Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
By 2042, almost a quarter of people living in the UK will be aged 65 or older, up from 18 per cent in 2016. The number of people aged over 70 who are in full- or part-time employment is steadily rising too, with around one in 12 of those still working compared to one in 22 working 10 years ago. Is starting your own business another option?
Success stories
Alternative finance
The commercial finance industry promises entrepreneurs a fast track to growth. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to borrowers and lenders about the rewards and risks of asset based finance.
Success stories
By 2042, almost a quarter of people living in the UK will be aged 65 or older, up from 18 per cent in 2016. The number of people aged over 70 who are in full- or part-time employment is steadily rising too, with around one in 12 of those still working compared to one in 22 working 10 years ago. Is starting your own business another option?
Alternative finance
The commercial finance industry promises entrepreneurs a fast track to growth. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to borrowers and lenders about the rewards and risks of asset based finance.
Small Business Banking
A little relationship building can go a long way when it comes to you and your chosen bank. SmallBusiness.co.uk finds out how.
Business Loans
Choosing between debt or equity finance, or a mixture of the two, could be the most important business decision you ever make. SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to entrepreneurs, financiers and advisers about the pros and cons of each.
Funding your small business
Evan Davis, presenter of BBC TWO's Dragons' Den and the BBC economics editor, believes there is no use complaining about the struggle to raise finances when starting up a new company. For Davis, it's simply part of the entrepreneur's lot.
Business Loans
If you're looking to fund rapid growth your bank will probably be the first port of call. We find out what traditional lenders can offer and how to make sure you're getting the best deal.
Blog
Frank Hannigan was rejected by Dragons’ Den with his idea for online lost and found service Yougetitback.com. He sought alternative sources of funding, eventually winning twice the amount asked for on the show. SmallBusiness.co.uk caught up with Hannigan and asked for some pearls of wisdom on the major hurdles for start-ups.
Funding your small business
The bank is not your only port of call when it comes to raising funds to start your business. Find out the options available to you.
Business management
Jennifer Irvine launched The Pure Package in 2004 as a home-delivery meals service tailored to meet clients' individual dietary requirements and preferences. In its first year, Pure Package delivered 70,000 meals and achieved a turnover of £200,000. The company has since grown into a multi-million pound operation. We asked her for her top tips.
Blog
Karen Gill co-founded Everywoman in 1999, shortly after giving birth to her son. With her partner Maxine Benson, she identified a need for accessible business information for women entrepreneurs. The company started as an online information resource, but has since grown to incorporate training and conference events for women in business. SmallBusiness.co.uk asked her to share her story.
Blog
Opinion is divided on whether too many UK companies seeking small equity investments are being overlooked in favour of their larger-scale counterparts. Are small businesses less attractive investments these days?
Finding and selling to customers
Getting your product onto the shelves of a major retailer is no mean feat. SmallBusiness.co.uk speaks to Maria Hellyer, co-founder of The British Curry Company, about how she managed to turn a few jars of curry sauce at a summer fête into Bombay Authentics, a brand that is now sold throughout the UK and exported to 12 countries throughout North America, the Middle East and Europe.
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.
Partner content
Read here for 16 tried and tested tips and tricks to improve potential cash flow problems