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Spending Review June 2025: Recap & Reaction
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Dissolved Company – What Does It Mean?
Companies differ from businesses in that they are a separate legal entity that lives on beyond the lifespan of the previous owner, saving owners from
Blue Portal Group: An All-Encompassing Telecommunications Service Provider
Through an experienced and talented team in Telecoms, Mobiles and IT, Blue Portal Group covers every service needed for its clients with an added personal
Belgrave Construction: Where Happy Clients & Craftsmanship Meet
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Vistavis: Providing Service Solutions For The Modern Workplace
Professional cleaning is a crucial service for many business customers, but true success for these providers lies in service quality, explains Vistavis MD, Tony Dorey.
Audley Capital – Ahead Of The Curve On Smart Litigation Finance
Audley Capital offers investors significant returns with a healthy dose of social impact. It’s harder for a business to impress these days. It’s not just
How Adaptation To Change Is Key For Small Business Survival
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Debit finance is just one way a business can raise capital when it’s starting out. Rather than looking to investors and drumming up support from
Weakening UK Job Market: Business Owner Advice
New ONS Figures have been released examining the state of the job market in the UK – and the numbers point towards a weakening job
New UK & India Trade Deal: What Does It Mean For UK Business?
A new trade deal between the UK and India has been announced following a meeting between UK Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, and India’s Business Secretary,
How To Create A Sustainable Business Model
Today the importance of sustainability practices in business cannot be overstated. More people than ever look to sustainable practices and products when deciding who they’ll
Business Growth Confidence Hits 4-Year Low
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What Is Post-Shipment Finance & How Could It Help Your Exporting Business?
A special type of trade finance, post-shipment finance refers to the financial assistance offered to exporters who are able to access working capital by securing
Are UK Businesses Doing Enough To Look After The Wellness Of Their Employees?
Although discussing wellness in the workplace has become less of a taboo over recent years, work-related mental health issues are costing the UK economy over
From Perks To Presents: How Custom Gifts Can Amplify Employee Wellbeing
By Louise Doyle, Co-Founder of needi In a world where workplace perks are changing from a nice-to-have to an essential for recruiting and retaining employees,
13 Signs The London IPO Is Dying & Here’s What Is Replacing It
For decades, the London Stock Exchange (LSE) was the gold standard for going public. A place of prestige. Visibility. Capital. But lately? It’s looking more
Entrepreneurship Can Be Lonely: Here’s How To Find Those That Can Lift You Up, Support You & Help Your Business To Grow
Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as glamorous, adventurous, and liberating. What is less often discussed is the loneliness that can accompany it. Building a business demands
8 Ways To Improve Your Brain Power
Contrary to the myth, we do use more than 10% of our brains every single day. In fact, scientists say we use all of it.
What Can A Business Consultant Do For Your Business?
No matter how hard your management team works at improving your business strategies and structures, sometimes you need an expert, objective pair of eyes to
How To Start A Small Business From Home In A Few Simple Steps
Working from home has become more popular, especially since the COVID pandemic forced business’ to rethink how they do business, often helping business owners realise
Shawbrook: Asset-Based Lenders That Care About SME Success
Shawbrook’s head of asset-based lending, Oliver Wilson, explains how his team’s flexible approach, emphasis on communication and growth mindset are delivering for a range of
How Small Businesses Can Master The Big Return To Office For Employees
The work-from-home (WFH) boom has been a hit with workers, but there are plenty of strategies to foster an incentivised and engaging return to office
How To Change SIC Code On Companies House
The industry in which your company conducts business activities changes your tax liabilities, potential for funding and grants, and the types of investors/stakeholders you attract.
Best Cloud Storage For Businesses
Cloud storage and other cloud-based services have become increasingly popular in the last few years and are used by many thousands of businesses in the
What Can A Marketing Consultant Do For Your Business?
Strategic and effective marketing is more important to the success of your business than ever before. In the age of the internet, you’ll need a
What Is A P11D Form?
The term “P11D form” is typically a catch-all term for the multiple documents required by HMRC for businesses or limited companies that grant benefits in
Meet The Tailoring Brand Balancing Tradition, Luxury & Innovation
With a stunning flagship experience in London’s Landmark Hotel, Richard George Tailoring has a strong and successful vision. Retail may have gone increasingly online in
Does Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) Number Change?
A unique taxpayer reference (UTR) number is given out to businesses that register for self-assessment tax returns or organisations that register as a limited company.
How Trump Tariffs Might Impact UK Business
You’re probably sick to the back teeth of hearing about Trump Tariffs given the amount of attention the press are giving to the US president’s
The Disadvantages Of Working From Home For Employers
Working from home can work really well for those who have a busy life or trouble with child care but it can also have many
What Is The P11D Deadline For Payments?
P11Ds is another tax form in the business world that is reviewed by the HMRC to calculate whether additional or less income tax is owed
What Is An Off-The-Shelf Company?
Alternatively called a ready-made company, an off-the-shelf company is a pre-made company formed and registered with Companies House but has never traded. It is much
What Is A Certificate Of Good Standing & How Do I Get One?
Converting a business to a company comes with a host of advantages, and many of those advantages come in the form of stability, regulatory compliance
Franchise Fees Explained For Potential Franchisees
In the UK alone, there are over 1,000 franchise systems – some recognisable like McDonald’s, and others less so, but still franchises nonetheless. With more
How To Develop A Cohesive Work Environment
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40 Good Habits For A More Productive & Happier Life
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CNNECT; Delivering Best-In-Class Cloud & Cybersecurity Solutions
Managing Partner Joel Berwitz and Technology Director Aaron Bhatti outline the firm’s winning client-first approach and exciting future plans. Like it or not, the world
Sensitive, Concentrated Care – The Midlands Care Centres Leading The Charge
Care entrepreneur Harpinder Birring explains the winning principles behind his two care centres which offer crucial regional mental health care interventions. The UK care home
How Software Development Outsourcing Can Drive Business Growth
Our digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and businesses that can’t keep up risk falling behind. One effective strategy for staying ahead is outsourcing software development.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Billionaires
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Some of the world’s most successful companies are franchises and have become household names across the globe. Just look at McDonalds, Burger King, and KFC.
How To Make Your Office Space More Eco-Friendly
Call it “going green”, “eco-friendly”, “environmentally friendly” of “being sustainable”. No matter how to refer to it, becoming eco-friendly is high on most people’s priority
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7 Key Elements To Change Your Mind To A Business Mindset
Have you ever noticed that what you think about has a direct impact on your behaviour? Rarely do actions lead to thought, instead, your thoughts
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By Jill Taylor, (RN, MN), Co-founder/CEO of The HuPerson Project The qualities of vulnerability and integrity at first glance seem to point to static states
How To Find A Work-Life Balance
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Return To Work Interview Questions: Examples And Advice For Sickness Interviews
When an employee returns to work following a sickness absence, it’s your duty as an employer to ensure their transition back to work is smooth.
Market Stall Ideas: The Best Stalls For Profit In The UK
The market stall is a timeless institution in the UK and it can be a great business idea if you’re considering becoming a market stall
What Is Debt Finance? A Guide To Business Loans & Equity Financing
Debt finance provides businesses and individuals with a way to access capital by borrowing money from a lender that must be repaid over time, typically
10 Signs You Have What It Takes To Build A Business Empire
From Walt Disney to Jeff Bezos, from Elon Musk to Richard Branson, some people just seem to have the entrepreneurial skills it takes to build
What Does Being IR35 Compliant Mean For A Business?
Business regulations exist to ensure fairness across the board, and IR35 is one such regulation. It concerns itself with “off-payroll working” rules, ensuring individuals supplying
Can You Be Employed And Self Employed?
Is it possible to work as an employee at a company and also be self-employed running your own enterprise at the same time? While it
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Good fleet management has the potential to increase operational efficiency and bring significant cost savings for businesses. Fleet managers making better use of their vehicles,
Laws On Reselling Business Products UK
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Becoming a social entrepreneur isn’t for the faint hearted. A social enterprise is often a business model that’s focussed on a social issue and making
Best Desk Exercises: Stretches to Do If You Sit All Day at Work
According to health experts, too much sitting is detrimental to your health. “Too much” means 3-4 hours a day, which is way below how long
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Work is a strange thing: sometimes you find yourself excited to get to work and motivated for the day, week, or project ahead of you.
How Can Employers Best Support Pregnant Employees?
When an employee announces their pregnancy to their employer, there are mixed feelings. Of course, from a personal point of view, you’re really happy that
Art Market Changes – Why Smaller Firms Should Be Vigilant
Arcarta, a leading art market due-diligence platform, warns smaller art firms in particular to keep abreast of major regulatory changes. Market volatility is something that
How To Find A VAT Number By Company Name
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How To Create A Successful Email Advertising Campaign
Email marketing campaigns have been part of a marketeer’s methods for years, and despite the growth of newer ways of marketing, they’re far from outdated.
Waving Goodbye to Your Business: From Startup to Exit
By Ed Johnson, CEO & Co-Founder of uRoutine As someone who has recently gone through a startup “exit”, I thought it might be helpful to
When Does HMRC Investigate Self-Employed Individuals? – A Guide
The only HMRC investigation that would be initiated against a self-employed person is an HMRC tax investigation, and for more than 93% of cases, this
Government Intervention In Markets & Why It Is Sometimes Necessary
Trade across the free market is one of the fundamental ways in which the economic system of many countries can raise revenue and maintain our
10 Skills To Learn To Make Money – What Is Needed To Be A Successful Entrepreneur?
The money-making journey is different for everyone. Some people are natural entrepreneurs with the skills to succeed in whatever endeavours, investments or side hustles they
What Is A Nominee Shareholder?
Nominee shareholders are people or entities that hold shares on behalf of someone else – usually for a person or particular company that wishes to
What Is Influencer Marketing & How Could It Benefit Your Business?
Influence marketers revolve around, usually, a single person with a following across one or more social media platforms who is promoting a product or service
How Much Does A Small UK Business Website Cost?
For those new to web development who are looking to create their own business website, you may be wondering how much building a website costs
8 Overhead-Slashing Investments For Wealth-Building SMEs
Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) don’t fail from lack of revenue, rather they collapse under the weight of avoidable costs. Slashing overheads isn’t simply deciding to
Is It Illegal To Have Less Than 11 Hours Between Shifts UK?
In the UK employers are bound by the Working Time Regulations 1998, which essentially lays down the law for workers, providing guidance on rest breaks
What Are Unsociable Hours And Do Employers Have To Pay More For Them In The UK?
‘Unsocial’ or ‘unsociable’ hours in the UK are usually those that occur outside of the standard 9am to 5pm workplace schedule. It’s important to note,
3 Ways To Increase SME Profitability With Revenue Growth Management
Revenue growth management is the key to driving profitability for your SME. RGM focuses on optimising all aspects of your business operations, from pricing to
Apprentices Could Be The Backbone Of Britain – But Only If We Take Action
For decades, UK governments have promised major housebuilding initiatives, setting targets of 300,000 homes per year or, most recently, 1.5 million over five years. Yet
What Is A Control Account?
A control account is used in bookkeeping and accounting to efficiently consolidate balances for summary and reporting purposes. They are a core accounting tool that
The Types of Fraud in Business
Fraudulent parties exist on both the customer and business side of the economy and their targets differ depending on their type. Training yourself, and your
What Is A Sales & Marketing Plan?
Everyone has heard the saying ‘without a plan, you plan to fail’, right? And this rings especially true when it comes to a company’s sales
The Trademark Helpline Ltd: The Superhero Saving SMEs
Through varied products and services to suit every budget, The Trademark Helpline Ltd is educating and protecting firms from the financial ravages of trademark disputes
Do I Need Business Car Insurance?
Nearly everyone with a personal car uses it to travel to work, and a fraction of those people use it during work hours for business-related
How Do You Survive A Boring Day At Work?
Boredom is a normal part of the workday for most people. In fact, studies have shown that the average employee is bored for around 10.5
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The current national minimum wage rates (applicable from 1 April 2025) mean that both 16 and 17-year-olds are entitled to a National Minimum Wage of
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Focus Groups For Businesses
Focus groups have long been a market research technique designed to gain valuable insights through first-hand feedback about products, services and ideas. It allows you
Shawbrook: The SME Lender Championing Growth
Shawbrook’s head of corporate leverage, Chris Walton explains how the bank’s personalised and flexible approach to finance helps SMEs reach their strategic objectives. Growth is
When Do I Need To Register As Self Employed?
To answer right away, self-employed individuals need to register with HMRC by the 5th of October following the end of the tax year that you
SWOT Analysis – The Advantages & Disadvantages
A SWOT analysis is a popular tool to effectively evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to a company. It effectively becomes the foundation on
3 Month Notice Period UK: The Facts Employers Need To Know
A three-month notice period is becoming increasingly common practice, especially for those in highly skilled or senior roles, where the company would benefit from having
How VAT Works For Limited Companies
Value Added Tax, known as VAT, is a tax placed on goods and services at every stage of a product’s journey, but it is an
Logic Vending & Kokebi: The Coffee Brands Leading The Way
At the helm of these two scaling coffee companies, Brett Boswell is innovating the sector through quality machinery, flexible finance plans, and fantastic customer solutions.
Why CEOs Should Consider Investing In Home Energy Efficiency
By Simon Bones founder of Genous Most business leaders are aware of their company’s environmental impact. But with 25% of the UK’s emissions coming from
Nature of Business Meaning – Examples & Types
Business success and a positive trajectory depend on many external factors. These include market dynamics, level of competition strength and internal strengths and weaknesses. All
Digital Marketing Quiz – Test Your Knowledge
The advent of smartphones and social media kick-started a mass migration of products and services into the online world. Whereas marketing historically consisted of fliers,
Investing In Shares Through A Limited Company
However you choose to invest money as a business owner depends on your aversion to personal risk. When you invest money through buying shares as
What Is A Redacted Bank Statement?
Redacting a bank statement can allow you to hide or remove confidential information – an important task that can fall to anyone in the business
Good Customer Service Examples For Interviews
Good customer service interview questions come as part of a larger package of job interview questions designed to bring out very specific, value-based answers. A
How To Check If A Company Is VAT Registered
HMRC collect Value Added Tax (VAT) through charging VAT at the point of sale on most goods and services in the UK. Businesses registered for
Business Spotlight: Amy Knight – Disruptive Entrepreneur & E-Commerce Trailblazer
Amy Knight is rewriting the playbook for success in e-commerce. At just 28, she has built Must Have Ideas into a powerhouse business generating £65
How Many Days In A Row Can You Work? – A Guide To UK Maximum Working Hours
The UK government mandates the maximum weekly working days and working hours based on the EU Working Time Directive. Employers are forbidden to assign more
How Much Does It Cost To Set Up A UK Limited Company?
Starting a new business and curious about how much it will cost you to set up a limited company? The cost of setting up a
How To Grow Your Business: Tips From Business Leaders
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How To Pay Someone Who Is Not VAT Registered
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Can I Get A Business Loan With Bad Credit?
If you’ve been rejected for personal loans before, then we have some good news for you. Your personal credit score and business credit score usually
Sales And Marketing – What’s The Difference?
Sales and marketing are terms often used interchangeably, but they have key differences in their crucial roles. Together, they push the business growth through sales
The 2025 Talent Crunch: Why Reskilling & Upskilling Are Top Priorities For Businesses
By Tim Mitchell, Head of Staff and Culture at Oxford Business College As we enter 2025, businesses across a wide range of industries are confronting
Sales Training For Your Business – Why It’s Vital
Methods of business growth differ depending on the industry, but for many, the most efficient way forward is to seek out informed clients with high
Best Tips For Successful Online Meetings – Expert Guidance
Virtual meetings have existed since the 1990s, but their use has become more widespread and sophisticated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and businesses switched en
Is 6 Hours Sleep Enough To Function Effectively?
6 hours sleep duration is generally not enough for most adults to function at their best. Everyone’s sleep needs will vary, but generally experts agree
Sir Keir Starmer Set To ‘Unleash AI’ – What Does It Mean For UK Business?
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has made it clear in a recent speech that he intends to make the most of Artificial Intelligence moving
4 Great Ambush Marketing Campaigns to learn from
Ambush marketing is a strategy where a brand attracts attention by associating itself with an event in numerous ways. These events are usually major sporting
Out Of Office Message Guidelines When Travelling For Business
A business trip is a common occurrence for many professionals in upper management, but that time away from the office means your workplace responsibilities and
The Cost of Running A Business In The UK Is Rising: How To Safeguard Your Cashflow
Cash flow is the money that comes into and out of your business over a certain period of time. Inflows include revenue, loans, and tax
Signs Employees Are Falling Out Of Love With Their Jobs
Kim Kardashian’s failed second marriage can teach us a lot of things. But for employers, in particular, it can help them spot the signs when their staff are falling ‘out of love’ with their roles.
Is Ethics Good For Business, Or Does It Get In The Way?
Business and capitalism have a reputation for being cold and mechanical, a place where people put on fronts for profit. Countless industries, including the very
What Is Operating Profit & How Is It Calculated?
Interested in the working principle of operating profit and how the calculation is made? Operating profit is the resulting profit made by a company after
15 Best Family Business Ideas That Last Generations
A family business is a legacy, a shared mission, and a generational bond. However, to ensure these businesses thrive and survive the test of time,
The Internal and External Customer – What’s the difference?
The terms “internal and external customer” were popularised throughout the 1980s through the Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy, created by Joseph M.Juran and W. Edwards
How To Set Up Workplace Pension Scheme At Your Business
All UK employees aged between 22 and the UK state pension age (which is currently 66-68 depending on when you were born) are eligible for
Terminating Apprenticeship Early: Employee & Employer Rights
Ending an apprenticeship has unique challenges, but the overall difficulty of the process depends on what kind of apprenticeship contract it is. When you take
Do You Pay Tax On Reinvested Dividends?
Whether or not you pay capital gains tax on dividends that are reinvested is important for investors to understand as their tax implications depend on
Alternatives To PayPal For UK Businesses
Paypal set the standard for safe, secure and convenient online payment systems way back in 1998, back when the internet was still in infancy relative
5 Tools For Streamlining Your Supply Chain
Supply chain efficiency is crucial to a company’s success. The way you manage your supply chain has a direct impact on your brand’s reputation, your
Can You Live Chat With HMRC – How To Talk To HMRC
As a business owner it’s likely that you’ll need to talk to HMRC at some point. And if you’ve had to deal with HMRC in
How Long Can You Be On Sick Leave Before Dismissal? UK Law For Employers
Excessive absence is more than fair grounds for dismissal, but when it’s due to ill health, an employee has extended protections. Still, no set framework
How Does Technology Affect Business: International Business Growth
How are technological factors affecting business internationally? New technologies have been the number one factor of human evolution, from industrialisation ending several millennia of agricultural
Contracted Hours Not Being Met? Employer And Employee Rights
The number of hours that are to be worked by an employee is outlined in the employment contract, including their pay, bonuses and compensation for
Understanding the Difference Between PLC and LTD
Most companies, regardless of whether they are a Public Limited Company (PLC) or Private Limited Company (LTD) start as a sole trader business entity first.
The 15 Best Part-Time Business Ideas For 2025
Being an entrepreneur is the dream of many ambitious people, but the typical 9-5 working week simply soaks up the majority of time, leaving little
Grace & Morris – Professional, Personable Residential Architects
Grace & Morris, a new high-end residential architectural practice, has torn up the rulebook with its dynamic shop-office site, trust-based culture and top-tier communication. Edward
Benefits Of Working Part Time vs Full Time
Part time workers and full time workers have long been embroiled in a competition over who has the most benefits. From holidays to pay, better
Your Guide To Break Entitlement For 4 Hour Shift UK
The right to take a break at work is etched into UK law. It is a necessary part of the workday, ensuring that workers can
Salary Vs Hourly Rate: What To Pay Employees
As a business owner, one of the most fundamental decisions you can make is deciding if you will have salaried employees, or employees who are
Advantage And Disadvantage Of Bank Loan Borrowing For SMEs
Whether funds are required to set the foundations for a start-up business, inject some cash into the business to continue to operate or even grow,
5 Essential Questions To Ask When Buying A Business
Buying a business is a huge step for any prospective business owner that carries lasting change, regardless of whether your motive is financial independence, changing
How To Become An Estate Agent – Find Out Here
If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, then being an estate agent might be perfect for you. As an
Salary Versus Dividend – How To Pay Yourself As A Business Owner
As a business owner, your business finances and personal finances need to remain separate. Although it may seem possible, you can’t simply dip into your
Cutting Out Confusion: Why Clear, Process-Driven Compliance Training Reduces Mistakes In Data Security & Management
By Kevin Gaskell, CEO and Executive Chairman of Data Support Hub In the age of data breaches making headlines, UK businesses face mounting pressure to
How Owning Property Abroad Creates The Ultimate Travel-Business Hybrid
Picture yourself waking up to ocean views in Miami, managing your emails with a cappuccino in Rome, or even showing prospective tenants around your income-generating
Everything You Need To Know About Closing A Limited Company
When it comes time to close a limited company, especially one that you put a lot of effort into starting up, it can be an
Why Corporate Gifting is More Than Just a Gesture: Building Lasting Business Relationships While Supporting ESG Goals
By Louise Doyle, Founder & CEO of Needi The corporate gifting market in the UK was valued at approximately £85 million in 2022, highlighting how
Valuation Creation: 8 Ways to Increase Your Company’s Value
When it’s time to increase the value of a company, the usual suspects dominate the conversation: Boosting revenue Cutting costs, and Expanding market share
What Size Are Business Cards?
Standard business card dimensions are: Standard North American Size: 3.5″ x 2″ (89 mm x 51 mm) Standard European Size: 85mm x 55mm ISO/International Standard
How Can Employers Help With Childcare?
Work/life balance has been a topic that has gained a lot of steam since the 2020 quarantine, with many companies being forced to apply flexibility
UK Economy Shrinks: October 2024
Following on from our recent news piece covering UK business activity declining in November 2024 for the first time in 13 months, more grim news
6 Ways To Improve Online Sales
In today’s digitally-shifting world, online shopping has become a common thing, with 26.5% of all retail sales happening online in 2022, up from 19% in
9 Ways To Get Funding For A Business
Getting enough money to fund the business ideas and activities that make up your business is one of the most important factors to get right.
Why Procurement Should Be Part Of Operations’ Remit
By Stefano Maifreni, Founder and COO of Eggcelerate Procurement is often considered a standalone function that works in tandem with other departments but is rarely
What Does Creative Energy In Business Mean?
Creativity is the spark that ignites innovation, great ideas and many entrepreneurial ventures but for many, finding creative energy is hard. For a creative and innovative
Strategies For Effectively & Sustainably Integrating Artificial Intelligence Into The Business Environment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but a key tool in the digital transformation of businesses. Its adoption is ushering in a
Effective Communication In Global Business: Why SMEs Should Invest In Language Skills
In an increasingly globalised world, being able to communicate in multiple languages is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. This is especially true
Why Operational Risk Planning Is Crucial For Every SME
By Stefano Maifreni, Founder and COO of Eggcelerate In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable business world, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must navigate many operational challenges.
The Ultimate Guide To Sole Trader Bookkeeping
As a sole trader, it’s important to be diligent with your bookkeeping to accurately track business performance, make informed decisions, manage taxes including income tax
Meet The FinTech Lead Generation Trends Driving Business Growth In 2024
The global FinTech industry has boomed over recent years, with revenue nearly doubling since 2017. With new financial solutions changing how people manage their money,
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Smart, Selected Shopping – Meet TheDesignerBox
Co-director Daniel Guishard-Gratton explains how sensational suppliers, a regular rotation of stock, and a sustainable edge have made the luxe e-commerce brand stand out. Pop
Christmas Email Marketing Campaigns – How Not To Ruin Customer Relationships
Christmas can seem like the perfect time to capitalise on the chance to market to your audience. However, while the opportunity is there, it should
Setting Up A Holding Company In The UK – Ultimate Guide
To set up a holding company, you must form at least two separate legal entities for the holding company and the operating company. The holding
Guide To Writing An Effective Executive Summary
In condensing larger reports (whether quarterly or annual) an executive summary does exactly what it says on the tin. As an addendum to a broader
How To Survive Working 12-Hour Shifts: Advice For Employers & Employees
Working 12-hour shifts can be exhausting for employees, so it’s important that you ensure your business encourages a considered approach to working long shifts to
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Internal and external sources of finance are viable options for any business looking to source extra finance for different business activities. Money makes the world
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Leading economists in the UK have announced today that UK business activity has hit a new low for the first time in 13 months. Businesses
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Understanding the sales process is the key to successfully unlocking the potential of sales professionals you work with at your business. Whether your sales team
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If you’re a new business owner thinking about putting up a job description for new talent, then you’ll want to offer a competitive salary range.
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Over the past few years, there has definitely been a significant jump in the number of sole traders in the UK. It appears as if
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Do you own a limited company in the UK? If so, you have a legal obligation to file accounts with Companies House and to keep
Average Salary By Age In The UK – A Guide For Employers
The UK average salary varies considerably based on ages and career stages, so that’s important to keep in mind as a business owner in the
How Businesses Should Approach A Hyperlink In Contracts
With businesses more likely to use digital contracts, the potential for confusion has multiplied. Terms can now be hidden away in a hyperlink, and the signatory is expected to read all the terms linked to, even when these could be open to change or too general for certain parties.
What Can A Social Media Consultant Do For Your Business?
Over the past decade or so, social media marketing has really taken the world by storm. Social media channels, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter,
What Is Sales Planning? A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginners
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Investing In Residential Properties: How Do You Start?
Looking to dip your toes into the world of real estate investment? Residential properties could be your ticket to passive income, tax benefits, and long-term
Why and when you should consider exiting your business
Tom Phipps, a director at Livingstone London, considers the best reasons and timings for moving on.
Is Metaverse Fashion Just A Fad? How Web3 Is Transforming E-Commerce
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Top 8 Boxes A Profitable Rental Property Will Tick
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How To Set Up An Online Shop UK With 9 Simple Steps
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Will ChatGPT Transform Content Marketing? 3 Reasons Why The ‘Human Touch’ Is Still Important
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5 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A Small Business In The UK
Greetings and salutations, business-minded folks. Starting a small business here in the UK can be an exciting and rewarding journey but can also be challenging
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How To Boost Your SME SERP Score In 2024
Whether you’re a small business startup or struggling to be seen in a competitive online playing field, we’ve got you covered. It’s time to invest
What To Do If You’re Struggling To Pay Your Self Assessment Tax Bill
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Investing in commercial property in 2023?
With many property investors looking elsewhere as residential buy to let becomes less attractive, Gary Hemming of ABC Finance takes a closer look at the merits of commercial property investment.
Helping Hard-Working Small Business Owners Switch off and Recharge
By Amanda Salt, Vice President, Small & Medium Enterprises, UK Card Services at American Express Running a small business can be highly rewarding but at
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Giving Everyone A Voice And Key Part To Play In Business Success: Thoughts From Carmel Group’s Ryan Timms
Carmel (UK) Ltd has placed itself within the UK’s top 50 mechanical and electrical companies, offering an extensive array of proficiency within the managed building
How to Use AI Marketing to Boost Business Productivity
Using AI technology to tailor marketing campaigns, improve content, better understand customers and automate laborious processes are just the tip of the new found AI
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The issue of outsourcing is an important discussion for every business that is growing and looking for additional ways to expand. A time comes when
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Who is Steven Bartlett? Net Worth & More
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5 Key Approaches To Master Holding Town Hall Meetings In A Small Business
Oftentimes, businesses can fall into the trap of believing that town hall meetings are an unnecessary way of spending those all-important company hours, but they
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How To Unsend An Email In Outlook
Click send, then immediately regret your action. It could be a typo, an error in the information, or sent to the wrong person. Whatever the
Is Hybrid Working Right for Your Business?
Many businesses have started to consider hybrid working as an option. Some have fully transitioned to it as it has become a favourable alternative to
What Are The Important Dates In The UK Tax Year?
Keeping on top of key tax dates is an important part of managing your finances and tax obligations in the UK. From sole traders, partnerships
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What Is a Contractor & How Is Using Them Beneficial?
A contractor is a self-employed person or company that is hired to perform set tasks or services for another company or individual over a set
Why your staff can never be your friends
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Incorporating A Business In The U.S – Factors to Consider
A company is transformed into a separate legal entity from its owners when it is incorporated. As a result, the business can own property, sign
YoY Meaning & How It Is Used In Business Analysis
As a business owner looking to understand the basics of business analytics, you should be well versed about the meaning of YoY as it’s a
Can Your Style Help to Win Over B2B Clients?
When it comes to winning over B2B clients, your style is very much a key form of communication. With this in mind, it’s essential that
Three Strategies For Businesses To Consider In 2024 & Beyond
By Amanda Salt, Vice President, Small & Medium Enterprises, UK Card Services at American Express SMEs have faced unprecedented change and disruption in recent years.
What Is Customer Profiling & How Can It Help Your Business?
Customer profiling is a helpful tool for business owners to understand their customers. It can be used to help target a business’ marketing efforts to
What Is An Invoice Number & Why Are They Important?
Invoice numbers are a series of unique, sequential identifiers which are included on every invoice a business sends, whether big or small. These numbers help
How To Write A Brief When Outsourcing Work
Business owners can often find themselves in a position where they need to outsource work. When this happens, it’s important to know how to curate
How To Handle Gross Misconduct In The Workplace
Gross misconduct in the workplace or business environment is a negative behaviour that is so degrading, it can result in punishable outcomes like suspension and
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How to Buy and Register a Business Domain Name
Understanding how to register a domain name is vital for every business owner. The domain name represents the digital identity of the business. It also
How To Start A Cake Baking Business
People buy cakes on their birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or as a snack at home. This means there is plenty of demand, and it can become
Beyond Brexit: The People Keeping Industries Running
Business downtime – a period during which normal production stops, often due to a mechanical or operational problem- can arise at any time. Any number
How To Improve Diversity In The Workplace
Diversity is important in setting up a successful, inclusive and productive work environment. The presence of diverse perspectives leads to innovative ideas and a happy
5 Tips To Make Your Business Stand Out In A Crowd Of Competitors
Separating your business from the pack is key to success in any industry. How do you make sure your business stands out from the rest?
Gearing up For GA4: How to Prepare Your Marketing Team For Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 is just around the corner, so it’s time to prepare for a strategy switch-up. On the back of Google’s announcement to replace
How To Find Your Gmail Archive
Gmail is a popular email service that is used by business professionals and individuals everywhere. Archiving is a useful email feature that allows you to
11 Startup Business Costs Examples
If you’re starting a business, it’s important to have a handle on the costs that will be involved. Startup business costs are the sum of
5 Ways That Virtual Reality Can Help to Bolster Your SME’s Scaling Process
Although the technology itself is nothing new, virtual reality is beginning to develop into a comprehensive tool for businesses to utilise across many of their
What Are The Letting Agent Fees For Landlords?
If you’re letting out a property that you own to tenants, you may choose to use the services of a letting agent to help advertise
Self Assessment Deadline – What Is It For 2023
Understanding how to determine the Self Assessment deadline of a business year is crucial for accurately filing tax returns. For 2023, the self-assessment deadline is
Machine Vision Software & Its Benefits For Businesses
Machine vision software is a revolutionary technology that has enabled machines to “see” their environment and make decisions based on that information. This technology is
What Is An SME?
SME is an abbreviation for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The typical SMEs have below 250 employees with less than £45 million in turnovers. However, they
Starting A Business With A £10,000 Budget
Starting a business with £10k may sound impossible to many, but with the right planning and smart financial decisions, it’s entirely possible! Careful budgeting, clear
How To Deal With Difficult Employees
For a company to succeed in delivering its goals, having focused, productive and amiable employees is essential. This means that knowing how to deal with
VAT Threshold 2023
There is a VAT threshold for every small business that is set by HMRC and can vary. Once taxable income exceeds the value set for
People Focus Builds Business: Quick-Wins For SMEs From Nick Peel
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How Companies Can Avoid Refunds and Claims
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Loyalty for all…announcing the exciting new launch of Prosper Loyalty
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What Is Commercial Property & How To Buy It
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How To Improve Your SME SERP Score For Google Search Success
Sadly, it’s not enough for websites to create great content in order to be recognised by the likes of Google and other leading search engines.
How to calculate gross profit
In business, the terms gross profit margin and net profit margin are often used interchangeably, but shouldn’t be as they both have different uses for
How to Launch a Startup with Zero Capital?
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Your Guide To Answering Competency Based Interview Questions
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Staff drinking at work – The problems created
This Alcohol Awareness Week 2021, Real Business finds out what it means for the workplace to embrace a company culture which doesn’t involve social drinking habits, and what business owners can do to facilitate those who don’t drink within their workplace social events.
Constructive dismissal – Everything you need to know
Constructive dismissal has raised its head of late, piquing everyone’s curiosity as to what it is. Here we lay out the fundamentals of constructive dismissal claims and how you can protect your company.
Commercial Law – Why it Matters to Businesses
Commercial law matters to businesses because it is the foundational legal framework that allows businesses to operate effectively and with confidence. The law acts as
What Is Salary Sacrifice & How Does It Work?
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“Tell Me About Yourself” | Interview Question Tips
The ‘tell me about yourself’ question in a job interview may seem straightforward but it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase your qualifications, experience and personality
What Can A Strategy Consultant Do For Your Business?
While it is true that there are many different types of consultants out there, a business strategy consultant may be able to offer you the
Understanding P11D Forms To Ensure You Meet The Deadline
If you have employees that are paid at the lower earning limit or above, you must keep P11D records. These records must be accurate and
How To Find The Best Buy-To-Let Areas For UK Property Investors
As an investor, you’re always looking for the best place to put your money and when it comes to buy-to-let property, there are a few
What Can A Virtual Assistant Do For Your Business?
These days there seems to be a virtual version of almost everything, even reality. So it only makes sense that virtual assistants have become increasingly
Guide To Understanding Tax Codes
Everyone that is employed in the UK has a tax code. It’s a letter and a number that is used by your employer to work
3 Cloud Hosting Benefits For SMEs That Want To Go Far
SMEs currently account for 99% of the UK’s business population. As a driving force behind the corporate and commerce world, a new surge in small
What Is A Purchase Order & Why Are They Important For Businesses?
In all businesses and accounting functions, purchase orders (POs) are an important everyday transaction but what is a purchase order and why are they important?
Start-up Brand Design 101: How to Nail Your Branding
As a start-up business, establishing your brand is a critical initial Tip. Your brand will define your business, helping you to establish your identity, your
Does Your Business Need A Decision Support System (DSS)?
Many businesses use decision support systems (DSS) to make informed decisions. But what is DSS and how do you know if it’s right for your
What Are The Main Roles & Responsiblities Of A Business Analyst
The business world is constantly evolving and that means companies need to invest in analysing the key metrics and factors that impact their performance. For
Inventory Management: From Just-in-Time To Just-in-Case & Implications On Your Cash Flow
From a pandemic-induced supply shock to a ship stuck in the Suez Canal, the past few years severely put the traditional Just-in-Time (JIT) approach to
5 Ways Businesses Can Effect Radical Change During an Economic Downturn
Everyone knows that the business world is constantly changing. New technology, new markets, and competitors are just some of the challenges businesses face. Change is
How To Get Your Business Administration Right
Business administration is essential for running a successful enterprise. It encompasses activities such as bookkeeping, marketing, human resources and product development. The specifics of business
Choosing A Business Coaching Model To Achieve The Best Results
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How a Customs Broker Can Help Your Import/Export Business
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A Guide To Understanding Business Capital
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Improving Your Workplace Presentation Skills
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Tips for How to Grow in Your Business Career
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How To Develop A Business Case For A Project
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How To Start A Jewellery Business
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Funding Female-Led Businesses: The Way Forward
Female entrepreneurs continue to make strides globally. So far this year, at least a dozen new female-founded unicorn ventures valued at $1 billion or more- have emerged.
‘A Fast-Track Way to Potential’: Start Your SME Export Journey in the Commonwealth
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Why Entrepreneurs Need to Forget About Their Exit Strategy
So, you’ve got an awesome business. After a couple of years of incredibly hard work, things are finally going great. You’ve got backers. You’ve got customers. And now, for some reason, all you can focus on is creating an exit strategy. It’s what the industry tells you that you need to do. But it just doesn’t make sense. At a time when startups are feeding the economy, we need a shift in focus. It’s time for entrepreneurs to stop obsessing over their exit strategy and build a great company instead.
The 12 Most Common Injuries In The Workplace
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The Advantages & Disadvantages Of Business Partnerships
Business Partnerships are a type of company structure in the UK, often seen in professional services like Solicitors, Architects and GP practices. A Partnership is
Putting the Neurodiverse Workforce at the Centre of Your Office Design is a Win for Everyone
Companies are now beginning to prioritise the emotional and physical health and welfare of their employees, as seen by new, more flexible working arrangements. But inclusion means much more than that, so how are we including the neurodivergent workforce in the conversation about diversity and inclusivity?
3 Reasons Why Chatbots Could Boost Your SME Conversions
In the wake of a global e-commerce boom, online retailers and service providers have seen an influx of traffic to their sites as consumers switch to the high street for a digital future.
As SMEs battle it out to appear in high-ranking searches and grab the attention of a demanding demographic, user experience has become a key factor in a successful marketing strategy post-Covid.
In order to remain popular amongst a sea of competitors, marketers are striving to put the consumer first. From conversational marketing to accessible UX design, success in 2022 is all about personalisation and one-to-one connections with potential leads.
This is where chatbots come in. In 2021 alone, experts at Invesp reported that over half of all consumers globally used a chatbot when interacting with SMEs online.
What Is A Community Interest Company & How Do You Set One Up?
Anyone who has ever started their own business or nonprofit organisation knows that it is no easy task. Not only do you have to deal
How do Crypto Options Work?
Trading crypto options is a very powerful investment tool. You can use them to generate income or for hedging purposes, like any other derivative. Although these trade options are relatively new, they are already becoming quite popular with traders who want to speculate on the value of cryptocurrencies without buying and holding them for an extended period. In this article, you’ll learn what crypto options are, what you can do with them, and how they work!
Here Are 9 Tips to Improve Copy Trading
Social trading is a relatively new phenomenon in online investment and has gained significant traction in recent years. For the uninitiated, copy trading refers to copying the investment portfolios of other, more experienced investors.
How Can Small Businesses Avoid Customer and Fraudulent Chargebacks
Chargebacks are becoming increasingly frequent for small business owners, leading to a weakening financial state. Heavy fees are imposed on enterprises, decreasing your credibility in the eyes of your payment processor. And for many SMEs, figuring out a way to manage chargebacks effectively can be challenging.
Compassionate Leave – Managing For Workplace Employees
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Why Data is the Key to Unlocking ESG Risk Management
Today, companies are receiving an influx of requests from customers, investors, and regulators to manage a wide range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. Earlier this year, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority announced plans to regulate ESG rating providers, while the USA’s Securities and Exchange Commission may also be introducing rules on ESG information. It’s never been more important for companies to respond to and manage ESG issues, despite the pressure this can place on business resources.
Stay With Me: How To Keep Hold of Your Best Workers
Jill Whittaker OBE, Managing Director of The Executive Development Network, discusses why employees deserve a clear path towards career progression and shows how apprenticeships can pave the way.
What Does Your Business Branding Say About You?
Any company that cares about recruiting and retaining top talent should constantly evaluate its hiring strategy, says Julie Mott, managing director, Howett Thorpe.
Examples & Ideas for Business Voicemail Greetings
Using voicemail is one efficient means of filtering communication in the workplace. It also gives your business a positive impression to callers when you are
Why ‘Soft Skills’ Were Essential on My Journey as a Successful Entrepreneur
In the business world, there is often a focus on developing ‘hard skills’, these are the skills that we generally imagine when we think of a successful entrepreneur. We imagine someone with incredible technical, analytical, and management skills but the image we have created in our minds of the successful entrepreneur is only half complete.
A Guide To Taxes On Selling A Business
Do you plan to sell your business? Understanding how taxes work on the sale of a business is crucial. This guide provides an overview of
9 Most Profitable Business Models
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Employee Engagement in the Experience Economy
Today’s job market is dictated by its workers. The level of competition for the brightest and best is so fierce that those making up today’s top talent are able to name their price and motivational incentives, with a variety of job offers usually on the table. With organisations competing against each other more than ever before to attract and retain the most suitable candidates, the importance of the Experience Economy has been highlighted, with employee engagement at its core.
How To Thank Customers For Supporting Your Small Business
A simple “thank you” note to customers is an effective way to show how much you appreciate and want to continue business with them. It
How Do I Advertise My Small Business?
When starting up or running a small business, you’re probably looking for creative and innovative ways to promote your products or services. Even if your
How Can Small Businesses Avoid Customer and Fraudulent Chargebacks
Chargebacks are becoming increasingly frequent for small business owners, leading to a weakening financial state. Heavy fees are imposed on enterprises, decreasing your credibility in the eyes of your payment processor. And for many SMEs, figuring out a way to manage chargebacks effectively can be challenging.
Top Tips & Methods For Free Advertising For Your Small Business
Promoting a small business can be tough, and even tougher, if you only have a small budget available for advertising. Fortunately, there are a variety
How Personalisation Can Improve the Employee Experience
Personalisation is becoming a sought-after advantage in the workplace. Employees no longer accept a generic experience that doesn’t support them on an individual level.
Why Your Web Host Matters: Is It The Key To Improving SME Site Performance?
The SME scene is booming in 2022. With more online entrepreneurs than ever before, getting a site up and running amongst a myriad of competition can be tricky.
As we step into a digitally dominated future, site performance is the key to small business success. While UX/UI design, site SEO, and CX personalisation demands drive the online strategies of tomorrow, business leaders must also consider their web hosting platform in their battle to the top. As of 2021, 1.2 billion hostnames were registered online. Prioritising a web hosting solution has not only become vital in maintaining a robust online presence but investing time and money into professional platform hosting comes with a vast number of benefits ranging from improving site loading speed to boosting a company SERP score.
5 Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs
The uphill battle facing any budding entrepreneur is a steep one but the mountain female entrepreneurs must climb is even higher. Obstacles come fast and
How To Get Verified On TikTok As A Business
As a business, it’s imperative to have a verified account on all social media platforms. This shows your followers that you are an official business,
Three Tips for Success When Starting Your New Position as a Team Manager
After you get a promotion into a manager role or move into one after a hiring process, you’re often overwhelmed by a range of emotions. While excitement at the prospect of this new position comes to mind, so does an innate fear of overstepping and a general uneasiness about whether you’ll be accepted in this new role.
How to Mold Top-Performing Employees
When it comes to running a business, it’s always important to invest in quality talents. After all, your employees are crucial to helping your business get to where it needs to be.
Smart1 Recruitment: Going the Extra Mile with Mike Harper
Recruitment has been the number one challenge for many businesses across the UK in 2022. Real Business sat down with Mike Harper from Smart1 Recruitment to discuss how he and his wife are working to make a difference in the world of recruitment by going the extra mile for both their candidates and their clients.
Don’t Sleepwalk into Disaster, Act Now to Future-Proof Your Business
Pressure is mounting on Britain’s power companies as calls for ministers to hit electricity generators with a windfall tax grow ever louder amid the soaring cost of living crisis. With domestic energy bills expected to jump more than 40% and fears that 30-40% of households could end up in fuel poverty in the coming winter, energy companies cannot ignore the pivotal role they play in supporting the nation through these stormy times.
In B2B, Brevity is the Business
I have about seven seconds to get your attention – if I’m lucky. So while I’ve got it, let me tell you about something that’s close to my heart: If you can’t explain what your business does and why anyone should care within the average human attention span, it’s not just time you’re wasting. It’s customers too.
Give me a few more seconds and I’ll explain.
What Should Real Estate Investors Be Doing Now and Has the Market Hit Rock Bottom or is Now the Time to Buy?
Following many years of housing prices soaring and competition steadily increasing, real estate growth has finally started to slow, likely caused by the cost of living crisis and mortgage rates that are continuing to climb. Year on year, real estate prices have seen rapid growth with The Land Registry saying they rose by 12.8% in May. So what’s the best move? Property investor, Korosh Farazad, explains whether now is a good time to invest or not.
How to Work Out Profit Margins
One of the most important aspects about running a business is understanding your margins. The two types of profit margins to understand are gross profit
Why Personal Experience is the Key to Tech Launch Success
Santiago Schmitt first started working on the idea for a business that would make his mum’s weekly online grocery shop easier when he was just fourteen years old. Although the concept was far from developed then, at the age of eighteen he launched his product – a browser extension called FoodLama.
FoodLama makes online grocery shopping with dietary preferences, allergies, and intolerances easier – all while sitting on top of grocery sites. By automatically showing users the products that fit their requirements as they scroll, and by making personalised recommendations on the go, FoodLama aims to bring ultra-personalisation to grocery shopping.
Here, Santiago reveals how his personal experience helped his startup become a success.
The Rise of the Digital Procurement Officer
It’s fair to say that the past few years have not been kind for procurement and supply chains. From geopolitical challenges and Brexit to a global pandemic and rising costs, businesses have had to cope with several unique issues within the supply chain.
Once-in-a-generation black swan events have become a constant barrier of disruption, putting greater pressure on the role of Chief Procurement Officers (CPO) to ensure continuity and instill greater resilience.
How To Get Verified On Instagram As A Business
One of the best marketing tools now available to small businesses is social media. Businesses can promote their products and give more information about their
What To Know When Buying An Electric Car Through a Limited Company
Are you looking to buy an electric car through your limited company? Electric cars can provide tax and financial benefits for limited company owners, but
Investing in Well-being to Stem the Tides of the Great Resignation
Employee turnover has become a major concern for HR professionals and business leaders, and it is impacting how they are able to strategically plan to meet business objectives. One recent study found that 38% of workers plan to switch jobs in the next 6 to 12 months. This could cost UK businesses up to £17 billion. The Great Resignation affects all businesses, but the costs are especially high for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Guide On How To Best End An Email
If you’ve ever been worried about coming across as too formal, too casual, or too ‘anything’ when it comes to closing and sending an email,
What Does ROI Mean And How Do You Measure It?
Return on investment, or ROI as it’s often referred to for short, is a way of measuring how much money you will get back in
Planning for the Future: 5 Tips for Building a Robust Financial Forecast
Although the immediate implications of Brexit and Covid-19 are behind us, the long-term repercussions are still being felt by small businesses, thanks to supply chain delays, stock shortages, and an increasingly competitive talent landscape. So how do we as business leaders plan for the future during periods of such turbulence? For some, the idea itself may seem counterproductive. After all, how can we look ahead with any certainty?
What Is A Stakeholder In Business?
What a stakeholder in business? It is defined as any party, be it an individual, group or organisation that has an interest in the company.
How To Write Effective Out-of-Office Messages
Going to be away from your inbox for a while and wondering how to write effective out-of-office messages? To write effective out-of-office messages or an
The Hidden Cost of the Four-Day Working Week
Employees want flexibility but the four-day working week isn’t necessarily the answer, as senior recruitment expert Huw Martin warns it is not a bandwagon suitable for all businesses. The pandemic created a sea of change in terms of where and how we work and workers are rightly calling for more flexibility, a better work-life balance, and more choice in deciding when, where, and how best to do their jobs. So is the four-day week the natural next step as we move towards a fully flexible workforce? Or are organisations forgoing flexibility and nurturing workplace culture to capitalise on the buzzword of the moment?
5 Types of Sales Enablement Content You Need for Your Business (and Tips on How to Create It)
If you’re a marketer putting together content to create brand awareness, you might think sales enablement content sits outside of your remit – or at least, that it comes to a few steps further along in the customer journey. But, when it comes to content creation, keeping marketing and sales teams separate can be a mistake, and in fact, means both are losing out. In this article, we’ll look at five types of sales enablement content, as well as tips for creating it and integrating it with your content strategy.
How to Grow Your Business Organically
When it comes to launching a business and running a startup, the word ‘funding’ is often hot on everyone’s lips and for many, they consider it to be a prerequisite to compete in the startup industry.
Why a Mid-Year Review Can Set Your Business Up for Success
Businesses are feeling the pinch of inflation and the cost of living crisis, just as they are still recovering from the pandemic. Add into this the current turmoil in government and the rest of the year looks likely to be an extremely challenging operating environment for many.
One proactive thing that business leaders can do to ensure their company is in good shape for the rest of the year is to conduct a mid-year review.
How UK SMEs Can Effectively Navigate Some of the Biggest Challenges Impacting the Economy
Operating and growing a small business is never easy especially when economic and geopolitical uncertainties persist that are new to many entrepreneurs. While removing all COVID-19 restrictions was a sigh of relief for many small and medium-sized (SME) UK businesses, just as economic activity picked back up, the invasion of Russia into Ukraine put the world into a state of shock yet again.
