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Many small business owners find it hard to take their firm to the next level. It can be hard to find the resources you need without overstretching yourself. Sharing the load with a business partner can reduce your pressure and your reliance on loans, while giving you the push you need
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Your board members are responsible for making many of your company’s most important strategic and financial decisions, but is it performing in the way that is best for your business? Follow our step-by-step guide to get the most out of your board members.
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When faced with the bigger issues concerned with running your firm, it can be easy to neglect the little things. However, a leaner, more profitable business can result from making a few simple adjustments to even the most minor areas of your operation. So, where can you improve margins?
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Many business owners like to seek advice to help steer them through difficult trading periods or to plan their firms’ development. A small-business mentor can help you come to the right decisions. So when should you turn to a mentor?
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Every business owner has to juggle a number of different projects at any one time. But while resources are tight, it’s particularly important you make the best use of your time. We found out how to manage projects more effectively
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Turning your business into a franchise offers a way to expand while someone else bears a good portion of the risk. We find out what’s involved.
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With the economy struggling, businesses need more than ever to keep overheads down. You’ve haggled with suppliers and utility providers, but what other savings could you make? Martin Malcolm finds out
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Secure finances are vital to your business. But how do you manage efficient cashflow and keep costs down asks Martin Malcolm
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Having a sound commercial idea is a great first step towards setting up a new business, but a major decision like this requires careful financial planning. So how do you set the right start-up budget for your business asks Liz Salecka
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Making a profit from selling products or services is vital in any successful business. After all, healthy margins drive growth and ensure that wages get paid. But what about the hidden profits in your business? Emma Allen looks at how you can uncover potential sources of cash
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Family businesses used to dominate the high street but today seem to be few and far between. So are they still a valid business model?
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The global economic outlook for 2012 presents challenges and uncertainties for small businesses. With help from experts, Mark Osterloh gazes into his crystal ball and foresees a year of localised marketing, regulation and the increasing power of the consumer
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You’re ready to grow your business, but need finance. Could franchising be the answer?
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Enterprise courses are part of the Government’s drive to create an enterprise-led recovery through a surge of business start-ups. Martin Malcolm finds out whether enterprise education can make a difference.
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Buying into a franchise business can be a lucrative way of adding to your existing business portfolio, helping you to diversify into new sectors. However, it might not be for those who like to exercise total control over their businesses
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Working efficiently is important for any business but getting snowed under is a too-familiar situation. A well-structured workload is key to good time management and will increase your productivity. Find out how to prioritise tasks
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The Chancellor announced in the 2011 Budget that there will be an additional 11 enterprise zones in the UK, bringing the total to 21. Businesses based in enterprise zones will be offered tax breaks, superfast broadband and simplified planning rules.
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Increasing your contacts on LinkedIn or Twitter can help you find suppliers, get a quick answer to a business question or generate new sales leads. So how can you increase the contacts in your address book?
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For busy managers trying to keep up with the latest digital trends and applications, it can be difficult to assess which are likely to be the most use, if any, to the business. Benjamin Dyer, product development director at e-commerce specialist Actinic, highlights some key trends and their benefits to Rachel Miller
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“Mumpreneurship” is a growing trend, with more and more women opting to combine family and work, and many seeking a better lifestyle by working for themselves. However, being a mum and a business owner is tough and it can be a fine balance. Kate Horstead finds out how you can successfully juggle parenthood with starting a business
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The UK recession might be over, but the economic outlook remains unclear, with economists wavering between predicting a further slump and cautious optimism. Emma Allen considers whether you should you be consolidating or planning for growth.
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The £81 billion of cuts announced in October won't just affect those firms that directly supply Government departments, but will also be felt by many businesses further down the supply chain. Kate Horstead looks at how you can minimise the effects of public spending cuts on your firm.
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New trends are emerging all the time, offering your firm potential customers to target. The recent growth of 5 to 9 businesses and boom in eco-friendly goods are two such opportunities. But, just because there is a gap in the market, doesn't mean you should fill it, as Kate Horstead finds out.
