Category

Running a Business

This section takes you through every important aspect of how to run a successful business. It offers expert guides and advice articles on the key elements of business management such as employing staff, finding customers, marketing and sales, pricing, people management, office and home working, business technology and everything else an entrepreneur must tackle in order to succeed.

I have found the right job candidate. Can I cancel other interviews?

I am in the process of interviewing candidates for a job, but after the first couple I feel that I have found the perfect person for the position. However, I have other interviews set up. Do I have to follow through with these?

Employing & managing staff

Marketing

How to establish a budget for your printed marketing materials

Whether you run a small, family business from home or a multi-million pound corporation, marketing is the best way to promote your products and services.

Employing & managing staff

Do I have to offer bereavement pay?

A member of staff experienced a family loss and took time off to grieve. I did not pay them bereavement pay at the time as I wasn't sure if they were entitled to it. The employee is now claiming he would like to be paid for the time off.

Business Technology

Windows 10: What it means for your business

Andy Hinxman discusses what small businesses should know about Windows' latest operating system.

Employing & managing staff

How to choose the right software developers for your company

Here, we look at a service that tests programming candidates before interview, helping you to find the right hire.

Small Business Insurance

Consider key person insurance for your small business

In this Q&A Jody Pearmain talks about how one often-overlooked form of insurance can be critical for your business.

Legal advice

Why the right business structure is so important

Many start-ups choose to become sole traders or partnerships simply because they are afraid of the paperwork. Here, Henry Catchpole explains why creating the correct business structure offers important legal and tax advantages.

Finding and selling to customers

User experience: The secret weapon for small businesses

Gareth Bull speaks to two company owners on the importance of the service your customers and potential customers experience when browsing your website.

Legal advice

Why the right business structure is so important

Many start-ups choose to become sole traders or partnerships simply because they are afraid of the paperwork. Here, Henry Catchpole explains why creating the correct business structure offers important legal and tax advantages.

Finding and selling to customers

User experience: The secret weapon for small businesses

Gareth Bull speaks to two company owners on the importance of the service your customers and potential customers experience when browsing your website.

Employing & managing staff

Qualifications versus industry experience when recruiting

What CV information should stand out to you when taking on staff? Geoff Ford discusses the factors to take on board.

Productivity Zone

Five tips to improve productivity in the last week of summer

Niall O'Loughlin of 99designs explores a number of ways to spike the productivity of your small business.

Small Business Insurance

Why your start-up needs product liability insurance

Here, we put product liability insurance and its relevance to small businesses under the microscope.

Employing & managing staff

How can I encourage my employees to take their annual leave?

I have a number of employees who fail to take their annual leave, this may be because they are busy or feel obligated to the business. As our small business can often become busy and hectic I would like to encourage my workforce to take annual leave; how can I best do this?

Business Loans

A guide to getting a small business loan

Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.

Partner content

What are the funding options for hospitality businesses?

Hospitality businesses have faced a number of challenges in the last couple of years. Find out what funding and support is available.

Employing & managing staff

The importance of vocational rehabilitation services for SMEs

In Aviva’s latest SME research*, 57 per cent of employers surveyed agreed that nowadays employees expect benefits to protect against loss of income or earnings. What do you offer your people?

Partner content

What are the benefits of business broadband?

Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade