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.

Business management

Four tips to encourage employees to go above and beyond

Here, Simon Chapman explores what makes your workers tick and how to get the best from them.

Advice

How to overhaul your brand image

Here, Sally Barrett-Spring of Moneypenny.co.uk reveals how the business managed its rebranding process.

Accounting

Why HMRC Business Records Checks are manageable for your small business

Neil Tipping explains the process of HMRC Business Records Checks and what demands are made of businesses.

Buying and selling a company

Advice for those considering buying a B&B

Here, Gareth Smyth looks at the key things to weigh up before purchasing a bed and breakfast business.

Business management

Entrepreneurs must learn the art of delegation

'Get Things Done' author and small business owner Robert Kelsey discusses how entrepreneurs can overcome their fear of delegation.

Business Loans

Getting a small business loan from community development finance institutions

Here, we look at community development finance institutions (CDFIs) and how they can assist small companies with finance. 

Export & Import

How graph databases can help small businesses go places faster

Rik Van Bruggen, regional director at Neo Technology, discusses how an exciting new technology can improve the management and tracking of deliveries.

Employing & managing staff

Health and safety law exemption proposed for the self employed

Stephen Thomas, safety technical consultant at Croner, discusses the ramifications of a proposal to exempt certain self-employed people from health and safety red tape.

Business management

Growing a business: From 0 to 40,000 users a day

Chris Holbrook was a freelance web developer when he launched Freepostcodelottery.com, a daily lottery draw funded by advertising. He talks to SmallBusiness.co.uk about starting up and upping interest in the site.

Small Business Banking

Why a small business should consider moving to a challenger bank

Susie Taylor, founder of Susie Taylor Communications, discusses why she took up business banking with Metro Bank.

Business Ideas & Planning

Top tips for starting a business

Starting your own business is an exciting yet terrifying prospect! Here are 5 top tips for anyone who wants to start a business.

Advice

How small businesses can keep payments secure

Tim Critchley, CEO of Semafone, discusses what to do to comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards.