Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
News
Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling has announced that simplification of business legislation through the Company Law Reform Bill will benefit small firms to the tune of £100 million, with total savings of £250 million for UK enterprises of all sizes.
News
Many bosses and employees are suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other forms of mental ill health, a fact that is overlooked by too many business owners, says mental health charity the Shaw Trust.
Finding and selling to customers
One might think that the confidence, even arrogance, of the British in the pervasive nature of our mother tongue would successfully see us through the maze of overseas expansion. In fact, in the minds of many of the UK’s exporters there are no barriers. However, because of Britain’s long-standing unwillingness to communicate in foreign languages we may be offending some clients and possibly ignoring others.
Accounting
I'm just starting a party plan business for women's clothing, lingerie and adult products. I've just graduated from university and know nothing about the legal side of businesses. What are the most important legal details I need and where can I get detailed advice on VAT and record keeping? I have already registered as a limited company, what next?
News
Small businesses trying to buy software on the cheap could find themselves beset by problems with security breaches, malfunctions and unreliability not to mention the risk of being prosecuted by the mighty Microsoft.
Finding and selling to customers
Winning a contract to supply central or local government can be a great way to grow your business and enhance your reputation. But be warned: it's a lot easier said than done.
Business management
Nearly half of the UK's franchisees are now solely or jointly female-operated, which does not surprise Cathryn Hayes, Head of Franchising for HSBC Bank, who believes franchising is a business model that particularly suits women.
Accounting
When starting a business accountants can provide a wide range of services. You can talk over the records that you need to keep for the business and whether you need to register for VAT.
News
On 9 June, the football World Cup kicks off and, judging by previous major sporting events, the number of sickies being taken will rise sharply, causing grief for small businesses up and down the country.
News
Existing Sunday trading laws have been in place for over ten years and at present slightly favour small firms, but Government proposals to relax these laws to the detriment of SMEs have come up against strong resistance from the Federation of Small Businesses.
Business Loans
I am 25 and I have some debt from University, which is a £6,000 loan, £3,000 credit card and a student loan which is paid through my employer. Would this type of debt stop me starting up my own business and getting the finance for it?
Employing & managing staff
Whether you believe it could decimate the population or it's a lot of fuss about nothing, most big businesses have plans in place to deal with avian flu and pandemics like it. Can you afford not to protect your business?