Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
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.
Another company has started up using our name. We are an online shop and have been in business since 2003. We let a domain name slide, a company has bought it, and is selling similar products under the same name. We have had three calls from their unhappy customers thinking it was us. Please help!
Legal advice
Business management
Edward Fanshawe set up waste management bidding site Skiptrips in 2012 and looks to turn over £250,000 in his first year of trading.
Finding and selling to customers
Exchanging goods and services is increasingly popular in a cash-strapped economy. SmallBusiness.co.uk looks at three companies engaging in the practice.
Business Technology
The best e-commerce websites have moved far beyond being online brochures or catalogues. Ben Lobel looks at an array of innovations which are helping to draw consumers and brands ever closer together.
Employing & managing staff
Can I legally make redundant staff who have been employed longer on the books and who do the same hours as subcontractors, while keeping the subcontractors employed?
Employing & managing staff
I had a casual worker (no contract) working two hours a day for one or two days a week. She is now asking for p45 and wage slips. This person has some property that belongs to my company and she will not return it until I produce the p45. What is my move?
Business management
Gem Misa started natural food company Righteous in 2009 and turned over £120,000 in 2011. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to her about funding, marketing and future plans.
Small Business Insurance
If you're self-employed or you run a small business, it's important you get the right business insurance cover in place.
Business management
Gem Misa started natural food company Righteous in 2009 and turned over £120,000 in 2011. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to her about funding, marketing and future plans.
Small Business Insurance
If you're self-employed or you run a small business, it's important you get the right business insurance cover in place.
Business management
Charlie Marshall launched bed provider The Sleep Room in 2009 and the company now turns over £7 million.
Marketing
SmallBusiness.co.uk looks at how creating videos can convey an impactful company message.
Employing & managing staff
An employee worked 14 weeks, booked a weeks' holiday then gave a week’s notice while on holiday and never came back. Is she entitled to any holiday pay? She worked 17 hours a week.
Legal advice
I have developed and researched a new idea that I think has the potential to be commercially successful. How do I protect my idea?
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
To run an optimal business, you must have optimal tech. We explain why you must upgrade your business technology on a regular basis
Investing in a franchise
Starting a new business is an exciting venture. But – especially in well-established industry sectors – a key question is whether it would be better to buy a franchise or go solo.