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If a larger competitor moves into your area and starts taking your customers, you need to respond rapidly or risk being put out of business. By moving fast to retain customers and emphasise your strengths, you could even benefit from the competition.
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With cost-cutting measures currently being implemented everywhere from the Government down, here are some easy ways to help your firm for as little as ten pounds a month
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In the Government's recent emergency Budget, plans were announced to cut spending in all departments except health and foreign aid by 25 per cent over the next four years. If your firm supplies the public sector, the cutbacks may hit you hard. Kate Horstead finds out how to survive lost contracts.
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If your business has been underperforming in recent months, it makes sense to review your management structure. Adjusting senior positions or your own role can help remove inefficiencies and refocus your business.
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It might go against your natural instinct to team up with commercial rivals, but there can be real business benefits to be gained from collaborating with other small firms.
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Programmes such as Dragons' Den and The Apprentice have become high profile in the last few years, but arguably have little to offer small firms beyond entertainment. However, there are a number of broadcasts that offer practical advice to business owners. Here, we round up ten of the best
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Networking can offer significant advantages, but what if no suitable group exists for you? Find out how to set up your own network.
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While the sins of the great and the good may be amusing, the similarities between politics and business mean there are serious lessons you can learn. Follow these steps to avoid making the same mistakes as politicians
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Figures released by the Office for National Statistics in January 2010 indicate that the UK economy has exited recession. Most analysts expect growth to be slow, but small firms may now have fewer cashflow problems, with greater customer demand and improved access to finance.
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If you are thinking about setting up in a new location, launching a new range or you just want to make a marketing splash, a "pop-up" business could offer an affordable solution.
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Joining a co-operative consortium with other small businesses, or forming your own one, could help you cut costs, strengthen your purchasing power and improve sales. Kate Horstead finds out how entering a co-operative could help your firm.
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Follow these steps to make sure you are ready for the festive season
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If a competitor in your local market has approached you offering to buy your firm, how should you manage this situation? Is it worth selling up, and if so, what issues do you need to consider?
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Every business has periods when they are less busy - whether it's due to work only coming in at certain times of the month or that you simply have a lull in trade. However, it is important to make the best use of these periods in preparation for busier times. Follow these tips to make the most of quieter days.
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Follow these steps to introduce standards in your firm
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Find out what steps you can take to be in the best position for economic recovery.
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The summer will provide a welcome boost to businesses in some industries. This action list provides some advice on how to prepare for summer trade
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Running a business may sometimes seem like an endless series of challenges which require vast determination to overcome. Whatever the reason for your loss of motivation, it's important to address it quickly. Finding a solution is unlikely to be straightforward but taking action will make you feel more in control and able to move beyond your unhappy position.
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Forecasters fear high failure rates among small businesses in 2009. But small firms may be better equipped to weather the recession than many people think...
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Most businesses will be concerned about the impact of the recession, but you don't have to let it get you down. Find out how to stay motivated during the economic downturn
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Using your firm's resources to support community projects and other charitable initiatives can have a range of business benefits, from improved reputation to staff with better personal and professional skills.
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With an estimated 7,000 supplier contracts worth £6 billion up for grabs, the London Olympic Games in 2012 represent a tremendous opportunity for UK businesses. Emma Allen finds out how small firms can get involved.
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Summer is the busiest time of year for many businesses - and the quietest for others. Either way, the onset of sunny days and holidays presents a challenge to business owners, as Kate Horstead discovers.
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It is generally accepted that around half of new businesses have packed up within the first three years, usually for reasons ranging from poor financial planning to weak market research and lack of a growth strategy. Knowing your weak points is crucial to developing a robust business. But how do you work out what they are?
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According to the British Chambers of Commerce, three-quarters of small firms are concerned about the economy, but few have plans in place to protect their business. Tom Whitney reveals ten tips for getting through a spending slump
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Reliable customers are the lifeblood of every business. But tying your business too closely to another can prove costly. Find out how to manage the risks involved whilst not loosing sight of other customers.