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.

To the tea – Adam Soliman of Charbrew

Twenty-three year old Adam Soliman launched high-end tea brand Charbrew in 2010 and is already expecting to turn over £500,000.

Business management

Employing & managing staff

Finding the right employee

Ross Williams, founder of software company Global Personals, gives advice on interviewing for the right person.

Finding and selling to customers

Customer service key to stopping retail rot

It's been a dog-eat-dog world out there for small retailers for some time now, and it looks as if retaining vital customers will continue to be a tough ask.

Finding and selling to customers

Beyond the freemium model

SmallBusiness.co.uk looks at the basics of moving from a freemium to pay model.

Business management

Climatecars eco-friendly car service – the sustainable fleet

In 2007, Nicko Williamson launched Climatecars, which provides an environmentally-friendly hybrid car service in London, and now turns over £2.2 million.

Employing & managing staff

Staff behaving badly

As employees start thinking about festive celebrations, there's a heightened risk of disaster. SmallBusiness.co.uk looks at how to manage internal disputes and staff excess.

Business management

Dress for success

Sisters Claire Chapman and Jo Cowan set up bridal shop Belle Bridal in 2009 and expects to double their opening year’s turnover to £100,000 this year.

Employing & managing staff

Seasonal stopgap – Recruiting temporary staff at Christmas

As Christmas approaches, many companies may be considering hiring extra staff on a temporary basis to cover them over the busy period.

Business management

Dress for success

Sisters Claire Chapman and Jo Cowan set up bridal shop Belle Bridal in 2009 and expects to double their opening year’s turnover to £100,000 this year.

Employing & managing staff

Seasonal stopgap – Recruiting temporary staff at Christmas

As Christmas approaches, many companies may be considering hiring extra staff on a temporary basis to cover them over the busy period.

Advice

How to increase profitability

SmallBusiness.co.uk presents five ideas for increasing profitability and keeping your business in the black.

Legal advice

Dealing with a difficult shareholder

Clive Lewis, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, explains the legal ramifications of shareholder disputes.

Legal advice

Can we get rid of a director?

I own a small business, incorporated in February this year, as one of three directors. One director is proving awkward to work with and won't agree to anything the other two directors decide on. We want to continue in business with just us two directors and get rid of the third guy. What are our options?

Business management

What is Business Process Management?

What is Business Process Management and how can it benefit my business?

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