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.
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.
Business Technology
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
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.
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?
Legal advice
I want to hire a friend as director to help me in my business for no salary. He is working for another company. How can we can do it so his obligations (Tax, NI, SSP) and benefits (pensions) as an employee at his current job will not change?
Business management
Mum of two Denise Proctor started baby equipment rental service The Baby Loft in 2010 and expects to double its opening year's turnover of £20,000 this year.
Office & home working
I want to register my home address as my company address (it will be a limited company). Do I have to inform the landlord and do I have to pay any extra tax?
Business Loans
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Partner content
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
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
Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade