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.

The top six benefits of running a business from home

Here are the results of a recent survey asking small company owners what they value most about working from home.

Office & home working

Employing & managing staff

Reducing the impact of the National Living Wage

Alan Price discusses the topic of the mandatory Living Wage for employees over 25, which has forced many businesses to look at how the extra cost can be absorbed.

Business management

Why the cost of energy can hamper business success

In this piece, in association with the Federation of Small Businesses, we look at why it's crucial to make sure you get the best energy deal as a small company.

Legal advice

Do not get caught out by changes to European trademark protection

Brand owners have been advised that recent changes to EU trademark legislation could leave some trademarks with a reduced scope of protection.

Business management

How five small businesses prepared for auto-enrolment

We speak to business owners about the lead-up to pension provision and the matters that affected them.

Business Technology

Is it time to ditch ISDN30?

ISDN30 will reach the end of its life in 2025 and has become dated, argues Mike Stephenson.

Marketing

How great businesses respond to reviews in three simple steps

Here, Katie Byrne discusses how three companies reacted to reviews left by customers online.

Employing & managing staff

Considering the rights of employees with a long-term illness

Here, Alan Price discusses how to approach the difficult situation of a member of staff with a long-term illness.

Marketing

How great businesses respond to reviews in three simple steps

Here, Katie Byrne discusses how three companies reacted to reviews left by customers online.

Employing & managing staff

Considering the rights of employees with a long-term illness

Here, Alan Price discusses how to approach the difficult situation of a member of staff with a long-term illness.

Legal advice

The top global destinations for protecting your IP

Justin Simpson discusses the world's most popular international filing destinations and how best UK small businesses can maximise IP protection in these countries from the outset.

Employing & managing staff

Should your business offer work experience placements?

Here are some pros and cons to mull over if you're thinking about offering a work experience placement.

Employing & managing staff

Free healthcare benefits: Are they worth it?

Lee Biggins looks into the matter of whether employers should be offering free vaccinations for their staff.

Business Technology

Businesses struggling to keep up with speed of technology development

Seven in ten IT managers say that the speed of technology means it's almost impossible to train their staff in the latest skills and techniques.

Business Technology

Future-proof your business communications set-up

Landlines as we know them will be scrapped in 2027 – along with a raft of upcoming business changes. Here's how to ensure your communications set-up is fit for whatever the future brings

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.

Business Technology

Friendly guide – top tips for small businesses switching to VoIP

With the landline shutdown coming fast, there’s never been a better time to switch to VoIP. Don’t let your small business be left behind!

Export & Import

Avoid delays with exports and imports

Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world