What Is A Business Model?
A Business model is how an organisation will generate revenue, it’s service offering s, key activities, funding avenues, the resources required and customer breakdown. There
How Many Millionaires Are There In The World & Where Are They Located?
Many of us dream of becoming millionaires but not everyone can turn this dream into reality. If you’ve ever wondered just how many millionaires are
Guide To Starting A Farming Business
Learning how to start a farming business could be an excellent idea for anyone who loves nature and being outside. Although the farming industry took
Does Your Business Need Learning and Development?
A couple of weeks ago, one of our clients – a travel technology company with global operations – told our team something that we wouldn’t hear a few years ago: learning and development opportunities have become a key aspect of their retention strategy.
13 Tips On How To Be More Productive During Your Workday
To be able to start and leave work on time and keep your boss happy, you need to be able to make the most out
3 Effective Changes Small Businesses Can Make to Increase Remote Employee Engagement
As the Covid-19 pandemic left businesses with little choice other than to accelerate their digital transformation efforts at a rapid rate, traditional office-based roles changed in structure dramatically overnight. Today, as more decision-makers come to terms with remote work, ensuring employee motivation and engagement is a key priority.
Leadership Skills That You Need To Acquire To Get Ahead In Business
As a business owner or manager, you will be faced with competition every single day from your peers and competitors in the business space that
Keeping Things Personal: Automation in Recruitment
In the wake of the pandemic, which accelerated the pace of digitisation worldwide at an unprecedented rate, technology has revolutionised businesses in every sector. The recruitment industry is no exception. The developing capabilities of technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and applicant tracking systems (ATS) help automate the most time-consuming recruitment tasks and allow employers to more efficiently refine candidate shortlists.
How To Take Risks In Business
Taking risks in business requires careful assessment of possible opportunities, weighing up the pros and cons and making an informed decision on whether to proceed
Why Business Leaders Should Support the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
What does the future of business look like? It’s an age-old question that is constantly on the lips of senior management, thought leaders, and CEOs. Today’s leaders have a responsibility to empower the entrepreneurs of tomorrow – this, more than anything else, will be fundamental to the growth of Britain’s economy.
Drive to De-Risk and Crystallise Value Spurs Interest in ‘Cash-Out’ Opportunities
Against the current economic backdrop, and with a potential recession looming, business owners with significant wealth tied up in their companies are looking to de-risk their positions. Some are weighing up ways to crystallise part of the value they have created by selling a portion of their shareholding to a private equity sponsor. These kinds of private capital-backed ‘cash-out’ deals are becoming more common these days.
6 Free Social Media Management Tools For Businesses
The continuous growth of social media has made it become a crucial digital marketing platform. Over 3 billion individuals around the world use social media
The Freedom of Freelancing: Why Businesses Shouldn’t Fight the Rise of Independent Careers
The professional status quo has been well and truly disrupted. In particular, the pandemic gave the global working population a chance to re-evaluate their values. Whether greater autonomy, a complete change in direction, or more flexibility, many realised what they want from a career. We are seeing the result of this mindset shift via the so-called Great Resignation, and employers have felt the brunt.
Work Perks: Why Your Business Should Say Goodbye to the Free Gym Membership
Ping-pong tables, bucket-list experiences, bottomless sweets dispensers… employee work perks these days are many and varied. But do work perks actually work? Just as some say that the truly happy person never posts on social media, I contend that the truly satisfied employee doesn’t need work perks. At least, not as we commonly understand them.
How To Write A Letter Of Resignation
When the time comes to leave your job, you must let your employer know in writing by way of a resignation letter. If it’s been
Celebrating British Excellence with Sarah Austin
Sarah Austin had a nearly fifteen-year-long career in corporate event management, including a highly respected position in an FTSE 100 company. Now, she’s the proud Founder of Sarah Austin Events, the company that celebrates the fantastic, innovative work of companies across the UK with the British Business Excellence Awards.
The Benefits of Sourcing Overseas
Sourcing goods and services from the global market can be an effective strategy for businesses to reduce costs and streamline processes. Sourcing goods from overseas
7 Ways to Combine Email and Facebook Marketing
In the past, digital marketing took a blanket approach to lead generation that was sometimes obtrusive and annoying. On almost every forum, platform, and web page, users were bombarded with blaring banner ads or videos that started before the page was even fully loaded, and they almost always played too loudly at the most inconvenient times. Here are our favourite ways to combine email and Facebook marketing.
Has Remote Working Changed B2B Purchasing Forever?
There’s a significant power shift happening in B2B purchases, with the pendulum swinging firmly in the employee’s favour. With 82% of corporate purchasers wanting the same experience they have as consumers, long gone are the days of having to phone up the only trusted provider for some new stationery. Staff want to control who they buy from and when. For most, price is second to getting the best product or services as soon as possible.
Out with the Old, In with the New: How Digital Agreements Redefine the Present of Work
Office, hybrid, remote, and agile working is not only the future but also the present of work. Ronan Copeland, GVP General Manager, EMEA, DocuSign explores how the right digital tools enable employees to create, collaborate, and innovate from anywhere.
How To Become A Childminder
Being a childminder entails far more than “simple” babysitting, this is an official role relating to the care of minors and to become a childminder
Pitch Deck Design Trends and Top Tips for Making Your Pitch Deck Stand Out
Pitching your business to investors often requires a pitch deck. Pitch decks typically contain between 10 to 20 slides and are designed to tell investors about your story, your brand, and your vision. Presenting a powerful and professional pitch deck can be the opening you need to secure funding. It’s therefore key that you know exactly what a pitch deck should contain, the best way to make yours stand out, and what trends to keep an eye on.
Why Your Business’ Credit Score is Failing You
Thousands of small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) up and down the country are facing significant financial hardship. Inflation is at a record 40-year high, and the cost-of-living crisis is putting extra pressure on business owners. For many, just staying afloat is now a real challenge. For many small business owners, access to credit is a necessary part of business management, such as easing cash flow processes. And in today’s economic climate, many are turning to credit to weather the storm.
Super Apps are the Way Forward for Modern Parents: Interviewing the Creator of Onoco
We are exploring the world of parenting technology with business owner and entrepreneur, Margaret Zablocka. The rise of super-apps and digital tools that support the modern family has created a whole genre of family-centric apps that aim to serve working parents and blended, multi-carer family structures.
Real Business interviewed Zablocka on her market-leading app, Onoco, which blends AI technology and child development research to help families establish healthy routines.
Is ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ a Good Scaling Solution for Businesses?
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is on the rise within business-to-business (B2B) transactions. BNPL is a highly regulated financial model that can facilitate more freedom for its users; businesses can spread the costs of purchases, growth, and internal investment instead of operating within the rigidity of the consumer financing model.
How To Buy To Let Through a Limited Company
Over the years, there has been a sizeable shift toward purchasing investment property, essentially ‘buy to let’ property, through limited companies. This shift has been
How Businesses Can Hone STEM Skills Outside of Academia
STEM efforts are too often associated with traditional education, such as school, college, and university education, rather than with the myriad alternative learning approaches that better meet the needs of a rapidly changing technology landscape.
No Policy in Place? Sorry, but Your Hybrid Working Will Fail
From business growth to onboarding, the vast majority of business processes are driven by a policy. While ‘policy’ often prompts drab visions of rules and restrictions, underpinning such processes is vital to their effectiveness. Hybrid working is no exception – formalising hybrid working with an accompanying policy is critical to its success.
Financial and Funding Business Contingency Planning with Kevin Harfield – MD JamesField Executive Limited
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for directors/ business owners and entrepreneurs face is being aware of both financial and funding options to safeguard the business during periods of growth, consolidation, and difficult trading periods, particularly during economic downturns, but also unexpected challenges. Kevin Harfield, Founder of James Field Executive, has over thirty years of experience supporting business owners across many sectors to protect their businesses by advising them commercially with clear financial and funding strategies, and many innovative and bespoke solutions for that business/sector.
Default HMRC Record Keeping Period Explained
The default HMRC record-keeping period is the amount of time that HMRC will keep, or may want to refer to your own records relating to
The Pitfalls of an Unpaid Graduate Programme
Last year, job vacancies in the UK hit the highest levels since records began – across all business sizes and industries. Almost nine in 10 managers (89%) say their business currently has vacancies and more than half (55%) state finding new staff is harder now than before the pandemic.
When Is An HMO Licence Required for A Rental Property?
HMO licences became a requirement during the legislation of the Housing Act of 2004. This regulation serves to protect people living in shared residences. Often,
Chargeback Prevention in Real-Time: Myth or Truth?
Sad but true: no merchant is 100% safe from getting chargebacks. In the world of all-encompassing online financial services, chargebacks are bound to happen – whether they are legit or fraudulent. Other chargeback-related issues are also rising: fraud cases grow, and new regulations are being implemented, putting businesses in jeopardy.
Why Firms Can See the Global Supply Chain Crisis as an Opportunity
Many UK firms will be rightly concerned about the scale of the global supply chain crisis. But is it time for import-reliant businesses to start seeing this problem as an opportunity?
What Is Corporation Tax Payment on Account?
Businesses have the option of settling corporate tax payments in instalments instead of one full payment. This staggered form of payment allows corporations to distribute
What The Construction Industry Scheme Means For Contractors & Subcontractors
The construction industry scheme (CIS) is a tax system in the UK that sets out and governs how contractors and subcontractors working in the construction
What Are The Highest Paid Jobs in the UK?
There are plenty of career paths available in the UK but if you’re looking for the highest paid jobs, then high powered roles in finance
Planet Leasing: Stand Out with Legendary Customer Service
Real Business recently sat down with Gary Rose, part-business owner, and Operations Directors at Planet Leasing, to discuss how and why offering outstanding customer service has allowed his business to stand out in the market.
How Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI) Can Benefit SMEs Who Are Looking to Retain Employees
Enterprise management incentive schemes are a tax-advantaged way of helping companies, particularly smaller companies with ambitions to grow, attract and retain key employees by rewarding them with equity participation in the business.
How Much Public Liability Insurance Do I Need?
As a business owner, one of the most critical considerations is safeguarding your company against possible liabilities. Litigation is a potential outcome from all manner
Tackling Inflation As An SME: 5 Strategies For Corporate Success
It’s no secret that inflation is on the rise. After the annual inflation rate across the United Kingdom rose to 7% in March 2022, Brits are seeing their highest price hike since 1992. In response, we have explored five key strategies that could be crucial to small business success on the back of inflation’s profit pressure. Read on as we delve into the effects of price rises on an SME landscape and discuss the small changes small business owners should make if they want to stay afloat.
HSBC Launches Lending Fund For Female Entrepreneurs
HSBC announces the launch of a Female Entrepreneur Fund, which will provide US$1bn in lending to female-owned businesses over the next 12 months.
What Is A HMRC Statement of Earnings?
All employers are required to submit a statement of earnings to HMRC for every employee in their business. The document gives a detailed overview of
How to find Inner Safety, Sleep Well and Increase Energy and Performance
In light of her latest book released, Finding Inner Safety, renowned Neurophysiologist and Sleep Expert, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains how you can find your inner safety, sleep well and increase energy and performance at work and at home.
Preventing a Wage Spiral: How to Balance Talent Retention and Recruitment Post-Pandemic
The Great Resignation has presented a huge challenge for businesses that now have to balance retaining skilled talent with attracting new ones. As workers evaluate whether to stay with their current employer or move on, a Totaljobs survey reveals that 33% of UK working-age adults wish to review the current benefits and options their role offers. Therefore, organisations must take urgent steps to help them retain staff and succeed in recruiting – all whilst preventing an unsustainable wage spiral.
Hiring in a Neurodiverse World
Traditional hiring processes are not designed with neurodiverse candidates in mind. In fact, just 22% of autistic adults are in any kind of employment. But what businesses don’t quite understand is that having a neurodiverse workforce contributes to greater creativity and innovation, and encourages more unique ideas and perspectives. Evidence also suggests that neurodiverse employees have higher aptitudes for technical skills, as well as their ability to focus on tasks at hand.
