A creative culture, collaboration and simple tools are the main drivers for innovation in the UK's fastest growing businesses according to new research.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

Business groups are calling on George Osborne not to introduce any more new tax changes in his Autumn Statement next Wednesday.

More than half (54%) of all UK employers say the new National Living Wage will affect their wage bill; and the retail and hospitality sectors are set to be hit hardest according to new research.

The UK's tax authority, HMRC, is to be radically reorganised as part of its on-going modernisation programme.

​Successful entrepreneurs are more likely to learn from past failures, invest in technology, value time with their families and build strong relationships with mentors according to new research.

Our round-up of other small business stories making the headlines this week...

The Government has launched a new export programme with the aim of getting 100,000 additional companies exporting by 2020.

Analysis of payment practices amongst English councils has found that most local authorities continue to pay promptly, with 92% of suppliers being paid within 30 days. However, there is considerable variation between councils.

Council leaders have said that businesses should have the right to self-assess how much they should pay in business rates from 2020, when local authorities will retain 100% of all business rate income.