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.

Desktop lunchers’ keyboards breed more bacteria than a toilet seat

Computer users who habitually eat lunch at their desks are being warned that their keyboards could harbour more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat.

Employing & managing staff

Better absence management

Historically, managers responsible for absence management have failed to differentiate between frequent short-term absence and potential long-term absence.

Business management

Matt Lovett: Making a success from his discount website WowVoucherCodes.com

Matt Lovett, 17-years-old and founder of marketing company Wow Media, has seen the number of hits to his discount website WowVoucherCodes.com soar since January.

Business management

Sher Syed: Rising Star

Sher Syed founded IT company 360 GSP when he was 24.

Office & home working

Office space to suit

If the cost of your office isn't leaving much breathing space on the balance sheet, there may be alternatives.

Business management

Why Entrepreneurs should relocate to the North East

Investors in the North East are on the hunt for entrepreneurs with great ideas and a whole load of ambition.

Business management

Budget wish list for small businesses

With the G20 summit now over, all attention will be turning to the upcoming Budget on 22 April.

Legal advice

Smoking breaks

I am a care worker and do 24-hour shifts with any breaks spent with the clients. My employer has imposed a no-smoking policy and employees are not allowed to smoke on the premises, although the clients are allowed. What are my rights?

Business management

Budget wish list for small businesses

With the G20 summit now over, all attention will be turning to the upcoming Budget on 22 April.

Legal advice

Smoking breaks

Business management

Business Rising Star | Martin Dix of Current Cost

Electrical engineer Martin Dix had the bright idea for his energy-monitoring device Current Cost after wondering how much usage a 100-Watt light bulb represented in cash. Launched in 2006, his company is now worth £6 million.

Legal advice

Employing apprentices

I am about to employ two apprentices and was wondering if the minimum wage still applies and if there are any special laws or regulations I must follow?

Employing & managing staff

SMEs not ready for rise in annual leave

Holiday plans may be on the minds of many now that winter is behind us, but the majority of small businesses say they are unaware of entitlements going up next week.

Business management