Category

Business management

This section provides helpful case studies and guides on business reputation management strategies for UK start-ups and entrepreneurs.

Rachel Elnaugh, former Dragons’ Den investor – Lessons learned

The well-publicised crash of her company Red Letter Days meant that Rachel Elnaugh's days as an investor on the Dragons' Den were over. SmallBusiness.co.uk caught up with her to ask what she has learned along the way.

Business management

Business management

Podcast: Who’s afraid of the female entrepreneur?

At SmallBusiness.co.uk we are always eager to point you in the direction of useful resources that can help your business. SmallBizPod is the UK's first small business podcast and includes interviews and practical advice for start-ups and businesses of all sizes.

Business management

Perfecting project management

If you are taking on a new contract or have an ambitious plan for growth, it might be handy to learn from project managers.

Business management

Lessons Learned, Chris Mottershead, Travelzest

Chris Mottershead is a travel industry veteran. He was president and CEO of North American leisure group Airtours before changing course to steer online travel specialist Travelzest through a turbulent period for the sector to land record profits.

Business management

Lessons Learned – Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, founder, The Black Farmer

Three years ago Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones launched his food brand 'The Black Farmer', daring to take on the big stores and their own labels dominating the market at the time.

Business management

Make your office more environmentally responsible and save money

In an increasingly competitive marketplace, small and medium-sized businesses are always on the look out for opportunities to cut operating costs. SmallBusiness.co.uk offers a number of simple operational changes that can not only ensure your business is more environmentally sound but also save you money.

Business management

How to reduce your business overhead costs

Increasing the turnover of your business is not always enough to improve your profit margins. Cost control and reduction of overheads play an important part in managing the margins of small businesses.

Business management

Lessons Learned: Ian Merricks, MD, Itchy Media

Ian Merricks began his career as a record promoter in 1996, specialising in youth media. In 2007, he raised private equity for the MBO of media and marketing company Itchy Group, for whom he has overseen five acquisitions and several million pounds of private investment. SmallBusiness.co.uk sat down for a cup of tea with him to find out the secret to his success.

Business management

How to reduce your business overhead costs

Increasing the turnover of your business is not always enough to improve your profit margins. Cost control and reduction of overheads play an important part in managing the margins of small businesses.

Business management

Lessons Learned: Ian Merricks, MD, Itchy Media

Ian Merricks began his career as a record promoter in 1996, specialising in youth media. In 2007, he raised private equity for the MBO of media and marketing company Itchy Group, for whom he has overseen five acquisitions and several million pounds of private investment. SmallBusiness.co.uk sat down for a cup of tea with him to find out the secret to his success.

Business management

Lessons Learned: Derek Browne, CEO, Entrepreneurs in Action

Derek Browne left a lucrative career in the City to start his own business, Entrepreneurs in Action, aimed at teaching students the value of entrepreneurship. He went on to win Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion in 2006 and to act as coach and business mentor for Jaime Oliver’s four graduates on the Channel 4 ‘Jamie's Chef’ show.

Business management

The perfect pitch to invvestors

After your business plan has been written, the next stage often involves pitching it to prospective investors. Yet, it's not only the content of the business plan that is being scrutinised, but also the capabilities of the management team. Your pitch is the first step to showing you can succeed.

Business management

Lessons Learned: Andrew Valentine, Co-founder, Streetcar

Andrew Valentine and Brett Akker came across the idea for Streetcar after reading a magazine article about a similar scheme. The business launched in London in 2004. SmallBusiness.co.uk spoke to Valentine and asked him to share his experiences and offer some advice for small business owners and managers.

Business management

Lessons Learned: Mark Chadwick, Founder and Director, Carbon Clear

SmallBusiness.co.uk asks an inspirational entrepreneur to share their experiences and offer advice for SMEs. With the benefit of hindsight, what do they wish they'd known when they started? This week it's Mark Chadwick, founder and director of carbon emissions management company Carbon Clear.

Partner content

Why you need a business bank account

HSBC - Advertising feature

Partner content

5 things every small business owner needs to know before starting

HSBC - Advertising feature

Business management

How to create good cashflow habits

HSBC - Advertising feature

Business Technology

How to keep your small business safe online

Here's how Security Service Edge from Vodafone can help to protect your SME from ever-increasing cyber threats