E-commerce and Social Media: A Changing Role
Social media has become a significant player in e-commerce, and it’s not just because it’s the platform of choice for millennials. More people are starting to use social media platforms to make purchases, ask questions, hunt for coupon and promo codes, seek help with returns, shipping issues, etc.
Guide To The New Electrical Rules For Landlords
If you’re a landlord in England or Wales, you may or not be aware that your legal responsibilities surrounding electrical safety in your properties changed
How To Beat Loneliness In The Workplace
With Mental Health Week upon us, it is a timely moment to think about the way in which your business supports employees with mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. This is particularly the case in the light of recent changes that many have seen to their working model following COVID-19 and the growth in remote working.
How To Get Started In Property Investment
The UK property market has always been one of the most popular markets to invest in, as it remains a clear opportunity to build long-term returns. Popular with new business owners and experienced investors alike, while recent property forecasts suggest the UK could see prices grow by 21.5% up till 2025, UK investing remains a reliable opportunity for maximising returns amidst low-interest rates and incredible demand.
How the Move Towards Cleaner Transport Fails to Address Safety
Sustainable transport solutions are constantly in the headlines as a means to fight climate change, but there is a missing link. People’s safety perceptions and risks need to be addressed. Failing to do this will reduce their adoption of alternative forms of sustainable transport – and the environment will pay the price.
Conquering Dragons’ Den with cheesegeek Founder, Edward Hancock
Real Business chats with cheesegeek Founder and successful Dragon’s Den candidate, Edward Hancock, about making the leap from finance to food and his experience on the popular BBC show. Hancock launched cheesegeek in 2017, an online subscription service for the best cheese selection to suit any occasion or cheese lover’s tastes.
The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Coworking Spaces
The key advantages of coworking spaces revolve around cost saving, flexibility, networking and shared sense of community whereas the disadvantages include the cost, distractions, lack
How Small Businesses Can Capitalise on Demographic Changes
While we’d all hoped that 2022 would bring some respite to UK small business owners, the next few months look set to present a whole new set of challenges as inflation continues to rise. Amidst this disruption, prioritising anything beyond the day-to-day of keeping a small business afloat seems daunting. Marketing and growing new customers can easily fall by the wayside.
Lessons from the TV World: The Link Between Developing TV Shows and New Businesses
It may surprise you to learn that developing a tv show is remarkably similar to creating a new business. Every show idea, every production, is like creating a new business. They all require their own business plan. The key to success? Inspiration, opportunity, timing, network, ability, and a bit of luck.
In Transformational Businesses, a Good CEO is a Work in Progress
What makes a good business leader? Confidence is, of course, an essential trait in a CEO – without it, there’s no aspiration, drive or belief in the company’s strategic plan. But how important is self-confidence? Is it necessary for a leader to have all the answers?
Understanding Mutuality Of Obligation In Business Law
In UK business law, mutuality of obligation is a legal issue that both employers and their employees must fully understand. This matter sets out all
Branded Content Can Be Key To Protecting Your Reputation
For a lot of businesses marketing and PR is often seen to have one ultimate goal – drive sales. The equation is simple, the more people who see your brand and are engaged by your message or content, the more likely they are to buy from you. But there is another side to communications that we talk about less – reputation management.
The Pros & Cons of Employee Ownership Trusts
An employee ownership trust (EOT) is a legal structure that allows a company to be owned by employees that collectively own the majority state (usually
How To Flip Houses Successfully In The UK
Flipping properties in the United Kingdom is more than just randomly buying a rundown property, painting it and selling it for a profit, this is
IP Disputes – What Should SMEs Consider?
This March, UK supermarkets Waitrose and Asda became embroiled in the latest IP dispute, with Waitrose sending a legal letter to Asda after it released a discount product range that looked – well, suspiciously similar to Waitrose’s according to the supermarket.
Eskimoz Conquers the European SEO Market
It is no wonder that Eskimoz has been able to conquer the European search engine optimization market. From 17 million euros raised by Momentum and more than 100 consultants working for them across 5 countries – they are truly a force in this industry.
How To Rent Out Property For The First Time
So, you’re considering renting out a property for the first time? Congratulations! This can be a great way to make some extra money, but it’s
Reducing the Risk of Innovation in B2B
The world is changing so rapidly that even established businesses need to act like a startup. Operational efficiency and agility have become the prerequisite for long-term success. B2B businesses must demonstrate to their end customers that they can deliver a quality product today and focus on developing their resources, systems, and capabilities to remain competitive well into the future.
“Inspire your team to excellence”: Interview with Marie Grove Walton
From promising new enterprise to working with Lacoste, Versace, and Goldsmiths, one of the UK’s leading quality jewellers to name a few, Marie Grove Walton has achieved significant success with her PR and marketing agency, Grove Communication.
Are You Due A Payment On Account Refund From HRMC?
If you pay your taxes via self assessment, you may have been required to make payment on account. If that payment on account puts you
Why Leaders Should Consider Grief Rituals in the Workplace
We’ve seen two years of relentless grief caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and the world is now truly shaking as the horrors in Ukraine unfold. The despair and anxiety has been so persistent that there’s a danger we could become numb to it. We constantly look at the news feeds, but we do not feel their horror. They are data, and we remain detached.
TikTok for Business: How to Market to Millions
Rob Neander, the Performance Director at Spin Brands talks through how your SME can capitalise on the social media platform taking the consumer by storm. Acting as one of the most valuable marketing tools, Rob Neander tells us how we can take the next step in marketing to millions.
How Has COP26 Affected The Corporate Sector Six Months Later?
As we reach the six-month mark on the back of COP26, it’s clear that the corporate world is starting to hold itself accountable for its sustainable shortcomings. From prioritising bottom-up action to improving company transparency amongst a more active audience, a number of e-commerce giants are working towards a greener future.
How Do You Integrate a Multi-Cultural Hybrid Team?
There’s no doubt that the pandemic accelerated some trends which were already in motion before the virus struck. One of which is flexible working, and after two years of living with successive lockdowns and enforced working from home, many SMEs have made the decision to fully embrace working from home and enact policies which mean employees can work wherever they like.
Guide To Self-Assessment Payment On Account
Self assessment payment on account is a system that means self-employed people in the UK have to make advance tax payments based on their previous
How Can We Address the SME Funding Gap?
What if we lived in a world of abundance where all our basic needs were catered for? Set against the threats of climate change and geo-political tensions, this may seem fanciful but it has to be the ultimate aim of every nation. And prosperity through SME job creation is an absolutely essential part of this. Therefore, access to finance and the growth of confidence within the sector are the critical components required to achieve that.
Contract Works Insurance Explained
Contract works insurance, also known as Contractors’ All Risks Insurance, is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for construction projects or contract works
It’s Time Businesses Reboot Their Employee Wellbeing Experience Tools
Employee mental health deteriorated as a result of the pandemic. In fact, a recent survey showed only half (52%) of employees would describe their mental health as good, compared to 66% in early 2020, showing a 14% drop since the pandemic.
How Much Does A Business Accountant Typically Cost?
The cost of hiring an accountant varies based on factors such as the complexity of the finances to be worked on, services needed, accountant expertise
The Formula for High Fashion: How Sunglasses Deals Became Big Business for the F1 Industry
Formula 1 is a sport that’s long been associated with high fashion and class, but it turns out that fashion and F1 is big business – particularly when it comes to the types of sunglasses that leading drivers are sporting.
Should Employers Provide Workers Access to Mental Health Services?
Did you know it is Stress Awareness Month? Stress can be incredibly challenging for people to cope with, especially in high pressure, fast paced work environments. It can cause long term illness, massively impact an individual’s productivity, and impact their performance and wellbeing in the workplace.
Do I Need Landlord Insurance?
If you’re a new or existing landlord and own one property or more, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is properly insured when
Looking for Investment? Get Your IP in Order
For many growing businesses, at the outset, intellectual property IP may not be at the top of the agenda. It can be challenging to get your head around and, at times, the exact benefit it’s going to deliver is not always clear.
How to Handle a ‘Will Smith’ Situation in the Workplace
For people managers and HR, the Will Smith situation underscores the importance of employees behaving appropriately at work events. Poor conduct could not only damage the employer’s reputation but also leave you with the hangover of a potential disciplinary situation to contend with.
What Is A CSCS Card And Who Is Required To Have One?
A CSCS (construction skills certification scheme) card is a mandatory requirement for anyone working on a construction site in the UK. It offers proof that
Essential Info For Compiling Year-End Accounts
Compiling year- end accounts is an essential process that all limited companies in the UK must go through annually. The steps involved are compiling the
Where is Forex legal and illegal?
While the global forex market is one of the most liquid entities of its type in the world, this sector remains at the mercy of numerous challenges and misconceptions. Incredibly, the practice is even illegal in some jurisdictions, with some authorities believing them to be highly damaging and vulnerable to rigging in the worst-case scenario.
The Best Tools for Creative Freelancers
With 44% of millennials freelancing in the past year and 36% of Gen Z workers freelancing since the outbreak of COVID-19, the gig economy in the UK is growing more than ever. We’ve put together a few recommendations on platforms you could use to make your freelancer projects run smoothly.
Can a New Communication System be a Game-changer for Your Company?
Today, all industries are so competitive, that the smallest advantage you can get on other companies from your industry, may make a great difference at the end of the year. Changing your communication system, to one using VoIP, is definitely one of these elements that will make you benefit and add to your revenues. Here is why.
What Are The Different Types Of Business Assets A Company Can Hold?
A company can hold a variety of assets; current assets, non current assets, physical assets, intangible assets, operating assets and non-operating assets. Current Assets Cash,
10 Inspiring UK Women-Owned Businesses
The UK is quickly becoming a leading hub for female entrepreneurs. From small businesses to major corporations, women are leading the way in terms of
Tips For Starting A Recruitment Business
2022 is set to be a year of growth for businesses. Many businesses are predicted to look to hire new staff in 2022 in an
Why Any Business Serious About Sustainability Should Consider Becoming a B Corp
Standing in the bleak torrent of 24-hour news at the moment, you’d be forgiven for not noticing that we’re right in the middle of B Corp month. But if you’re involved in business in any way and interested in a more equitable, sustainable future, then B Corp certification is something that needs to be on your radar.
Should My Business Accept Cryptocurrency As Payment?
Cryptocurrency is becoming a more popular legitimate payment method for businesses, so many are now considering accepting this form of currency to complete transactions. A
Who Is Steven Bartlett? Our Guide To The New Dragon In The Den
Just last year, Steven Bartlett stepped up to become the youngest ever investor on Dragon’s Den. But who exactly is he and how did he
How To Find the Right Employees for Your Company?
A company is only as good as the sum of the qualities of its employees. No matter how great the product or the service it offers, if employees aren’t right, it will be difficult for the company to grow and thrive. Here are a few tips that will help you hire the right people for your company, in the future.
The Ways To Think Sustainably in Designing the Modern Workspace
After two tumultuous years of fighting a headline dominating pandemic, it’s easy to appreciate how the climate crisis was put on the back-burner. However, as life returns to a new ‘normal’ and offices reopen, everyone is now steering the conversation to how we collectively reach net-zero goals.
Is Your Brand a Great Design Story in the Making?
In owning the legacy of their design, brands from Apple all the way through to Burger King don’t just create recognisable and laudable visual stories over time, they create meaningful shortcuts to emotional connection with their audiences.
Could you spot a scam HMRC letter or email
Get expert crucial guidance on how to identify a fake HMRC letter saving you from big losses.
Is The Apprentice Spreading Unrealistic Ideas About Running Your Own Business?
As 4.6 million viewers tuned in to catch the launch episode of the most recent series of The Apprentice, the long-running business competition show can still garner interest from the British public, despite many critics suggesting it has run its course.
How To Create A Business YouTube Channel
Did you know that there are over 300 hours of video content uploaded to YouTube every minute? YouTube is by far the world’s favourite video
Opening of GOV G-Cloud 13 Framework Means Huge Opportunities for SMEs
In light of the hotly anticipated Government G-Cloud 13 tender framework – which opened for applications Wednesday 9th March – we look at how to maximise the consequent opportunities for SMEs.
How To Forecast Cashflow For Your Business
‘Cash is King’ is a saying that everyone has heard, but if you are a small business owner, keeping cash flowing is about as crucial
Lewis Hamilton: Lessons in Resilience and Determination
Lewis Hamilton seems to go against the grain of conventional thinking, no emotional outbursts – rather appearing calm, composed, and gentle-natured. There’s no denying his steely determination to succeed, but this seems in stark contrast to descriptions of him as humble, caring, and altruistic – traits not often associated with pioneers.
