw a growth in start-ups in the first quarter of 2008, after a 17 per cent drop on the first quarter of 2007. Agriculture, hunting and forestry was the only sector with an increase, with 13 more businesses set up in the first three months of 2008 than in 2007.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Scotland_sees_decline_in_start-ups/18628963/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Workers spend hour and half surfing the net, study shows</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_spend_hour_and_half_surfing_the_net,_study_shows/18628958/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research has shown that the average office worker in the UK spends around an hour and a half a week surfing personal websites during work time. The study, carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), also showed that many companies understood the need for personal internet use, with only 14 per cent of the 503 organisations studied banning the internet completely.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_spend_hour_and_half_surfing_the_net,_study_shows/18628958/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Small business should not mean boring</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_should_not_mean_boring/18628831/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A small business should not mean a dull office, according to an article in the Times over the weekend. Indeed, an office that is small, well run, and pleasant to the eye is beneficial for the employer and the employee, according to some experts.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_should_not_mean_boring/18628831/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Lawyers advise firms to get tough on late payers </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Lawyers_advise_firms_to_get_tough_on_late_payers_/18624690/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses should get tough on late payers, a lawyer has said. Research by accountancy firm Deloitte showed that the number of insolvencies taking place in the UK is on the rise, with 858 businesses going into administration in the first quarter of 2008, up from 557 on the same time last year.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Lawyers_advise_firms_to_get_tough_on_late_payers_/18624690/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Youth of today 'career chameleons'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Youth_of_today_career_chameleons/18626749/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A study by Alliance &amp;amp; Leicester has shown that less than a fifth of young people plan on staying in the same career path for life, and a quarter will change their jobs depending on what suits best at the time. It also found that the number of people wanting traditional jobs such as being a vet or a nurse has dropped, with only one in 20 wanting to work as a vet as opposed to 25 per cent who want to be a famous singer or band member.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Youth_of_today_career_chameleons/18626749/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Many women lack confidence in IT jobs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_women_lack_confidence_in_IT_jobs/18624625/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 11:48:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research has shown that 41 per cent of women working in IT are not confident about their future success. Networking portal womenintechnology.co.uk said that many women find it a struggle to work their way up the career ladder in IT jobs, and that they also doubted their own ability due to the added pressures of motherhood.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_women_lack_confidence_in_IT_jobs/18624625/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Temps important to UK economy</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Temps_important_to_UK_economy/18622507/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 12:13:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Temping may be more than just a way of paying the bills, with one expert saying that both temps, and those who employ them, gain from the valuable work. Speaking to the Norwich Evening News, Sally Cleary, operations manager at Cooper Lomaz Recruitment, said: &amp;quot;Temps make a massive contribution and I don't think the UK could operate without the temporary workforce. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Temps_important_to_UK_economy/18622507/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Expert warns of difficulties of starting new business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Expert_warns_of_difficulties_of_starting_new_business/18622426/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ For many, becoming the boss of their own company is a dream, but the realities of how difficult the setting up of a business can be can &amp;quot;blind people&amp;quot;, according to an expert. A spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses said: &amp;quot;It is a risk setting up a business, there is no doubt about that.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Expert_warns_of_difficulties_of_starting_new_business/18622426/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Workers put colleagues above high wages</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_put_colleagues_above_high_wages/18622347/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The fifth annual City and Guilds Happiness Index has shown that workers in the UK are more likely to stay in a job because of good working relationships with their colleagues as opposed to high salaries. Workers also showed that enjoying what they do for a living was very important, and nearly half said that their work-life balance was a reason to stay with an employer.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_put_colleagues_above_high_wages/18622347/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Virtual offices, a plausible alternative </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Virtual_offices,_a_plausible_alternative_/18620480/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:25:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses are now considering whether or not to buy or rent new premises when virtual offices offer an attractive alternative, a business expert has said. Hina Joshi, an expert at Business Link, said: &amp;quot;A lot more people are tending to use virtual office facilities.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Virtual_offices,_a_plausible_alternative_/18620480/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Women anxious to return to work after maternity leave</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_anxious_to_return_to_work_after_maternity_leave/18620368/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:50:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Over two thirds of mothers returning to work after maternity leave are anxious about being less able to do their job than before they had a child, a new study has shown. A further 58 per cent of those surveyed by Corporate Mothers, a group designed to help working mothers via coaching and workshops, said that their employer had done nothing to help them return to work.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Woman+concentrating+on+laptop_1316_18620368_0_0_15825_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_anxious_to_return_to_work_after_maternity_leave/18620368/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Data security advice for small businesses released </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Data_security_advice_for_small_businesses_released_/18618617/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business website bytestart.co.uk has released what it believes are the key points every small business should follow to maintain data security. It may seem obvious, but keeping anti-virus software such as Norton or McAfee regularly updated is key in the ever changing world of internet virus threats, with even one non-completed update potentially causing massive problems for your company.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Data_security_advice_for_small_businesses_released_/18618617/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small businesses should shop around for broadband provider </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_should_shop_around_for_broadband_provider_/18618356/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many small businesses are reluctant to switch broadband providers, even if service standards drop, according to a report. Despite the fact that many small businesses are becoming more and more reliant on their internet access, with one in seven saying they couldn't manage more than a day without internet, only one in ten said they were considering switching providers.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_should_shop_around_for_broadband_provider_/18618356/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>New start-up pack launched by BCC </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_start-up_pack_launched_by_BCC_/18618270/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:45:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) has announced that it is launching a new service to help start-ups become more successful. A pack is to be made available which it is hoped will help with many of the initial problems new small businesses face when starting, and includes a list of products and services which it is hoped will stop the high number of failures. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_start-up_pack_launched_by_BCC_/18618270/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Company bosses most likely to suffer identity fraud</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Company_bosses_most_likely_to_suffer_identity_fraud/18613717/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 31 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners should take steps to prevent identity fraud as bosses and company directors are more likely to experience it, according to a credit agency. Experian has analysed data from over 6,000 people who have asked for their help in tracking fraudsters, a rise of 66 per cent from 2006.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Company_bosses_most_likely_to_suffer_identity_fraud/18613717/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs losing confidence in Labour</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_losing_confidence_in_Labour/18616036/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 30 May 2008 12:10:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Entrepreneurs and small business owners are losing confidence in the government and backing the Conservative party, a new poll suggests. Think tank the Tenon Forum announced that over half of SMEs believed that the Tories understand the pressures of entrepreneurial businesses best, with over half of all those polls thinking David Cameron would do the best job in helping them.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_losing_confidence_in_Labour/18616036/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small businesses forget disabled web access</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_forget_disabled_web_access/18613651/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 29 May 2008 11:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses who run websites are missing out on the chance to &amp;quot;steal the lead&amp;quot; from larger companies in the race to make their sites accessible to disabled customers, says an expert. Julie Howell, director of accessibility at Fortune Cookie, a leading web design company, said she was disappointed more had not been done to explain to smaller businesses of the importance of making their websites accessible to the disabled.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_forget_disabled_web_access/18613651/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Logistics sector to appeal for more women</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Logistics_sector_to_appeal_for_more_women/18611811/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 13:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The logistics sector is attempting to make itself more appealing for workers by offering child-friendly career options that include flexi-time and &amp;quot;better working environments for female employees&amp;quot;, an industry executive has said. Dr Mick Jackson, acting chief executive at Skills for Logistics, said new facilities such as gyms, canteens and playgroups for children would add to the appeal for women, saying that: &amp;quot;There are even job opportunities that are based around working from home to fit in with family requirements.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Logistics_sector_to_appeal_for_more_women/18611811/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Make leap to flexi-time, expert suggests</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Make_leap_to_flexi-time,_expert_suggests/18611627/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 12:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Despite the government's initiative to allow flexible working for parents with children up to the age of 16 having a good response from many sectors, some have voiced their concerns. Discussing the situation on onrec.com, Christain Bergenger from Auto Time Solutions, said that bosses should seriously consider the option, as it &amp;quot;opens up the possibility for organisations to employ high calibre staff from a wider pool of applicants&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Make_leap_to_flexi-time,_expert_suggests/18611627/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Employers should consider flexi-time to retain workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employers_should_consider_flexi-time_to_retain_workers/18609587/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 13:35:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A new survey has shown that 16 per cent of the &amp;quot;baby boomer&amp;quot; workforce is only looking to do part-time work, and 42 per cent will only take jobs that allow them to have leisure periods off. The Merrill Lynch statistics as published on workforce.com also show that retaining employees means that flexible working environments and a good work-life balance need to be in place.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employers_should_consider_flexi-time_to_retain_workers/18609587/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Don't act when courting new business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dont_act_when_courting_new_business/18609568/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 13:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Wining and dining clients to create new work is not a way for small businesses to attract people to their company, a journalist has advised. Instead, small businesses have the competitive edge over their larger rivals due to being able to do what they are not; give them a one-to-one client relationship.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/signing+a+deal_1316_18609568_0_0_7008192_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dont_act_when_courting_new_business/18609568/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses advised to check for inaccuracies this summer</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_advised_to_check_for_inaccuracies_this_summer/18607692/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 25 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Spring clean your brand this summer to make sure it presents your company in its best light, so says thestreet.com.It may seem like a big challenge, but small businesses should check that the way they are marketing themselves is not out-dated, mis-matched or irrelevant, say the website.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Woman+doing+paperwork_1316_18607692_0_0_14733_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_advised_to_check_for_inaccuracies_this_summer/18607692/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Freelancing "great way" to earn money online</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_great_way_to_earn_money_online/18607682/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 24 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancing is the fourth best way to earn money on the internet, according to website bestsyndication.com.With more people being able to access the internet, working from home in your own time is a more attractive option for many people looking to cash in on the specialist areas they have knowledge in.   ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_great_way_to_earn_money_online/18607682/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Small businesses urged to shop around for energy supplier</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_urged_to_shop_around_for_energy_supplier/18607573/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 14:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With one in five small businesses spending ten per cent of their income on energy bills, an energy supplier has urged owners to shop around for the best deals. Research undertaken for Electricity4Business has shown that increasing costs in bills is making energy the second biggest output for companies, ahead of premises costs, equipment and insurance.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_urged_to_shop_around_for_energy_supplier/18607573/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Workers should 'think again' and return to education</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_should_think_again_and_return_to_education/18605640/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 15:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Workers should think again about higher education and the benefits it could give them, according to the secretary of state for innovation, university and skills. John Denham, speaking at Southampton University is set to say that there is &amp;quot;a large pool of untapped talent&amp;quot; in the workforce which may benefit from gaining more qualifications.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_should_think_again_and_return_to_education/18605640/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Agreement reached on rights of temps</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Agreement_reached_on_rights_of_temps/18605633/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Temp workers are to be given the same rights as permanent staff after 12 weeks of work, if an agreement penned by the government, employers and unions yesterday gets final approval. The decision will affect Britain's approximately 1.4 million UK agency temp workers and put them on an even keel with permanent staff when it comes to holidays and pay.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Agreement_reached_on_rights_of_temps/18605633/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>European Commission gives boost to Welsh start-ups </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/European_Commission_gives_boost_to_Welsh_start-ups_/18605622/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 22 May 2008 14:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Entrepreneurs in Wales are set to benefit from a &amp;#163;36 million cash injection from the European Commission. The Start-Upproject intends to create 10,000 jobs and support 8,000 businesses in the country.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/European_Commission_gives_boost_to_Welsh_start-ups_/18605622/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Workers expected to prefer money to benefits</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_expected_to_prefer_money_to_benefits/18603596/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The credit crunch is likely to lead to workers preferring jobs with higher salaries as opposed to benefits such as health insurance, an expert has warned. Peter Reilly, director of HR research and consultancy at the Institute for Employment Studies, said: &amp;quot;People who are on low incomes do want the money because they need to pay their debts. It's not just the credit crunch but higher levels of inflation [too].&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Workers_expected_to_prefer_money_to_benefits/18603596/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Start-ups 'needn't do everything themselves'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-ups_neednt_do_everything_themselves/18603590/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With 99.3 per cent of start-up businesses employing between zero and 49 people, searching elsewhere to get work done might seem daunting, but experts have said it is important to consider. John De Groot, chief executive of Startup Co, a group that advises potential entrepreneurs on good business practice says: &amp;quot;Cost cutting is a big subject,&amp;quot; arguing that for some business disciplines, paying others to do work &amp;quot;and then spending that time on what the owner is best at is the most economical use of time and money&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-ups_neednt_do_everything_themselves/18603590/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Hiring a freelancer 'can boost start-ups' </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Hiring_a_freelancer_can_boost_start-ups_/18603582/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 21 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Getting freelancers to pitch for work can be one of the ways that start-up companies can get &amp;quot;invaluable expertise&amp;quot; at &amp;quot;a reasonable cost&amp;quot; according to bytestart.co.uk.According to the small business website, outsourcing can lead to a growth in business without breaking the bank, as employing people to do jobs that only take a short amount of time such as bookkeeping can mean the job will get done quicker and take up less of a small business owner's time doing work they are not completely sure of.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Hiring_a_freelancer_can_boost_start-ups_/18603582/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Temporary workers in demand</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Temporary_workers_in_demand/18602345/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 17:12:20 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Economic instability has seen employers seek temporary workers instead of permanent staff, according to figures.Due to the credit crunch, employers like small businesses are favouring freelance and part-time employees as opposed to permanent workers because of their flexibility. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Temporary_workers_in_demand/18602345/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Many opportunities for those looking for work</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_opportunities_for_those_looking_for_work/18602339/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 17:11:35 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There are an increasing number of career opportunities available to adults, according to a spokesperson for the Learning and Skills Council(LSC).Those looking to change career can now take advantage of courses that were not always available to them when they were in education. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_opportunities_for_those_looking_for_work/18602339/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Skills training to become less complex</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skills_training_to_become_less_complex/18602318/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 20 May 2008 17:10:40 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A new commission has been launched to streamline the sector skills councils, reports the Guardian.Headed by Chris Humphries, the new UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) is aiming to simplify the existing 25 sector skills councils in order to make them more accessible to small businesses. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skills_training_to_become_less_complex/18602318/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Bank charges 'will affect start-up businesses'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bank_charges_will_affect_start-up_businesses/18599754/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) has said today that plans by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) to introduce charges on its business accounts are just one of many cost increases hitting start ups during the credit crunch.George Derbyshire, chief executive of the NFEA, said today: &amp;quot;Whilst the sums involved seem modest in the context of the total turnover of a business, this is just one of a number of cost increases businesses are seeing.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bank_charges_will_affect_start-up_businesses/18599754/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>In-demand graduates demanding flexibility</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/In-demand_graduates_demanding_flexibility/18599108/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 14:05:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Recent economic troubles have failed to stem companies' wish to employ new graduates, according to the results of a recent survey.Following a study, the Association of Graduate Recruiters predicts that 2008 will see a 16.4 per cent increase in the number of graduate positions advertised. 69.5 per cent of companies have more graduate vacancies this year than in 2007. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/In-demand_graduates_demanding_flexibility/18599108/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Virtual offices the way of the future</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Virtual_offices_the_way_of_the_future/18598988/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2008 13:55:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies of all sizes will soon be looking to benefit from virtualisation, according to a new study from a leading US research firm.Large companies have been using virtualisation for some time, but technological developments mean that smaller companies may also find cost benefits, power savings, improved resilience of their IT networks and a better return on their investment in computer technology offered by virtualisation, say analysts at Gartner. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Virtual_offices_the_way_of_the_future/18598988/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Olympics to bring boom for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Olympics_to_bring_boom_for_SMEs/18597968/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 18 May 2008 17:01:36 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups could soon benefit from the boost in activity set to be spurred on by the approach of the 2012 Olympic Games.Minister of the Olympics Teresa Jowell has indicated that the government is eager to offer new and small businesses some of the &amp;#163;6 billion worth of government contracts up for grabs in the lead up to the games.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Olympics_to_bring_boom_for_SMEs/18597968/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small business told to seek help for first years</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_told_to_seek_help_for_first_years/18597711/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 17 May 2008 16:38:21 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses have been encouraged to find a wise helping hand to help them navigate the first few difficult stages of operations. Adam Wayland, editor of smallbusiness.co.uk, says that &amp;quot;it's always preferable to get some sort of mentor in place, someone who's been through the process of setting up a business.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_told_to_seek_help_for_first_years/18597711/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Stand up for your rights, working fathers told</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Stand_up_for_your_rights,_working_fathers_told/18597562/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 16 May 2008 17:52:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working fathers are failing to take advantage of their rights to flexible work, according to a new report. As the government rolls out changes which will see employees with children up to the age of 16 be given the right to request flexible work, men are encouraged to take up the opportunities available to them.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Father+and+daughter+using+laptop_1316_18597562_0_0_15818_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Stand_up_for_your_rights,_working_fathers_told/18597562/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>IT a hurdle to flexible work</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IT_a_hurdle_to_flexible_work/18595094/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 15:20:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ While councils are increasingly in favour of work flexibility as a means of reducing costs, the failure of IT to keep up with demands for working from home has prevented many companies from rolling out flexible work practices, according to a recent survey. A Work Wise UK study has found that IT constraints are the most significant deterrent to employers looking to offer their staff flexible work conditions.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IT_a_hurdle_to_flexible_work/18595094/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Working parents get more flexible</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_parents_get_more_flexible/18595089/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 15:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working parents have received welcome support from the government today as Gordon Brown announced plans to give all parents of children up to the age of 16 the right to request flexible working conditions. According to Press Association estimates, the new provision will give 4.5 million more workers the right to ask for flexible work &amp;#150; a right presently only extended to parents of children aged up to six years.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Father+and+son_1316_18595089_0_0_7001047_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_parents_get_more_flexible/18595089/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Work from home, save the planet</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Work_from_home,_save_the_planet/18595085/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 15 May 2008 15:15:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working from home is good for the environment, according claims made by a leading work organisation. In celebrating National Work from Home Day today, Work Wise UK&amp;#150; the not-for-profit organisation behind the day &amp;#150; claims that people working from home not only enjoy greater flexibility, but they also lighten their carbon footprint.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18595085_0_0_7007638_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Work_from_home,_save_the_planet/18595085/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Businesses warned check homeworker insurance </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_warned_check_homeworker_insurance_/18593046/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ People working from home need to make sure they have adequate insurance cover on their work equipment, Lloyds TSB warned today. Over three million people in the UK work from home according to the Office for National Statistics with over 60 per cent being self-employed.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop_1316_18593046_0_0_6000056_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_warned_check_homeworker_insurance_/18593046/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Parents returning to work in their droves</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Parents_returning_to_work_in_their_droves/18593043/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New government incentives to get women back in to work are meaning less and less women are taking lengthy maternity leave, a new survey suggests. The joint YouGov and uSwitch research shows that the number of mothers in the UK staying at home full-time has fallen by 24 per cent in the past 15 years to just over two million. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18593043_0_0_7007636_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Parents_returning_to_work_in_their_droves/18593043/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Better IT infrastructure needed to benefit homeworkers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Better_IT_infrastructure_needed_to_benefit_homeworkers/18591559/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 18:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ SMEs and larger companies must measure the impact of various mobile and remote working technologies on the productivity of employees if they are to provide them with the most efficient levels of connectivity, it has been claimed.According to business technology website Computer Weekly, market analyst Gartner said that many companies are failing to measure their remote working technologies, the result of which is that projects aimed at improving efficiency do not deliver business benefits. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+in+kitchen+_1316_18591559_0_0_7010126_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Better_IT_infrastructure_needed_to_benefit_homeworkers/18591559/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>1 in 8 works from home</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/1_in_8_works_from_home/18591554/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 13 May 2008 18:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As many as one in eight (12.5 per cent) employees now work from home, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has revealed.This was one of the statistics released to mark National Work from Home Day on Thursday (15th May), which suggests that companies are coming around to the idea of providing their staff with flexible working opportunities. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/working+mother_1316_18591554_0_0_7011566_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/1_in_8_works_from_home/18591554/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Brown could make changes to flexible working rule</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Brown_could_make_changes_to_flexible_working_rule/18589700/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 17:13:20 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Prime Minister Gordon Brown has suggested that mothers of children in primary school could be given new legal rights regarding flexible work hours, it has been reported.According to the Financial Times, extending the right to ask companies for flexible work to women of children aged up to 12 would benefit an extra 4.5 million parents in addition to the six million already covered by the existing rules. