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 […]
Stress, business failure, differences of opinion and personal clashes can all contribute to SME businesses relationships breaking down. But where do you stand if you co-own a business with your partner and you are facing a shareholder dispute?
Louise Hebborn, Commercial Partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, looks at shareholder’s legal rights when the relationship between business owners breaks down. (more…)
Whether you’re starting a business, or taking it to the next level, the right finance can be a significant factor in driving growth.
Perhaps the growth of your business depends upon the purchase of new equipment to enable you to increase capacity, provide additional services, or win a particular new contract. In that case, asset finance could be the key to unlocking your growth potential. (more…)
In the minds of many an entrepreneur, equity crowdfunding should be a shoo-in. You’ve had the spark of a bright idea, built a remarkable product, and a strong business model – the crowd would be mad not to invest, right?
Sadly, the reality is often very different so we asked crowdfunding expert, John Auckland, to explain why engaging messaging is vital, and how to craft a compelling message. (more…)
Feedback is critical in every arena of life. For good or ill, it can permanently alter our self-perception, businesses and relationships.
Failing to take on board good feedback can lose companies customers, investors and revenue, whilst a preoccupation with negative feedback can do just as much damage. (more…)
A failed business can have a devastating impact on a business owner. But, the lessons learned can also make an entrepreneur stronger, wiser and more determined to succeed next time.
Author and international speaker, Jonathan MacDonald, was floored by a business failure, but after the initial despair, he picked himself up and used the experience to shape his future success. (more…)
When asked whether SME businesses need to protect themselves from cyber attacks, the response is easy: 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses.
If you are a small business and aren’t protecting yourself, you need to review this and put suitable protection in place. Mike Ianiri, Redsquid explains what you should do. (more…)
Aside from the sole trader route, the limited liability company is the most popular business structure in the UK.
With a limited company, the liability of company directors is ‘limited’ in that the company’s finances are separate from the personal finances of the business owner. This is not the case for those who run their business as a sole trader (self employed).
Limited company shareholders are not responsible for any debts run up by the business, although banks may ask company directors to provide loan guarantees for commercial loans or credit taken out in the company’s name. (more…)
Early-stage businesses have a great opportunity to use equity crowdfunding to raise funds, grow brand awareness, and build a loyal crowd of supporters, even before the product launch.
However, while it may look simple to set up and run an equity crowdfunding campaign on a platform like Crowdcube or Seedrs, it actually takes a lot of preparation behind the scenes. (more…)
Everyone wants to get the best deal on their telecoms – but buying just on price, is unlikely to give you a great return. Not all telecoms solutions are the same; so, it’s important you ask the right questions to ensure you get the best deal.
We asked, telecoms specialist, Dave Millett to reveal the key questions to ask when getting broadband, lines, mobiles and VOIP solutions for your business. (more…)
Most business cards are about as much use as a scrap of paper with a name and number scribbled on it. That’s fine if you are looking for a date, but not so good for showcasing your business.
With a little thought, however, it’s easy to create a business card that packs a real promotional punch and helps you, and your small business, stand out from the crowd. (more…)
“Let me tell you a story.” These are six very powerful words. Six powerful words which immediately invoke curiosity and anticipation. Six powerful words from which multi-billion-dollar industries have been built. Beyond film, TV and books, storytelling has become an intentional tool in many of the most successful organisations. How can you use it in […]
You’ve done your market research, you’ve got a solid business plan, you’ve registered your company and pulled together funding, suppliers and everything else you need to start your new business. You’re ready to trade – you just need some customers. However, not all customers are created equal; some are a delight to deal with, while […]
Equity crowdfunding requires a lot of preparation, which means business owners have to find some significant time ahead of a campaign. And after putting weeks of effort, it can be devastating to see a lacklustre response from the crowd. So, if your crowdfunding campaign isn’t going to plan, here are the steps you should take […]
There are lots of things to think about if you’re considering taking out a business loan. The UK’s business lending market includes a wide range of providers offering subtly different types of business loans. If your business needs to borrow money, here are some of the key considerations you need to bear in mind when […]
The Summer is half over but British weather means that you’re never actually sure when the warm weather will come and go. Summer holidays can cause staffing problems for small businesses, so we asked Gary Young of Equinox to share some ways you can use technology smartly to keep staff and customers happy when the […]
If you are dealing with a new customer or supplier and want to check whether the VAT registration number (VRN) they have supplied is valid, there are two ways you can do so. One method is to call the HMRC VAT Helpline, the other is to use the online VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) run […]
Delegation should be easy to do, or so you might think, however it can be very challenging in certain situations particularly for owners of small businesses. As a business owner with a very small team, I have found it can be even harder to let go. It’s my baby.
As a small business owner, your legal responsibilities when taking on staff can be somewhat daunting but with a little help you can soon get your head around what’s needed. One of your first duties as a new employer is to ensure you comply with employment contract law. To help you understand your legal obligations, […]
Small business accounting software has changed massively in recent years. Thankfully, the advent of cloud computing has consigned the days of buying book-keeping software in a box and installing it on your own computer to history.
There’s no denying telecommunications play an important role for businesses. Your telecoms facilitate interaction between you and your customers, as well as keeping your employees connected. So, when it comes to your telephone infrastructure, you want to make sure it’s strong and stress-free.
“Put that coffee down. Coffee’s for closers only”. Alec Baldwin delivered this iconic line in the movie Glengarry Glen Ross. It may sound harsh but that is the reality. Pitching an idea and closing a deal can be a nerve-wracking process. Even successful business greats like Richard Branson found the skill of pitching hard to […]
A productive business is a profitable business. A simple, but very true statement. But, according to a Close Brothers report (PDF), the UK lags behind the rest of the G7 countries by 16%. So what is holding back productivity, and what can British businesses do to become more productive?
If you run a business and you’ve never switched to a new energy contract, you could be paying as much as 40% more than you need to for gas and electricity. A recent study carried out by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that a staggering £7 billion is being wasted by small and […]
9 out of 10 company car drivers in the UK admit to having submitted inaccurate mileage claims in the past, according to a recent survey by Flexed. Inaccurate mileage claims can cost businesses in inflated expenses claims and also bring the potential for fines from HMRC. So how can businesses ensure mileage records are accurate?
We can all learn from studying successful business people. How do some individuals seem to have the knack of succeeding? Are they lucky, or do they have certain skills or traits that help them to achieve? Paul Bassi CBE, a successful business owner himself, looks at what successful entrepreneurs have in common.
Small businesses have a tougher time than their larger and better-established competitors. Unlike the big brands, who enjoy plentiful resources and instant recognition in their industry, SMEs have plenty of hurdles to overcome, so we asked Craig Sams and William Fugard, co-founders of Gusto Organic drinks to share what they have learned from launching Gusto, […]
Entrepreneurship is on the rise in the UK, and one of the first decisions you will need to make when starting a business is where to locate your venture. Even today, the era of the digital nomad, the place you choose to set up shop – figuratively or literally – can have an effect on […]
If your business has a physical presence of any kind, or you exhibit or attend branded events, it’s imperative to invest in quality business signage that stands out from the crowd. The right signage and logo design will help build brand recognition, both offline and online, and ultimately increase footfall and conversions.
A lot of small businesses start using Google AdWords in the hope that it will help them increase sales with small investment. This isn’t true. Yes, AdWords can help you increase sales but only with the right investment. To get the return on investment you’re hoping for, you will need to set up your account […]
If you need finance for your business, one route you can take is a business loan. Business loans now come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so you’ll need to choose the loan that’s best suited to your situation. One of the main options you’ll have is whether to take out a secured, […]
You have a small business and you want to keep costs low including book keeping and accountancy fees. But gradually those pesky invoices and receipts begin to take up your evenings and weekends. So we asked Jonathan Amponsah CTA FCCA, of The Tax Guys, to reveal how you can save time and money on preparing […]
As a business owner, it’s likely that you struggle to find time to do the performance appraisals for your team. You are not the only one. Surveys have indicated that owners and managers hate doing performance reviews and as many as 58% think it is a waste of time.
While cyberattacks on companies that are household names are often highly publicised and reported on, attacks on small businesses often go unnoticed by the media despite accounting for 43% of targeted attacks. These attacks might not hit the front page, but they are having a significant impact on small businesses across the globe.
All workers are entitled to receive a minimum of 5.6 weeks’ paid annual leave. Whilst this is a benefit for staff, employers can find themselves struggling to manage staff holidays around their business needs. To help make sure your business runs smoothly, here is an overview of how to successfully manage staff holidays.
When you are running a business, it can often feel as though your margins are being squeezed year after year. Seeing the costs of your supplies, subscriptions and other essentials rising while the prices you charge are being forced down is an understandable cause for frustration.
In the latest results from the Which? annual survey of the ‘best and worst energy suppliers’ survey, smaller suppliers come out well on top, while the Big Six languish at the foot of the table. But, given the recent spate of small energy suppliers going to the wall, is it safe to switch to a […]