How To Create A Brand For Your Business
In a crowded marketplace, a strong brand can be the differentiator between a mediocre business and a successful one. A strong brand makes businesses memorable
Adopting a People First Approach to Technology
In this article, business technology specialist The Access Group, explains how we can harness the potential of technology to deliver better, more human results.
Why Algorithms Are Part of The Solution to a Carbon-Offset Future
In today’s complex and interconnected environment, it is fair to say that almost every business —in some way—contributes to increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Women-Led Businesses You Should Be Paying Attention To
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Real Business is casting a spotlight on six women-led businesses that are focused on innovation and wellbeing. These entrepreneurs are driving forces behind disruptive and unique companies you need to know about.
How Important Is SEO & PPC for Business?
Search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay per click (PPC) are digital marketing methods that are incredibly important for nearly every business. Both of these marketing
Litalist: Building a Community Between Book Lovers and Booksellers
Last year, the UK book market enjoyed one of its best sales years in over a decade and this World Book Day, we hope that love of reading is still burning bright as we interviewed author and serial entrepreneur, Seni Glaister, about her new social and e-commerce platform, Litalist.
Breaking into the Publishing Industry? Start Your Own Crowdfunded Publisher
This World Book Day, we’re diving into the world of publishing. Breaking into the industry the traditional way can be difficult and expensive as the
Marketing Strategies in a Technology-Driven Age
New York Times bestselling author and Founder and CEO of Genius Group, Roger James Hamilton, talks through which marketing strategies you should be implementing to align with the ever-growing technology-driven age.
How To Start Selling On Amazon
Amazon is known to be one of the biggest selling platforms in the world. According to Statista, as of April 2021, Amazon registered around 407
Business Leaders Are Under Unprecedented Pressure – But Have Unprecedented Opportunities
The huge pressure on Unilever CEO Alan Jope in the past couple of months characterises the unprecedented challenges today’s business leaders face.
Productivity Wars: How Managers Can Re-Inspire Their Teams
Business leaders have faced challenges and difficulties unknown to their peers in years gone by. Almost every aspect of our working lives has been altered or shifted by the pandemic and we have been introduced to new ways of working and collaborating at scale.
ECO Grants for your Business
Even though at the time of writing this article, there is not one specific type of ECO grant for your business, there is a range
7 Things To Consider When Starting A Remote Only Business
A remote business is an easy and accessible way to achieve financial freedom and flexibility. No matter where you are in the world, a remote
How To Deal With Poor Performing Employees
Poor performing employees can be a huge issue for any business. They can cause decreased productivity, poor quality of work, and even behavioural problems. It
How Can Employers Achieve Everyday Wins in Their People Communications?
In this new report, Working Wonders with Words: A guide to achieving everyday wins in your people communications, published by business technology specialist The Access Group, employers are encouraged to consider the link between language and emotions.
How a Digital Skills Gap Could Be Harmful to Your Business
A lack of digital literacy in any business could lead to higher costs, poor customer experience and low employee satisfaction. Dr Antonio Wiess, Senior Partner at The PSC and author of The Practical Guide to Digital Transformation, outlines what these threats could look like and how to combat them in an increasingly digitised world.
Queer-owned Small Businesses: How To Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month And People All Year Round
To celebrate this month, we’ve spoken to some queer business owners on what it’s like running a queer-owned business, what LGBTQ+ History Month means to them, and what advice they’d give non-queer business owners on supporting queer employees and celebrating this important month all year round.
Training Grants For Small Businesses In The UK
If you are a small business owner, you should always be looking for ways in which you can expand your skills as well as your
How To Set Up A Facebook Business Page
Social media is an integral part of any business’s marketing plan. Creating social media profiles for your business will provide you with more opportunities to
“Creators aren’t aspirational dreamers, they’re a critical part of the economy,” says Lotanna Ezeike, Founder and CEO, XPO
The financial impact of the last 24 months is hard to quantify. Incomes have been pressured and stretched to breaking point with distortion in the workplace. This is going to be hard for those in mainstream employment, so consider the challenges faced by the creator economy.
Who Is Ramneek Sidhu? Entrepreneur & Digital Kings’ Owner
If you follow business news and stories at all, then Ramneek Sidhu may be a name that is familiar to you. Although the 26-year old
Why Parental Leave Isn’t the Issue for Young Professionals
A recent survey has shown that poor parental leave policies have led to one in five younger workers to quit their job. The survey from Opinium also revealed that 84% of respondents thought that having a child had a negative impact on a person’s career.
How To Set Up A Company That Sells Successfully On eBay
For over two decades, eBay has been the number one online marketplace to buy and sell items. eBay is not only a great place to
Pet Business Ideas That Could Bring You Success
Pets are an important part of many people’s lives as they provide companionship, unconditional love and entertainment. In fact, people love their pets so much
With Love – Taking the Opportunity to Care for Your Staff on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is globally recognised and celebrated beyond the office – but it is not, however, a holiday that’s on the radar of business leaders and managers. Behind the commercial aspect of this holiday, there’s often a genuine spirit that’s all about spreading a sense of appreciation and gratitude.
TALA Raises £4.2m in Funding to Champion Sustainability
Grace Beverley might be one of the biggest social media influencer success stories as her fitness fashion brand TALA has taken the activewear market by storm. With her latest announcement, she champions what young consumers are looking for in their clothing: sustainability and affordability.
What Happens If You’re Made Bankrupt?
Bankruptcy is a legal status that usually lasts for a year and can be a useful way to clear debts that you can’t pay. When
Oldest Pair Breaks Record Rowing Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge
Guy Rigby, 68, and David Murray, 56, have become the oldest pair ever to row across the Atlantic ocean as part of the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. Founder and Chair of the Entrepreneurial Services Group at Smith & Williamson, Guy and his crew mate David, Director of Hotsmoked, investor, and sports enthusiast, set sail in December (2021) as part of ‘The Entrepreneur Ship’ to raise money for UnLtd.
Creating Skincare Brands for the TikTok Generation with Tiffany Salmon
Tiffany Salmon, Creative Director at Amelia Knight and Founder of Scientia, Glow Hub, and Soak Sunday, has experienced incredible brand success through TikTok, with #glowhub garnering over 7.5 million views.
Where To Sell Your Business
As a business owner looking to sell your business, you’ll know that this can be a rather stressful time as you look for the right
How to Surmount Your Self-Doubt as an SME Entrepreneur
Do you ever have those days where you start to question what you’re doing? Not just whether this, that, or the other decision was right or wrong. But whether you should even be making those decisions in the first place. Externally you might appear bold and confident. But inside, you’re battling imposter syndrome. Because you’re an entrepreneur, and self-doubt is part of the package.
Upskilling for the Unknown Future with Amrit Sandhar
‘The Engagement Coach’, Amrit Sandhar discusses the clear need for upskilling, but is business ready for the uncertain world we have ahead of us?
5 Companies Committed to Hitting Net Zero in 2022
In 2019, the UK passed a law to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Since then, the Government has launched its Build Back Greener strategy which shows how businesses and individuals will be supported in their transition to renewable energy.
How To Write The Ultimate Business Plan
Whatever industry you operate within, creating an effective business plan is the key to success. Your business plan will include the vision and mission of
Social First, CV Second: How Gen Z is Changing the Hiring Process
If you’re older than 25, you’ll still clearly remember the days when recruitment success came down to your application form and interview performance. The hours spent honing your CV were worth it because that carefully crafted document could open doors. Your professional presentation was all that mattered. But slowly but surely, the hiring process has changed.
How To Estimate Your Business Rates
If you own a business of any size in the UK, you will know that there are many expenses and overheads that can diminish your
Ocean Club Holidays: Vertically Integrated, Organically Grown
As travel restrictions are lifted and the UK adjusts to a new normal post-pandemic, many holidaymakers who have missed the sun, beaches, and relaxation of a break abroad are clicking ‘book’ on escapes away. Family owned and run, Ocean Club Holidays, are excited to see the end of the travel bans, welcoming back loyal guests and new travellers.
How A Podcast Can Help Grow Your Business
Podcasts have soared in popularity in recent years, with around 25% of adults claiming to listen to podcasts on a weekly basis. There’s no wonder
Private Capital Could Help Drive SMEs Forward on the Road to Recovery
Now that those temporary measures are no longer on the table, businesses are having to think about what permanent solutions are available to them to sustain them through the next stage of recovery and growth. Whether further bank lending will be forthcoming on favourable terms, or at all, is by no means certain, as many SMEs found to their dismay after the financial crisis. One alternative funding option worth investigating is private capital. It could be a game-changer for smaller companies.
Access Group: At The Forefront of The Hybrid Working Future
Adaptability is key for overcoming challenges, but tech investment is needed to align the workforce of the future, says Access Group CFO Rob Binns. In a sentence or two, who is the Access Group? What do they do?
How Making Tax Digital Impacts Your Business
The government is currently in the process of rolling out Making Tax Digital to all aspects of taxes, from VAT to income tax. The aim
How To Set Up And Register An Overseas Company In The UK
If you have an international or overseas business and are looking to set up a branch in the UK, there are certain protocols that you
Pioneering Adtech Company Keeps TV Advertisers Informed and Adaptable
Real Business sat down with TVSquared Founder and CEO, Calum Smeaton, to discuss the world of data analysis, the benefits of using television advertising as part of your marketing campaign, and the future of traditional TV advertising in the face of booming online streaming platforms.
The New Year: The New Loyalty and Rewards Strategy
It is often true for any business that it is cheaper to retain existing customers than to try and attract new ones. Some of the best methods for encouraging customer loyalty is to offer consumers incentives to make repeat purchases or sign up for subscriptions. Using a loyalty and rewards program to drive sales, gather customer data, and improve customer retention is a tried-and-true strategy.
How To Import Stock Into The UK For Your Business
Knowing how to import stock into the UK for your business can be difficult and time-consuming. It’s important to have the right knowledge and approvals
What Business Owners Need to Know about Workplace Mental Health Support
The third Monday of January, dubbed ‘Blue Monday’, is a day in which many are often more down. Pay day still feels like a lifetime off, and the blues have well and truly set-in. Leading chartered psychologist and founder of ‘Healthy You’, Dr Jan Smith, explains what you need to have in place to support the mental wellbeing of your staff in the workplace.
Planning to Upscale: How Can Enterprise Search Solutions Support SME Growth?
Keeping a coherent and accurate record of crucial information and important content can be a serious struggle for businesses, especially when working in separate teams and in different locations. This can be especially difficult when you set your sights on upscaling your business, adding more staff, more clients, and potentially more locations. Enterprise search solutions can help you and your workforce access necessary information and data quickly and easily, cutting down the time taken searching multiple systems for the relevant files.
Can You Afford To Retire?
Retirement is often seen as a period of celebrating your golden years. With no need to work, you can focus on your hobbies, family, and
A Guide To Employment Tribunals
If you are a business owner, employer or even employee, it would be prudent to have a basic knowledge about employment tribunals, as you may
Are Print Magazines Still Viable in our Increasingly Digital Lifestyles?
In the face of rising digitalisation and the popularity of the minimalism aesthetic, the viability of print magazines might be waning as we step into a more sustainable future. The pandemic restricted our ability to browse the supermarket and slip a last-minute glossy magazine with a scintillating title into our baskets, but will we return to picking up a GQ, Cosmopolitan, or Good Housekeeping with our weekly shopping?
How to Make the Most Out of the New Year
After the difficult hardships of the past two years, you may be feeling despondent about 2022, unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel and not finding much enthusiasm in this new beginning.
UK Business Owners: 7 Strategies for Quickly Expanding Your Business into the US
From Divido to Radical Tea Towel, HSBC to Barclays, Unilever to GlaxoSmithKline, UK businesses have been transitioning into the US markets for generations.
What You Can Claim As Expenses If You’re Self Employed
If you are self employed, there are certain expenses that you can deduct from your income to calculate the tax owed on your business profits.
Why Emotional Intelligence is Key to Successful Conscious Leadership
The title may sound complex, but to be a truly impactful leader in today’s world, Emotional Intelligence has proven to be where the real winners operate from and is the key to successful conscious leadership – which is crucial for any business success.
