Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Office & home working
Office space costs can often leave companies with little room to breathe. Here SmallBusiness.co.uk and John Spencer, CEO of MWB Business Exchange, outline the potential benefits of serviced offices.
Small Business Banking
Do I need to open a business bank account or can I simply use my personal current account for my small business?
Tax
I heard that the government were helping small business by deferring payment of VAT. Is this true and if so, what is the procedure?
News
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has welcomed a funding package of £23 million to help small to medium-sized businesses in the capital.
Finding and selling to customers
With a million unwanted Christmas presents sold on ebay last year, gift vouchers are becoming a popular way to avoid upsetting a loved one with an ill-chosen purchase. Here's how they can benefit your business.
Small Business Insurance
Retailers being refused trade credit insurance is leading to problems in the industry, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns.
Sole trader
Setting up as a sole trader can be the easiest, and most cost-effective route for going into business. But you will need more than a spare room and internet connection to make your idea a success.
Small Business Banking
The likes of The Body Shop and Waterstone’s used funding through the Small Firms Loan Guarantee (SFLG) scheme to get off the ground. But with banks now so reluctant to lend, some believe it’s time for an overhaul
News
The Competition Commission has now published its report on the grocery sector and is calling for greater competition between UK supermarkets.
Employing & managing staff
Bullying affects up to one in ten employees. But intimidating behaviour, as displayed by presenters Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross, can go unnoticed. Here Steve Williams, head of equality services at employment expert Acas and SmallBusiness.co.uk offer some tips for banning bullying.
Business Loans
There is still another means of raising cash without giving away too much equity.
Investing in a franchise
Many well known brands have developed successful franchises, such as McDonalds and Starbucks. With over 800 networks in the UK, it has become a popular way to expand. Here are a few things to consider first.