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.

How to have a good business meeting 

The difference between a successful business meeting and a futile one is in the preparation and the staging.

Employing & managing staff

Employing & managing staff

Employee on sick leave

We are a small business employing five people. One is frequently going sick for one or two days at a time. We are still paying that employee for the days she is off sick. Can I remove her self-certification and not pay her if she has any further short term sickness leave?

Employing & managing staff

Do I need to consider maternity pay?

One of my employees is pregnant. What are my considerations in regard to maternity pay?

Business Technology

Business leaders predict rise in mobile payments 

Business leaders believe mobile payments will be mainstream within four years with mass-market acceptance only two years away, research finds.

Marketing

Pay per Click Advertising for Small Businesses

It's been quite awhile since we last looked at Pay per Click (commonly shortened to PPC) advertising on search engines, and while the basics remain the same, there have been some important changes since that last article and there is also a major market-changing event in the pipeline to which you should be alerted.

Business Technology

In Peake condition

CRM and cloud-based application software company Bright Office launched in 2009 and is on course to double its turnover in 2011 to £500,000.

Legal advice

What SMEs should know about the Bribery Act

Last week the controversial Bribery Act came into force in the UK, bringing with it strict consequences for companies deemed to have committed corporate bribery and corruption.

Export & Import

Elusive finance could be blow for export trade

Former HSBC chairman Stephen Green has said a lack of financing options for businesses could threaten international trade.

Legal advice

What SMEs should know about the Bribery Act

Last week the controversial Bribery Act came into force in the UK, bringing with it strict consequences for companies deemed to have committed corporate bribery and corruption.

Export & Import

Elusive finance could be blow for export trade

Former HSBC chairman Stephen Green has said a lack of financing options for businesses could threaten international trade.

Business management

Van-do attitude

Courier company Anyvan launched in January 2010 and aims to change the public perception of moving goods. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to founder Angus Elphinstone.

Employing & managing staff

Employers deluged with sub-par CVs

Employers face hiring hell as they get inundated with unsuitable candidates.

Business management

Borro – The short-term asset lender

SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to Paul Aitken, CEO of online short-term asset lender Borro.com, which launched in 2008 and has grown rapidly to revenues of more than £2 million.

Legal advice

Can I work on my business while claiming maternity benefit?

I am currently employed part time with a baby due in November. I intended to take maternity leave; however, my husband and I are starting a business. Can I work on it at all while claiming maternity benefit? (I won't be working as much as I intend to after maternity).

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

Small business owners: discover alternative funding solutions to help fuel your growth

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

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

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

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.