Businesses are being advised that their budgets may increase as a result of the lower costs that are likely to be prompted by reduced regulatory charges.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced that it has reduced the cost of maintaining such permits by 60 per cent for any small or medium-sized enterprises which have cut down on their operations.

It is hoped the amendment will ensure that the business environment is safeguarded.

Announcing the cost reduction, environment minister Jim Fitzpatrick said: "By greatly reducing the cost, businesses will save money by paying less to keep their permit and be able to return to previous production levels without the additional costs of re-applying."

The lower cost permits are available for a maximum of two years.

Meanwhile, John Grange, business adviser at Business Link, recently noted that companies could focus more on their core goals – such as getting orders – by outsourcing.

Related News:

• Renewables sector offers big bucks
• Budget offers ‘credible plan for the public finances and producing a convincing growth strategy’ claims CBI
• Royal Navy faces workforce planning ‘conundrum’
• IFS reacts to new government
• UK private sector wages fall further
• Companies ‘increasingly look to fulfil CSR’
• The Conservative Manifesto – impact for recruiters
• New targets set to protect vulnerable agency workers
• Unemployment falls for third consecutive month
• EU plans to increase maternity paid leave to 20 weeks