News

Government contracts ‘would help small firms’

The government should ensure a greater volume of public sector contracts are awarded to small to medium businesses, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Accounting

Recession beater: Martin Warner

Martin Warner is chief executive and co-founder of business networking site Talkbiznow.

News

Business regulations ‘still time consuming’

A government initiative to reduce the burden of regulations on small firms has not decreased the time it takes to comply, according to figures from the National Audit Office (NAO).

News

Closing of energywatch ‘will affect small businesses’

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has stated many companies will not know where to turn following the closure of energywatch.

Business management

Rising Star: Paul Kelly

Championed by the likes of Delia Smith and Jamie Oliver, Paul Kelly started KellyBronze turkeys more than 20 years ago with his dad Derek Kelly.

News

Peer-to-peer training is ‘a great way to learn’

Peer-to-peer training offers a great way for employees to learn in a non-threatening way, but the benefits are not widely known, says an expert.

News

Home working ‘set for exponential growth’

The number of employees working from home in the UK is set to increase significantly in the near future as a result of new legislation making the option available to more people.

News

Businesses failing to reduce carbon footprint

Companies in the UK can increase their value by reducing their carbon footprints and tackling emissions, says one body.

News

FSB: Small businesses left out in fuel package

The government's £1 billion fuel poverty package has left out any provisions for SMEs, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) believes.

News

Female entrepreneurs to be ’empowered’

Budding female entrepreneurs are set to be 'empowered ... to make their dreams a reality' at special events this autumn.

News

OFT publishes new contract guidelines

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is publishing guidelines on business contracts intended to protect consumers from unfair small print.

Business Ideas & Planning

What’s the first thing to do to start a business?

I am thinking of starting my own gardening business but know nothing about starting a business. I was wondering what is the first thing I need to do?