smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

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As businesses seek to cut costs, many are looking to work from home. According to research by business insurance provider Hiscox, 2.1 million businesses are run from home, with 1,400 new ventures launched from a domestic base in the UK every week. However, there are still costs to consider – notably, changes to their insurance and legal status.

Can you afford to ignore the flood risk?

Can you afford to ignore flood risk?

Small businesses are more at risk from flooding than fire - and the effects can be 30 times as costly as burglary - yet many businesses still do not have any measures in place to protect their property or staff from flooding, says , the Environment Agency.

Webchat: Boost efficiency, save money and help the environment

Boosting efficiency in the office is one of the simplest ways to cut waste and save money yet many UK companies are failing to do this. Webchats.tv is hosting a live discussion giving advice on how you can boost your efficiency as a business and save the planet at the same time.

Office & Homeworking News

Start-up owners 'save on commuting time'

People starting their own business save up to three working weeks a year in commuting as they can choose where they work, meaning they have more time to invest in the company.

Start-up owners 'save on commuting time'

People starting their own business save up to three working weeks a year in commuting as they can choose where they work, meaning they have more time to invest in the company.

MacArthur calls for ‘energy marshals’ for SMEs

Yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur is urging businesses to appoint energy marshals in a bid to cut costs and save the environment.

Flexible working 'could get lost in recession'

Flexitime and home working could be lost in the recession despite there being mutual gains for staff and employers, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Flexible working plans reviewed

The government says plans to allow parents more flexible working rights are being reviewed in light of the current economic situation.

'Buzz words' can hinder productivity

The majority of Britons believe buzz words in the workplace can restrict productivity, yet over half still use phrases like ‘in the loop’ and ‘think outside the box’.

Email is not always the best way

Attempting to settle disputes and problems by email is not an effective way to communicate in a business enviroment and can often make things worse, says an expert.

Business regulations 'still time consuming'

A government initiative to reduce the burden of regulations on small firms has not decreased the time it takes to comply, according to figures from the National Audit Office (NAO).

Employees in 'best position to highlight security'

Businesses should assess where data is being held and bear in mind that employees are in the best position to highlight any security issues, according to an expert.

Home working 'set for exponential growth'

The number of employees working from home in the UK is set to increase significantly in the near future as a result of new legislation making the option available to more people.

Home working 'set for exponential growth'

The number of employees working from home in the UK is set to increase significantly in the near future as a result of new legislation making the option available to more people.

Events Calendar

Business Startup

28th November, Olympia, London

Protecting Your Business

6th September, Best Western Country Hotel, Caerphilly

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as 100 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

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Resource Centre

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Polls

Video

Flexible working: the leaders' view

At the 2008 Work Wise UK Summit, BT Business asked a number of leaders for their views on flexible working.

The challenge of growth for small business

The challenges of growth for small business

New business must be won by creating a good first impression with customers and procurement managers...

Creating a successful business plan

Setting out a plan for your business can seem like a daunting task, especially before you've even got it off the ground.

Top tips for startups

Every successful business has a few things they wish they'd known before they started...

Blogs

How to be a start-up success

Marc Barber 07/08/2008

There are three common elements to a start-up successfully negotiating those tricky first few years: an honest appraisal of ability, market research, and finance. Have your say »

Burning the candle at both ends

Penny Proffit 30/06/2008

The romantics among you may think that running your own business might be relaxing. Have your say »

Basic building block of any Internet marketing campaign

Guest Blogger 07/07/2008

For almost all sectors of commerce today, the Internet, or more specifically the World Wide Web, is now a key tool for business. In the field of marketing in particular it has become crucial. (1 comments) Have your say »

Q&A

Register or login to ask a question to our panel of experts...

Starts ups expert

Ashley de Safrin, Business Link in London

Start-up tips

Philip Wilkinson, Business Link

Advice for employers

Peter Done, Peninsula

16 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Tax and the sale of your home Q: Office space Q: High-flood-risk business premesis Q: Office space required per person Q: Need to sell my business Q: What to do when moving business premises Q: How to deal with the competition

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