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.

Rising Star: Kay Russell

Kay Russell emerged from the Dragons’ Den with £100,000 and the backing of Deborah Meaden, having won the fiery entrepreneur over with her reusable cooling bandages Physicool.

Business management

Finding and selling to customers

Multiply your growth

Stephen Armistead, director of Trade Copiers Ltd came up with the idea of refurbishing and trading in used photocopiers back in 2002, when he saw an opening in the market for a provider with strong logistics capabilities.

Business management

Rising star: Piers Daniell

Still only 26, Piers Daniell has taken internet service provider Fluidata from the confines of his bedroom to a £2 million business in the space of two years.

Business management

Rising Star: Neil Holland

Neil Holland decided to take his bespoke Formula 1 simulator to the road and is on track to race the business into poll position.

Business management

Rising star: Anya Sizer

Anya Sizer of PowerChange started her own business as an infertility coach with the last £4,000 of her savings.

Business management

Rising star: Mia Woodford

Mia Woodford set up online auction site Buy Once Give Twice with her friend Emma Leschallas, as a way for charities to raise money.

Business management

James Murray Wells, founder of Glassesdirect.co.uk

James Murray Wells started Glassesdirect.co.uk with the last £1,000 of his student loan. With the help of VCs, he is now aiming to turn it into a £1 billion company.

Business management

Don’t let age be a barrier

Margaret Wood started her engineering company ICW UK, which makes high-tech windows and windscreens, at the age of 46. Based in Yorkshire the 61-year-old entrepreneur received a Women Inventors in Industry award in 2003. Her company has a turnover of £400,000

Business management

James Murray Wells, founder of Glassesdirect.co.uk

James Murray Wells started Glassesdirect.co.uk with the last £1,000 of his student loan. With the help of VCs, he is now aiming to turn it into a £1 billion company.

Business management

Don’t let age be a barrier

Business Technology

Business software on a shoestring

As the price of running an SME soars, small business owners have to look for more ways to cut costs. Buying computer software can be expensive, so how can business managers cut their IT spend? Read on to find out...

Business Technology

Virtualised disaster recovery

Virtualisation is already helping companies get more out of their servers. Now, the revolutionary technology is providing a novel way to stay in business in times of disaster.

Buying and selling a company