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Brown_could_make_changes_to_flexible_working_rule/18589700/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Coventry self-employed 'most likely to take day off'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Coventry_self-employed_most_likely_to_take_day_off/18589694/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 17:12:34 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Self-employed workers in Coventry are more likely to take time off work sick than those from any other city in the UK, it has been revealed.According to research from Olbas Powerflu, all freelance workers and self-employed people with their own start-ups in Coventry would be willing to take time off from their job if they were suffering from a cold or flu, despite the fact that most admitted they cannot afford to do so. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+user_1316_18589694_0_0_4000799_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Coventry_self-employed_most_likely_to_take_day_off/18589694/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Business women 'making time for the family'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_women_making_time_for_the_family/18589684/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 12 May 2008 17:11:57 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Women are increasingly choosing to set up their own businesses so that they can spend more time with their family, a new work-life balance survey has revealed.Commissioned by Harriet Harman, minister for women and equality, the research indicated that 70 per cent of women would like to work more flexibly, with 75 per cent saying that work-family life balance is better for people running their own business. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Cooking+_1316_18589684_0_0_7010125_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_women_making_time_for_the_family/18589684/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Businesspeople offer advice to budding entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesspeople_offer_advice_to_budding_entrepreneurs/18586478/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 11 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Switch your phone off at weekends - this is a tip from a successful entrepreneur who believes that businesspeople should try to maintain a good work-life balance.&amp;quot;I always switch my phone off at weekends,&amp;quot; Goldtrail Travel founder Kadir Aydin told Real Business. &amp;quot;If you become a slave to your business, you'll totally lose the plot.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/woman+shaking+hands_1316_18586478_0_0_7012562_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesspeople_offer_advice_to_budding_entrepreneurs/18586478/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>VoIP can help freelancers and small firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/VoIP_can_help_freelancers_and_small_firms/18586470/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 10 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) can help freelancers and other workers connect with employers and customers when they are out of the office.Colin Duffy, council member of the Internet Telephony Services Providers' Association (ITSPA), explained that it can be useful to have services such as having voicemails forwarded as MP3s to your email inbox. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/VoIP3_1316_18586470_0_0_6703_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/VoIP_can_help_freelancers_and_small_firms/18586470/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancer edits diabetes magazine</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_edits_diabetes_magazine/18586493/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 09 May 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance writer is editing a new magazine aimed at people with diabetes, the Press Gazette reports.Christine Michael, who formerly edited Slimming World Magazine and Slimming Magazine, will work for Select Publisher Services on the new title, Sweet. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Diabetic+man_1316_18586493_0_0_11273_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_edits_diabetes_magazine/18586493/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Apprentice's Jennifer to set up own business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Apprentices_Jennifer_to_set_up_own_business/18584470/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Apprentice contestant Jennifer Maguire, who used to work as a freelancer, wishes to start up her own business in her home town of Dublin.Maguire was fired by Sir Alan Sugar in last night's episode of the BBC TV show, after failing to win the task that saw the contestants negotiating in Morocco. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Sir+Alan+Sugar_1316_18584470_0_0_7007621_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Apprentices_Jennifer_to_set_up_own_business/18584470/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>More businesses offer private medical insurance</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/More_businesses_offer_private_medical_insurance/18584454/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An increasing number of businesses in the UK are seeing the benefits of taking out health insurance policies for their workers.According to Jonathan French, spokesman for the Association of British Insurers (ABI), more and more employers are using private medical insurance as a perk to attract staff. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/More_businesses_offer_private_medical_insurance/18584454/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>ACAS issues new guidance on workplace disputes</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/ACAS_issues_new_guidance_on_workplace_disputes/18582212/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Employment advisory service ACAS has issued new guidance on discipline and grievances that should help businesses to save time and money.The organisation has revised its code to make it easier for businesses and individuals to resolve disputes internally, and it has taken into account the changes being made to workplace dispute resolution in the Employment Bill, currently before parliament. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/ACAS_issues_new_guidance_on_workplace_disputes/18582212/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancer named Headlinemoney Journalist of the Year</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_named_Headlinemoney_Journalist_of_the_Year/18582210/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance journalist was crowned journalist of the year at the Headlinemoney.co.uk awards for personal finance journalists, the Press Gazette reports.Sylvia Morris has worked as a freelancer for 25 years, and was voted the best in the business by fellow journalists. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_named_Headlinemoney_Journalist_of_the_Year/18582210/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small businesses 'let down by Competition Commission'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_let_down_by_Competition_Commission/18582207/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses on Britain's high streets have been let down by the Competition Commission in its recent inquiry into the grocery sector, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes.The commission has failed to come up with any solutions that will halt the decline of independent retailers, the FSB argues, in spite of the fact that a committee of MPs estimated that 2,000 small shops go out of business each year. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_let_down_by_Competition_Commission/18582207/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>'Thorough procedures' can help employers with health and safety</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Thorough_procedures_can_help_employers_with_health_and_safety/18580413/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses can ensure they protect the health and safety of home workers by making sure they have thorough procedures in place.That's according to Linda Deverux of the National Group on Homeworking, who pointed out that safety procedures for on-site workers can often be simply extended to home workers. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Office_1316_18580413_0_0_14324_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Thorough_procedures_can_help_employers_with_health_and_safety/18580413/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Companies 'need to practise what they preach on flexible working'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_need_to_practise_what_they_preach_on_flexible_working/18580405/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 06 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies need to ensure that they practise what they preach when it comes to flexible and part-time working, the British Computer Society (BCS) believes.Jan Peters of the BCS' Women's Forum said that many firms struggle to put flexible working into practice, which can confuse employees. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18580405_0_0_7007637_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_need_to_practise_what_they_preach_on_flexible_working/18580405/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Smaller UK firms embrace flexible work practices</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Smaller_UK_firms_embrace_flexible_work_practices/18578436/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 04 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The UK's small and medium-sized businesses are allowing for more flexible working practices, VNUnet reports.A study by Citrix Online found that nearly three quarters of smaller firms had introduced flexible working options, and almost a half gave their backing to government plans intended to extend these options to parents of older children. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18578436_0_0_7009176_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Smaller_UK_firms_embrace_flexible_work_practices/18578436/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SNP measures popular among small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SNP_measures_popular_among_small_businesses/18578433/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 03 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A survey conducted by the Scotsman newspaper has found that the Scottish National Party (SNP) is gaining in popularity among Scotland's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).First Minister Alex Salmond's measures to cut business rates for small business and axing tolls on road bridges have proved poplular. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Alex+Salmond_1316_18578433_0_0_7003912_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SNP_measures_popular_among_small_businesses/18578433/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>UK novelists back freelance journalist</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_novelists_back_freelance_journalist/18578431/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Some of the UK's most prominent novelists have given their backing to a freelance journalist in Thailand who is facing a libel suit by supermarket giant Tesco.Freelancer Kamol Kamoltrakul is being sued after he criticised the company's Thailand operation, Tesco Lotus, in a news column. Other critics are also facing potentially ruinous legal suits. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Tesco+Logo_1316_18578431_0_0_7012349_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_novelists_back_freelance_journalist/18578431/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Photographers protest at 'over-zealous' police treatment</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Photographers_protest_at_over-zealous_police_treatment/18576508/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A group of photographers have been protesting against harsh treatment of freelancers and others by police, the Press Gazette.Labour MP Austin Mitchell led a delegation of photographers to lobby government over actions by police that many press workers feel are over-zealous. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Paparazzi_1316_18576508_0_0_7010279_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Photographers_protest_at_over-zealous_police_treatment/18576508/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FSB: False expense claims can cost businesses dearly</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_False_expense_claims_can_cost_businesses_dearly/18576505/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has pointed out that false expense claims can cost businesses dearly.A new report by Travelodge indicates that millions of pounds are being lost through false expense claims, with claims including spurious items such as a new car, a diamond engagement ring and even a goat. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Engagement+ring_1316_18576505_0_0_7260_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_False_expense_claims_can_cost_businesses_dearly/18576505/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>CBI looks to improve business climate in London</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_looks_to_improve_business_climate_in_London/18574365/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said it will work to make London a &amp;quot;pre-eminent&amp;quot; place to run a business, no matter who wins the mayoral election this week.According to director Nigel Bourne, the organisation will be looking to improve conditions for small firms and larger businesses. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_looks_to_improve_business_climate_in_London/18574365/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>London small businesses want 'clear signals' from new mayor</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/London_small_businesses_want_clear_signals_from_new_mayor/18572032/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The London small business community wants to see &amp;quot;some very clear and very quick signs&amp;quot; from whoever wins the mayoral election next month.That is according to Nick Winch, London policy manager for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), who said: &amp;quot;Small businesses want to know that their needs are going to be taken on board so that they can help deliver the new jobs that London needs.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/London+Bus+and+Big+Ben_1316_18572032_0_0_3513_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/London_small_businesses_want_clear_signals_from_new_mayor/18572032/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Home workers feeling isolated 'should maintain contact'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_workers_feeling_isolated_should_maintain_contact/18569993/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Home workers who feel isolated should make an effort to keep in regular contact with office-based colleagues.That is the view of information line adviser Carrie Druce, responding to a complaint to the Guardian newspaper by a home worker who said she no longer feels like part of the team. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_workers_feeling_isolated_should_maintain_contact/18569993/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Credit crunch will affect sectors differently</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_crunch_will_affect_sectors_differently/18569987/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The credit crunch is likely to affect businesses in various sectors differently, the chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) has said.George Derbyshire warned that companies exposed to fluctuations in the property market - such as estate agents - may suffer during the tougher economic times, although DIY firms could benefit as people look to upgrade their existing homes. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_crunch_will_affect_sectors_differently/18569987/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs 'can learn from failure'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_can_learn_from_failure/18569982/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Entrepreneurs and freelancers who experience business failure should take heart and learn from their experiences.That is the view of Rachel Elnaugh, a businesswoman and former judge on the TV show Dragon's Den. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Stress+%5bsquare%5d_1316_18569982_0_0_4001665_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_can_learn_from_failure/18569982/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Home working facilitated by technological developments</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_facilitated_by_technological_developments/18568240/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Developments in technology mean that, these days, more people can operate businesses without using a traditional office.That is the view of George Derbyshire, chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), who noted that home working has been &amp;quot;a growing trend in recent years as the internet, telecoms and IT capacity has developed&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Hand+on+mouse_1316_18568240_0_0_15684_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_facilitated_by_technological_developments/18568240/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Local government 'should lower town centre parking charges'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Local_government_should_lower_town_centre_parking_charges/18568247/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on local authorities to rethink town centre parking policies to help companies.The group believes that excessive parking charges are killing town centres - local authorities made &amp;#163;1.6 billion from these charges and fines in 2005, up from &amp;#163;628 million in 1997. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Parking+toll_1316_18568247_0_0_7011027_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Local_government_should_lower_town_centre_parking_charges/18568247/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Higher costs affecting small businesses in the UK</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Higher_costs_affecting_small_businesses_in_the_UK/18566028/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Rising costs are making life difficult for small businesses in the UK, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) points out.BRC head of media and campaigns, Richard Dodd, pointed out that people are short of spare cash and &amp;quot;are confining themselves to essentials&amp;quot; - meaning that almost every retail sector apart from food is being affected. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Higher_costs_affecting_small_businesses_in_the_UK/18566028/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Many small firms believe they are hurt by unfair sales practices</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_small_firms_believe_they_are_hurt_by_unfair_sales_practices/18566022/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A new government study indicates that most small businesses in the UK think that their profits are being affected by rivals using unfair sales practices.The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform survey found that 53 per cent of small business leaders believe unfair sales tactics affect profits, with one in ten of these thinking rogue dealers cost them more than a fifth of their revenue. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_small_firms_believe_they_are_hurt_by_unfair_sales_practices/18566022/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers 'like being their own boss'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_like_being_their_own_boss/18564007/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance workers generally love being their own boss, and this is one of the bonuses cited by Journalism.co.uk's latest Freelancer of the Fortnight, Caspar van Vark.He said: &amp;quot;Some freelancers like being able to work in their pyjamas, but that's not for me. I have a desk in a shared office and I put in normal days. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Guardian_1316_18564007_0_0_1245_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_like_being_their_own_boss/18564007/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Local authorities 'could do more to help small firms'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Local_authorities_could_do_more_to_help_small_firms/18563996/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Local authorities could do more to help small local companies, a prominent business group has stated.Simon Briault, spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that councils can make changes in many different areas to support local firms, such as planning. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Birmingham_1316_18563996_0_0_7006967_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Local_authorities_could_do_more_to_help_small_firms/18563996/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Companies can save money through small eco-changes</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_can_save_money_through_small_eco-changes/18563905/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies only need to make small changes in order to make a difference to a company's energy consumption.John Treble of energy management service the Green Consultancy pointed to measures such as making sure computer screens are turned off when they are not being used. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Recycle_1316_18563905_0_0_14334_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_can_save_money_through_small_eco-changes/18563905/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Financial advisor offers self-employment incentive</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Financial_advisor_offers_self-employment_incentive/18563205/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An independent financial advisor hopes to boost employment in the profession by offering varied training schemes.AWD Chase de Vere has opened its doors to advisors at various levels within their career and given them the option of working employed or freelance.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Business+deal_1316_18563205_0_0_7007634_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Financial_advisor_offers_self-employment_incentive/18563205/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Homeworking easy thanks to modern technology</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Homeworking_easy_thanks_to_modern_technology/18562760/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working from home rather than travelling to the office is becoming easier than ever with the advent of modern technology, it has been claimed.The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies reports that many small business operations can be conducted via email and using a mobile phone, negating the need for the daily commute and potentially saving both staff and employers money. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Homeworking_easy_thanks_to_modern_technology/18562760/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Physician offers tips for freelance health writers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Physician_offers_tips_for_freelance_health_writers/18559959/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Dr Franklin House, a physician working with diabetic patients in the US, has offered some tips for freelance health writers.An author himself, Dr House has emphasised the importance of accuracy and credibility. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Writing_1316_18559959_0_0_7008760_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Physician_offers_tips_for_freelance_health_writers/18559959/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home working 'likely to regenerate local areas'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_likely_to_regenerate_local_areas/18559946/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An increase in home working is likely to have the welcome effect of regenerating rural areas.Phil Flaxton of not-for-profit group Work Wise UK said that an increase in the number of people working from home would &amp;quot;repopulate&amp;quot; less populated areas in villages and small towns. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Countryside+village_1316_18559946_0_0_7766_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_likely_to_regenerate_local_areas/18559946/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Credit Crunch Week will help SMEs obtain advice</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_Crunch_Week_will_help_SMEs_obtain_advice/18559927/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) is launching Credit Crunch Week at the end of April in order to reassure small firms that there is plenty of advice available for them at a difficult economic time.The week will run from Monday, April 28th to Friday, May 2nd, with the NFEA running a series of seminars and workshops around the country to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Office+worker_1316_18559927_0_0_7011046_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Credit_Crunch_Week_will_help_SMEs_obtain_advice/18559927/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Online retail can be good for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Online_retail_can_be_good_for_SMEs/18558016/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Selling goods through a website can be a very effective way for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to boost revenues.John De Groot, managing director of business support group StartupCo, said: &amp;quot;It can be a very cost-effective way of creating more sales without taking up more of the owner's time. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Website_1316_18558016_0_0_1142_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Online_retail_can_be_good_for_SMEs/18558016/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home working option 'should be extensive'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_option_should_be_extensive/18558006/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The option to work from home should ideally be extended to all people who work with the aid of a PC and a telephone.That is the view of Brian Higton of the Telework Association, who said: &amp;quot;Some 80 per cent of the UK workforce can be categorised as 'information workers', i.e. people who work with data of one kind or another usually with the aid of a computer and a telephone. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_option_should_be_extensive/18558006/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Vietnam War photographers interred in US museum</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Vietnam_War_photographers_interred_in_US_museum/18556113/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Vietnam War photographers interred in US museumFour Vietnam War photographers who were killed when their helicopter was shot down have been interred in a capsule at the Newseum, a journalism museum in Washington, DC. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Vietnam_1316_18556113_0_0_8667_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Vietnam_War_photographers_interred_in_US_museum/18556113/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home working on think tank's alternative agenda</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_on_think_tanks_alternative_agenda/18556096/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A London-focused think tank has launched a manifesto outlining potential changes for the capital, which include more home working.The Alternative Manifesto from LondonSays comprises essays by a number of experts in various fields - one of them being transport guru Christian Wolmar. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18556096_0_0_7007635_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_on_think_tanks_alternative_agenda/18556096/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SME workers can have more of an influence</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_workers_can_have_more_of_an_influence/18556089/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ One of the key benefits of working for a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) is being able to have more of a say on the firm's direction.According to professor Ronald McQuaid of Napier University's Employment Research Institute, there is &amp;quot;a greater chance to convince the key decision makers to do something, and not having to go through layers of managers - each one covering their own back - to achieve this. It is the ability to make a difference&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/work_1316_18556089_0_0_7005725_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_workers_can_have_more_of_an_influence/18556089/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>New London mayor 'must help small businesses'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_London_mayor_must_help_small_businesses/18553777/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Whoever is elected as the new London mayor next month must help small businesses in the capital, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has urged.The group's Sue Terpilowski told BBC One's London News that it should be made easier for smaller firms to report problems. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Big+Ben_1316_18553777_0_0_2924_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_London_mayor_must_help_small_businesses/18553777/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small firms urged to protect intellectual property</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_urged_to_protect_intellectual_property/18553775/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses in the UK are being urged to protect one of their most valuable possessions - their intellectual property.The UK Intellectual Property Office points out that &amp;quot;the average small business relies heavily on the intellectual capital&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Graph_1316_18553775_0_0_7001006_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_urged_to_protect_intellectual_property/18553775/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>HMRC revamps SA tax return</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/HMRC_revamps_SA_tax_return/18552002/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ HM Revenue &amp;amp; Customs has revamped the main self assessment (SA) tax return.Small business owners and freelancers who complete SA returns will find that the new version has fewer questions, simplified language and an improved layout. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Calculator_1316_18552002_0_0_2058_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/HMRC_revamps_SA_tax_return/18552002/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Cost savings could lead to more home working</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cost_savings_could_lead_to_more_home_working/18551995/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Cost savings in offices is likely to drive the popularity of home working, according to Phil Flaxton of not-for-profit employment organisation Work Wise UK.He stressed that many big organisations provide incentives for people to work from home, such as BT which employs 12,000 registered home workers and 77,000 flexible workers. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/BT+Centre+_1316_18551995_0_0_7007472_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cost_savings_could_lead_to_more_home_working/18551995/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Companies 'should ensure data protection'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_should_ensure_data_protection/18551980/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A spokeswoman for IT company Small Business Computing has highlighted the importance of data protection for businesses.Speaking as research from Boston Computer Network (BCN) indicates that six per cent of all PCs will suffer data loss in any given year, she stressed that every company should make sure they have a security policy. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/lock_1316_18551980_0_0_7007449_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_should_ensure_data_protection/18551980/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>NUJ holds protest against poor police treatment of photographers </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/NUJ_holds_protest_against_poor_police_treatment_of_photographers_/18550237/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has held a one-man protest against police harassment, the British Journal of Photography reports.NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear stood outside New Scotland Yard for an hour on March 28th in protest at the way in which press photographers are treated by police. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Met+Police_1316_18550237_0_0_4000629_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/NUJ_holds_protest_against_poor_police_treatment_of_photographers_/18550237/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Home working brings green benefits</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_brings_green_benefits/18550227/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Among the many benefits of home working are the environmental benefits of not travelling to the office.A flexible working employee survey by the government found that 52 per cent of employees were aware of the right to request flexible working arrangements, and that women were generally more aware than men. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18550227_0_0_7009176_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_brings_green_benefits/18550227/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Flexibility appeals to many freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexibility_appeals_to_many_freelancers/18547832/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Flexibility is the aspect of work that appeals most to many freelancers.Andrew Charman of Powys, Journalism.co.uk's Freelancer of the fortnight, is a motoring journalist who began his career working on local newspapers as a photographer. