Advice and Ideas for UK Small Businesses and SMEs
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.
I've been approached by an associate with a pipeline of work he wants to carry out under my company name. He will be paid on results only, create his own workload and be autonomous but use my company email address/business cards. Will he be considered self-employed or an employee?
Business management
Business management
Hair and makeup artist Lisa Hilton started men's grooming brand Rehab London in 2009 and now turns over £200,000.
Legal advice
I have a new starter who worked with us for a week before leaving to take another job. During this week he was in full time on-the-job training. Do we have to pay him? Can we just pay him minimum wage if so?
Business management
Exploring how customers become 'profit vampires' and how to manage your client roster to ensure they don't suck your business dry.
Employing & managing staff
Encouraging workers to take an afternoon nap could dramatically improve economic fortunes across the Western hemisphere, according to a duo of business experts.
Marketing
Andreas Voniatis started SEO consultancy Alchemy Viral in 2010 and is now expecting to turn over £900,000 in 2012.
Employing & managing staff
Exploring the Chancellor's scheme in comparison to the original Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme.
Business Technology
Every small business today needs a great website. A website is the voice and face of your business so it's important to get it right.
Employing & managing staff
Exploring the Chancellor's scheme in comparison to the original Enterprise Management Incentive Scheme.
Business Technology
Every small business today needs a great website. A website is the voice and face of your business so it's important to get it right.
Business management
Tom Hickman founded graduate coaching business The Bridge after struggling to find talented young staff for a previous company. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to him about his efforts in starting up.
Legal advice
Victoria Clark, associate in employment law at Clarion Solicitors, explains why it is sometimes difficult to follow a fair procedure when assessing candidates for redundancy.
Legal advice
Ever wondered if it's worth protecting your product against copycats? Dr Stephen Blance, senior attorney at Avidity IP, discusses why it should be done.
Finding and selling to customers
Even today, a surprising amount of small businesses still have no online outlet. Mark Kirschner, of e-commerce company Rakuten, discusses new ways to facilitate selling online.
Business Technology
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
Everything you need to know on what small business loans are and what types of loan are available for your business.
Business Technology
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
Many factors can affect products’ journeys from A to B. Here are some tips for best practice for successful shipping in the modern world