Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
Marketing
You can't close your ears. That's the principle behind claims that radio is one of the best mediums for advertisers. Growing businesses in a range of sectors find it significantly boosts brand awareness, especially in conjunction with other media.
News
Poor office design and layout is causing high staff turnover and lower profits, according to a recent survey that suggests that almost a third of employees would leave a job because of the physical environment.
Business Technology
A study into web and email systems in SME businesses has revealed that organisations the length and breadth of the UK are wasting thousands of pounds every year by relying on badly managed and unreliable in-house server systems to deliver their website and email communications.
Finding and selling to customers
Loyal customers can sustain your business by consistently returning and buying your product or service. But you cannot create loyalty without putting in the groundwork. This is why it's crucial to establish a customer relationship management (CRM) system to help you identify who your most loyal clients are, why they keep coming back and how to enhance their overall customer experience.
Small Business Banking
Charges and services vary a great deal from bank to bank so it pays to do your homework and find out what suits you and your business.
Small Business Banking
Without wanting to overstate the obvious, cash is the lifeblood of your business. Running out of it could finish you off. Cash flow is the balance of all the money flowing in and out of your business and forecasting it will make you better prepared for peaks and troughs throughout the year.
Marketing
This is all about learning from other people who are experiencing, or have experienced, similar things to yourself. You get more from networking events if you're an active participant so get involved in debates, discussions, social events and exhibitions. Networking is valuable whether you're starting up or have been running a business for years.
Small Business Insurance
Nationally, burglary is one of the most common types of crime experienced by businesses, with higher rates of re-burglary than domestic properties. This article runs through the main measures to ensure the on-site security of your business premises and minimise risk.
Accounting
If operating as a sole trader, profits (or losses) will be taxed under Income Tax rules and you can continue working in employment under PAYE (Pay As You Earn).
Small Business Insurance
If it has been recommended you have professional indemnity, but you're a little unclear about exactly how this insurance works to protect your business, you may appreciate this simple, easy-to-understand beginners guide written by leading specialist insurer Hiscox.
Employing & managing staff
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.
News
Avian flu has increasingly been hitting the headlines and appears to be getting closer to the UK, causing worry and uncertainty amongst business owners.