News

Greater competition between UK supermarkets

The Competition Commission has now published its report on the grocery sector and is calling for greater competition between UK supermarkets.

Employing & managing staff

How to fight workplace bullying

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

Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme Explained

There is still another means of raising cash without giving away too much equity.

Investing in a franchise

Why Franchising could work for you

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.

Small Business Banking

Are banks backing your business?

SMEs tell us how the banking situation is affecting them.

Finding and selling to customers

Healthy margins for speciality food

Splashing out on organic and home-grown foods is something we have developed a taste for, but with sales of fast food on the rise how are speciality and niche providers finding new ways to stimulate taste buds and be affordable?

Government Grants

Getting government grants

It's not easy to getting government grants or funding but there are genuine opportunities available for those who persevere. Find out all you need to know here.

Business Technology

Cost of building a website – expense or capital?

We are a start-up business currently having a bespoke website built (total cost will be around £10k). Will this be treated as a capital cost or trading expense by HMRC?

Marketing

How can I promote my small retail outlet?

Get people to pay attention to your window displays. An attractive shop window display should draw passers by to look and come in to buy.

News

FRC: Firms should be extra cautious about fraud

Record levels of fraud in the UK means companies should ensure they have watertight internal control procedures to prevent losing out, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) warns.

Small Business Banking

BCC: Bank of England must cut rates

The longer the Bank of England takes to cut rates, the worse the economic situation will be, according to the British Chambers of Commerce's (BCC's) quarterly economic forecast.

Marketing

Six of the best SEO tips for your website

This top six list takes the highest average scoring SEO ranking factors on search engines, with my comments attached. If you want to do the right things to develop a successful website you should take on board this advice.