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Car_1316_18547832_0_0_7011822_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexibility_appeals_to_many_freelancers/18547832/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FSB to fight against possible income shifting legislation</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB_to_fight_against_possible_income_shifting_legislation/18547815/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has stressed that it will fight against a possible government plan to introduce legislation against income shifting on the quiet.Income shifting allows couples who jointly own a company to divide the dividends between themselves in order to minimise tax liabilities, and the FSB hopes that legislation against this practice will be scrapped. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/casual+couple_1316_18547815_0_0_7011200_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB_to_fight_against_possible_income_shifting_legislation/18547815/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Bank lowers interest rate to 5%</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bank_lowers_interest_rate_to_5%/18547828/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:04:27 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Lower interest rates will be welcomed by those small business owners and freelance workers who are looking to take out a business loan.The Bank of England's monetary policy committee (MPC) yesterday (April 11th) cut interest rates to 5.0 per cent as the UK economy faces slow growth and house prices slide. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Bank+of+England_1316_18547828_0_0_3772_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bank_lowers_interest_rate_to_5%/18547828/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>IES: SME employees can feel more appreciated</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IES:_SME_employees_can_feel_more_appreciated/18545866/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working for a small business is more likely to make you feel appreciated than working for a larger firm, the Institute of Employment Studies (IES) believes.The group's principal research fellow Dilys Robinson said: &amp;quot;It is easier to feel valued and involved with a smaller organisation as you can see the effects of what you do much more directly.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IES:_SME_employees_can_feel_more_appreciated/18545866/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Tax issue is vital for UK business growth</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_issue_is_vital_for_UK_business_growth/18545770/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ It is important that the government gets the fundamentals, such as capital gains tax, right in order to encourage entrepreneurship in the UK.That's according to Jo Hensher, policy adviser for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), who welcomed the new government strategy ('Enterprise: Unlocking the UK's Talent') for promoting the growth of small business. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_issue_is_vital_for_UK_business_growth/18545770/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>'Success' for firm with virtual office</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Success_for_firm_with_virtual_office/18544290/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Depo Consultancy has been voted one of the UK's most successful firms despite operating completely online, reports the Northampton Chronicle &amp;amp; Echo.The internet consultancy was placed on the 30@home league, which rates the best UK companies that place homeworking as central to their business practice.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Success_for_firm_with_virtual_office/18544290/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Part-time fire fighters win eight-year battle</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Part-time_fire_fighters_win_eight-year_battle/18544278/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Following an eight year discrimination battle, the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has secured the same benefits for part-time workers as are received by full-time staff. This ruling will cover part-time workers responding to emergency 999 calls on what is termed 'retained duty'. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Part-time_fire_fighters_win_eight-year_battle/18544278/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Economic conditions 'good for freelance workers'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Economic_conditions_good_for_freelance_workers/18544257/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Despite the current difficult economic conditions, freelance workers are benefiting from employers seeking the flexibility of using contract hours, according to reports.Research by Joslin Rowe estimates that contract project manager and business analyst jobs in financial services has risen by 22.4 per cent since the beginning of the year.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Economic_conditions_good_for_freelance_workers/18544257/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Homeworkers must be 'organised and disciplined'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Homeworkers_must_be_organised_and_disciplined/18541928/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Homeworkers must be 'organised and disciplined'Many working mums dream of setting up their own business and working from home, but there are various things to bear in mind when doing this. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Homeworkers_must_be_organised_and_disciplined/18541928/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Insurance group issues advice for businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Insurance_group_issues_advice_for_businesses/18541918/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has issued some sage advice for small business owners relating to emergencies.Business owners should ensure that their important files and documents are backed up as part of their emergency preparation, according to the ABI's Kelly Ostler-Coyle. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Insurance_group_issues_advice_for_businesses/18541918/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Business reputation encourages start-ups to locate in north-east</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_reputation_encourages_start-ups_to_locate_in_north-east/18541665/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An increasing number of start-up businesses in the north-east of England is partly down to the reputation of existing firms encouraging new business to the area.That is the view of Lorna Collins, director of Flying Start at the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE), who said: &amp;quot;As the momentum builds it causes people to spin off other related businesses. Economic activity inspires other economic activity.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_reputation_encourages_start-ups_to_locate_in_north-east/18541665/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Falling office rents can save SMEs money</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Falling_office_rents_can_save_SMEs_money/18539700/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Commercial property is being valued more fairly than it was six months ago, an expert believes, meaning that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could save money on rent.Ed Stansfield, property economist at research consultancy Capital Economics, said that the view that commercial properties are becoming more fairly valued holds &amp;quot;a fair amount of water&amp;quot; - although this trend would not necessarily continue. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Falling_office_rents_can_save_SMEs_money/18539700/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>CBI: Support for young, elderly and female entrepreneurs is welcome</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI:_Support_for_young,_elderly_and_female_entrepreneurs_is_welcome/18539691/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A government drive to give more support to young, elderly and female entrepreneurs has been welcomed by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).Last month the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform published a ten-year strategy designed to unlock UK entrepreneurial talent, which included proposals to tailor support for young would-be business owners, the over-50s and women. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI:_Support_for_young,_elderly_and_female_entrepreneurs_is_welcome/18539691/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Florist entrepreneur's business blooms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Florist_entrepreneurs_business_blooms/18537629/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Florist Moya Topsom was upset when she lost her job as manageress at a florist in Wymondham, but she then branched out on her own.The 21-year-old had been working at Jasmine florists for three and a half years when the owners shuttered the business because of soaring rents, the Eastern Daily Press reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Florist_entrepreneurs_business_blooms/18537629/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>'Simpler taxation would help smaller firms'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Simpler_taxation_would_help_smaller_firms/18535234/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 05 Apr 2008 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Simplifying taxation in the UK would greatly help small businesses and entrepreneurs, a tax expert has said.Andrew Jupp, national head of tax at accountancy Tenon, pointed out that the administration burden surrounding the accounting for tax is a &amp;quot;huge problem&amp;quot; for firms. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Simpler_taxation_would_help_smaller_firms/18535234/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancer values being her own boss</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_values_being_her_own_boss/18537635/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Being your own boss and choosing what you want to write about - these are two of the best things about freelance work.That is according to Meryl Cubley of Ceredigion, who was chosen by Journalism.co.uk as its 'Freelancer of the fortnight'. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_values_being_her_own_boss/18537635/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Self-employed must understand their tax affairs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Self-employed_must_understand_their_tax_affairs/18537502/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:21:59 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners and freelancers must ensure that they fully understand their tax affairs, the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has said.Various tax changes come into effect this month, affecting areas such as income tax, national insurance, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, corporation tax and more. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Self-employed_must_understand_their_tax_affairs/18537502/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Two main factors hinder eco-changes for smaller firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Two_main_factors_hinder_eco-changes_for_smaller_firms/18535519/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There are two main factors that can make it difficult for small businesses to become as environmentally responsible as they would like, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).The FSB's Andrew Cave said that one problem is lack of information from the government. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Two_main_factors_hinder_eco-changes_for_smaller_firms/18535519/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home working can positively affect work/life balance</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_can_positively_affect_worklife_balance/18533511/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Home working can have a positive effect on an employee's work/life balance, research from the Durham Business School has found.The ability to spend more time with their family appears to have a positive effect on stress levels - 43 per cent of respondents working more than 20 hours a week at home said they feel a great deal of stress connected to their job, significantly less than the 65 per cent who work only in the office. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_can_positively_affect_worklife_balance/18533511/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>NFEA: Different reasons lead to business closures</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/NFEA:_Different_reasons_lead_to_business_closures/18533504/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) has played down the significance of the credit crunch in the number of business closures last year.According to Barclays research, 471,000 new businesses started up in 2007, but 498,000 closed down. This rate of closure was an eight per cent increase compared to 2006, and just shy of the record 18 per cent witnessed in 1992. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/NFEA:_Different_reasons_lead_to_business_closures/18533504/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Skills training can have big benefits for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skills_training_can_have_big_benefits_for_SMEs/18533497/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Investing in skills training can have huge benefits for small businesses, the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has pointed out.&amp;quot;Improved morale, improved adoption of health and safety practices, reduced absenteeism, as well as improved productivity and reduced waste&amp;quot; are some of the advantages identified by the LSC's Jaine Clarke. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skills_training_can_have_big_benefits_for_SMEs/18533497/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Female role models needed for budding entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Female_role_models_needed_for_budding_entrepreneurs/18531210/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ More female role models are required to encourage women to start up their own businesses.That is the view of professor Susan Marlow of Leicester Business School, who discussed the role of women in business at an event about Liverpool's planned International Centre for Women's Enterprise, the Liverpool Daily Post reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Female_role_models_needed_for_budding_entrepreneurs/18531210/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home working likely to play key role in future employment</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_likely_to_play_key_role_in_future_employment/18531197/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Home working is likely to play a major part in the future of employment in Britain, according to a new set of scenarios predicted by the Chartered Management Institute.A study by the group predicts that the carbon footprint produced by commuting and a growing wish for flexible hours will lead to many people working remotely, the Guardian reports. ]]> </description>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance photographer scoops Scottish prize</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_scoops_Scottish_prize/18529254/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance photographer has scooped a prestigious photography prize in Scotland.Mark Anderson, who works for the Sunday Mail and also works on a freelance basis, picked up the Celebrity Picture of the Year prize at the First ScotRail Press Photography Awards 2007. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_scoops_Scottish_prize/18529254/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Tax group welcomes further income shifting consultation</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_group_welcomes_further_income_shifting_consultation/18529246/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:30:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has welcomed the second Early Day Motion (EDM) relating to income shifting that has been tabled in the House of Commons.It hopes that further consultations will allow the government more time to improve the tax burdens affecting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_group_welcomes_further_income_shifting_consultation/18529246/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Working at SMEs brings benefits for graduates</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_at_SMEs_brings_benefits_for_graduates/18529233/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:09:30 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working at a small to medium-sized company (SME) can be highly beneficial for graduates, the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) has said.The group's chief executive, Margaret Dane, said: &amp;quot;The scope for making one&amp;#146;s mark is greater in a smaller company, but of course, one is also more visible. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_at_SMEs_brings_benefits_for_graduates/18529233/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Budget could lead SMEs to back Tories</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Budget_could_lead_SMEs_to_back_Tories/18527305/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The recent Budget could stifle growth among small businesses, and many business owners could choose to back the Conservative party as a result.Accounting software firm KashFlow conducted a survey finding that almost half the accountants questioned (48 per cent) said that the Tories would be the best party to lead the country in today's harsher economic climate. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Budget_could_lead_SMEs_to_back_Tories/18527305/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Video game modder builds successful freelance career</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Video_game_modder_builds_successful_freelance_career/18527285/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A technology enthusiast who is making a living out of modifying video game devices is an example of someone who has followed his passion and gone freelance.Benjamin Heckendorn, more commonly known in the gadget community as Ben Heck, trained as a graphic designer and began tinkering around with and 'modding' video game units. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Video_game_modder_builds_successful_freelance_career/18527285/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Start-up businesses 'should shop around for best finance deal'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-up_businesses_should_shop_around_for_best_finance_deal/18527267/</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ One crucial aspect of starting up a new business or going freelance is finance, and entrepreneurs are advised to shop around for the best deal.Simon Briault, a spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said that there is &amp;quot;anecdotal evidence&amp;quot; to suggest that finance is becoming harder to get from traditional sources such as banks. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-up_businesses_should_shop_around_for_best_finance_deal/18527267/</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Sir Alan is model entrepreneur</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sir_Alan_is_model_entrepreneur/18524458/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Sir Alan Sugar, the entrepreneur businessman behind the TV show The Apprentice, has urged people to pursue a career that makes them happy.Speaking to ThisIsMoney, Sir Alan said: &amp;quot;You've got to be happy, it's not just about making money and all that stuff. There should be no drudgery in work. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sir_Alan_is_model_entrepreneur/18524458/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms 'able to adapt quickly'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_able_to_adapt_quickly/18524449/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses are able to adapt quickly, and they should use this ability to steal a march on their bigger rivals.Nazir Daud, the founder of CityLocal, points out that a &amp;quot;major advantage&amp;quot; of being a small business owner is that it is possible to move very fast, Business Mart reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_able_to_adapt_quickly/18524449/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Most entrepreneurs 'would make same decisions again'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Most_entrepreneurs_would_make_same_decisions_again/18524442/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An overwhelming majority of entrepreneurs would make the same decisions to set up their own business all over again, research suggests.A poll of 225 entrepreneurs conducted for Abbey Business Banking found that 87 per cent would make the same choices again, and that 76 per cent believe their initial gamble of starting their own business has paid off. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Most_entrepreneurs_would_make_same_decisions_again/18524442/438011911</guid>
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        <title>Chinese freelance workers are riding economic boom</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Chinese_freelance_workers_are_riding_economic_boom/18522339/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance workers in China, where the economy is booming, have never had it so good.Xia Binru, a freelance photographer, says that he does not have a set income each month, but that he doesn't worry about finding more work because of the strong economy, the BBC reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Chinese_freelance_workers_are_riding_economic_boom/18522339/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'offer good opportunities for graduates'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_offer_good_opportunities_for_graduates/18522336/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working at small businesses offers good opportunities for promotion and a good work-life balance, according to employment organisation Graduate Prospects.The group's chief executive, Mike Hill, noted that graduate training schemes were not the be-all and end-all, with most graduates not going down this route. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_offer_good_opportunities_for_graduates/18522336/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Start-up companies can enter HSBC new business awards</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-up_companies_can_enter_HSBC_new_business_awards/18520154/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Start-up businesses have the chance to enter the HSBC Start-Up Stars awards, which has a top prize of &amp;#163;50,000.Supported by Sky News and the Daily Express, the awards are in their eighth year, and will reward &amp;quot;fledgling businesses with exceptional drive, creativity and business acumen&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Start-up_companies_can_enter_HSBC_new_business_awards/18520154/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancers 'can bring new ideas and enthusiasm'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_can_bring_new_ideas_and_enthusiasm/18520145/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance workers often have a wide range of experience and can bring new ideas and enthusiasm to a business.That is the view of freelance copywriter Anna Hollisey, who won the 'Editorial' prize at the national Freelancer of the Year awards 2008, for her work with catalogue and e-commerce firms Bees and Duvet &amp;amp; Pillow Warehouse. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_can_bring_new_ideas_and_enthusiasm/18520145/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs 'need a thick skin and persistence'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_need_a_thick_skin_and_persistence/18520134/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Tenacity and an ability to take criticism on board are two crucial qualities for entrepreneurs, an expert believes.With online marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com allowing freelance workers to be paired up more easily with clients, a growing number of people are prepared to start up their own business. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_need_a_thick_skin_and_persistence/18520134/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>UK businesses 'need to avoid age discrimination'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_businesses_need_to_avoid_age_discrimination/18518511/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses in the UK need to make sure they avoid age discrimination when it comes to employing workers.Freda Line of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said: &amp;quot;The important thing is the mixture and the balance and recognising that actually what you need is a diversity of people. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_businesses_need_to_avoid_age_discrimination/18518511/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Retaining customers crucial for freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Retaining_customers_crucial_for_freelancers/18518494/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 20 Mar 2008 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Retaining customers is crucial in more troubled economic times, which many commentators believe we are now facing in the UK.&amp;quot;When things get tight, a company needs any edge it can get and retaining the customers it has is one way of minimising the impact of any downturn,&amp;quot; writes internet marketing resource e-consultancy. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Retaining_customers_crucial_for_freelancers/18518494/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>London design support scheme established</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/London_design_support_scheme_established/18515905/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The London Development Agency (LDA) has established a &amp;#163;3.5 million design support scheme for small businesses in the capital.Known as Designing Demand, the service will provide design services for companies in the capital in order to aid their business performance. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/London_design_support_scheme_established/18515905/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms need to innovate, expert says</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_need_to_innovate,_expert_says/18515893/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners can use the upcoming quieter economic period to focus on internal procedures, but must also continue to innovate, an expert has said.Professor Andrew Burke, head of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurial Performance and Economics, told the Times that the ideal business climate of the past decade, which saw strong consumer demand, cheap imports, the ability to outsource and the availability of cheap money, was over. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_need_to_innovate,_expert_says/18515893/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs 'need to work hard and be tenacious'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_need_to_work_hard_and_be_tenacious/18515883/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Spotting the rising market and working hard - these are two key ingredients of successful entrepreneurialism, according to Scottish businessman Sir Tom Hunter.Speaking at the Entrepreneurs Forum's recent What Drives a Serial Entrepreneur event, Sir Tom also said that tenacity was needed by those starting their own firms, nebusiness.co.uk reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_need_to_work_hard_and_be_tenacious/18515883/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home working 'driven by flexibility'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_driven_by_flexibility/18513875/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Flexibility and less commuting are seen as two of the main driving factors behind people choosing to become home workers, VNUNet reports.Internet service provider UK Online looked at how small businesses and self-employed people are using the internet, and found that flexibility was a very important determinant in home working. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_working_driven_by_flexibility/18513875/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Higher fines due for tax evasion</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Higher_fines_due_for_tax_evasion/18513870/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance workers and entrepreneurs must be especially careful when stating their self-assessment tax returns, because HM Revenue &amp;amp; Customs (HMRC) will soon have the power to levy larger fines for those who don't do so accurately.New measures announced in the Budget will give HMRC the ability to impose fines of up to 30 per cent of unpaid tax if people fail to take &amp;quot;reasonable care&amp;quot; over their tax returns. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Higher_fines_due_for_tax_evasion/18513870/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Businesses 'should ensure good flexible working options'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_should_ensure_good_flexible_working_options/18511942/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses should ensure that they provide the widest range of flexible working options that they can in order to be a &amp;quot;top employer&amp;quot;.Writing in the Guardian, Julie Ferry published a series of tips on how to be an exemplary employer, especially for female employees, highlighting the importance placed on flexibility in the workplace. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18511942_0_0_7007637_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_should_ensure_good_flexible_working_options/18511942/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancing provides escape from corporate strictures</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_provides_escape_from_corporate_strictures/18511931/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Becoming a freelance journalist allows people to escape the often restrictive management structures of publishing companies.That is the view of freelancer Gavin Atkin, who was recently chosen as Journalism.co.uk's 'Freelancer of the Fortnight'. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_provides_escape_from_corporate_strictures/18511931/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Reasons for starting a business: Being your own boss and flexibility</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Reasons_for_starting_a_business:_Being_your_own_boss_and_flexibility/18511905/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Becoming their own boss is one of the primary reasons why women choose to start up their own businesses, an expert has claimed.Figures published recently in the Economic Journal suggested that hourly earnings for women in part-time work are 26 per cent lower than those in full-time employment - with many of these women young mothers who need to spend more time at home. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Reasons_for_starting_a_business:_Being_your_own_boss_and_flexibility/18511905/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Skilled contract workers 'in demand'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skilled_contract_workers_in_demand/18510315/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Experts are claiming that contract workers with building skills are in huge demand and that this trend is likely continue in the near future. The director of external affairs at the Federation of Master Builders says that efforts need to be made to close the skills gap and ensure that Britons receive adequate training. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skilled_contract_workers_in_demand/18510315/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Victory for part time fire fighters</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Victory_for_part_time_fire_fighters/18510190/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Part time fire fighters in Dorset are celebrating this week after a tribunal ruled they should have the same sick pay and pension opportunities as full-timers. After an eight-year struggle against what they described as &amp;quot;old-fashioned discrimination&amp;quot;, fire union officials said they were &amp;quot;delighted&amp;quot; by the London ruling. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Firefighter_1316_18510190_0_0_16164_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Victory_for_part_time_fire_fighters/18510190/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>'Barriers remain' for female entrepreneurs </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Barriers_remain_for_female_entrepreneurs_/18510132/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Women who want to become self-employed are still finding obstacles in the way, one organisation has suggested. British Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE) says that females wanting to start-uptheir own firms or go freelance are still finding it difficult to get support.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Woman+doing+paperwork_1316_18510132_0_0_14733_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Barriers_remain_for_female_entrepreneurs_/18510132/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Self-assessment 'important to all types of businesses'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Self-assessment_important_to_all_types_of_businesses/18510125/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Accurate book-keeping and keeping on top of taxes is important to all types of business, including those who are self-employed, one expert has said. The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) advises that although book-keeping can be a &amp;quot;bind&amp;quot; it is vital that the self-employed and small business owners stay on top of it.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Self-assessment_important_to_all_types_of_businesses/18510125/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Dragon's Den judge to start up entrepreneurial academy</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dragons_Den_judge_to_start_up_entrepreneurial_academy/18505612/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Dragon's Den judge Peter Jones has announced the creation of a National Enterprise Academy that will help entrepreneurs from all educational backgrounds start up their own business.The plan, which has been welcomed by the prime minister, will see the academy officially open to students aged 16 and above from September next year, after a test group of students earlier in 2009. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dragons_Den_judge_to_start_up_entrepreneurial_academy/18505612/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small firms lose confidence in government</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_lose_confidence_in_government/18505604/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A large number of small businesses in the UK have lost confidence in the government since last year's Budget.The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) conducted a snap poll finding that 93 per cent of small business owners said that they now have less confidence in the government, with just seven per cent saying that they had the same level of confidence or more. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Alistair+Darling+_1316_18505604_0_0_7011211_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_lose_confidence_in_government/18505604/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Homeworking brings a host of benefits</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Homeworking_brings_a_host_of_benefits/18503568/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Reduced office costs, a 24/7 service for customers and the accommodation of disabled workers are among the reasons why homeworking is becoming so popular.Research conducted by Real Business and Brother shows that the entrepreneurs behind businesses run from home have many reasons for doing so. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+in+kitchen+_1316_18503568_0_0_7010126_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Homeworking_brings_a_host_of_benefits/18503568/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Internet is invaluable tool for graduate entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_is_invaluable_tool_for_graduate_entrepreneurs/18503563/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The internet is an invaluable tool for graduates looking to establish their own business, or go freelance.According to Ian Robertson of the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE), the typical profile of the entrepreneur has changed for four main reasons. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop_1316_18503563_0_0_7003925_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_is_invaluable_tool_for_graduate_entrepreneurs/18503563/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Internet presence is vital for small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_presence_is_vital_for_small_businesses/18503551/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An internet presence is very important for small businesses looking to attract new customers, experts believe.At a time when an increasing number of freelancers are finding work at online marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com, the web is becoming a vital marketing tool. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Hand+on+mouse_1316_18503551_0_0_15684_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_presence_is_vital_for_small_businesses/18503551/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Businesswomen asked to mentor younger hopefuls</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesswomen_asked_to_mentor_younger_hopefuls/18501650/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Experienced businesswomen have been asked to mentor young women and girls to help them achieve corporate success, the prime minister has said.Speaking at a lunch reception held at 10 Downing Street to mark International Women's Day 2008, Gordon Brown said: &amp;quot;I do think it is remarkable to think that one hundred years ago, almost exactly to the month, women were having to chain themselves outside the Houses of Commons and Downing Street to put the case for women's representation.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesswomen_asked_to_mentor_younger_hopefuls/18501650/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>CBI calls for improved SME tax system</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_calls_for_improved_SME_tax_system/18501646/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called for an improved tax system for small business in the UK.In a statement released ahead of the chancellor's Budget speech on Wednesday, the group called for &amp;quot;a root and branch overhaul of the UK corporate tax system&amp;quot;, with specific measures to address small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/CBI+Logo_1316_18501646_0_0_1025_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_calls_for_improved_SME_tax_system/18501646/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Part-time worker wins employment ruling </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Part-time_worker_wins_employment_ruling_/18500040/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 09 Mar 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A part-time worker has won a landmark case after an employment tribunal agreed that she was treated unlawfully by her employer because she was not working full-time. Gail Adams, who works for Northern Regional College in Northern Ireland, was given &amp;quot;woefully insufficient&amp;quot; time to study for her teaching qualification - known as the PGCFHE, the tribunal ruled.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Part-time_worker_wins_employment_ruling_/18500040/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Half of Brits 'want to be self-employed'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Half_of_Brits_want_to_be_self-employed/18500034/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 08 Mar 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Almost half of all employees in Britain want to start up their own firms, it has been revealed. Figures from Abbey Business Banking found that 49 per cent want to open up their own businesses and become self-employed. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18500034_0_0_7009176_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Half_of_Brits_want_to_be_self-employed/18500034/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>One in seven 'stressed in workplace' </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/One_in_seven_stressed_in_workplace_/18499359/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ More employees are expected to turn to freelancework or opt to work from home as stress levels in the workplace reach record highs.Research by the Stress Management Association UK (ISMA) shows that 70 per cent of us have suffered from some form of stress while in the office. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Stressed+out_1316_18499359_0_0_9206_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/One_in_seven_stressed_in_workplace_/18499359/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancing 'can be good for your health'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_can_be_good_for_your_health/18497999/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Desk-bound office workers are among some of the unhealthiest eaters in the country, according to new figures from PruHealth.More people may benefit from freelancing or working from home after it was revealed that the hectic office environment is leaving many employees snacking on fatty treats and grabbing unhealthy take-aways for lunch. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Woman+eating_1316_18497999_0_0_5590_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_can_be_good_for_your_health/18497999/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Better IT skills 'would improve flexible working' </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Better_IT_skills_would_improve_flexible_working_/18497664/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses are being urged to improve their IT systems, which would allow their staff more flexible working hours and make it easier for employees to work from home. According to the Centre for Future Studies, there has been an increase in the number of people opting for flexible hours within UK businesses but this could rise further with better training and software.  So called 'third-generation' flexible working - which sees employees working in a virtual office with &amp;quot;total location independence&amp;quot; - has only been adopted by a small number of businesses so far. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Better_IT_skills_would_improve_flexible_working_/18497664/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>BBA chief highlights over-regulation in small businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BBA_chief_highlights_over-regulation_in_small_businesses/18497660/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Over-regulation in small businesses has been highlighted by the British Bankers' Association (BBA) which is calling for the government to restore confidence in the upcoming Budget. BBA chief executive Angela Knight has told the Treasury that the Budget must focus on making the UK's small businesses more attractive to the international market. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BBA_chief_highlights_over-regulation_in_small_businesses/18497660/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Survey shows lack of advice take-up among SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Survey_shows_lack_of_advice_take-up_among_SMEs/18495575/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A government survey indicates that many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are failing to seek advice about the running of their business.The Annual Survey of Small Businesses' Opinions 2006/07, produced by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR), found that only a quarter of all SME employers sought general advice and information about running a business in the year before the survey. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Survey_shows_lack_of_advice_take-up_among_SMEs/18495575/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Company sellers paid in bonds could get CGT shock</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Company_sellers_paid_in_bonds_could_get_CGT_shock/18495561/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many entrepreneurs who have sold their businesses in recent years and were paid in bonds will have to pay more capital gains tax (CGT) than they expected to, Freelance UK reports.The chancellor is set to make changes to CGT in his first Budget next week, including replacing taper relief with a single levy of 18 per cent. A proviso has been made for entrepreneurs, who will only have to pay a ten per cent rate on gains of up to &amp;#163;1 million over a lifetime. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Company_sellers_paid_in_bonds_could_get_CGT_shock/18495561/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small firms 'struggling with late payments'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_struggling_with_late_payments/18493623/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many small companies in the UK are struggling with customers and suppliers who fail to pay them on time, new research indicates.According to a study by Barclays Local Business, small firms face a deficit of some &amp;#163;8 billion because of this, and spend more than an hour a day on average chasing up late payments - when they could be doing core business work. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_struggling_with_late_payments/18493623/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Business Council of Britain to become more small business-friendly</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_Council_of_Britain_to_become_more_small_business-friendly/18493610/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Business Council for Britain is to place more emphasis on helping small businesses in the UK, the Financial Times reports.The council was established by Gordon Brown in order to advise the government on issues affecting business, but was criticised for its lack of small business representation. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Business+deal_1316_18493610_0_0_7007633_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_Council_of_Britain_to_become_more_small_business-friendly/18493610/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Microsoft makes business software available online</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_makes_business_software_available_online/18493600/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Microsoft has moved to make a range of business software available as a service on the internet, spelling good news for freelancers and small businesses.The company is best known for supplying software such as its Office suite packaged for use on individual computers, but there has been a growing trend for people using online programs from the likes of Google and Oracle. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_makes_business_software_available_online/18493600/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Sexism and other factors lead women to go it alone in business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sexism_and_other_factors_lead_women_to_go_it_alone_in_business/18491399/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A study conducted by a Newcastle Business School graduate tutor found that sexism in the corporate world is one of several factors that lead women to start up their own businesses.Nicola Patterson took a sample of entrepreneurs in the north-east aged between 45 and 55, and found that organisational sexism, personal and domestic circumstances, and the need to gain independence, were all instrumental factors in women deciding to go it alone. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Professional+woman_1316_18491399_0_0_7914_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sexism_and_other_factors_lead_women_to_go_it_alone_in_business/18491399/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>FSB: Small business owners 'are not immigration officers'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Small_business_owners_are_not_immigration_officers/18491393/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners should not have to face &amp;quot;draconian&amp;quot; fines if they fail to adhere to massively complicated new foreign worker employment regulations.That is the view of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), which pointed out that &amp;quot;small business owners are not immigration officers&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Passenger_1316_18491393_0_0_11946_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Small_business_owners_are_not_immigration_officers/18491393/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Domain names are important for freelance workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Domain_names_are_important_for_freelance_workers/18489307/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 02 Mar 2008 11:28:54 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ One of the benefits of purchasing a domain name is that it's yours to retain for the rest of your life if you so wish.Matt Mansell of domain registration provider Domainmonster.com said that one of the &amp;quot;primary reasons&amp;quot; why people buy domain names is because they are not tied to service providers - &amp;quot;when you buy a domain name, it's yours to retain for the rest of your life if you want to.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/woman+working_1316_18489307_0_0_7007456_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Domain_names_are_important_for_freelance_workers/18489307/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Most SMEs 'worried about Budget changes'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Most_SMEs_worried_about_Budget_changes/18487280/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The majority of smaller businesses in the UK are worried about changes that may affect them in the chancellor's upcoming Budget, a new survey suggests.More than two-thirds (70 per cent) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) polled by Alliance and Leicester are concerned about possible changes, in areas such as corporation tax, capital gains tax and fuel duty, which were touched on by chancellor Alistair Darling in his pre-Budget statement last year. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Alistair+Darling_1316_18487280_0_0_4000602_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Most_SMEs_worried_about_Budget_changes/18487280/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance work uncertainty 'makes it exciting'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_work_uncertainty_makes_it_exciting/18489514/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The uncertainty of freelance work is what makes it exciting, according to Mexico City-based journalist Deborah Bonello.Ms Bonello began work as a media business journalist in London but was frustrated by the desk-bound nature of a lot of the work, Journalism.co.uk reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_work_uncertainty_makes_it_exciting/18489514/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Top tips for growing your freelance business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Top_tips_for_growing_your_freelance_business/18489505/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Having a business plan, identifying your niche market, and marketing yourself effectively - these are all crucial if you are to expand your freelance business.That is the view of Lorraine Hamilton, business mentor of Get Clients NOW!, who has compiled a list of tips for freelance workers for Freelance UK. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Top_tips_for_growing_your_freelance_business/18489505/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms 'lack time and resources' to employ qualified migrant workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_lack_time_and_resources_to_employ_qualified_migrant_workers/18487256/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small companies may lack the time and resources to employ qualified migrant workers, despite the fact that they often struggle to find skilled staff.That is the view of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), whose spokesperson Belinda Webb pointed out that small firms are usually run by one person. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_lack_time_and_resources_to_employ_qualified_migrant_workers/18487256/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Demand for freelance copywriters outstripping supply</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Demand_for_freelance_copywriters_outstripping_supply/18485091/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance copywriters took home larger pay packets in 2007, research suggests.Many creative recruiters speaking to Freelance UK said that pay rates had increased because there is more demand for good copywriting skills than there is supply. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Writing_1316_18485091_0_0_7008760_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Demand_for_freelance_copywriters_outstripping_supply/18485091/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance photographer snaps 'UFO'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_snaps_UFO/18485084/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance photographer has captured an image that is simply out of this world - a UFO.Hab Rahman was driving through fog in Portsmouth when he stopped to take a few atmospheric snaps, the Chichester Observer reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Nikon+D40X_1316_18485084_0_0_7008383_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_snaps_UFO/18485084/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>BSG: Britain needs to keep up with broadband provision</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BSG:_Britain_needs_to_keep_up_with_broadband_provision/18485076/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As an increasing amount of business is conducted online, it is important that the UK does not fall behind with high-speed broadband coverage.That's according to Kip Meek of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), who said: &amp;quot;I do think that in due course, it would be bad for Britain if we were behind our competitors on provision of high-speed broadband.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Man+working+with+computer_1316_18485076_0_0_15821_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BSG:_Britain_needs_to_keep_up_with_broadband_provision/18485076/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Cyclehoop could scoop entrepreneur award</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cyclehoop_could_scoop_entrepreneur_award/18483265/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A 26-year-old trainee architect is hoping to win an entrepreneur award with a bicycle security device.Anthony Lau of Beckenham has been named one of the ten top student entrepreneurs in the running for the HSBC Unipreneurs Awards top prize, Kent Online reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cyclehoop_could_scoop_entrepreneur_award/18483265/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Search is on for UK's most entrepreneurial region</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Search_is_on_for_UKs_most_entrepreneurial_region/18483261/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The search has begun for the UK's most entrepreneurial region.Officially launched by Minister for Business and Competitiveness, Shriti Vadera, the Enterprising Britain 2008 competition aims to spotlight areas of business excellence around the UK. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18483261_0_0_7007650_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Search_is_on_for_UKs_most_entrepreneurial_region/18483261/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home-based businesses 'generate around £360 billion'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home-based_businesses_generate_around_£360_billion/18483251/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Budding freelance workers and home workers should be encouraged by how many people are choosing this route of employment.Research done by business information provider BT Business indicates that some 1,400 new businesses start each week that are working from home, said the company's Mick Hegarty. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home-based_businesses_generate_around_£360_billion/18483251/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>BT scraps call charges to technical support</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BT_scraps_call_charges_to_technical_support/18481285/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ BT has moved to scrap landline call charges to customer and technical support help lines, which will benefit those freelance workers and small businesses with a BT contract.From the beginning of April, calls to its 0870 and 0845 numbers will be free, beginning instead with either an 0800 or 0808 prefix. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/BT+Centre+_1316_18481285_0_0_7007472_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/BT_scraps_call_charges_to_technical_support/18481285/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Google study warns freelancers to be vigilant regarding online security</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Google_study_warns_freelancers_to_be_vigilant_regarding_online_security/18481276/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A new study by search engine Google warns that internet users, including freelancers, need to be vigilant when it comes to IT security, Freelance UK reports.The research found that one in every 1,000 web pages is malicious, and that the rate of infection is increasing. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Google_study_warns_freelancers_to_be_vigilant_regarding_online_security/18481276/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Family firms are 'more resilient'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Family_firms_are_more_resilient/18481263/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small family-run businesses are more resistant to difficult economic times than most companies, according to law firm Veale Wasbrough.Figures from the Institute for Family Business show that family firms make up 65 per cent of all the private sector companies in the UK, with most of these being small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Family_firms_are_more_resilient/18481263/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FSB: Now is a good time to reassess finances</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Now_is_a_good_time_to_reassess_finances/18478935/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ This time of year is a good time to reassess the finances of your business, experts believe.Simon Briault of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that small business owners could take advantage of the slower period following the Christmas rush to &amp;quot;reassess where [they] are&amp;quot; financially. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Federation+of+Small+Businesses_1316_18478935_0_0_11458_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Now_is_a_good_time_to_reassess_finances/18478935/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home workers 'can take more control over their lives'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_workers_can_take_more_control_over_their_lives/18477451/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ One of the main benefits of home working is that it allows people to take more control over their lives, according to BT Business.Many companies allow people to work from home, where they can benefit in numerous ways, and BT is looking to launch 2008 as the 'Year of the Home Worker'. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18477451_0_0_7007636_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_workers_can_take_more_control_over_their_lives/18477451/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Broadband 'helps people get back into work'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Broadband_helps_people_get_back_into_work/18478947/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Technological innovations such as broadband internet are helping the types of people who traditionally find it difficult to get back into work, according to smart working firm Work Wise UK.Various groups, including carers and disabled people, frequently encounter obstacles when trying to return to the world of work, but the flexibility offered by home working can be a useful aid. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+on+desk_1316_18478947_0_0_15820_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Broadband_helps_people_get_back_into_work/18478947/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancers support new recruiter code of conduct</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_support_new_recruiter_code_of_conduct/18477568/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers have thrown their weight behind a new code of conduct that will protect them against rogue recruitment firms, Freelance UK reports.Based on the principles contained in recruitment watchdog REC's code of professional conduct, the voluntary standards for recruiting creative industry job candidates is being trialled by many organisations across the UK. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Interview_1316_18477568_0_0_10796_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_support_new_recruiter_code_of_conduct/18477568/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms 'should monitor IT security threats'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_should_monitor_IT_security_threats/18477469/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses and freelancers should make sure they have installed anti-virus and anti-spyware software so as to avoid internet threats, according to IT security firm McAfee.A growing number of people use the web in Britain - indeed, research from eMarketer reveals that some 36.8 million Britons logged on regularly last year - so people need to be aware of the risks. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Key+in+door_1316_18477469_0_0_7355_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_should_monitor_IT_security_threats/18477469/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Internet connectivity grows in the UK</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_connectivity_grows_in_the_UK/18475805/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Internet connectivity in the UK is steadily growing, with market research firm eMarketer finding that 36.8 million Britons used the web last year.The growing popularity of the internet is accompanied by a larger number of freelance workers finding employment on internet marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_connectivity_grows_in_the_UK/18475805/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small firms love VoIP 'to death' when they hear about it</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_love_VoIP_to_death_when_they_hear_about_it/18475798/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many small businesses have no understanding of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephony, although those that do &amp;quot;love it to death&amp;quot;.That is according to Colin Duffy of the Internet Telephony Services Providers' Association (ITSPA), who said that the &amp;quot;vast majority&amp;quot; of small firms were unaware of the benefits of VoIP. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/VoIP_1316_18475798_0_0_6701_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_love_VoIP_to_death_when_they_hear_about_it/18475798/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Trend for homeworking extends further</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Trend_for_homeworking_extends_further/18473601/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The growing trend for remote working has been illustrated by call centre company Sensee, which has hired ex-pats living in Spain to work as remote telemarketing staff.These homeworkers will never meet their employees because all recruitment and training will take place online, Personnel Today reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18473601_0_0_7009176_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Trend_for_homeworking_extends_further/18473601/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'should monitor cash flow' in uncertain economic times</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_monitor_cash_flow_in_uncertain_economic_times/18473517/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should make sure they monitor their cash flow in today's more uncertain economic climate.That's according to George Derbyshire, chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies, who said that cash flows were likely to become &amp;quot;under pressure&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/more+money_1316_18473517_0_0_7009147_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_monitor_cash_flow_in_uncertain_economic_times/18473517/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancers and SMEs should ensure internet security</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_and_SMEs_should_ensure_internet_security/18473448/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Being aware of online threats and taking action against them are the two crucial aspects of internet security, according to an expert.David Emm of IT security firm Kaspersky said that internet users - such as freelancers or other employees using the web - need to make sure their computer systems are secure. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/lock_1316_18473448_0_0_7007449_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_and_SMEs_should_ensure_internet_security/18473448/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Unhappy IT workers 'should consider going freelance'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Unhappy_IT_workers_should_consider_going_freelance/18471614/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Dissatisfied IT workers should think about going freelance, according to Computing.co.uk.The website notes that, according to the Association of Technology Staffing Companies and SkillsMarket, hourly rates for IT contractors in the financial services industry have increased by 11 per cent over the past six months. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop_1316_18471614_0_0_7003925_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Unhappy_IT_workers_should_consider_going_freelance/18471614/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Chancellor expected to soften 'income shifting' changes for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Chancellor_expected_to_soften_income_shifting_changes_for_SMEs/18471600/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Alistair Darling is expected to soften the proposed 'income shifting' tax rules that were worrying many small business owners and freelancers.A report in the Mail on Sunday indicates that the chancellor will ease the rules that would have forced spouses and civil partners to prove they had contributed to their business. This would have meant logging hours of work and pay, leading to hours of paperwork. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/alistair+darling_1316_18471600_0_0_7006988_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Chancellor_expected_to_soften_income_shifting_changes_for_SMEs/18471600/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>IHT provisions 'unlikely to change' for small business owners</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IHT_provisions_unlikely_to_change_for_small_business_owners/18471587/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Inheritance tax (IHT) provisions are unlikely to be changed in next month's Budget, according to the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIoT).Many small business owners don't sell their companies, because they pass them down through the generations. This means that they will not be affected by the changes to capital gains tax that are due to come into effect soon. