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.
In the 25 years Ian Wood has been in business he's seen a company go under, watched an acquisition fail and carried the burden of personally guaranteeing a 25-year lease. With his design agency, ICM Creative, he's finally got things right.
Business management
Marketing
For almost all sectors of commerce today, the Internet, or more specifically the World Wide Web, is now a key tool for business. In the field of marketing in particular it has become crucial.
Employing & managing staff
I have just sacked an 18-year-old apprentice who has worked with me for over a year. I am concerned I did not follow the correct procedure, what rights does he have for unfair dismissal?
Office & home working
Moving offices will test your financial skills and your ability to forecast how the company is set to grow.
Finding and selling to customers
Setting the right price is crucial, but using it to win business often demands a subtle touch.
Business management
Tim Campbell left his position as one of the highest paid middle managers at London Underground to appear on the BBC TV series The Apprentice in 2005, winning a place at Amstrad under Sir Alan Sugar, before going on to create two new ventures.
Legal advice
What rights do employees have with regard to smoking, and does the employer have a legal obligation to provide a smoking area off the premises?
Marketing
Studies have shown that around 65 per cent of all emails sent are spam emails. Avoid your marketing emails being sent to the junk folder.
Legal advice
What rights do employees have with regard to smoking, and does the employer have a legal obligation to provide a smoking area off the premises?
Marketing
Studies have shown that around 65 per cent of all emails sent are spam emails. Avoid your marketing emails being sent to the junk folder.
Business management
At SmallBusiness.co.uk we receive a staggering number of questions from entrepreneurs and those looking to start their own business about the particulars of forming a company, registering an idea or name, grants and keeping ahead of the barrage of legislative changes that SME managers and owners face.
Office & home working
Every business pays a contribution to the government to help fund the services provided by local authorities. Find out how to reduce these business rates.
Business management
If you rent your business premises, appointing a chartered surveyor could save you time and money. SmallBusiness.co.uk explains how a surveyor can help you.
Employing & managing staff
Michael Jackson, chairman of leading technology venture capitalist Elderstreet Investments, gives SmallBusiness.co.uk his tips for dealing with stress.
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