Employing & managing staff

Non-financial incentives, such as flexible working, training, extra holidays and a good working atmosphere all have their place in rewarding employees. But let's be honest, it's cold hard cash that's the main reason most staff come to work every morning. So, how do balance paying your staff enough to keep them happy while not breaking the bank?

Finding and selling to customers

The customer is always right, apparently. So it follows that listening to your customers and finding out exactly what they want is a sure-fire way of improving your product or service and consequently boosting revenue. But sadly, it is not usually that simple.

Marketing

Egotistical, gimmicky and grim. That is the description of millions of business cards creating a bad impression to prospective clients according to research from Lancaster University and print group The Entwistle Group. What does your card say about you and your business?

Business management

Handled well, importing can make a significant contribution to business success. For some businesses, using overseas suppliers is a key part of controlling costs. Others have built their whole business on the unique products importing allows them to provide.

Employing & managing staff

The issue of providing job references is becoming increasingly problematic. Peter Done, founder of employment law specialist Peninsula, explains what you should and shouldn't do.

Employing & managing staff

The UK is one of the worst countries in Europe for stealing by employees, according to a report by the Centre for Retail Research. Even if you employ relatively few people, it's still important to consider the worst-case scenario of staff theft and put measures in place now to deal with it in the future