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.

Interim Management: What You Need to Know

Taking on an interim manager can be an advantageous move for SME's - their services often proving to be more than worth the cost.

Employing & managing staff

Business Technology

Beyond information security

Matt Gordon Smith, director of security at Attenda, explains why information security isn't just about IT for businesses.

Legal advice

Can I replace my staff member?

I have to close my shop due to year-on-year losses. Can I make my current staff member redundant and employ my son on short-term contract on a much-reduced wage to help me close down the shop?

Business management

Toby Darbyshire on starting energy company Engensa

Toby Darbyshire started solar power company Engensa in 2009 and now employs around 100 staff.

Marketing

Optimising Twitter for business

In this age of 24/7 communication, your consumers are not only people who buy your product or services, but are vital to your online presence and valued members of your marketing team.

Marketing

The benefits of direct marketing

Writer and marketer Jenni O’Connor of Kaiku Communications asks if, in today’s economic climate, direct marketing is best.

Legal advice

Choosing a solicitor: How to avoid the pitfalls

Stephen Newman, managing partner of Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, gives advice on how small businesses should take on a solicitor.

Small Business Insurance

The importance of getting the right insurance cover for a small business

Jonathan Willett, director of Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside, explains why the getting the right insurance cover is crucial for a small business.

Legal advice

Choosing a solicitor: How to avoid the pitfalls

Stephen Newman, managing partner of Baxter Caulfield Solicitors, gives advice on how small businesses should take on a solicitor.

Small Business Insurance

The importance of getting the right insurance cover for a small business

Jonathan Willett, director of Henderson Insurance Brokers Teesside, explains why the getting the right insurance cover is crucial for a small business.

Legal advice

Another company is using our brand name, what can we do?

Another company has started up using our name. We are an online shop and have been in business since 2003. We let a domain name slide, a company has bought it, and is selling similar products under the same name. We have had three calls from their unhappy customers thinking it was us. Please help!

Business management

Edward Fanshawe on growing waste management company Skiptrips

Edward Fanshawe set up waste management bidding site Skiptrips in 2012 and looks to turn over £250,000 in his first year of trading.

Finding and selling to customers

Bartering in business

Exchanging goods and services is increasingly popular in a cash-strapped economy. SmallBusiness.co.uk looks at three companies engaging in the practice.

Business Technology

New innovations increasing e-commerce sales

The best e-commerce websites have moved far beyond being online brochures or catalogues. Ben Lobel looks at an array of innovations which are helping to draw consumers and brands ever closer together.

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