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.

News

IRM: Virtual offices getting more accepted

Consumers are increasingly accepting of businesses running from virtual offices rather than bricks and mortar buildings, according to the Institute of Risk Management (IRM).

Small Business Insurance

‘Underinsurance leaves firms open to claims’

Many small businesses are underinsured - meaning that they could potentially face legal claims amounting to more than £3 billion, according to research.

Marketing

Quality content is the foundation of Search Engine Marketing

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is in essence the theory and practice of getting a website onto the first page of 'natural' (sometimes called 'organic') search results on the important search engines for important keywords.

News

Healthy food ‘a good investment for franchisees’

Increased demand for healthy food makes health food businesses good investments for franchisees, according to Franchise Magazine.

News

Outsourcing may lead to a loss of control

SMEs that outsource staff and contracts 'do think they might lose control so they try and take steps to make sure that doesn't happen'.

Legal advice

Food hygiene certificates for sandwich shops and similar food businesses

Q: Do I need any health & safety qualifications and food hygiene certificates before I can open a sandwich shop?