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 Trunki patent case and small business IP

Rob Law's Trunki suitcase was a hit – but then another product came along that he felt looked awfully similar. Here, we look at why the rival was deemed not to have copied Law's design and what company owners should do to protect their ideas.

Legal advice

Marketing

How to market your small hair salon

Here, Rob Straathof looks at the ways in which to generate interest online in a local salon.

Marketing

How to feel more than content with your business website

Here, Stefano Maruzzi discusses the key considerations to make when putting content on your website.

Employing & managing staff

Two thirds of job applications contained errors last year

Some 64 per cent of job applications featured incorrect details in 2015, according to a study.

Marketing

Your business reputation cannot be bought; it must be earned

Here, we look at how to optimise your presence online and what must be done to earn the reputation you deserve.

Employing & managing staff

How can employers secure the welfare and wellbeing of pregnant employees?

David Price discusses the considerations small companies must make to accommodate the needs of pregnant employees.

Business management

Collaboration, empowerment and adaptability key to business growth

A new report published by Standard Life has revealed some of the key drivers of success for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with research showing an evolution in working practices, company culture and innovation.

Productivity Zone

Do motivational posters actually increase productivity?

Here, we ask the question, how many of us actually take note of motivational messages?

Business management

Collaboration, empowerment and adaptability key to business growth

A new report published by Standard Life has revealed some of the key drivers of success for UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with research showing an evolution in working practices, company culture and innovation.

Productivity Zone

Do motivational posters actually increase productivity?

Here, we ask the question, how many of us actually take note of motivational messages?

Finding and selling to customers

Businesses failing in customer service stakes

Poor customer experience is costing UK brands at least £234 billion a year, as customers abandon online purchases in frustration and take their business elsewhere.

Employing & managing staff

How to decide if your business is ready for a grad scheme

Lee Biggins discusses why it might be worth thinking about whether your company should introduce a graduate programme.

Business management

Away day suggestions your team will appreciate

Here are some bonding and morale-boosting ideas to invigorate your staff.

Office & home working

Maintaining motivation and brand ethos, 100 miles from the office

Michael Hammond explains how he manages communication in his company when on the move.

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