Small businesses may not have much time and money to invest in recruitment processes, but neither can they afford to get their hiring decisions wrong. Rachel Miller finds out which assessment methods can help you find the best person for the job.
A job used to be a long-term relationship that most of us stuck with through thick and thin. But times have changed, and employees often feel that the only way to move up is to move on. For small firms, the loss of a key staff member can be devastating - so what can you do to keep your staff happy and faithful?
As the number of new cases drops, businesses are starting to plan how they can return to work once the lockdown is lifted. We look at some of the ways you could start to return to work.
For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.
Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.
It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.
Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.
Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.
Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.
Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.
Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.
Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.
It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.
Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.
You might have reached the point where you need to expand your operation to develop your business. How can marketing help you drive business growth?
Benchmarking provides a means to compare your firm against other businesses, and identify areas where you can improve your performance.
Use these handy FAQs to plan your market research, from research methods and costs to finding an agency who understands your needs.
The top 20 questions that market research could help you answer - on everything from product and packaging to branding and price
Qualitative research is about finding out not just what people think but why they think it, as well as their motivations and feelings.
Quantatitive research is about using polls, surveys and questionnaires to gauge customer opinion and gather feedback on your brand
Need-to-know answers to ten questions frequently asked by small-business owners when they need to set prices for their products or services.
Market research can help you to identify your target consumer, find out what they think about your ideas and help you target the right market.
Firms are always searching for ways to trim their costs and increase their revenue, in good times and in bad. Make your business leaner and fitter.
Increasing prices involves risk, but if you handle things carefully you can avoid upsetting customers, while achieving your goal of boosting margins.
Pricing is one of the most important aspects of your business to get right. Find out what you need to do before putting a price tag on your product.
Before you start a business, you must carry out market research on your prices - it can be the difference between success and failure.
Branding and business image are key considerations for start-ups. Ces Loftus-Price provides her golden rules for branding your new venture.
Shamin Hoque, director of CurriesOnline, describes how he and his three fellow directors raised the finance he needed to start up his business.
Many small businesses have fallen victim to hackers, viruses and fraudsters. Expert, Graham Walker, identifies the main risks and the key solutions.
The look and feel of your business cards, compliment slips and letterheads is important, they say a lot about your business. We explain.