About

Anna is Senior Reporter, covering topics affecting SMEs such as grant funding, managing employees and the day-to-day running of a business.

Tax

VAT registration: the facts

Utterly stumped by Value Added Tax? Here's everything you need to know about VAT registration.

Success stories

Entrepreneur Q&A: Mark Gurtler, CEO of Greenbrokers

Mark Gurtler is a 42-year-old father of two who has grown a £1 million garden retail supply business from scratch. We ask him how he did it.

Business Loans

Five tips for those seeking a business loan

In need of some cash? We take a look at what small companies need to bear in mind before pursuing a business loan.

Blog

Self-improvement obsession: are entrepreneurs at greater risk?

Self-improvement can help entrepreneurs reach their business goals, but could they be prone to more destructive personal development habits?

Accounting

How to deal with late payment

Late payments can cause endless problems for small business owners, and it's not just cash flow. We explore the extent of the issue and speak to three entrepreneurs about their experiences.

Advice

How to create a succession planning strategy for your family business

Peter Jenner explains how owners of family businesses can create a robust succession planning strategy.

Accounting

Self-employed pension crisis: one in three relying on state to fund retirement

Entrepreneurs are heading towards a self-employed pension crisis, with many not having any savings in place at all.

Employing & managing staff

How strategic workforce planning can help you hire better staff

Strategic workforce planning (SWP) can help SMEs hire staff more effectively. Kate Parker of Berwick Talent Solutions goes over the basics.

Advice

How important is education for business owners and entrepreneurs?

Sometimes entrepreneurs consider further study in the hope it can prepare them for the future. Here's what you need to know when it comes to education for business owners.

Employing & managing staff

Why ignoring employee weaknesses is bad for your business

A new book argues that ignoring employee weaknesses and focusing on strengths will result in a happier, more productive workforce. Here's why I don't think that's the case.

Business management

Joint ventures: five things you need to consider before you begin

Joint ventures can be rewarding if your partner company's goals and values reflect your own. Follow these tips to get started.