Running your Business

Corporate social responsibility (CSR): a load of old greenwash, or the acceptable face of doing business in the 21st century? And can small businesses benefit from running their own CSR campaign?

There used to be a clearer line between an employee’s professional and personal life, but with the ever growing use of social networking sites for business and pleasure, the line is increasingly blurred.

During this tough economic time, it is crucial that businesses keep a tight control on costs to be successful Paul Gardner, Sales and Marketing Director at Prescott Jones Insurance Brokers looks at how you can gain maximum value for your insurance cover.

Choosing an office space that suits your business can sometimes seem like a difficult task, especially if you’re just starting out. You might be unsure of exactly what you need, in which case you can read on to uncover our top four essentials for your office:

Lesley Nelson, Finance Manager at the Big Lottery Fund talks us through the steps and considerations employers need to take when starting an apprenticeship scheme.

CSR – or Corporate Social Responsibility – is an issue in which businesses of all sizes are becoming more involved with every day.

One in three SMEs has no knowledge of Real Time Information (RTI) and what it means for their business, according to a recent report from AAT . This is despite the major changes to the PAYE system coming into effect from April.

If the mass media is to be believed the UK is heading towards a triple dip recession. Sales are weak as more people cut back on their spending to save it for the necessities. It is a worrying time as more retailers close and jobs are lost but there are steps that retailers can take to help counteract this possibility.

SWOT analysis too dull? Try the second part of our alternative version – how to improve Workflow.

If your employees don’t work from home you’re missing out on huge benefits, including increased productivity, reduction on your overhead cost, as well as a happy workforce. Why I think every small business should have a work-from-home program work.

The UK’s small businesses are turning to innovative trading alternatives as they look to boost revenue in challenging economic conditions with many SMEs are starting to use online trading marketplaces in order to open up new revenue streams and customer bases.

As we re-enter our offices after the Christmas break it is important to look around as the think about the effect a pleasant environment can have on a workforce and on visitors can be good news for both the finances and business development.

The UK’s fastest-growing businesses plan to use each other for support and to invest in the strength of their own business models in 2013 in a bid to achieve growth, new research by GrowthAccelerator, the coaching service that helps businesses fulfil their growth potential, reveals

The small business community Enterprise Nation has put together its predictions for business trends in the UK in 2013. They point to a year in which small businesses will come out tops.

A new initiative has been launched to help UK SMEs with the skills, knowledge and opportunities to become part of the supply chains of the future.

Employers urged to introduce workforce management solutions to manage growing number of part-time workers

With the end of 2012 rapidly approaching our thoughts now turn to how we can grow our businesses in 2013. To help with that planning we asked Stephen Archer, Business Analyst and Director of Spring Partnerships, a business consultancy specialising in leadership development shares his tips on what he thinks businesses need to do to grow business in the year ahead.

Want to grow your business? Want to know how to cut costs without cutting your bottom line? To celebrate the re-launch of its Insight website, BT Business is offering you the chance to have your small business assessed by a panel of industry leaders.

Every entrepreneur and business owner wants their company to grow, and grow fast. But you should remember he line “be careful what you wish for.”

There are many benefits to freelancing, but there are also many things to be concerned about. One of the most important aspects to successful freelancing is planning a budget. This is essential since you are not receiving a monthly salary cheque anymore.

If you are the owner of a small business which is facing challenges in today’s turbulent and competitive market then the BBC wants to talk to you.

It is crucial to monitor the performance of your business in real time, rather than waiting weeks and months for the accounts after year end.

Skype have launched a new online platform, Skype in the workspace (SITW) to the public, a place for small businesses to instantly connect with potential customers, partners and suppliers across the globe.

Let’s be honest: small businesses have a lot of competition during the festive season. For big brands, waiting until the end of November to get customers in the mood is just fine, and it works every year.

By bringing in changes to our Employment laws twice yearly, in April and October, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) aims to make it easier for employers and employees to keep abreast of those changes.