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/will_1316_18471587_0_0_13810_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/IHT_provisions_unlikely_to_change_for_small_business_owners/18471587/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Savvy entrepreneurs 'likely to succeed in spite of lack of support'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Savvy_entrepreneurs_likely_to_succeed_in_spite_of_lack_of_support/18469443/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 17 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Individuals who are suited to the business world are likely to succeed no matter what levels of support are available.John de Groot of small business advisory firm StartupCo said that huge differences exist around the country in terms of the governmental support small businesses can expect to receive. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Newspaper_1316_18469443_0_0_7008963_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Savvy_entrepreneurs_likely_to_succeed_in_spite_of_lack_of_support/18469443/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Outsourcing offers cost savings and access to talent</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_offers_cost_savings_and_access_to_talent/18469436/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 16 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Cost savings and access to talent are just two reasons why small businesses may consider outsourcing work to other firms or freelance workers.Jag Dalal, managing director of the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (IAOP), said that the main reasons for outsourcing include converting fixed costs to a variable model, access to talent, avoiding investment time, and ensuring delivery times by using experts. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Piggy+Bank_1316_18469436_0_0_7005928_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_offers_cost_savings_and_access_to_talent/18469436/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelance photojournalist highlights social issues</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photojournalist_highlights_social_issues/18467723/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The work of freelance photojournalist Hazel Thompson has helped to highlight the plight of the downtrodden around the world.Based in London and currently working with the New York Times, her work focuses on humanitarian and social issues, the Gulf Daily News reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Nikon+D40X_1316_18467723_0_0_7008383_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photojournalist_highlights_social_issues/18467723/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Changes proposed to US paparazzi law</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Changes_proposed_to_US_paparazzi_law/18467717/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance photographers may be interested to know of developments in the laws that apply to how they work.In Los Angeles, paparazzi photographers (many of them freelance workers) thrive, but proposals have been put forward to restrict how close they can get to celebrities. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Paparazzi_1316_18467717_0_0_7010279_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Changes_proposed_to_US_paparazzi_law/18467717/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'need to keep up with electrical waste rules'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_to_keep_up_with_electrical_waste_rules/18467692/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses in the UK need to keep abreast of the latest electrical waste legislation.Research by environmental guidance provider NetRegs found that only 12 per cent of the nation's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could name the regulations spelled out in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) legislation. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/computer+square_1316_18467692_0_0_7006272_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_to_keep_up_with_electrical_waste_rules/18467692/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance trade group opposes family business tax changes</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_trade_group_opposes_family_business_tax_changes/18465943/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which is the trade group for freelance workers, is organising a petition in protest against proposed 'income shifting' tax changes.The government is planning to introduce a new family business tax in next month's Budget, which will affect all those who are in business with a family member. It will generate &amp;#163;200 million a year for the Treasury. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Holding+hands_1316_18465943_0_0_5591_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_trade_group_opposes_family_business_tax_changes/18465943/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancers 'need to be careful when using internet cafes'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_need_to_be_careful_when_using_internet_cafes/18465939/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers and homeworkers using computers in internet cafes should be careful about what personal information they give out.That's according to Tony Neate of Get Safe Online, who stressed that users should always make sure they log out of what they are doing and make sure that the computer is not tracking their history. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Hand+on+mouse_1316_18465939_0_0_15684_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_need_to_be_careful_when_using_internet_cafes/18465939/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Britons dream of becoming own boss</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Britons_dream_of_becoming_own_boss/18465920/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Millions of Britons dream of leaving their place of work and starting up their own business, according to new research by Business Link.The organisation found that more than a third (35 per cent) of workers have recently considered going it alone, for example as a freelance worker, and one in five of these plan to become self-employed within the next 12 months. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Worker_1316_18465920_0_0_7007631_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Britons_dream_of_becoming_own_boss/18465920/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'must ensure they are following health and safety guidance'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_must_ensure_they_are_following_health_and_safety_guidance/18465789/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners need to make sure they are adhering to health and safety law and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).That's according to Richard Jones of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), who urged business owners to make sure their organisations &amp;quot;have good health and safety systems and practices and positive cultures and attitudes&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Health+and+safety_1316_18465789_0_0_675_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_must_ensure_they_are_following_health_and_safety_guidance/18465789/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small businesses will suffer from fuel duty hike</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_will_suffer_from_fuel_duty_hike/18463844/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has joined motoring groups in calling for the chancellor to scrap its plan to raise fuel duty.Alistair Darling plans to increase fuel duty by 2p per litre from April 1st, a move that would greatly affect small businesses reliant on driving. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Petrol+Pump_1316_18463844_0_0_95_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_will_suffer_from_fuel_duty_hike/18463844/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancers 'can set their own working hours'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_can_set_their_own_working_hours/18463839/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The best thing about being a freelancer is the ability to set your own working hours.That's according to Natasha Reed of Ipswich, a freelance journalist and editor who has been named Freelancer of the Fortnight by Journalism.co.uk. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/money+clock_1316_18463839_0_0_7000282_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_can_set_their_own_working_hours/18463839/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Government 'needs to publicise legal changes affecting SMEs'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_needs_to_publicise_legal_changes_affecting_SMEs/18461780/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The government needs to do more to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) find out about changes to the law affecting them, an expert has argued.Simon Briault of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that employers often find it hard to find information pertaining to relevant changes. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/US+Passport_1316_18461780_0_0_4199_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_needs_to_publicise_legal_changes_affecting_SMEs/18461780/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Government may need to act to help small firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_may_need_to_act_to_help_small_firms/18461770/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The government may need to take action to help small businesses in an increasingly unstable economic climate.According to the latest quarterly economic forecast from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), &amp;quot;worsening global prospects, resulting from the credit and banking crisis, will have a major negative influence on the UK economy&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Gordon+Brown_1316_18461770_0_0_7008256_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_may_need_to_act_to_help_small_firms/18461770/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>PCG attacks TUC over tax report</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/PCG_attacks_TUC_over_tax_report/18460713/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has been attacked over its report of tax avoidance.The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has written to the TUC, slamming it for its misunderstanding of how the tax system works. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18460713_0_0_7007651_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/PCG_attacks_TUC_over_tax_report/18460713/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancer of the year is named</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_of_the_year_is_named/18460693/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2008 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Xchangeteam has named its new freelancer of the year, with the honour going to Rona Levin.Ms Levin is a freelance marketing and communications consultant and she beat off competition from 153 others to take the crown. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Trophy_1316_18460693_0_0_10621_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_of_the_year_is_named/18460693/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Women taking short-term sick leave may consider part time work</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_taking_short-term_sick_leave_may_consider_part_time_work/18460581/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2008 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Women take nearly 50 per cent more time off than men when it comes to short periods of sick leave, it has been revealed.A survey conducted in Finland which appears in the February 5th edition of the Occupational and Environmental Medicine publication found that for short periods of self-certified sick leave, women were 46 per cent more likely than men to call in sick. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18460581_0_0_7007635_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_taking_short-term_sick_leave_may_consider_part_time_work/18460581/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Law firm encouraging flexible working </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Law_firm_encouraging_flexible_working_/18458559/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A UK law firm has implemented a new initiative that enables staff and lawyers to take advantage of flexible working practices.One in five workers at Simmons &amp;amp; Simmons have reportedly signed up to the new scheme since the start of the year. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Business+deal_1316_18458559_0_0_7007632_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Law_firm_encouraging_flexible_working_/18458559/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Contract change for Guardian photographers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Contract_change_for_Guardian_photographers/18458555/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Guardian newspaper has announced that it is altering its contract for freelance photographers in light of calls for it to be redrafted.Following pressure from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ), the newspaper has listened to concerns and is redrafting the document to allow freelance photographers the choice as to how they choose to syndicate images. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Guardian_1316_18458555_0_0_1245_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Contract_change_for_Guardian_photographers/18458555/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelance IT pay 'remains unscathed'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_IT_pay_remains_unscathed/18458551/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The hourly rate of pay for freelance IT workers is remaining relatively constant, despite slowing demand in some sectors, new figures show.A report by Contractor UK suggests that average pay rates have risen steadily since the second half of 2007, with a dip in demand for jobs requiring 'soft' rather than purely technical skills, such as project managers and analysts. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/woman+working_1316_18458551_0_0_7007456_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_IT_pay_remains_unscathed/18458551/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'must improve flexibility'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_must_improve_flexibility/18456572/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses display some of the best and some of the worst practices among employers in respect of supporting workers with caring responsibilities, it has been claimed. Too many are unaware of or unresponsive to the statutory rights carers have in respect of requesting flexible working arrangements, warned Kate Groucutt, senior policy officer for Carers UK.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/woman+working_1316_18456572_0_0_7007456_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_must_improve_flexibility/18456572/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>'Numerous benefits' to home working</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Numerous_benefits_to_home_working/18456560/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies that invest in flexible working arrangements for their staff are more often than not &amp;quot;reaping the benefits&amp;quot;, one commentator has claimed. Writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, Paul Drummond, a director at Kingston Communications, argued that employers who have not considered the possibilities for staff to work from home may be &amp;quot;missing a trick&amp;quot;.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18456560_0_0_7009176_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Numerous_benefits_to_home_working/18456560/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Creative freelancers 'unfazed' by economic downturn</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Creative_freelancers_unfazed_by_economic_downturn/18456554/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance workers are being hit less by the current economic climate than many had feared, new evidence suggests. In fact, demand for creative industry freelancers has risen in recent months.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Creative_freelancers_unfazed_by_economic_downturn/18456554/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Many small business owners blinkered when it comes to debt</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_small_business_owners_blinkered_when_it_comes_to_debt/18454275/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Smaller firms in the UK are &amp;quot;burying their heads in the sand&amp;quot; when it comes to debt, according to think tank the Tenon Forum.Research from the organisation reveals that almost a fifth of owner-managers in Britain have no idea how much money their company owes. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_small_business_owners_blinkered_when_it_comes_to_debt/18454275/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Argentina article jump starts freelancer's career</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Argentina_article_jump_starts_freelancers_career/18454274/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Journalism.co.uk's freelancer of the fortnight is Howell Llewellyn, who began his writing career at the Southend Evening Echo and now works in Madrid.At the age of 23 he decided to take time out from his journalism job and explore South America, where he wrote an article about what was happening in Argentina. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Guardian_1316_18454274_0_0_1245_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Argentina_article_jump_starts_freelancers_career/18454274/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Green changes are 'just common sense' for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Green_changes_are_just_common_sense_for_SMEs/18454266/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK have a big part to play in making offices greener, according to environmentalist Penny Poyzer.Ms Poyzer, who is an author and broadcaster on green issues, pointed out that 99 per cent of all businesses in the UK are SMEs, and that they can do a great deal through steps such as switching off lights and saving paper. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Energy_1316_18454266_0_0_15411_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Green_changes_are_just_common_sense_for_SMEs/18454266/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small business prizes reward 'well run' firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_prizes_reward_well_run_firms/18452218/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Entrepreneurs and small business owners have the chance to be recognised and rewarded for their hard work in the British Small Business Champion (BSBC) Awards 2008.Founded by the Federation of Small Businesses in 2002, the BSBC is the only national awards scheme that rewards only small firms. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18452218_0_0_7007650_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_prizes_reward_well_run_firms/18452218/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small firms struggle with rising utility bills</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_struggle_with_rising_utility_bills/18452206/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As consumers and businesses struggle with increasing utility prices, ScottishPower has increased its own energy bills by 15 per cent for five million customers.This follows similar moves by British Gas, EDF Energy and others, and will mean price rises of 15 per cent for gas and 14 per cent for electricity for 5.2 million people. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Electricity+Pylon_1316_18452206_0_0_792_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_struggle_with_rising_utility_bills/18452206/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneur CGT break will 'not be monitored'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneur_CGT_break_will_not_be_monitored/18452200/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Tax officials will not keep a record of the newly-announced entrepreneur relief on capital gains tax (CGT), Freelance UK reports.The chancellor, Alistair Darling, recently changed the CGT rules applying to UK businesses, meaning that small business owners wishing to sell their companies would only be charged ten per cent tax if their capital gains were less than &amp;#163;1 million. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/money+money+money_1316_18452200_0_0_7009146_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneur_CGT_break_will_not_be_monitored/18452200/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancer is keen military historian</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_is_keen_military_historian/18450391/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 03 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Journalism.co.uk's freelancer of the fortnight is Geoff Simpson, a military history specialist who has had pieces published in the Daily Telegraph and the Times.At the start of his freelance career he wrote for trade magazines including Self Service and Supermarket, Grocers' Gazette, and Nurseryman, before going on to work as public affairs head at what became the Co-operative Group. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Telegraph_1316_18450391_0_0_1352_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_is_keen_military_historian/18450391/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms more clued up about phishing emails</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_more_clued_up_about_phishing_emails/18450382/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 02 Feb 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses are becoming increasingly aware of how to handle phishing emails from fraudsters, it has been claimed.A spokeswoman from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that cyber crime is a serious issue in today's connected world - and in particular phishing emails, such as when fake emails are received claiming to be from a bank. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/lock_1316_18450382_0_0_7007449_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_more_clued_up_about_phishing_emails/18450382/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small businesses have 'distinct marketing advantage'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_have_distinct_marketing_advantage/18450366/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses have a distinct advantage when it comes to direct marketing, because they know who their audience is.David Thorp of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, said: &amp;quot;Knowing who your audience is, as a small company, that is a really big benefit. You really do have to know who they are.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/orange+lady+with+skype+headset_1316_18450366_0_0_7009140_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_have_distinct_marketing_advantage/18450366/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>FSB: Small businesses should report low-level crime</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Small_businesses_should_report_low-level_crime/18449037/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is looking to bridge a gap that the government is not filling by encouraging small businesses to report all crimes to the police.Its Every Crime, Every Time campaign aims to address a worrying trend for small business owners not to come forward and report 'low-level' crime, because of a lack of response from police. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Small_businesses_should_report_low-level_crime/18449037/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Journalist Miles Kington dies</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Journalist_Miles_Kington_dies/18448423/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Journalist Miles Kington has died at the age of 66.Kington, who &amp;quot;plunged into freelance writing&amp;quot; after he graduated from Trinity College Oxford, went on to join the Independent when it launched in 1986. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Independent_1316_18448423_0_0_1236_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Journalist_Miles_Kington_dies/18448423/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>CGT changes 'may not be legal'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CGT_changes_may_not_be_legal/18448414/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The chancellor's recently-announced changes to capital gains tax (CGT) may not be legal under European law, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS).Alistair Darling announced that businesspeople wishing to sell their companies from April will have to pay 18 per cent CGT rather than taper relief. Although there is a concession for entrepreneurs, many people will face a far higher tax bill as a result. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/alistair+darling_1316_18448414_0_0_7006206_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CGT_changes_may_not_be_legal/18448414/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Weakening dollar beneficial for some UK small firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Weakening_dollar_beneficial_for_some_UK_small_firms/18448411/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The US dollar is likely to continue weakening this year, which will be beneficial for those small businesses importing goods from America.That is the opinion of Adrian Jacob, trading director of money exchange firm Currency UK, who said: &amp;quot;A weak dollar can be very, very beneficial for [UK] importers&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/American+Dollars_1316_18448411_0_0_7005924_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Weakening_dollar_beneficial_for_some_UK_small_firms/18448411/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms should aim to foster employee loyalty</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_should_aim_to_foster_employee_loyalty/18447026/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses should aim to foster a positive work environment to tap into a trend for more employee loyalty.More and more UK employees intend to stay on at their jobs for a long period of time in today's uncertain economic climate, according to the Great Place to Work Institute. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_should_aim_to_foster_employee_loyalty/18447026/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Tax changes 'may have eroded confidence in the government'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_changes_may_have_eroded_confidence_in_the_government/18447023/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA) has welcomed the government's revision to its capital gains tax (CGT) changes, although it says business trust in the government may have declined somewhat.Chancellor Alistair Darling announced that business owners selling small firms that are worth under &amp;#163;1 million would only have to pay ten per cent CGT, but the rate would rise to 18 per cent for businesses worth more than this. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Houses+of+Parliament_1316_18447023_0_0_4001618_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tax_changes_may_have_eroded_confidence_in_the_government/18447023/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance designers benefit from creative freedom</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_designers_benefit_from_creative_freedom/18444939/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Going freelance can be immensely beneficial in terms of creativity for designers.Guy Watson is a Flash web developer who took the plunge after he became fed up with the red tape involved with working for a company. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Stationery_1316_18444939_0_0_14332_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_designers_benefit_from_creative_freedom/18444939/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Businesses 'use more freelancers in 2007'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_use_more_freelancers_in_2007/18444931/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses are increasingly using the services of freelance workers, a new study shows.Pollster Chinwag found that, in 2007, more than three-quarters (75.8 per cent) of the organisations questioned had used freelance or contracted workers, and a massive majority (65.3 per cent) said their use of freelance workers had increased last year. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+user_1316_18444931_0_0_4000799_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_use_more_freelancers_in_2007/18444931/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>UK businesses 'positive towards the environment'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_businesses_positive_towards_the_environment/18444926/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses in the UK have a positive attitude towards the environment, according to United Parcel Service (UPS).A UPS study found that many UK business leaders consider the UK to be the least environmentally friendly country in Europe, but this perception is not necessarily true. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Earth_1316_18444926_0_0_7005951_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_businesses_positive_towards_the_environment/18444926/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Microsoft study indicates importance of web presence</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_study_indicates_importance_of_web_presence/18443040/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A new study by Microsoft UK has underlined the importance of companies having a business email address.The survey found that 92 per cent of people check a firm's website before they make a purchase, and that 45 per cent said they would avoid using a business if it didn't use business email. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_study_indicates_importance_of_web_presence/18443040/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs 'should not be put off by credit crunch'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_should_not_be_put_off_by_credit_crunch/18443030/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 28 Jan 2008 13:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ People looking to start their own business this year should not be put off by the credit crunch, according to graduate support group NCGE Flying Start.The organisation's Dr Lorna Collins said: &amp;quot;A good business is a good business - the credit squeeze isn't likely to have a big impact on the women on our programme who are just starting up and who are looking for small amounts of funding.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Economy_1316_18443030_0_0_14654_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_should_not_be_put_off_by_credit_crunch/18443030/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs can often offer more flexible working</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_can_often_offer_more_flexible_working/18439387/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses are often better able to offer flexible working arrangements for employees, which is a terrific boon.Victoria Winkler of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said that getting a work/life balance is increasingly important for today's graduates, and that it is increasingly being looked at by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18439387_0_0_7007638_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_can_often_offer_more_flexible_working/18439387/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Dyson: Britain needs to stem tide of 'softer' study</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dyson:_Britain_needs_to_stem_tide_of_softer_study/18437724/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Britons must fight to keep entrepreneurship alive, as more and more students are opting for &amp;quot;softer&amp;quot; subjects like media studies.In a podcast for the Times newspaper, inventor James Dyson lamented the fact that many people were put off science and engineering jobs because they are often thought of as geeky and dull. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/James+Dyson_1316_18437724_0_0_8800_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dyson:_Britain_needs_to_stem_tide_of_softer_study/18437724/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance musician features on Classic FM</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_musician_features_on_Classic_FM/18441331/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A Scottish freelance musician has featured on Classic FM and played with some musical luminaries.Speaking to the Kirkintilloch Herald, Alan Craig of Lennoxtown said that, as a freelancer, he plays for musical theatre productions, rehearsals, concerts, cabarets, church services, and private functions - indicating just how much of a varied job he has. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_musician_features_on_Classic_FM/18441331/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small business group welcomes capital gains tax revision</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_group_welcomes_capital_gains_tax_revision/18441033/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the move by the government to add a concession to its capital gains tax (CGT) reforms.In his pre-Budget report last year, Chancellor Alistair Darling said that a flat rate of 18 per cent CGT would replace taper relief, and mean that many small business owners wishing to sell up would face huge tax increases from this April. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/darling+square_1316_18441033_0_0_7005246_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_business_group_welcomes_capital_gains_tax_revision/18441033/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Businesses could save up to 50% on energy bills</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_could_save_up_to_50%_on_energy_bills/18441030/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses could save up to 50 per cent on their energy bills if they switched providers, according to uSwitch.The price comparison site said that small firms are &amp;quot;struggling as much as consumers&amp;quot; with current high gas and electricity prices - &amp;quot;if not more so&amp;quot;. Often, they sign contracts, so if they are coming out of one now they will find themselves paying significantly more for energy. