smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Recruiting for a small business

The recruitment process can seem daunting if it’s your first time, especially given the importance of hiring the right staff.

Webchat: The employer's apprentice

Stephen Gardner, director of apprenticeships at the Learning and Skills Council and Gina Mcdowell, finalist in the Large Employer of the Year category of the Apprenticeship Awards in 2006, are taking part in a live webchat to educate employers about recruiting apprentices for business success.

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Guide to Apprenticeships

In a recent survey conducted amongst members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 31.8 per cent reported experiencing skill shortages amongst their current staff, in managerial, advanced IT, technical and sales and marketing roles. So what’s to be done? SmallBusiness.co.uk teamed up with the FSB to give you this guide to apprenticeships.

Train staff in core skills

Research shows there has been a shift from training to learning and organisations are encouraging the individual learner to take more responsibility for his or her learning. Many training needs are obvious and emerge as a clear consequence of the nature of the business with the introduction of new systems, technology and processes.

How to reconnect young people and organisations

The “Working Progress” report, from Orange and think-tank Demos, highlights the damaging disconnect between graduates and employers and how this is affecting UK PLC. The report also provides solid and practical recommendations of ways in which the two can reconnect.

What to put in an employment contract

Any small business employing staff must be aware of the details that need to be included in an employment contract. Carolyn Mumby, of Employment Law Essentials, explains what employers need to know about terms of employment.

Recruiting staff online

Recruitment websites are rapidly growing in popularity and can be a very cost-effective way for small businesses to reach thousands of potential candidates in a short space of time. Sean Mahon, Marketing Director, from fish4 explains how.

Firing staff legally

Dismissing an employee can be a difficult area to tackle for employers especially if the employee has worked for the company for 12 months or more because they attract Unfair Dismissal rights.

Measuring company culture

Some claim their company culture is ‘young, vibrant and fun’. Others call it ‘casual, yet professional and ethical’, and there are even those whose culture is ‘characterised by open doors and open minds’. But what actually is company culture and can it be measured? How can you ensure your projected company image corresponds with the actual workplace?

Navigate the employment law maze

UK and European legislation has ensured that the days of an entrepreneur being master of his own house with regard to employment issues has long gone.

How to set salaries

Non-financial incentives, such as flexible working, training, extra holidays and a good working atmosphere all have their place in rewarding employees. But let’s be honest, it’s cold hard cash that’s the main reason most staff come to work every morning. So, how do balance paying your staff enough to keep them happy while not breaking the bank?

Top tips to cope with Christmas

With staff dropping their work rate and the danger of the Christmas party getting out of hand, the festive period can leave small business owners with a major headache. Use this guide to ease the pain.

Watch out for thieving staff

The UK is one of the worst countries in Europe for stealing by employees, according to a report by the Centre for Retail Research. Even if you employ relatively few people, it’s still important to consider the worst-case scenario of staff theft and put measures in place now to deal with it in the future

Setting up a Recruitment Agency

This profile explores what is needed to start up a recruitment agency. It looks at the relevant skills and training, examines the market and suggests how to identify customers and competitors.