When you need to find business funding fast, what are your options and what are the quickest ways for you to secure more finance? We talk you through the most viable fast funding options for SMEs who need finance in a hurry, and include practical tips on how to ensure your funding application goes as […]
The area of tax for small businesses is not straightforward, in fact it can be a real minefield for the unwary. However, if you take a little time, and work with your accountant, it’s usually possible to find ways to save some tax. To help you think about ways you and your business could pay […]
It’s been a bruising year for small business not just as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic but also because of the endless uncertainty around Brexit. With so many challenges, and so many unknows, it can be hard to know what to do for the best. (more…)
My new book, The Book of Real-World Negotiations: Successful Strategies from Government, Business and Daily Life not only focuses on real world negotiation examples, but a subplot that clearly comes through in the book is the power that stories possess when it comes to negotiating. (more…)
There are now more online business ventures in existence than ever before. This only stands to reason, as we have already witnessed countless shoppers migrate to the digital community when purchasing everyday goods and services. While this creates opportunities for budding entrepreneurs, there are many challenges to overcome for an online business to become a success. (more…)
Although the sole trader route, which is commonly referred to as being self employed, is the most popular way of running a business in the UK, there are significant advantages of operating as a limited company.
Here, we highlight 10 of the biggest benefits a limited company gives you over working as self-employed. (more…)
Starting a business may be exciting, however there are a few things that you need to make sure that you get right from the beginning.
Here are eight top tips for startup success that business expert, Carl Reader, shares in his new book, BOSS IT; (more…)
Raising investment is no walk in the park, especially in the current climate, but thorough preparation will make capturing the attention of investors and ultimately convincing them that your investment opportunity is right for their portfolio much easier. (more…)
What do I mean by “Leadership Simulator”? A Leadership Simulator is a situation where we can hone our skills, make mistakes without catastrophic results, celebrate our innate qualities and those of our teams, and initiate new ways and ideas without suppression or consequence. Developing leadership skills is important for start-ups and other small businesses to grow. (more…)
Small businesses look to be facing very precarious times for at least the next year. The pandemic of 2020 has brought with it serious financial uncertainty and a global recession that it will no doubt take a while to recover from.
Arguably, it is more important now than it has ever been for businesses to ensure that their finances are in order. (more…)
It is often said, both interms of technology and life in general, that if you want something done well, then it is best to do it yourself. And for startups developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), this is very true. (more…)
The COVID-19 pandemic has given businesses around the world a lot to consider. As the virus has upended the lives and livelihoods of many, there are few sectors that have been immune to its effects. And naturally, many business leaders have been thinking long and hard about how they can best adapt to the circumstances and weather the storm. (more…)
We live and work in unprecedented times. The term VUCA – an acronym developed by the US military to describe the state of affairs post cold war, sums it up well. VUCA – which stands for, Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous – is as true today as it was then.
2020 has been a struggle. Covid-19 has caused chaos at home and at work and it has been a particularly testing time for small business owners and startup founders. It is hard to plan for the future when we are having to deal with more changes from the government regarding Covid restrictions and we still […]
Starting one’s own business is a desire that many people have. Some harbour the ambition from a very young age, while for others it is something that grows throughout their working lives; for some, the lure is the opportunity to be their own boss, for others there is a very clear issue or gap in […]
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been around for ages, which means it’s a little ‘yesterday’ surely? Not according to Shon Alam, founder of Bidwedge, who argues that CSR is now more important than ever and outlines how small businesses can capitalise on the opportunities it offers.
As entrepreneurs, when we have an idea for a start-up, we want our business to succeed and grow. Defining your products and services is part of the journey and having responsive and agile processes is a key part in this. Just remember not to lose sight of your initial idea or concept.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed great challenges to the world at large: with social distancing measures transforming our day-to-day lives, upending the economy, and driving businesses into the ground, no corner of society has been left untouched by the disease.
Across the globe, we trust scientists, doctors and teachers. Over half of us consider these professions to be trustworthy (Ipsos Global Advisor). Business leaders don’t fare so well. Just one in five are described as trustworthy and, perhaps not unexpectedly, politicians are at the bottom of the heap with a mere one in ten of […]
“I don’t like promoting myself online.” I have heard this from so many people and I even used to say it myself. I’ve changed my tune, however, because there is so much that can be gained from strategic self-promotion, if done correctly. During these strange times, when we can’t network inperson, it is more important […]
Financial crises are not like your average recession or corporate fraud. They involve firms and people overborrowing, usually to speculate on shares or real estate. They turn legitimate economic booms into gluttonies of lazy assumptions, hucksterism, and recklessness. Because they’re based on debt, the loss of confidence in one specific area of trouble quickly reverberates. […]
As this period of Covid-19 continues with no obvious end in sight small businesses and startups have a lot to contend with. Many businesses are operating in a hybrid mode with some staff back in the workplace while others remain working from home. We are all having to deal with ongoing uncertainly and it’s important […]
The Government has made significant financial contributions to British business since the outbreak of COVID-19, however, now the country is reopening, it will want to recoup as much of its £330bn investment as possible through taxation. It is therefore critical that businesses are on top of their tax liabilities to ensure they don’t land themselves […]
Striking the right balance between work and play is an issue that most business owners have always had to wrestle with. And now the coronavirus pandemic means business owners and leaders are re-evaluating their work-life balance further, so we asked Sid Madge, author of ‘Meee in a Work Minute’ to share his experience on how […]
As a restaurant entering the post-Covid world , delivery and click & collect services are no longer a ‘nice to have’, they are a fundamental part of the revenue streams of the future. Get it right now, and you will effectively future proof yourself for years to come.
As lockdown restrictions continue to lift and employees return to the workplace, it marks an opportunity for businesses to rethink the way they support and nurture their people. Employers able to embrace the ‘new normal’ have the chance to transform the way they work, for the better.
When it comes to buying or selling a business, the most important question you need to ask is – how much is it worth? There is no single formula that can be used to precisely value every private business. The seller will want to drive the price up, and potential buyers will want the opposite.
Stress is an inevitable part of everyday life and our bodies are hard-wired to respond to it. However, it’s clear stress is taking a negative toll on businesses across the country. Poor mental health costs employers between £1,205 and £1,560 per employee every year. This cost is for all employees, not just those who are […]
The coronavirus pandemic led to many UK businesses in the entertainment industry closing their doors. Only in the last few weeks have some started to re-open under strict social distancing guidelines (meaning significantly reduced capacity and revenue).
Financial mis-selling is surprisingly common. From mis-sold taxpayer-backed loans to problems with interest rate swaps, new cases appear in the public eye on an unsettlingly regular basis.
It won’t be news to any startup that the investment industry has taken a hit during the pandemic. Every new deal is being viewed with caution and the brakes are being put on by VCs, and angels alike, while so much uncertainty pervades the markets.
So far, 2020 has been a year to forget for those operating in a whole range of industries. But few have been harder hit than the travel sector. There is cautious optimism that the worst is behind us, but the industry faces changes that will linger for the long term, perhaps permanently.
Have you ever ended a presentation and wondered if your audience got the point or was convinced to invest in your venture? If you have, chances are you did not properly prepare your closing. Here, Vinette Hoffman-Jackson of Toastmasters International explains how to close your speech, pitch or presentation successfully.
As small business owners, the switch to virtual communications means we’re spending big chunks of every week in online meetings, joining webinars as well as dealing with social media. We asked Lyn Roseaman to share her advice and tips on how you can get the most from communicating online.
Your business is your lifeblood – you have poured your passion and determination into it to make it a success. You’ve spent countless late nights and weekends to create a business you are proud of, but how can you ensure your small business remains profitable as you grow?
Starting a business of your own can prove to be a very rewarding experience from a long-term point of view. Still, even the most successful ventures suffered from “growing pains” during their initial stages. These stressful situations can take a toll upon the mindset of any business owner or freelancer.
In two years, what decisions will you have wish you had made today? It’s a question that leaders should continually ask. But the pressure of day-to-day business means that thinking about the future can feel like a luxury in many companies.
Employees need to know that leaders and managers at all levels believe the wellbeing of staff really does matter; that they are committed to providing the resources and doing whatever is necessary to make their workplace a good place to work. Here are five ways to help ensure that happens:
