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.
It's a grim fact that up to 80 per cent of new businesses launched each year fail, most within the first five years of operation. Once cash flow has dried up and creditors start knocking on the door, the most likely action taken by UK entrepreneurs is to declare bankruptcy.
Legal advice
Business management
Ex-SAS man and famed author Andy McNab underwent a covert operation in Iraq, did a stint in an Iraqi gaol and is wanted by terrorist organisations.
Business management
Since food writer Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne launched gluten-free bread Genius last year, she's carved out a healthy slice of the market.
Employing & managing staff
Remove the outer layer of fluff from theories on staff engagement and you're left with a way to better manage your employees and improve operational efficiency.
Employing & managing staff
Fit notes are set to replace sick notes. Neeta Laing, head of employment law at Lewis Hymanson Small, explains how the system will work.
Employing & managing staff
If waiting to reduce staff overheads is something you can no longer afford to delay, short-time working could be a way to save money without letting employees go.
Employing & managing staff
What are the sick leave entitlements for a part-time employee who has been signed off work due to back problems?
Marketing
As unlikely as it may seem, Hotel Chocolat's co-founder Angus Thirlwell and John Griffin, the doyen of London minicab firm Addison Lee, have a great deal in common - they both achieved success from rebranding.
Employing & managing staff
What are the sick leave entitlements for a part-time employee who has been signed off work due to back problems?
Marketing
As unlikely as it may seem, Hotel Chocolat's co-founder Angus Thirlwell and John Griffin, the doyen of London minicab firm Addison Lee, have a great deal in common - they both achieved success from rebranding.
Legal advice
What are the legal considerations in buying a business and making a member of staff redundant who has been there for 14 years?
Business management
Stephen Casey has built his temporary structures company Accio Group into a solid business with a revenue of £2.7 million.
Finding and selling to customers
More tips from John Cleese, who reveals how to stop a waffler in full flow.
Business management
Rob Mathieson backed a winning business idea when he set up betting advice and news site Tipstar.co.uk.
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.