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.

Advice

What to do when suppliers let you down 

Nothing can be more frustrating than being let down by a supplier, but what’s the best way to deal with the situation as a business owner? Sean Blanks, marketing director of cartridgesave.co.uk explains his approach.

Accounting

A small business perspective on insolvency

Here, we present the solutions available to directors facing insolvency.

Business Ideas & Planning

Escaping the city: Early-stage business tips from a former broker

Robert James left the city behind and bought a company selling shutters. Here, he shares his early-stage business journey.

Business management

How to progress from a business owner to a leader

Deborah Done, director at employment law consultancy Peninsula, discusses how to make the transition from one-man band to successfully overseeing a team.

Finding and selling to customers

Top five ways to shop online

Here's how to enhance your internet shopping experience.

Export & Import

Security and customs: Five pointers for exporters

Here, Gavin Kilborn, European supply chain manager at retail display specialist Triplar, presents tips for negotiating customs when trading internationally.

Export & Import

Navigating customs around the world: Advice for small businesses

Harald Schoenfelder, managing director of global trade services for EMEA at FedEx Express, discusses how to prepare so your goods don't get held up at customs.

Advice

Six things small businesses need to know about image licensing

Unlicensed use of images can result in a big fine for small businesses. Rebecca Swift, head of creative planning for iStock, explains how to avoid trouble when selecting images for branding campaigns.

Finding and selling to customers

Seven ways business networking is like online dating

Networking guru Rob Brown discusses how the lead generation process when networking bears a close resemblance to that of online dating.

Advice

Why having an amazing business concept doesn’t guarantee success

Great ideas need funding - but raising money can be more complicated than you think. Ward Williams Creative examines a company that looked great on paper but faced significant obstacles to getting to market.

Legal advice

Why small businesses should be mindful of discrimination law

Beth Brierley, of Riverview Solicitors, explains how small business owners should navigate the Equality Act.

News

The future of retail in the UK

The UK high street is in the grip of a radical transformation which will see shops becoming more like depots in the future, according to a retail expert.