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.
Stephen Armistead, director of Trade Copiers Ltd came up with the idea of refurbishing and trading in used photocopiers back in 2002, when he saw an opening in the market for a provider with strong logistics capabilities.
Finding and selling to customers
Business management
Still only 26, Piers Daniell has taken internet service provider Fluidata from the confines of his bedroom to a £2 million business in the space of two years.
Business management
Neil Holland decided to take his bespoke Formula 1 simulator to the road and is on track to race the business into poll position.
Business management
Anya Sizer of PowerChange started her own business as an infertility coach with the last £4,000 of her savings.
Business management
Mia Woodford set up online auction site Buy Once Give Twice with her friend Emma Leschallas, as a way for charities to raise money.
Business management
James Murray Wells started Glassesdirect.co.uk with the last £1,000 of his student loan. With the help of VCs, he is now aiming to turn it into a £1 billion company.
Business management
Margaret Wood started her engineering company ICW UK, which makes high-tech windows and windscreens, at the age of 46. Based in Yorkshire the 61-year-old entrepreneur received a Women Inventors in Industry award in 2003. Her company has a turnover of £400,000
Business Technology
As the price of running an SME soars, small business owners have to look for more ways to cut costs. Buying computer software can be expensive, so how can business managers cut their IT spend? Read on to find out...
Business management
Margaret Wood started her engineering company ICW UK, which makes high-tech windows and windscreens, at the age of 46. Based in Yorkshire the 61-year-old entrepreneur received a Women Inventors in Industry award in 2003. Her company has a turnover of £400,000
Business Technology
As the price of running an SME soars, small business owners have to look for more ways to cut costs. Buying computer software can be expensive, so how can business managers cut their IT spend? Read on to find out...
Business Technology
Virtualisation is already helping companies get more out of their servers. Now, the revolutionary technology is providing a novel way to stay in business in times of disaster.
Buying and selling a company
Buying a business is not something to rush into. Use these guidelines to help steer you in the right direction.
Employing & managing staff
The recruitment process can seem daunting if it's your first time, especially given the importance of hiring the right staff.
Finding and selling to customers
These key sales strategies will help you increase top line growth in good times and bad.
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.