admin

You might have seen workplace pensions in the news recently, including the recent ad campaign from the Department of Work and Pensions. Here we look at what all small business owners should know about the pensions auto enrolment rules.
[continue reading…]

The Autumn Statement has become more of a ‘mini Budget’ in recent years, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint in terms of theatre. Here we look at the announcements which affect small businesses.
[continue reading…]

Cloud computing has truly transformed information technology, and the way we store and access data. However, the jargon associated with this new era of computing can be confusing to many business owners.
[continue reading…]

Limited companies can distribute profits they generate via dividends to company shareholders. However, you must ensure that all dividend distributions are legitimate, otherwise you could fall foul of HMRC.
[continue reading…]

Behind every good start-up there is an ambitious entrepreneur driving the business forward. However, if these entrepreneurs are going to grow their businesses they’re inevitably going to have to hire a team of talented individuals. Building a great team is just one of the key steps of building a great business, but in today’s competitive employment market how can a new start-up attract the best talent?
[continue reading…]

If your sales figures are down, and you want a quick-fix solution, offering your customers a discount may seem your only option. However, this may not be the best solution. Here we look at why discounting may be an ill-advised move.
[continue reading…]

These days, you’d be hard-pushed to find a business which doesn’t rely on broadband to some degree – it’s a ubiquitous product which has changed the way many of us run our businesses. Here we consider the circumstances under which business broadband costs can be offset against your company’s tax bill.
[continue reading…]

When your new business begins to flourish, there may come a time when you want to take on your first employee. After you’ve created a shortlist of possible candidates, how do you find out if they’re a ‘good fit’ for your growing enterprise? This is where the interview process comes in.
[continue reading…]

Many business owners dread making presentations to would-be clients and customers. Here, Dorothea Stuart from Toastmasters International answers our questions about public speaking, and how to successfully engage with an audience.
[continue reading…]

When you hire a new accountant for your business, you will typically agree an upfront fee to cover the wide array of tax and administrative tasks required to keep your books in order. Here we consider the typical tasks an accountant will provide.
[continue reading…]

The United Kingdom is buzzing with digital clusters in cities right across the country. These tech-focused entrepreneurs are creating ‘disruptive innovation’ that is the driving force of digital growth in the UK.
[continue reading…]

Social media is here to stay, and while its potential has been recognised by most businesses, unfortunately many companies quickly lose energy and enthusiasm when the results aren’t quite as big as their ambitions.
[continue reading…]

In order to be appointed as a limited company director, you must be over 16 years old, and not be bankrupt, or disqualified from acting as a director by the courts – unless in certain circumstances.
[continue reading…]

Using our experience of working with small companies over the past decade, we’ve compiled a no-nonsense list of 16 things you should consider before taking the bold decision to start up a new business.
[continue reading…]

If you make sales pitches to potential customers, you may want to read these useful tips when using visual aids during meetings / presentations, kindly provided by Nicola Cook, author of ‘The Secrets of Success in Selling’
[continue reading…]

If you work from commercial premises – either as a tenant or owner, you will probably have to pay business rates to your local council. Here we look at what business rates are, how much you have to pay, and the wide range of ‘relief’ schemes which are available to small businesses.
[continue reading…]

Professional indemnity insurance will protect you against claims made by past or present clients as a result of mistakes you may have made while carrying out your work.
[continue reading…]

You crave the freedom, flexibility and control that having your own business would give you, yet you hesitate to take the plunge and start. You love your new business idea, but will anyone else? Fear of failure and not making any money are common inhibitors for budding entrepreneurs.
[continue reading…]

Executive coach and author, Kate Tojeiro, explains why many business owners would benefit from finding what makes them happy, in order to fuel greater success at work.
[continue reading…]