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Alan Dobie

Alan Dobie

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About

Alan was assistant editor at Vitesse Media Plc (previous owner of smallbusiness.co.uk) before moving on to a content producer role at Reed Business Information. He has over 17 years of experience in the publishing industry and has held a number of senior writing, editing and sub-editing roles.

Investing in a franchise

A guide to franchise agreements

If you have decided to go down the franchise route, you need to be sure that the contract you are signing suits your plans and doesn't tie you in to anything unexpected.

Business Technology

Business broadband options for small companies

Here, we look at how to choose the right broadband package as a small business.

Employing & managing staff

How long does a temporary contract last?

How long does a temporary contract last, I have been temporary for three and a half years; should I now be classed as permanent?

Business management

How three UK tech start-ups are achieving success 

Here, Ian Butterworth interviews three tech founders and reveals their source of motivation, the challenges they faced and their recruiting strategies.

Business management

Why I let my team decide my salary…and theirs

Paulina Sygulska discusses the 'open culture' ethos of her business and how it meant unusual but effective decisions could be made on remuneration.

Advice

Corporate FX: What you need to know when sending money overseas and hedging

Small businesses often lose out when it comes to transferring money overseas. Here's how to level the playing field.

Marketing

Key design trends for small companies this year

Here, we look at some predictions for small business website and marketing communications design trends.

Advice

Safeguarding the online reputation of your small business

A single negative event can ruin your company's reputation. Here's how to protect your brand's image online.

News

Creative minds driving SME innovation 

Employing and nurturing creative people is more important for business innovation than striving to come up with a bright idea, research suggests.

Accounting

Beyond bean counting: A brief summary of what accountants actually do

In this piece, Andy Hyland breaks down the practice of accountancy into its three constituent parts.

Employing & managing staff

What happens when an employee struggles to get in during bad weather?

Here, Alan Price discusses how to deal with absenteeism due to inclement weather.

Advice

Ten principles for established businesses in growing markets

You can be a recognised player in an evolving market, but it doesn't mean your status is safe. Here, Jeremy Torz explains how to maintain your edge.