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.

Six of the best SEO tips for your website

This top six list takes the highest average scoring SEO ranking factors on search engines, with my comments attached. If you want to do the right things to develop a successful website you should take on board this advice.

Marketing

Employing & managing staff

Who pays for training?

As an employer, am I legally bound to pay for training courses for employees or can I get them to pay for it?

Small Business Insurance

‘Underinsurance leaves firms open to claims’

Many small businesses are underinsured - meaning that they could potentially face legal claims amounting to more than £3 billion, according to research.

Marketing

Quality content is the foundation of Search Engine Marketing

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is in essence the theory and practice of getting a website onto the first page of 'natural' (sometimes called 'organic') search results on the important search engines for important keywords.

Business management

Rollercoaster of a start-up

In the 25 years Ian Wood has been in business he's seen a company go under, watched an acquisition fail and carried the burden of personally guaranteeing a 25-year lease. With his design agency, ICM Creative, he's finally got things right.

Marketing

Basic building block of any Internet marketing campaign

For almost all sectors of commerce today, the Internet, or more specifically the World Wide Web, is now a key tool for business. In the field of marketing in particular it has become crucial.

Employing & managing staff

Apprentice redundancy

I have just sacked an 18-year-old apprentice who has worked with me for over a year. I am concerned I did not follow the correct procedure, what rights does he have for unfair dismissal?

Office & home working

Office space dilemmas when moving

Moving offices will test your financial skills and your ability to forecast how the company is set to grow.

Employing & managing staff

Apprentice redundancy

I have just sacked an 18-year-old apprentice who has worked with me for over a year. I am concerned I did not follow the correct procedure, what rights does he have for unfair dismissal?

Office & home working

Office space dilemmas when moving

Moving offices will test your financial skills and your ability to forecast how the company is set to grow.

Finding and selling to customers

Naming your price

Setting the right price is crucial, but using it to win business often demands a subtle touch.

Business management

Tim Campbell, winner of The Apprentice

Tim Campbell left his position as one of the highest paid middle managers at London Underground to appear on the BBC TV series The Apprentice in 2005, winning a place at Amstrad under Sir Alan Sugar, before going on to create two new ventures.

Legal advice

Smoking at work

What rights do employees have with regard to smoking, and does the employer have a legal obligation to provide a smoking area off the premises?

Marketing

How to avoid spam filters

Studies have shown that around 65 per cent of all emails sent are spam emails. Avoid your marketing emails being sent to the junk folder.

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

Small business owners: discover alternative funding solutions to help fuel your growth

Business Technology

Why you should upgrade your tech now rather than later

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

Should I buy a franchise or go solo?

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.