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.
Q: An employee has been signed off sick but has been caught working for one of our customers. We carried out a stock check and found equipment and chemicals are missing. He has resigned from his position but what do we do about the theft of the items?
Legal advice
Legal advice
One of my employees is doing freelance work on my time. How best to address it and what legally can I do?
Business management
Green tech entrepreneur Peter Hopton founded data centre cooling company Iceotope in 2011 and talks to SmallBusiness.co.uk about investment, knowing your market, and caffeine.
Finding and selling to customers
Ben Williams, barrister at Kings Chambers, discusses how small businesses can prepare for the mooted loosening of Sunday trading restrictions.
Business Technology
Anthony Karibian of marketing company bOnline presents five ways small business owners can mitigate the risk of an outdated website.
Marketing
Jonathan Cowan, commercial product manager for Sage UK's small business division, talks about how businesses can effectively communicate a credible message.
Business Technology
Cybersecurity is changing fast, and small business owners need to keep abreast of developments. Kevin Dowd, CEO of network security firm CNS gives some tips on how.
Office & home working
SmallBusiness.co.uk and Makeitcheaper.com look at how small companies can save energy and money in the office.
Business Technology
Cybersecurity is changing fast, and small business owners need to keep abreast of developments. Kevin Dowd, CEO of network security firm CNS gives some tips on how.
Office & home working
SmallBusiness.co.uk and Makeitcheaper.com look at how small companies can save energy and money in the office.
Business management
Simon Hill started innovation management company Wazoku in 2011 and is already looking to turn over £400,000 for his next year of trading.
Legal advice
I have a 12-month contract with the UK branch of a multinational to fulfil certain tasks at intervals throughout the year for a fixed annual fee, to be paid in twelve equal monthly payments. The company announced closure of the UK operation. What are my contract rights?
Legal advice
Richard Beavan of Boodle Hatfield provides guidance on how to benefit from the new HMRC Patent Box Relief.
Legal advice
We run a small coffee shop. We had mechanical failure at work. We were unable to open so had no income. Our Saturday assistant demanded paying for the day or she would take us to court. What can I do?
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