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Small businesses across the UK are continuing to experience unprecedented levels of deflation resulting in rapidly declining operating costs. The cost of running a small business has fallen to -1.4 per cent deflation over Q1 2009, according to the latest Business Inflation Guide (BIG) from MORE TH>N BUSINESS.

The sharp decline marks the second consecutive quarter of sustained deflation for the small business community. In Q4 2008 costs plunged to -2.9 per cent deflation. Declining labour, advertising, vehicle and raw material costs have all contributed to the continuing falls in Q1 2009, however, profit margins still remain under huge stress due to low demand for products and services.

Developed in conjunction with Warwick Business School, the BIG is a quarterly index that measures a basket of 20 of the most important expenditure items for small businesses. The index has been measuring the health of the small business economy for the last year.

Now in its fourth quarter, the BIG has recorded one of the most turbulent periods in history for small businesses, measuring record levels of inflation and deflation. For Q2 2008, the inaugural BIG recorded a cost inflation of 9.9 per cent. This eased to 9.4 per cent inflation in Q3, before plummeting to -2.9 per cent deflation in Q4 and -1.4 percent in Q1 of 2009.

For more information, visit morethanbusiness.com.

Hays Sales has revealed that the recession has underscored a shift in emphasis toward business development, as organizations seek to increase sales and grow market share.

A track record of business development is a highly prized asset in the current marketplace and this is reflected in the salaries and benefits on offer for the right individual. The need to develop and win new business, over and above the management of an existing client base, has led to a steady demand for sales professionals who can make a real difference to their company’s bottom line.

For those looking for business development jobs, it is imperative that CVs are tailored to each role and include all relevant competencies.

One of the fundamental issues for employers is to attract the right caliber of candidate for their business development jobs, given that many jobseekers are cautious to move in the current market. With job security the most important consideration for employees, organizations need to find innovative recruitment solutions and delivering a strong sales message is a key lynchpin to a successful recruitment strategy. Establishing a thorough recruitment process is central to this and will also have a positive ‘knock on’ effect to reduce staff turnover. The use of online advertising has become a focal element behind any successful recruitment strategy.

The sales industry continues to be blighted by high levels of staff turnover, particularly in the utilities sector, which serves to reinforce the need to focus on employee retention. Although investment in training and development is an important way of engaging with any workforce the current climate has not facilitated this, as companies struggle to generate sales.

For more information, visit hays.com.