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.
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
Employing & managing staff
One of my employees is pregnant. What are my considerations in regard to maternity pay?
Business Technology
Business leaders believe mobile payments will be mainstream within four years with mass-market acceptance only two years away, research finds.
Marketing
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
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
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
Former HSBC chairman Stephen Green has said a lack of financing options for businesses could threaten international trade.
Business management
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.
Export & Import
Former HSBC chairman Stephen Green has said a lack of financing options for businesses could threaten international trade.
Business management
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 face hiring hell as they get inundated with unsuitable candidates.
Business management
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
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).
Employing & managing staff
Launched in March, recruitment site Staffbay.com aims to revolutionise the online recruitment platform for both employers and candidates. The company aims to turn over £1.5 million in its first year of trading.
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