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.

Why a small business owner might need a mentor

Overcome the loneliness you can feel as an entrepreneur by considering a mentor, Ian Cowley suggests.

Business management

Finding and selling to customers

The importance of customer prioritisation in testing times

Here, we look at why issues of trust mean that businesses need to become more customer-focused than ever.

Office & home working

How do I handle employees who attend work while unwell?

Clearly I am concerned about their wellbeing but I also wish to ensure that illness does not spread throughout the rest of the business and impact other workers.

Marketing

Building your customer base: Why email marketing is not dead

Stefano Maruzzi discusses why email marketing is still a huge opportunity for small businesses.

Employing & managing staff

How can I keep my employees engaged?

Is there a way I can prevent my employees becoming bored at work? How can I ensure that they feel challenged and satisfied in their role?

Business Technology

What impact could 3D printing have on small businesses?

Here, we look at the benefit of the still-developing technology of 3D printing for SMEs.

Business management

Ensuring thoughtful, congruent marketing in your business

David Cliff puts marketing under the spotlight, discussing why so many do it so wrong and giving tips for success.

Employing & managing staff

What is the minimum holiday entitlement for staff?

What is the minimum holiday entitlement we need to provide staff and should that include bank holidays? Also does this information need to be included within HR documentation?

Business management

Ensuring thoughtful, congruent marketing in your business

David Cliff puts marketing under the spotlight, discussing why so many do it so wrong and giving tips for success.

Employing & managing staff

What is the minimum holiday entitlement for staff?

What is the minimum holiday entitlement we need to provide staff and should that include bank holidays? Also does this information need to be included within HR documentation?

Marketing

Infographic: Vouchers – the saviours of online shoppers

Think vouchers are just an afterthought companies use to promote their products? Think again.

Office & home working

Employee is not performing to his potential

I have an employee with questionable performance and I think now would be a good time to address the issue. How do I proceed?

Business Technology

Why one size does not fit all when it comes to technology

Andy Hinxman discusses why different sectors have different IT needs.

Buying and selling a company

Buying a business vs starting one: The pros and cons

Deciding to be your own boss is often a lightbulb moment, but finding the right way to achieve this will be your first challenge; should you start a business from scratch or buy one that's ready to go?

Partner content

Benefits of switching to the right business bank account

In case you were in any doubt, here are five key benefits of switching your business bank account – and how to make the switch.

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?