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/gas+hob_1316_18441030_0_0_7001195_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_could_save_up_to_50%_on_energy_bills/18441030/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Government to announce lower CGT rate for entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_to_announce_lower_CGT_rate_for_entrepreneurs/18439133/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2008 11:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The government is expected to announce a lower rate of capital gains tax (CGT) for entrepreneurs when it reveals its business tax shake-up plans today (January 24th).Chancellor Alistair Darling said back in October last year that he would introduce a new flat rate of 18 per cent CGT for people wishing to sell their businesses, and do away with the taper relief system which sees businesspeople pay less tax if they have owned a firm for a long time. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/alistair+darling_1316_18439133_0_0_7006990_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_to_announce_lower_CGT_rate_for_entrepreneurs/18439133/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance IT workers confident about 2008</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_IT_workers_confident_about_2008/18437726/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance IT professionals are not overly concerned about the credit crunch, believing that their prospects the year ahead are good.A survey by contractor services provider Giant Group show that 72 per cent of IT contracts expect their earnings to increase in 2008, with only 4.4 per cent worried about long-term unemployment. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop_1316_18437726_0_0_7003925_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_IT_workers_confident_about_2008/18437726/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Women entrepreneurs 'have more options'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_entrepreneurs_have_more_options/18437615/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Women graduates who look to start their own firms will have more options than those who take a job with a company.That is the view of Dr Lorna Collins of business organisation Flying Start, who said that female graduates are becoming more aware of the possibilities for entrepreneurship that exist. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18437615_0_0_7007637_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_entrepreneurs_have_more_options/18437615/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs should target existing customers with direct marketing</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_target_existing_customers_with_direct_marketing/18435799/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should use direct marketing to target existing customers as well as potential new ones.David Thorp of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) highlighted the fact that smaller firms have an advantage over their larger rivals because they often know their customers better. This can allow them to tailor their offerings to them. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_target_existing_customers_with_direct_marketing/18435799/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'should conduct energy audit'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_conduct_energy_audit/18435720/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses are unlikely to consume large amounts of energy on their IT needs, but they should still take an energy audit to identify the main areas of expenditure.Michael Webb of managed services firm the Green Consultancy conceded that &amp;quot;for a small organisation the amount of energy they're using in computers is probably not that great&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_conduct_energy_audit/18435720/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>'Olderpreneurs' increasingly setting up their own businesses</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Olderpreneurs_increasingly_setting_up_their_own_businesses/18433873/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An increasing number of Britons over the age of 50 are choosing to set up their own business, according to enterprise group Prime.There are various reasons why these 'olderpreneurs' wish to go it alone, but they break down into two broad types. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Olderpreneurs_increasingly_setting_up_their_own_businesses/18433873/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Life insurance vital for self-employed</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Life_insurance_vital_for_self-employed/18433863/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Self-employed people, such as freelancers, have been reminded that life insurance is vitally important.Nick Kirwan of the Association of British Insurers (ABI) pointed out that this kind of coverage is crucial because &amp;quot;if you're self-employed, absolutely everything does depend on you being healthy and being able to do your job&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Businessman_sqrd_1316_18433863_0_0_7006212_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Life_insurance_vital_for_self-employed/18433863/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Internet holds key for small business marketing</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_holds_key_for_small_business_marketing/18431989/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses wishing to take part in direct marketing would be well advised to turn to the internet, an expert has advised.The web has witnessed a flourishing of online marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com, and now online marketing is seen by many as the best way to drum up business. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Woman+concentrating+on+laptop_1316_18431989_0_0_15825_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_holds_key_for_small_business_marketing/18431989/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New technology making flexible working simple</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_technology_making_flexible_working_simple/18430500/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2008 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research has found that mobile technology advances has made flexible working a more practical possibility for many employees.A study conducted by research company IDC suggested that workers are more likely to embrace new technology such as remote access and mobile devices, reports womenintechnology.com. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_technology_making_flexible_working_simple/18430500/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance jobs created in new tech world</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_jobs_created_in_new_tech_world/18432144/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ In today's technological world, there are countless professions that have not been in existence for very long.They include freelance web designers and freelance computer games writers, and PeoplePerHour.com provides the perfect forum for such individuals to find work. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Xbox+360_1316_18432144_0_0_5871_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_jobs_created_in_new_tech_world/18432144/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Virtual offices 'can provide professional image for start-ups'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Virtual_offices_can_provide_professional_image_for_start-ups/18432028/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Start-up companies can put forward a professional image by making use of outsourcing and virtual office spaces, according to an expert.Geoff Kirby of virtual office firm Go Response said that many small new firms need a central communication points, and virtual offices, which can include a business address, mail services, web-hosting services, and more, can provide this. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Virtual_offices_can_provide_professional_image_for_start-ups/18432028/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Bosses urged to be flexible at Easter</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bosses_urged_to_be_flexible_at_Easter/18430471/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With the Easter holidays coming round earlier than usual this year, bosses are being encouraged to be flexible, especially to those employees with children.Calls for flexibility are particularly resonant in the construction industry with the normal site break not coinciding with the school holidays in 2008, reports Contract Journal.  ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bosses_urged_to_be_flexible_at_Easter/18430471/438011911</guid>
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        <title>Freelance lighting designer shortlisted for fellowship</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_lighting_designer_shortlisted_for_fellowship/18428539/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance lighting designer James Farncombe has been shortlisted for the 2008 Arts Foundation Fellowship in lighting design.The fellowship is the first to cover all areas of lighting design, and comes with a &amp;#163;10,000 prize that will give the winner some &amp;quot;creative breathing space&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/light+bulb_1316_18428539_0_0_7008567_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_lighting_designer_shortlisted_for_fellowship/18428539/438011910</guid>
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        <title>CBI angry about lack of tax clarity for entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_angry_about_lack_of_tax_clarity_for_entrepreneurs/18428422/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is worried that lack of tax clarity from the government is forcing entrepreneurs to make uninformed decisions to sell their companies.Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, CBI director general Richard Lambert said that business was in a &amp;quot;state of complete confusion&amp;quot; because the Treasury has failed to clarify capital gains tax (CGT) changes. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_angry_about_lack_of_tax_clarity_for_entrepreneurs/18428422/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneur gains funding for chocolate fountain business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneur_gains_funding_for_chocolate_fountain_business/18426688/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A young entrepreneur from Hartlepool has received funding to launch her own chocolate fountain business.Kellyann Phillips was helped by InBiz, a firm that specialises in promoting self-employment, the Northern Echo reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Piggy+Bank_1316_18426688_0_0_7005928_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneur_gains_funding_for_chocolate_fountain_business/18426688/438011909</guid>
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        <title>This year 'likely to see more freelance hiring'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/This_year_likely_to_see_more_freelance_hiring/18426679/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Research from CareerBuilder.com indicates that 2008 will see more hiring of freelance workers, more recruiting over the internet, and more flexible working.The figures show that more than a third (39 per cent) of respondents to a survey of human resources staff hope to provide more flexible working schedules this year, including job-sharing, alternate schedules and telecommuting options, Bend Weekly reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/This_year_likely_to_see_more_freelance_hiring/18426679/438011911</guid>
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        <title>SMEs becoming more socially responsible</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_becoming_more_socially_responsible/18426672/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small companies are becoming more and more environmentally aware and socially responsible.As managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) get ready to tackle the new year, a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) report finds that 92 per cent of SMEs are socially and environmentally responsible. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_becoming_more_socially_responsible/18426672/438011909</guid>
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        <title>SME employers face stiff penalties for failing to pay employee tax</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_employers_face_stiff_penalties_for_failing_to_pay_employee_tax/18424864/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Employers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can face serious penalties for taking part in illegal working practices.In a competitive economy it is tempting for employers to take short cuts and fail to comply entirely with the law. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/money+money+money_1316_18424864_0_0_7009146_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_employers_face_stiff_penalties_for_failing_to_pay_employee_tax/18424864/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Accountant organisation issues top tax return tips</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Accountant_organisation_issues_top_tax_return_tips/18424671/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ As the tax self-assessment deadline (January 31st) looms, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has issued a series of tips to help freelancers and others.The group reminds those who have to file tax returns themselves that, if they are not submitted on time, they will face a penalty of &amp;#163;100 and will accrue interest on any outstanding tax owed. Last year a staggering 1.74 million automatic late filing penalty notices were issued. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Accountant_organisation_issues_top_tax_return_tips/18424671/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Government should encourage disabled entrepreneurship</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_should_encourage_disabled_entrepreneurship/18422934/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Disabled people should be given more encouragement to start their own businesses, according to a consultancy.Minty and Friend, which specialises in helping disabled workers, believes that many disabled people who may be thinking of going freelance or founding a small firm often feel discouraged. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Work_1316_18422934_0_0_7004987_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Government_should_encourage_disabled_entrepreneurship/18422934/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FSB: Establishing a small business is 'quite easy'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Establishing_a_small_business_is_quite_easy/18420963/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Establishing a business in Britain is quite an easy thing to do, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).A recent Financial Times survey found that the majority of respondents saw the UK as a good place to set up new firms, with 40 per cent of those expressing an opinion saying the climate is as good as that in the US. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB:_Establishing_a_small_business_is_quite_easy/18420963/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancer comes to Clinton's rescue</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_comes_to_Clintons_rescue/18422903/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance photographer asked a personal question that helped Hillary Clinton defeat odds-on Democrat nominee favourite Barack Obama in the New Hampshire primary this week.Marianne Pernold Young, a 64-year-old freelancer, was at a coffee shop in New Hampshire where a group of women were asking questions of the senator, who has a very real chance of becoming the first female American president this year. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Hillary+Clinton_1316_18422903_0_0_7001809_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancer_comes_to_Clintons_rescue/18422903/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Internet training valuable for small firms</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_training_valuable_for_small_firms/18421505/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Internet training is valuable for small businesses, but many do not realise the benefits that it can bring.Laura Overton of e-skills UK said: &amp;quot;A lot of businesses do not understand the benefits that they can get from [technology-assisted learning] because they may have come from of a traditional [environment] - particularly small businesses. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Internet_training_valuable_for_small_firms/18421505/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Flexible working craved by many finance workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_craved_by_many_finance_workers/18421249/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Flexible working is important to many finance workers, a new study suggests.The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) conducted a survey indicating that a quarter of finance workers rate flexible working as the most important part of their remuneration package. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+user_1316_18421249_0_0_4000799_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_craved_by_many_finance_workers/18421249/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs need to keep cash flow healthy</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_to_keep_cash_flow_healthy/18419145/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Keeping a healthy cash flow is one of the main issues small businesses need to contend with.There were nearly 4.5 million small businesses in the UK at the beginning of 2006, according to government figures, and they all need to maintain a cash flow to stay afloat. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_to_keep_cash_flow_healthy/18419145/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs can fight against climate change</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_can_fight_against_climate_change/18419133/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ All small businesses can help in the fight against climate change by improving their energy efficiency.According to the chief executive of carbon management firm Carbon Clear, Mark Chadwick, using less energy can save money and help to attract new business. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Global+warming_1316_18419133_0_0_11494_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_can_fight_against_climate_change/18419133/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Businesswomen in need of financial workout</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesswomen_in_need_of_financial_workout/18417431/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesswomen would do well to work on their financial skills, if they wish to work as freelancers.Flexible working time and the ability to choose customers are among the many benefits of working freelance, and as Britain becomes an increasingly online society, many women are choosing to become freelancers and work from home. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/credit+card_1316_18417431_0_0_12778_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesswomen_in_need_of_financial_workout/18417431/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Businesspeople need interpersonal skills</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesspeople_need_interpersonal_skills/18417411/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Interpersonal skills are crucial for those looking to establish their own business or go freelance.John De Groot, director of small business support firm StartUp Co, said that establishing communication skills is important if people want to be successful. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/hands_1316_18417411_0_0_7005747_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesspeople_need_interpersonal_skills/18417411/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Fox buys option on freelancer's debut novel</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Fox_buys_option_on_freelancers_debut_novel/18416993/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance journalist's novel has been snapped up by a US TV channel.Phillipa Ashley's debut 'Decent Exposure' was written in 2006 and is the story of a woman helping to put together a 'tasteful' nude calendar. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/diary_1316_18416993_0_0_7008934_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Fox_buys_option_on_freelancers_debut_novel/18416993/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Bacs offers late payment tips for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bacs_offers_late_payment_tips_for_SMEs/18415410/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Bacs Payment Schemes (Bacs) has offered a series of tips to help small businesses and freelance workers fight back against late payments.The organisation has found that outstanding payments owed to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) jumped by &amp;#163;2.6 billion to &amp;#163;18.6 billion last year, compared to the year before. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Finance_1316_18415410_0_0_4000654_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Bacs_offers_late_payment_tips_for_SMEs/18415410/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Tighter bank credit unlikely to impact young entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tighter_bank_credit_unlikely_to_impact_young_entrepreneurs/18415401/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2008 13:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The credit crunch will not have a severe effect on the number of business start-ups involving young entrepreneurs, according to a small business expert.Andy Berrow, senior business advisor for Business Link, said that most young would-be businesspeople use their own savings or borrow from family and friends to start up their organisations, rather than borrow from the bank. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tighter_bank_credit_unlikely_to_impact_young_entrepreneurs/18415401/438011911</guid>
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        <title>Freelance worker designs road safety t-shirts</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_worker_designs_road_safety_t-shirts/18414905/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 06 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance worker has come up with an innovative idea to improve road safety.Sally Thompson, a freelance marketing manager, has designed high-visibility tabards and t-shirts in order to remind speeding motorists to slow down, the Evening Star 24 reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_worker_designs_road_safety_t-shirts/18414905/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Patent laws to give SMEs more clarity</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Patent_laws_to_give_SMEs_more_clarity/18414004/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New Europe-wide patent laws will give small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) greater clarity.The new legislation came into effect last month and means that firms in patent disputes will find them much easier, with more opportunities for alternative resolutions. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Patent_laws_to_give_SMEs_more_clarity/18414004/438011909</guid>
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        <title>List illustrates importance of flexible working for women</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/List_illustrates_importance_of_flexible_working_for_women/18413885/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 15:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ US firm Flexperience has announced its awardees for the Top 25 Women Redefining Success honours, which highlights the growing wishes for flexible working by women.As more young mums want to combine work with motherhood, flexible working and freelancing is becoming an increasingly popular option. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/List_illustrates_importance_of_flexible_working_for_women/18413885/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Red tape dogged business in 07</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Red_tape_dogged_business_in_07/18412025/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners in Wales say that 'red tape' puts the biggest strain on their enterprises.According to a study by Bibby Financial Services, government red tape was the biggest obstacle faced in 2007, reports icWales.co.uk.  ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18412025_0_0_7007650_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Red_tape_dogged_business_in_07/18412025/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>2008 will see competition for skilled workers </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/2008_will_see_competition_for_skilled_workers_/18411984/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses will be competing with each other this year to attract employees with skills to their firms, as &amp;quot;the war for talent is unmistakably ramping up&amp;quot;.People with &amp;quot;useful&amp;quot; commercial skills need not worry about potential job cuts as a result of the year's uncertain economic outlook, according to ClickAJob. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Conference_1316_18411984_0_0_7007652_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/2008_will_see_competition_for_skilled_workers_/18411984/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Gender pay divide found for freelance trainers  </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Gender_pay_divide_found_for_freelance_trainers__/18410227/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance trainers are experiencing a gender divide in terms of pay, according to a new report.A study conducted by Association for Learning Practitioners has found that there is a pay gap between the rates charged for a day's work between male and female independent training contractors and consultants. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Gender_pay_divide_found_for_freelance_trainers__/18410227/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Interest in IT skills rising </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Interest_in_IT_skills_rising_/18410221/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A &amp;quot;broader mix&amp;quot; of people have become interested in IT services and taken the European Computer Driver License (ECDL) user-level qualification, according to an IT body.The British Computer Society (BCS) has said that a &amp;quot;cross-section&amp;quot; of society, including more young people and women, are getting themselves IT trained, as an increasing number of sectors become more IT &amp;quot;sensitive&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/computer+square_1316_18410221_0_0_7006272_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Interest_in_IT_skills_rising_/18410221/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Further help needed for small businesses IT services </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Further_help_needed_for_small_businesses_IT_services_/18408918/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:46:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The government's funding for small businesses in the technology sector &amp;quot;needs to be less risk averse&amp;quot;, and more accepting of the &amp;quot;failures that will inevitably accompany the successes&amp;quot;.According to the Institute of Physics, the government &amp;quot;should make more of a difference through its procurement process&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/computer_1316_18408918_0_0_7007131_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Further_help_needed_for_small_businesses_IT_services_/18408918/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Most business owners keen to reinvest profits</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Most_business_owners_keen_to_reinvest_profits/18407554/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ More than half of business bosses in the UK would plough their profits back into their company if they beat their targets, a new report suggests.A survey by Abbey Business Banking found that 57 per cent would reinvest in the business, with this number increasing to 86 per cent for business owners in Scotland, with many of these likely to employ freelance workers. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/money+clock+square+_1316_18407554_0_0_7005930_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Most_business_owners_keen_to_reinvest_profits/18407554/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Busy Christmas encourages firms to outsource</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Busy_Christmas_encourages_firms_to_outsource/18406616/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:35:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A large number of companies tend to outsource work around the Christmas period because it is busier.In today's business world, outsourcing has become an increasingly attractive option for many firms because of the prevalence of the internet - online marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com provide the ideal forum for finding freelancers in many different fields. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Christmas+tree_1316_18406616_0_0_7001245_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Busy_Christmas_encourages_firms_to_outsource/18406616/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Environmental group issues green credential warning</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Environmental_group_issues_green_credential_warning/18405707/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Environmental business group Envirowise has warned businesses that exaggerating green credentials can negatively impact on business.In a report by the Co-Operative Bank, it was revealed that a third of customers actively seek information about a company's reputation, and this extends to eco-credentials. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Polar+bear_1316_18405707_0_0_13990_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Environmental_group_issues_green_credential_warning/18405707/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Many small businesses fail because of 'unrealistic expectations'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_small_businesses_fail_because_of_unrealistic_expectations/18403859/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 23 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Unrealistic expectations are a major cause for businesses failing, according to a small business expert.John de Groot of StartupCo said: &amp;quot;Most people who contemplate starting a business or becoming self-employed have a mismatch between anticipation and realisation.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Stressed+out_1316_18403859_0_0_9206_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_small_businesses_fail_because_of_unrealistic_expectations/18403859/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance music producer creates Xmas Pringles ad</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_music_producer_creates_Xmas_Pringles_ad/18401631/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance music producer has created a low-budget TV ad for Pringles crisps that will air during Emmerdale on Christmas Day.The 40-second ad, by freelancer Nils Elders, was the winner of a competition held by Pringles and cost just &amp;#163;300 to make. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_music_producer_creates_Xmas_Pringles_ad/18401631/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Working mums would like flexible working</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_mums_would_like_flexible_working/18403872/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Four out of five mums think that flexible working arrangements would allow them to juggle family and career more effectively over the festive period.A survey of 500 working mums from webzine Mother@Work found that many feel stressed trying to balance work and home lives during this period, and that 79 per cent think that flexible working would help. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18403872_0_0_7007636_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Working_mums_would_like_flexible_working/18403872/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance tips on giving Christmas gifts</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_tips_on_giving_Christmas_gifts/18403870/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance workers may be unclear as to where they stand in terms of claiming tax back on Christmas gifts.In light of this, Freelance UK has published some advice on what they can and can't do. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Gifts_1316_18403870_0_0_4002247_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_tips_on_giving_Christmas_gifts/18403870/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Companies Act 'will be good for SMEs'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_Act_will_be_good_for_SMEs/18402568/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Companies Act will be good for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK because it will allow them to hold 'virtual' annual general meetings (AGMs) on the internet, saving money.Although many recent government business regulations have been met with scepticism by smaller firms, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the Companies Act 2006, which has been scheduled for implementation over the next two years. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Keyboard_1316_18402568_0_0_4001733_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Companies_Act_will_be_good_for_SMEs/18402568/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Business can save money by increasing energy efficiency</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_can_save_money_by_increasing_energy_efficiency/18402580/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses that put energy efficiency measures into practice can save money, and the more the better.Dr Martin Gibson of environmental advice organisation Envirowise said: &amp;quot;Companies will see greater savings the more measures they undertake.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/wind+turbine_1316_18402580_0_0_7007793_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_can_save_money_by_increasing_energy_efficiency/18402580/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Freelance writer appointed controller at Sumo.tv</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_writer_appointed_controller_at_Sumo.tv/18400777/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A former freelance writer has been appointed controller for Cellcast's Sumo.tv broadband and satellite channel.Alex Godfrey, who was a freelance writer for the Guardian and the BBC, will take over as controller of the channel, where he will be responsible for commissioning programmes, supervising the schedule and finding new talent, C21 Media reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_writer_appointed_controller_at_Sumo.tv/18400777/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>University can help with confidence to start business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/University_can_help_with_confidence_to_start_business/18400772/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The confidence and life experience needed to start a business can be gained by spending time at university.A Barclays survey published in July found that less than half of small business bosses (46 per cent) have a degree, and that only 11 per cent believe that a good education is crucial for business success. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/University_can_help_with_confidence_to_start_business/18400772/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>CGT relief changes on hold</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CGT_relief_changes_on_hold/18398286/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Chancellor Alistair Darling's decision to delay the relief to his new capital gains tax rules will anger many smaller businesses in the UK.It will mean that it will be at least three weeks before business owners can know for sure how much tax a sale of their company would accrue. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CGT_relief_changes_on_hold/18398286/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs look for reliable internet connections</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_look_for_reliable_internet_connections/18398276/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK want reliable broadband services which represent good value for money.The actual speed of the internet connection is not so much of an issue, according to Chris Stening, managing director of UK Online. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18398276_0_0_6373_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_look_for_reliable_internet_connections/18398276/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>US Appeals court throws out publisher/freelancer settlement</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/US_Appeals_court_throws_out_publisherfreelancer_settlement/18396475/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An appeals court in America has thrown out a settlement between freelance writers and publishers such as the New York Times and Dow Jones &amp;amp; Co, Reuters reports.The writers had sued these publishers, and others including ProQuest and Knight Ridder, asserting that they had not granted the publishers the right to reproduce their work on the internet or in databases. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/US_Appeals_court_throws_out_publisherfreelancer_settlement/18396475/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Smaller companies should stick to tried and tested online advertising</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Smaller_companies_should_stick_to_tried_and_tested_online_advertising/18396462/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Smaller firms using internet advertising would be wise to stick to tried and tested forms such as banner ads.That's according to Niall McKinney, managing director of UTalkMarketing.com, who warned that some experimental forms of advertising could backfire and have a negative effect. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Hand+on+mouse_1316_18396462_0_0_15684_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Smaller_companies_should_stick_to_tried_and_tested_online_advertising/18396462/438011909</guid>
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        <title>SMEs need simplified taxation</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_simplified_taxation/18396445/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 17 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The government should implement simplified taxation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) because they don't have so many resources.The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) argues that SMEs cannot afford to hire expensive tax advisors, yet &amp;quot;the tax system has become increasingly complex&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Signing_1316_18396445_0_0_7760_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_simplified_taxation/18396445/438011909</guid>
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        <title>Freelance writer pens quirky London book</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_writer_pens_quirky_London_book/18392810/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance writer has published a book of quirky facts about London.Those reading The Little Book of London by David Long will discover, for example, that the first ever traffic light in the capital exploded in 1868, killing a policeman and leading to a stampede by a passing platoon of cavalry. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Houses+of+Parliament_1316_18392810_0_0_9175_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_writer_pens_quirky_London_book/18392810/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs hindered by red tape</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_hindered_by_red_tape/18390852/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Red tape must consistently be reduced to allow smaller firms in the UK to thrive.The Better Regulation Executive is committed to removing as many restrictive regulations as possible, which hinder small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the organisation's executive chairman, William Sargent, pointed out that barriers ought to be removed where possible. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Forms_1316_18390852_0_0_4000672_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_hindered_by_red_tape/18390852/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance support trust calls for aid</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_support_trust_calls_for_aid/18394931/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ It is comforting for freelance journalists, who often undertake extremely dangerous assignments, to know there is a charity looking out for their safety.The Rory Peck Trust was established in 1995 by Juliet Peck, whose husband was a freelance cameraman who was killed while filming the storming of a TV centre in Moscow. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Iraq+civilian_1316_18394931_0_0_7006345_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_support_trust_calls_for_aid/18394931/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Cyber crime insurance market emerges</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cyber_crime_insurance_market_emerges/18394926/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An insurance market dedicated to cyber-crime has evolved, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to ensure they are covered by the right policy.The recent government blunder that saw the loss of the details of 25 million child benefit recipients has highlighted the need for data security. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Computer_1316_18394926_0_0_4001515_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Cyber_crime_insurance_market_emerges/18394926/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Graduates aware of entrepreneurial assistance</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Graduates_aware_of_entrepreneurial_assistance/18392800/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Graduates are becoming more aware of the help that is available to them should they want to establish their own business.A spokesman for the National Council of Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) has said that students can attend NCGE 'Flying Start' rallies that could prove very useful to their future business prospects. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Degree_1316_18392800_0_0_6000082_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Graduates_aware_of_entrepreneurial_assistance/18392800/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Women 'need ongoing business support'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_need_ongoing_business_support/18392793/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Women need ongoing support in order to help them grown their own businesses, and men are still twice as likely as women to start their own company.According to a report from business advocacy network Prowess, the spirit of entrepreneurialism is strong among women in the UK, with the number of females going it alone increasing in most regions of the UK, especially in the south-west and east of England. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18392793_0_0_7007635_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Women_need_ongoing_business_support/18392793/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance workers angry about 'income shifting' changes</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_workers_angry_about_income_shifting_changes/18390869/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 12 Dec 2007 13:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents freelancers in the UK, has reacted angrily to draft legislation that will stop what the government sees as 'income shifting'.From April, tax advantages gained by family members transferring income in the form of a share of profits will be negated under new Treasury and HMRC rules. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/coins+square_1316_18390869_0_0_7005276_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_workers_angry_about_income_shifting_changes/18390869/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Natwest Everywoman awards highlight entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Natwest_Everywoman_awards_highlight_entrepreneurs/18389348/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The best female entrepreneurs in the UK have been recognised at the Natwest Everywoman awards, held last week at London's Dorchester Hotel.The awards celebrate inspirational businesswomen, especially those who have overcome obstacles such as financial constraints and a lack of skills. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18389348_0_0_7007637_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Natwest_Everywoman_awards_highlight_entrepreneurs/18389348/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Online freelance copywriters can demand premium</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Online_freelance_copywriters_can_demand_premium/18389342/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance copywriters using online marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com are able to demand a premium for their services.According to Debra Amini, managing director of recruiter ProfilesCreative, a shortage of web-savvy copywriters with good internet skills is particularly noticeable in the retail industry, and this means they can add premiums of up to 20 per cent. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Online_freelance_copywriters_can_demand_premium/18389342/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Many SMEs ignorant of spyware threat</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_SMEs_ignorant_of_spyware_threat/18389321/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 11 Dec 2007 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Various types of online threats such as spyware are not widely understood by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).According to research by Get Safe Online, 44 per cent of small firms in the UK have fallen victim to cyber crimes such as data theft and identity fraud, with many suffering a computer virus and phishing attacks. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_SMEs_ignorant_of_spyware_threat/18389321/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelance UK offers marketing tips</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_UK_offers_marketing_tips/18387216/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers often work in fields such as photography, translation and journalism, but they also need to be their own marketing manager.Recognising that this may not come naturally to everyone, Freelance UK has compiled a series of tips to help freelancers in their quest to promote their services. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_UK_offers_marketing_tips/18387216/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs should 'document everything' for security</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_document_everything_for_security/18387214/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ought to document everything in order to lessen the impact of a possible liability claim.That's according to Denis Palmer, a senior manager at Business Link London, which provides information and support to businesses in the UK. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_document_everything_for_security/18387214/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>EU proposals that could have threatened freelancers are shelved</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/EU_proposals_that_could_have_threatened_freelancers_are_shelved/18385488/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ European proposals that would have threatened the right to work for thousands of freelancers in the UK have been shelved.The Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which represents freelance workers, welcomed the EU Employment Council's decision to do away with the Green Paper on Labour Law that would have brought flexible working arrangements within the scope of employment law. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/EU_proposals_that_could_have_threatened_freelancers_are_shelved/18385488/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>UK needs faster broadband to compete</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_needs_faster_broadband_to_compete/18385441/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The UK needs good internet speeds in order to compete effectively in the world economy.Many homeworkers and freelancers have become dependent on broadband internet, yet the speed of the service available in Britain lags behind that of countries such as Japan and many European nations. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Woman+concentrating+on+laptop_1316_18385441_0_0_15825_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_needs_faster_broadband_to_compete/18385441/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>FSB backs local banking campaign</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB_backs_local_banking_campaign/18383647/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A small business group has given its backing to a campaign designed to support local banking services.The Campaign for Community Banking Services is a coalition of some 25 organisations that are concerned about the closure of local bank branches, and the ensuing financial exclusion. Such moves dramatically impact on small businesses, as they find their access to banking services curtailed. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FSB_backs_local_banking_campaign/18383647/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>EU fails on temp rights agreement</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/EU_fails_on_temp_rights_agreement/18383635/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The EU has failed to come to an agreement on rules that would give agency workers new employment rights.It would have given temps similar rights to permanent staff, but the legislation was blocked by both Britain and Germany, and will now be discussed again next year, the BBC reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/EU_fails_on_temp_rights_agreement/18383635/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs should consider commercial property purchase options</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_consider_commercial_property_purchase_options/18383631/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses should look at possible alternatives to commercial mortgages when funding a business property purchase.Harry Katz of Norwest Consultants said that firms risk being ripped off if they go to the commercial mortgage market for funding. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_should_consider_commercial_property_purchase_options/18383631/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>New 'reportage' wedding photo service from renowned freelancer</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_reportage_wedding_photo_service_from_renowned_freelancer/18382149/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A highly respected freelance photographer is to start a new wedding photography service with a twist.Mike Maloney, who once photographed Princess Diana in her wedding dress and who has an OBE, has teamed up with Martin Czimmerl of Kodak Express in Lincoln to offer the service, the Lincolnshire Echo reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Bride+with+roses_1316_18382149_0_0_7001012_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/New_reportage_wedding_photo_service_from_renowned_freelancer/18382149/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs to feel blow of rising train fares</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_to_feel_blow_of_rising_train_fares/18382145/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Rising train fares can affect some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) badly.According to the Association of Train Operating Companies, cheap day returns and long-distance open fares will go up by far more than the rate of inflation on average, as will season tickets. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/First+Great+Western+_1316_18382145_0_0_7007439_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_to_feel_blow_of_rising_train_fares/18382145/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Skills mismatch in theatre presents freelancer opportunities</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skills_mismatch_in_theatre_presents_freelancer_opportunities/18380605/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research indicates that there is a skills mismatch between supply and demand in the UK that will have a significant impact on the creative and cultural sector.A report written by industry body Creative &amp;amp; Cultural Skills, and seen by the Financial Times, indicates that there is a &amp;quot;chronic under-supply&amp;quot; of technical skills in theatre and live performance. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Skills_mismatch_in_theatre_presents_freelancer_opportunities/18380605/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SME owners trying to pay off home loans to grow business</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_owners_trying_to_pay_off_home_loans_to_grow_business/18380602/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research has found that many small business owners are attempting to pay off their home loan early so that they can grow their business more quickly.The study by Yorkshire Bank discovered that more than one in five (22 per cent) are trying to do this, so that they can get an edge on the competition. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/figures+and+paper+clip_1316_18380602_0_0_7006596_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_owners_trying_to_pay_off_home_loans_to_grow_business/18380602/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Survey indicates more flexible working</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Survey_indicates_more_flexible_working/18380598/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The latest Work-Life Balance Employer Survey from the government indicates that more employees than ever are being offered flexible working.The survey looked at 1,462 workplaces around the country, and found that 95 per cent of employers offer flexible working of one kind or another, Personnel Today reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Survey_indicates_more_flexible_working/18380598/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Small businesses can take security precautions</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_can_take_security_precautions/18378597/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The loss by the government of discs containing the personal information of millions of child benefit recipients has highlighted the issue of security for all businesses.If a small business has important files or documents stolen, they should tell the police straightaway, according to law firm and FAST (Federation Against Software Theft) member Wedlake Bell. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_businesses_can_take_security_precautions/18378597/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance journalist has dream job</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_journalist_has_dream_job/18378582/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance journalist is so satisfied with her job that she would be happy to continue working into her 90s.Eve Menezes Cunningham, who was recently profiled as 'freelancer of the fortnight' by website Journalism.co.uk, says the best thing about being a freelance worker is that &amp;quot;every single thing I do is really interesting to me&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_journalist_has_dream_job/18378582/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Christmas will boost SME sales</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Christmas_will_boost_SME_sales/18378579/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will be glad that Christmas is almost upon us, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) believes.The recent credit crunch has dented the confidence of many consumers, but the festive season never fails to boost retail sales. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Christmas_will_boost_SME_sales/18378579/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Speedier broadband on the horizon </title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Speedier_broadband_on_the_horizon_/18374783/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers and other homeworkers can look forward to much faster web connections in the future - and dial-up internet is about to go the way of the dodo.Because of the prevalence of social networking sites, film downloads and online TV, as well as internet marketplaces such as PeoplePerHour.com, broadband has become indispensable for many at home. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Speedier_broadband_on_the_horizon_/18374783/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance translators can earn £35,000</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_translators_can_earn_£35,000/18376593/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Earning up to $70,000 (&amp;#163;35,000) is &amp;quot;very doable&amp;quot; for freelance translators, according to an expert.Corinne McKay, the American author of 'How to Succeed as a Freelance Translator', said that it is also possible for part-timers to earn as much as $40,000 (&amp;#163;20,000), and has issued a series of tips for careers training firm Staffcentrix. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_translators_can_earn_£35,000/18376593/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Microsoft launches new accounting software for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_launches_new_accounting_software_for_SMEs/18376585/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2007 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Software giant Microsoft has launched new accounting software aimed at helping small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to manage their money.Microsoft Office Accounting 2008 is available in two versions. Firstly, Office Accounting Express is free and designed for new and home-based businesses, such as freelancers. Next, Accounting Professional costs &amp;#163;149.95 and has additional features including stock management, job costing and multi-user access. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Microsoft_launches_new_accounting_software_for_SMEs/18376585/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Business leaders believe SMEs should support local communities</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_leaders_believe_SMEs_should_support_local_communities/18374801/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Business leaders in the south-east of England believe that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should support their local communities.A study from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) found that an overwhelming majority (86 per cent) of top business figures thought that SMEs ought to get involved with local schools and community projects. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_leaders_believe_SMEs_should_support_local_communities/18374801/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Flexible working can reduce stress</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_can_reduce_stress/18373372/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses can reduce the stress of their employees and improve productivity by introducing flexible working.&amp;quot;Flexible working can be used very positively to manage your day better - if you start at ten instead of nine, but you go on until five or six &amp;#133; Some people are morning people and some people are evening people,&amp;quot; said Ann McCracken of the International Stress Management Association (ISMA). ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_can_reduce_stress/18373372/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance surf photographer is far from 'bored'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_surf_photographer_is_far_from_bored/18373367/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Working as a freelance photographer is often rewarding and exciting - particularly if you spend your time taking snaps of surfers.So Lucia Griggi of Newquay in Cornwall is lucky, because she is the only UK female photographer whose pictures regularly appear in top surfing publications. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_surf_photographer_is_far_from_bored/18373367/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>SMEs need government help to compete in global market</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_government_help_to_compete_in_global_market/18373362/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 28 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Smaller businesses in the UK need help from the government if they are to compete effectively in the global marketplace.The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England &amp;amp; Wales (ICAEW) has been looking at the issue of globalisation in its enterprise survey, and found that 72 per cent of companies had global engagement. However, this figure fell to 41 per cent of micro businesses and 62 per cent of small businesses. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Globe+and+cash_1316_18373362_0_0_7434_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_government_help_to_compete_in_global_market/18373362/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelancing offers flexible holiday time and variety</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_offers_flexible_holiday_time_and_variety/18371362/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Flexible working and flexible holiday time are among the chief reasons for people working freelance.A new survey of 2,000 IT contractors by services provider Giant Group showed that lifestyle benefits were key reasons for going freelance, along with the ability to charge more for work, IT Pro reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/family+beach_1316_18371362_0_0_7000295_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancing_offers_flexible_holiday_time_and_variety/18371362/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Outsourcing allows for focus on core operations</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_allows_for_focus_on_core_operations/18371355/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small firms wishing to focus on their core business are often advised to engage the services of freelance workers or other outsource companies.Martin Blacher of business performance firm QPC noted that many jobs and specialisms, including customer service, could be outsourced for the sake of convenience. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Business+deal_1316_18371355_0_0_7007633_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Outsourcing_allows_for_focus_on_core_operations/18371355/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Businesses keep close eye on outsource companies</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_keep_close_eye_on_outsource_companies/18369746/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses that outsource work will tend to keep a close eye on the firms they engage.Martyn Hart, chairman of the National Outsourcing Association (NOA), said that people who outsource tend to think they may lose control and take steps to make sure that doesn't happen. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18369746_0_0_7007648_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Businesses_keep_close_eye_on_outsource_companies/18369746/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers join Future 500 ranks</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_join_Future_500_ranks/18369739/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Three freelancers have joined the ranks of Britain's most talented rising stars, according to the Future 500 list published by the Observer.The list is a showcase for business talent, and the presence of a freelance journalist, former freelance brand consultant, and digital marketer underline the importance of these workers. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_join_Future_500_ranks/18369739/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Communication essential within SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Communication_essential_within_SMEs/18369732/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small business owners should &amp;quot;talk, talk, talk&amp;quot; to their staff and customers, according to a leading entrepreneur.Speaking at an event organised by Cambridge University's Judge Business School, John Barnes gave a talk entitled Understanding your Customers' Needs, and emphasised the importance of communication. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Worker_1316_18369732_0_0_7007631_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Communication_essential_within_SMEs/18369732/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>ONS: Nearly nine in ten have broadband</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/ONS:_Nearly_nine_in_ten_have_broadband/18368572/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:17:07 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) indicate that almost nine out of ten internet users in the UK have broadband, allowing an increasing number to work from home.In the connected 21st century, more and more people are choosing to set up freelance operations and work from their living rooms or home offices, while the government has promised to extend flexible working rights to allow for more homeworkers. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Businesswomen+with+laptop_1316_18368572_0_0_7001003_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/ONS:_Nearly_nine_in_ten_have_broadband/18368572/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Late payment often an issue for SMEs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Late_payment_often_an_issue_for_SMEs/18366054/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There are many good reasons to go it alone and start your own business, but be aware that late payment may be an issue at one time or another. Research by the Asset Based Finance Association (ABFA) found that half of all smaller firms found it hard to get paid by customers within their payments terms, with 44 per cent revealing that customers had asked for extended credit within the last six months.Kate Sharp, ABFA chief executive, said: &amp;quot;Cashflow problems, caused by limited working capital and poor credit management, are a major contributing factor to corporate failure in this country.&amp;quot; ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/money+clock+square+_1316_18366054_0_0_7005930_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Late_payment_often_an_issue_for_SMEs/18366054/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>British entrepreneurs confident about business prospects</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/British_entrepreneurs_confident_about_business_prospects/18367244/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Despite the recent volatility in the global credit market, Britain's entrepreneurs remain in upbeat mood.The Kensington Mortgage Self-Employed Index found that two-thirds (66 per cent) of business owners are either &amp;quot;very confident&amp;quot; or &amp;quot;quite confident&amp;quot; about their prospects over the coming six months. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/British_entrepreneurs_confident_about_business_prospects/18367244/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs need up-to-date contact databases</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_up-to-date_contact_databases/18365726/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 22 Nov 2007 14:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesspeople and freelancers need to keep an up-to-date database of contacts if they rely on communicating with customers by post.Recent figures from International Communications Research found that many people (73 per cent) would be happy to receive marketing information via postal mail, compared to only 18 per cent for email. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_up-to-date_contact_databases/18365726/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs can save money with 'green' measures</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_can_save_money_with_green_measures/18364285/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can make substantial savings by introducing 'green' initiatives.Sarah Van Erp of Smart Works, a Global Action Plan environmental organisation, noted that there are many straightforward, low-cost steps that can be taken to save money. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/OKI+printer_1316_18364285_0_0_14860_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_can_save_money_with_green_measures/18364285/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelance journalist bags Press Gazette award</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_journalist_bags_Press_Gazette_award/18364273/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance journalist Jonathan Green has won the feature writer of the year award at Press Gazette's Magazine Design &amp;amp; Journalism Awards.It was his work for the Mail on Sunday's Live magazine that bagged the adventurous freelancer his award, and earlier this year he won the American Society of Journalists and Authors award for a piece in Live about gold miner deaths in Ghana. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18364273_0_0_6373_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_journalist_bags_Press_Gazette_award/18364273/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Wireless to inspire more home workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Wireless_to_inspire_more_home_workers/18364265/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many British home technology users believe that wireless will greatly improve the ability to work from home.Printer company Lexmark UK said: &amp;quot;Our research has spotted a trend among home technology users that will soon lead to a watershed moment in our attitudes to home working. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop_1316_18364265_0_0_6000059_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Wireless_to_inspire_more_home_workers/18364265/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Freelance photographer creates Mersey book</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_creates_Mersey_book/18361936/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelance photographers often produce the very best work, and it is little wonder that they are so popular with the UK's businesses.The Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition was recently won by freelancer Ben Osborne, for his picture of an elephant spraying mud, and now a new pictorial book on the River Mersey has been created by freelance photographer Colin McPherson. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Mersey+Ferry_1316_18361936_0_0_6000159_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_photographer_creates_Mersey_book/18361936/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Sick days cause British businesses to suffer</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sick_days_cause_British_businesses_to_suffer/18361633/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2007 10:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Businesses around the UK are suffering as workers claim incapacity benefit, making freelancers a more tempting option for many.Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly turning to freelance workers for work ranging from photography to translation. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Sneeze_1316_18361633_0_0_4883_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Sick_days_cause_British_businesses_to_suffer/18361633/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>UK is good business start-up environment</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_is_good_business_start-up_environment/18360716/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The environment for business start-ups is better in the UK than in mainland Europe, according to a new Harris Interactive poll commissioned by the Financial Times.More Britons are upbeat about the current business climate than people in Italy, Spain and Germany, while Americans demonstrated strong optimism. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/City+of+London_1316_18360716_0_0_11286_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/UK_is_good_business_start-up_environment/18360716/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>NUJ admits first freelance blogger</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/NUJ_admits_first_freelance_blogger/18360713/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ In a move that signifies the growing trend for online freelance workers, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has given membership to its first freelance blogger.Conrad Quilty-Harper, a freelance writer for the Engadget technology website, was initially rejected because he is a full-time student but not enrolled on a media course, Freelance UK reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Keyboard_1316_18360713_0_0_4001733_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/NUJ_admits_first_freelance_blogger/18360713/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Appeal court ruling is victory for small business owners</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Appeal_court_ruling_is_victory_for_small_business_owners/18360707/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A recent Appeal court ruling is a victory for the small business owner, but may not benefit many other people in the future.When Neil Martin applied to HMRC for a certificate under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), an official wrongly treated it as a request for a CIS card, Contractor UK reports. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Old+Bailey_1316_18360707_0_0_15109_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Appeal_court_ruling_is_victory_for_small_business_owners/18360707/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Staff retention 'a business challenge'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Staff_retention_a_business_challenge/18359247/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Approximately eight in ten (79 per cent) businesses believe that staff retention and other 'people' issues are the hardest parts of a business plan to get right, ahead of marketing, sales, financial forecasts, risk management and environmental responsibility.According to a survey of 560 businesses commissioned by Barclays Commercial Bank, 42 per cent of companies felt that the skills shortages represented a significant threat to their future business prosperity, making staff management issues all the more important. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18359247_0_0_7007651_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Staff_retention_a_business_challenge/18359247/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SME disputes often 'nipped in the bud'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_disputes_often_nipped_in_the_bud/18357027/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:25:07 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small offices are conducive to nipping workplace disputes in the bud, so employment tribunals are frequently avoided.Matthew Knowles of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that disputes in SMEs often get resolved between the staff in question &amp;quot;because everyone's in the same room&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/hammer+law_1316_18357027_0_0_7006214_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SME_disputes_often_nipped_in_the_bud/18357027/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Employees 'will work from home' when sick</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employees_will_work_from_home_when_sick/18359209/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2007 18:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies that offer their employee flexible working opportunities could benefit from increased productivity through the winter months, as new research suggests two thirds of people would work from home when they are sick, rather than take a day off.The survey of 1,000 employees, conducted by NTL Telewest Business, suggested that younger workers would be the most willing to work from home when they were feeling under the weather. Some 71 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds said they would do so, compared to 69 per cent of 35 to 33-year-olds and 34 per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18359209_0_0_7007637_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Employees_will_work_from_home_when_sick/18359209/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>FPB: Government should cut UK business rates</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FPB:_Government_should_cut_UK_business_rates/18357106/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The UK government ought to cut business rates so that smaller firms (SMEs) in England and Wales don't fall behind their counterparts in Scotland.Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, has announced that the tax rates for 150,000 smaller firms will be reduced - a great boost for them. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Alex+Salmond_1316_18357106_0_0_7003912_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/FPB:_Government_should_cut_UK_business_rates/18357106/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Small firms can become 'more agile' with flexible working</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_can_become_more_agile_with_flexible_working/18355216/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Small businesses can become more agile and responsive to the needs of customers and business conditions by implementing flexible working.Lynette Swift of employment practice firm Swiftwork pointed out the benefits of flexible working, although she also conceded that it can be disruptive &amp;quot;if people demand work patterns that don't ensure there is the necessary level of cover&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Homeworking_1316_18355216_0_0_7007635_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Small_firms_can_become_more_agile_with_flexible_working/18355216/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Awards for UK small businesses launched</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Awards_for_UK_small_businesses_launched/18355215/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:50:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A group which represents the interests of small businesses in the UK has launched a new scheme to champion successful firms.The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said that it had timed the launch of British Small Business Champions 2008 (BSBC) to coincide with Enterprise Week. It added that its award is the only one solely for small businesses in the country. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Awards_for_UK_small_businesses_launched/18355215/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>SMEs 'need to retain customer loyalty'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_to_retain_customer_loyalty/18355208/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Retaining customer loyalty is an important part of business planning for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).That's according to Denis Palmer of Business Link, who pointed out that smaller firms dealing with the public are sure to rely more on loyalty from customers than larger organisations. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Meeting_1316_18355208_0_0_7007651_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/SMEs_need_to_retain_customer_loyalty/18355208/438011909</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Enterprise Week will encourage young people to develop ideas</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Enterprise_Week_will_encourage_young_people_to_develop_ideas/18353318/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ This week (November 12th to 18th) is Enterprise Week, a nationwide week of activities aimed at young people aged between 14 and 30.The week is part of the Make Your Mark campaign, and last year was attended by 448,000 youngsters over 3,184 events, aimed at starting up new businesses and making ideas happen. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/the+director_1316_18353318_0_0_7004915_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Enterprise_Week_will_encourage_young_people_to_develop_ideas/18353318/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Entrepreneurs 'motivated by passion'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_motivated_by_passion/18353306/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Those Britons who run their own businesses are largely motivated by passion, new research from think tank the Tenon Forum reveals.Entrepreneurs are attracted more by the rewards of being their own boss, rather than the promise of large salaries. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Entrepreneurs_motivated_by_passion/18353306/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Female entrepreneurs light the path for others</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Female_entrepreneurs_light_the_path_for_others/18353301/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Female entrepreneurs are encouraging more young women to set up their own business, according to the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs (BAWE).The group's president, Tanya Hine, noted that women who have already established their own firm are &amp;quot;pioneers&amp;quot; who light the way for others to follow. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Female_entrepreneurs_light_the_path_for_others/18353301/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Broadband allows Brits to work freelance</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Broadband_allows_Brits_to_work_freelance/18352593/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:41:12 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ More and more Britons are choosing to work freelance, with broadband uptake increasing in the UK.John De Groot of Startup Co, an entrepreneur advice service, said that higher speed connections were allowing consumers the benefits of more flexible working. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Man+with+laptop+in+the+car_1316_18352593_0_0_14726_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Broadband_allows_Brits_to_work_freelance/18352593/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>CBI welcomes flexible working extension</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_welcomes_flexible_working_extension/18352586/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:34:27 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has welcomed the government's plan to raise the number of workers who are entitled to flexible working.Plans were revealed by the government that would allow parents with children older than the age of six to request flexible working, possibly children as old as 17. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/CBI+Logo_1316_18352586_0_0_1025_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/CBI_welcomes_flexible_working_extension/18352586/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Dragon's Den inspires entrepreneurial spirit</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dragons_Den_inspires_entrepreneurial_spirit/18349934/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:45:25 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ TV programmes such as Dragon's Den and The Apprentice are encouraging more young people to start their own businesses, perhaps as freelancers.Catherine Swift of Enterprise Education Trust noted that research conducted by her firm indicated that 53 per cent of young people are interested in beginning their own business, up from 33 per cent in 2001 and 45 per cent in 2004. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Duncan+Bannatyne_1316_18349934_0_0_7004054_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dragons_Den_inspires_entrepreneurial_spirit/18349934/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>TV freelancers get training funding</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/TV_freelancers_get_training_funding/18348495/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 10 Nov 2007 15:52:35 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ TV freelancers in the north-west of England are to receive training subsidies via Skillset, the Skills Council for the audio-visual industries.Freelance workers in Manchester, Liverpool, Merseyside, Blackpool, Lancashire, Cheshire and Cumbria will be able to get up to 70 per cent off the total cost of new training. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Panasonic+television_1316_18348495_0_0_7005124_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/TV_freelancers_get_training_funding/18348495/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Lack of internet curtails business prospects</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Lack_of_internet_curtails_business_prospects/18350047/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:29:57 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With the growth of homeworking and freelancing, having an internet connection is all but essential.However, a study carried out by the Institute of Directors and UK Online found that almost two thirds of small firms with fewer than ten employees do not have access to the web. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Laptop+on+desk_1316_18350047_0_0_15820_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Lack_of_internet_curtails_business_prospects/18350047/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>VoIP offers benefits to freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/VoIP_offers_benefits_to_freelancers/18348632/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is an increasingly popular technology that brings benefits to freelance workers.Allowing for low-cost calling, VoIP cuts down on phone bills, which for people working from home and having to be in regular contact with employers can be large. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/VoIP4_1316_18348632_0_0_6704_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/VoIP_offers_benefits_to_freelancers/18348632/438011911</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Self-employed succeed because of hard work</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Self-employed_succeed_because_of_hard_work/18346891/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ It may be challenging, but many freelancers and entrepreneurs succeed at running their own business because of sheer hard work and determination.Richard Litchfield, the managing director of Eastside Consulting, said that the most important thing for people building their own business is &amp;quot;to be persistent &amp;#133; It's a lot of hard work and grunt&amp;quot;. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/laptop+man_1316_18346891_0_0_6373_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Self-employed_succeed_because_of_hard_work/18346891/438011910</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
        <title>Flexible working to be extended to more parents</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_to_be_extended_to_more_parents/18346871/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2007 18:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Flexible working is to be available to millions more parents under new plans set out by the government yesterday (November 6th).At the present time, only parents with children under the age of six, or those people who look after elderly or disabled relatives, are able to request flexible working. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_to_be_extended_to_more_parents/18346871/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Research points to growing numbers of female entrepreneurs</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Research_points_to_growing_numbers_of_female_entrepreneurs/18344838/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ New research from support organisation Prowess has found that women are increasingly moving into the world of self-employment.Since 1990 the number of women shifting from employment to self-employment rose from 22.2 per cent of those moving to 32.6 per cent, the study found. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Research_points_to_growing_numbers_of_female_entrepreneurs/18344838/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers offer various skills</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_offer_various_skills/18344829/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Firms hire freelance workers for a number of reasons, often because of the wide range of experience that they tend to have.John Brazier of the Professional Contractors Group told Freelance UK that mid-sized businesses like to tap into the specialist knowledge that freelancers often possess. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_offer_various_skills/18344829/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Business angels can greatly aid freelance workers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_angels_can_greatly_aid_freelance_workers/18344822/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An increasing number of freelance workers wish to connect with employers online, and these individuals derive their income from various sources.Business angels are an option, and if freelancers manage to find investors of this kind who they get along with there is a good chance that they will do well. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Business_angels_can_greatly_aid_freelance_workers/18344822/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Technology allows freelancers to reach new markets</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Technology_allows_freelancers_to_reach_new_markets/18342710/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Technology is allowing small firms in the UK to be increasingly productive, and to reach new clients.According to BT's recent 'State of the Small Business Nation' report, technology is being used by more than half of small businesses to reach new markets. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Technology_allows_freelancers_to_reach_new_markets/18342710/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers benefit from Small Business Week</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_benefit_from_Small_Business_Week/18342703/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2007 15:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers and other homeworkers are beginning to get more recognition now that this kind of employment is becoming more popular.Last week was Small Business Week, designed to champion the more than 4.5 million small enterprises that exist in the UK. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_benefit_from_Small_Business_Week/18342703/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Firms using freelancers can 'accurately gauge return on investment'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Firms_using_freelancers_can_accurately_gauge_return_on_investment/18340695/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 04 Nov 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Companies employing the services of freelance workers can focus on a clear end-result and can measure the return on their investment accurately.These are just some of the benefits of engaging the use of freelancers, a kind of work that is becoming increasingly popular in the modern business world. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Firms_using_freelancers_can_accurately_gauge_return_on_investment/18340695/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Broadband adoption allows Britons to work from home</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Broadband_adoption_allows_Britons_to_work_from_home/18339101/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 03 Nov 2007 00:01:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The widespread adoption of broadband internet in the UK means that working from home is an option for many.Figures from CED Magazine show that, at the end of the second quarter of 2007, the UK was in fifth place worldwide in terms of total broadband subscribers, behind the US, China, Japan, and Germany. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Broadband_adoption_allows_Britons_to_work_from_home/18339101/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Book offers tips for freelance journalists</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Book_offers_tips_for_freelance_journalists/18341655/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ With freelancing becoming increasingly popular, there is an increasing need for advice for those thinking of going it alone.Now a former journalist is sharing her own tips in a book called 'The Greatest Freelance Writing Tips in the World'. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Relaxing+with+the+laptop_1316_18341655_0_0_15827_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Book_offers_tips_for_freelance_journalists/18341655/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance contracts can improve SME flexibility</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_contracts_can_improve_SME_flexibility/18341473/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Taking on freelance contracts can help small business become more flexible.Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should not normally take on freelancers to address longer-term skills, they are valuable for allowing firms to compete more effectively. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_contracts_can_improve_SME_flexibility/18341473/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers welcome ruling against HMRC</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_welcome_ruling_against_HMRC/18339106/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Thu, 01 Nov 2007 15:20:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Freelancers have welcomed a court decision that could make it easier for people to claim compensation from the taxman.The Court of Appeal has ruled that Neil Martin, a member of the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) that represents freelance workers in the UK, can get compensation from HM Revenue and Customs. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_welcome_ruling_against_HMRC/18339106/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>'Variety and freedom' attract freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Variety_and_freedom_attract_freelancers/18337745/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Variety and freedom are two of the best aspects of freelancing.That's according to freelance journalist Steve Bustin of Brighton, who told the Journalism.co.uk website that he started working for himself after being made redundant after the dotcom boom. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Victoria+Wood_1316_18337745_0_0_5148_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Variety_and_freedom_attract_freelancers/18337745/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Home is most popular business start-up location</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_is_most_popular_business_start-up_location/18337739/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A new report has shown that the home is now the most popular business start-up location, indicating the growth in popularity of freelance work.The 'Home Business Report' from Enterprise Nation reveals that more than 60 per cent of start-ups are now based at homes, with home-based businesses accounting for more than a quarter (28 per cent) of employment. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Home_is_most_popular_business_start-up_location/18337739/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Dentist's switch to photography is boon for freelance sector</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dentists_switch_to_photography_is_boon_for_freelance_sector/18337730/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2007 17:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Becoming a freelance photographer allowed a former dentist to look after his children following his wife's death.Andy Medina lost his wife in 2002, and decided to switch professions so that he could work more flexible hours and take care of his two small children, the South Manchester Reporter notes. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Dentists_switch_to_photography_is_boon_for_freelance_sector/18337730/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Govt action could free up more lone parent freelancers</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Govt_action_could_free_up_more_lone_parent_freelancers/18335934/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The future for single parents wishing to work freelance is looking brighter, with the launch of the Child Poverty Unit.Having to take care of children can often impede a single mother (or father) who wants to work freelance but the new government unit could improve childcare facilities and make it easier. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Govt_action_could_free_up_more_lone_parent_freelancers/18335934/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance web designers 'excited by their work'</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_web_designers_excited_by_their_work/18335931/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ An overwhelming majority of web designers, many of whom work freelance, are excited by their work.A study of 33,000 web professionals conducted by A List Apart found the morale among web designers to be high, with 97 per cent saying their were excited by their profession. As well as this, nearly eight out of ten (78.6 per cent) said they were frequently or very frequently excited. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_web_designers_excited_by_their_work/18335931/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelancers offer flexibility and skills</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_offer_flexibility_and_skills/18334301/438011909</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Employers like to employ freelancers because of their flexibility and skills.From translation services to web designing, freelancers bring many benefits to those businesses that use them. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Man+with+coffee+and+laptop_1316_18334301_0_0_14725_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelancers_offer_flexibility_and_skills/18334301/438011909</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Freelance journalist scoops anti-discrimination prize</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_journalist_scoops_anti-discrimination_prize/18334292/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ A freelance journalist has scooped first prize in a journalism competition for an article highlighting the discrimination faced by travellers in Scotland.Billy Briggs, of Scotland, took first place in the 'For Diversity, Against Discrimination' journalism award organised by the European Commission, highlighting the fact that freelancers often produce the very best work. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Freelance_journalist_scoops_anti-discrimination_prize/18334292/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Flexible working can reduce commuting stress</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_can_reduce_commuting_stress/18334281/438011911</link>
               <pubDate>Mon, 29 Oct 2007 16:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Workers in the UK are spending longer than ever before commuting, and employers are being encouraged to allow for more flexible working.Figures from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) show that the number of commuters spending an hour or more travelling to work has increased by 22.5 per cent since 1996. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Flexible_working_can_reduce_commuting_stress/18334281/438011911</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Many reasons to be a freelancer</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_reasons_to_be_a_freelancer/18333021/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sun, 28 Oct 2007 00:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Many freelancers find that their way of life is so attractive that they would never go back to the traditional nine-to-five office arrangement.Flexibility is often cited as a primary benefit, and this is certainly what appeals to freelance photographer David Owens. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Many_reasons_to_be_a_freelancer/18333021/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Plenty of reasons why young mums wish to go freelance</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Plenty_of_reasons_why_young_mums_wish_to_go_freelance/18333004/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Sat, 27 Oct 2007 00:01:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ There are plenty of reasons why young female entrepreneurs may want to work freelance.Mary Cummings, who is married with two children, works for Antecell Business Services and gives advice to self-employed professionals and start-up firms. ]]> </description>
				 <enclosure url="http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Child+in+towel_1316_18333004_0_0_5765_300.jpg" />
               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Plenty_of_reasons_why_young_mums_wish_to_go_freelance/18333004/438011910</guid>
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       <item>
        <title>Shell Wildlife Photo competition won by freelance photographer</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Shell_Wildlife_Photo_competition_won_by_freelance_photographer/18333034/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ Perhaps it is because of the level of creative freedom that they enjoy, but freelance photographers often produce the best snaps.Ben Osborne, a freelance photographer from Shrewsbury whose careers spans some 25 years, has won the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year award with his picture of an elephant spraying in a water hole. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Shell_Wildlife_Photo_competition_won_by_freelance_photographer/18333034/438011910</guid>
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        <title>Tories would cut freelancers' tax rates</title>
               <link>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tories_would_cut_freelancers_tax_rates/18332324/438011910</link>
               <pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
               <description> <![CDATA[ The Tories have said they will cut the rate of tax for small companies, including freelancers.Speaking to a group of entrepreneurs, shadow chancellor George Osborne said that he would not increase the rate of corporation tax should his party win power, the Telegraph reports. ]]> </description>
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               <guid>http://www.peopleperhour.com/news/Tories_would_cut_freelancers_tax_rates/18332324/438011910</guid>
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