The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Noise Regulations) will be extended to the music and entertainment sectors as of April 2008. These sectors had been given a two-year period of grace before implementation of the regulations which have applied to other sectors since 2006. The regulations aim to protect workers from the risk of damage to hearing associated with exposure to live music. Employers will be required to manage those risks both to employees and freelancers using various control methods, many of which should be simple and low cost.

Chancellor Alistair Darling is to present his first Budget on 12 March, it has been revealed. This year’s budget could become a political pawn as it is widely expected that the Prime Minister will call a General Election in spring 2009. Check back on this post to see how the budget announcements will effect your business.

Northern Ireland’s creative sector is to receive a funding boost of an extra £5 million over the next three years. The extra money will be delivered in the form of a Creative Industries Seed Fund, which will be used to provide business support to creative businesses. The fund will cover issues such as business planning, access to venture capital and start up finance, help with intellectual property issues and marketing support. It is hoped the fund will boost tourism and culture in the region.