How To Start A Cleaning Business
While a cleaning business may not sound all that glamorous, there is certainly a lot of money to be made in the cleaning industry. There
What Benefits Can A Business Coach Bring?
Hiring a business coach is becoming increasingly popular amongst business owners, with many CEOs attributing their success to the support of their business coach. But
Ways to Avoid Burnout as a Freelancer
With over 15 years leading workplace mental health, Chartered Psychologist, Dr Jan Smith explains the steps you should be taking to ensure you don’t get burnt out as a freelancer as we head into 2022.
3 Easy Ways to Simplify Your Small Business For Streamlined Success
The world of entrepreneurship and operating a business is by no means an easy one, so making things as streamlined and easy as possible can only be a good thing. There are small changes that can be made and systems that can be implemented as a way to try and action this simplification and in the long run will save you time and energy.
Elizabeth Holmes Found Guilty of Fraud in Theranos Case
Once viewed as a rising star of Silicon Valley and a figure of inspiration for women in tech, the former CEO if Theranos has been found guilty of defrauding investors during the company’s fifteen years of trading.
How To Deal With Imposter Syndrome at Work
Imposter syndrome is a phenomenon that is experienced by many people in the workplace. It can be detrimental to both your personal and professional life
The Importance of Company Culture for Recruitment Agencies
The recruitment industry has seen change unlike any other year due to the coronavirus pandemic, leading to global skills and labour shortages. With over one in four workers planning to change jobs in what has been deemed ‘The Great Resignation’, securing the right candidate for a job is proving to be difficult.
What Constitutes Discrimination In The Workplace?
Every workplace should strive to be an inclusive and fair place to be. But despite advances in equality in recent years, some prejudices still exist,
How To Defend a Call on a Personal Guarantee
A personal guarantee is an agreement between a business owner and lender, stating that individual or individuals who sign it will be responsible for paying the financial obligations of the business if the business fails to do so.
There’s Bias in Burnout, and Things Need to Change
In different workplace settings across the world, the strange and unsettling feeling of exhaustion – known as ‘burnout’ – has taken many workers by surprise. With cases on the rise in our society, following the fallout of a disruptive global pandemic, many have studied the phenomenon of burnout. Interestingly, the problem runs deeper. Burnout is, after all, biased.
At What Age Is It Too Late For A Career Change?
Most people that change careers are satisfied with their choice to do so, but is there ever an age at which it is too late
How to get A Small Business Grant?
1500 original Are you eligible for a small business grant? Getting a small business grant can be a valuable lifeline that helps you to purchase
Is There a Correlation Between How You Sleep and How You Work?
There are few of us who are unfamiliar with the heavy feeling of a bad night’s sleep. The achiness behind the eyes. The tendency towards procrastination. And the yearning for sweet, or carb-heavy food.
4 Tips for Working Smarter, Not Harder
Have you ever wondered why you aren’t as productive as you could be? If so, you’re in the right place because we’re looking at a few surefire ways to boost productivity. There’s lots to cover, so let’s get cracking…
5 Mistakes Content Creators Need to Avoid When Monetizing Their Work
If the content you’ve been publishing on your own has attracted you an engaged audience, then it makes sense that you might be curious about finding ways to turn your hobby into a source of revenue.
How To Promote Mental Wellbeing In The Workplace
Work makes up a significant proportion of many people’s lives. It’s where we spend a lot of our time, how we earn our income and
Fashion’s Plagiarism Habit and The Impact on Small Brands
The fashion industry often plays it fast and loose with the idea of “inspiration versus imitation”. Plagiarism and design theft has been a recurring issue for the clothing retail market for decades and with the explosion fast fashion, the problem has only gotten worse.
How To Deal With Anxiety At Work
Depending on what type of workplace you find yourself in, you could experience your anxiety levels rising from the moment that you step through the
Living the Laptop Lifestyle with Social Cactus
When we were told in March 2020 to ‘stay at home’, many businesses were thrust into an unknown world, fortunately for me and my team at Social Cactus Coaching, we have been practiced in remote working since I founded the company in 2017.
The Definitive Guide For Young Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship is becoming a much more popular and accepted career choice, with more and more people in the UK choosing to become entrepreneurs each year.
The Competition to Create the Best Christmas TV Advert
The hype that surrounds the release of Christmas adverts from brands like John Lewis, Waitrose, and Marks and Spencer signals the start of the festive shopping experience, as retailers fill their TV slots with short film-like adverts that seem to be getting bigger and more expensive each year.
Common Reasons Why Businesses Fail
For business owners, one of the most common and predominant fears is that their business will become a failure. Not only is business failure a
How To Crush Your Virtual Event
The pandemic shut the doors on in-person events and businesses had to adapt fast. Virtual events became the go-to option and proved incredibly effective. Now, a shift in approach appears to be staying for the long term, with one UK survey finding 72% of businesses will maintain virtual events going forward, and 77% will pursue a more hybrid approach.
The Importance Of Having Proper Plant Hire Insurance
If you are a business owner that regularly needs to hire plant equipment for certain projects, it can be exceptionally frustrating when this hired equipment
Do You Need Sole Trader Public Liability Insurance?
Although not a legal requirement, public liability insurance is highly recommended for anyone who engages with members of the public and carries out work on
Putting Cyber Security First: Why the Latest Trends make this Critical for SMEs
With the ever-evolving and highly sophisticated cyber threat landscape, online security for SMBs is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. Hackers and other threat
Finding the Perfect Gift: Interview with Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes
Real Business sat down with the founders of the innovative gift service, needi, Louise Doyle and Steph Scholes to find out where their business idea came from and what it’s like to being part of an unstoppable duo in business.
How Innovation is Driving New Sustainability Goals
Sarah Swenson, Global Senior Manager Sustainability at Avery Dennison explains the art of collaboration and driving change for the better with the importance of sustainability and setting goals to benefit our future.
How your SME can capitalise on the Festive Season
It is clear that Christmas is the most wonderful yet hectic time of year for businesses. As the reindeers rally to Santa’s sleigh and the elves get to work, the excitement builds alongside the influx of anticipating consumers wondering what your SME has to offer.
Making A Company Dormant
Making a company dormant is viable consideration if it is not making any money and costing you overheads. Do you have a business that is
Narce Media: Video is the Ultimate Content Currency
Narce Media, founded by Joseph Housley and Connor Watt, showcases how graduate entrepreneurship can build businesses that break the mould.
A Chanel Christmas Story: How Important Are Customer Perceptions of Value for Money?
TikTok outrage strikes again, and its latest victim is iconic, luxury brand, Chanel. In the age of instant video reviews and quick public scandal, Chanel may have just made the one mistake designer brands should do their utmost to avoid: looking cheap.
Why Businesses Need to Focus More on Recruiting Younger Professionals than University Degrees
When it comes to recruitment, conventional workplace wisdom tells an employer to value the basics like a CV, or a degree, often at the expense of the candidate’s potential. Hiring best practices, especially in 2021, are full of checklists. And one attribute most commonly in demand is a degree.
5 Unique and Engaging Team Building Ideas
Team building, whether for the workplace or with family and friends, is an excellent way to strengthen interpersonal relationships while strengthening a variety of essential skills. After all, teamwork is known to increase deep learning through human engagement, problem-solving, dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration.
The Skills Shortage Creating a Crisis in the Jobs Market
UK companies are always on the hunt for high calibre, talented recruits with a broad range of skills. As companies continue to expand roles to maintain profit margins, the fallout from COVID-19 has created a unique situation of highly marketable candidates that are difficult to attract.
Starting Out in a New Market
Founder and CEO of Alicia J Diamonds, Alison Cooper talks through what you can do as a business owner to start in a new market through the art of innovation and strategic planning.
How Much Capital & Reserves Does A Business Need?
More than ever, the last couple of years has shown business owners just how important it is to have sufficient cash reserves. The COVID-19 pandemic
Lush Exit: Can Brands Survive Without Social Media?
Lush, the well-known cosmetics brand, has announced its departure from social media platforms Instagram and Facebook as they insist Meta takes steps to create a safer and healthier environment for its users.
Buy To Let Limited Company Pros & Cons
If you’re considering becoming a property investor and landlord, then you can choose to buy the property in your own name or through a limited
Introducing the Entrepreneur Who Has Banished Leathers for Making Timeless Sustainable Accessories
Real Business talks to Serial Entrepreneur and Designer, Jessica Kruger on where her love for sustainability came from and how her previous life lessons have carved her brand values into what they are today.
Increasing E-Commerce Sales with Website Analysis Insights
E-commerce is a high-growth, yet highly competitive space, and data analytics has changed the way companies interact with their customers. Consumers these days expect tailored experiences and will not hesitate to switch to alternative vendors if their needs aren’t met.
6 Tips for Selling your Business
If you’re planning to sell your business, for whatever reason, it is absolutely crucial to ensure that you start planning early. To attract the highest possible interest, it makes sense to put in the hard work as soon as possible to make your business appealing to prospective buyers.
Cybersecurity Business Leading the Charge Against Business Threats
Despite the prevalence of cybercrime and the cybersecurity industry, many UK SMEs do not have the right protection in place to safeguard their business and their customers. That’s where companies like Computer Network Defence Ltd (CND) play a vital role in helping small UK companies build the tools and knowledge they need to trade safely in the increasingly digital world of business.
What Is An Employer Reference Number?
As an employer, you have a wide range of responsibilities to take care of. Many of these are not merely responsibilities but legal obligations too.
What Is A Commodity Code? A Guide For Those Who Import And Export
A commodity code is a number that determines the type of goods you are importing or exporting. This number can be six, eight, or ten
“Diversity of thought” – Why it’s Crucial to Business Success
The volume of data showing that diverse organisations – whether neurodiverse, racially, gender or generationally diverse – perform better than their peers, shows there is enormous strength in diversity.
Did COP26 Inspire Business Sustainability Or Just Encourage A Future Of ‘Greenwashing’?
On the back of 2021’s yearly climate change conference, it’s no surprise that the world’s most influential meeting yet, COP26, has ruffled some feathers in the corporate world.
Is The VAT Flat Rate Scheme Right For Your Business?
The VAT flat rate scheme was introduced by the UK government to make it easier for small businesses to arrange their VAT payments. The scheme
“The Entrepreneur Ship” Takes on the Talisker Rowing Challenge
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is known as “the world’s toughest row” with participants rowing over 3,000 miles from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Perhaps not a situation many entrepreneurs find themselves in but Guy Rigby and David Murray, the team members of “The Entrepreneur Ship”, decided to take on this immense challenge last year and are soon set to row the massive distance as the oldest (combined age is 124) team to complete the journey.
The Benefits Of Hiring An Apprentice
More and more businesses are choosing to hire an apprentice, with many finding it an effective way to recruit and train new employees. The benefits
A Guide To Raising Funds By Selling Shares To Investors
If your small business is looking at raising funds, selling shares may be a viable option for you. Selling shares is also often used as
Speaking your Mind as an Introvert in the Workplace
You may have never experienced being in a boardroom, with the overwhelming feeling of paranoia that you aren’t speaking enough or like you are coming across as being disinterested in the conversation. However, for us introverts this is a daily struggle. Training consultant and Founder of ‘Flourishing Introverts’, Joanna Rawborne has over 24 years experience working with those who struggle with just this, and she explains her tips on what you can do to speak your mind when you feel like it’s “just not the right time”.
How SMEs Can Meet Transport-based Net Zero Goals Set at COP26
With a deal being reached at COP26 over the weekend, and a target to limit temperature raises to 1.5°C, what can SMEs do to help contribute to this?
Wonsulting and TikTok Resumes: Revolutionising Recruitment for the Future
Nearly six month on since the launch of TikTik Resumes, Real Business interviews Wonsulting CEO, Jonathan Javier, and Co-Founder/Chief Operating Officer, Jerry Lee, who partnered with TikTok to create and launch the pilot program.
How Can Small Businesses Protect Themselves Against Supply Chain Issues?
It’s been a difficult few years for small businesses. As we move towards the end of the second year of pandemic measures, we’re seeing interesting reports of the effects on SME, and a strong sense of urgency to introduce support measures for the uncertain months ahead.
How To Start A Clothing Business
If you are an entrepreneur looking to start a business, starting a clothing brand or business can be a fun, exciting, and potentially lucrative venture.
Could Rising Rent Prices Force Out SMEs?
Rising rent prices are increasing at a pace we haven’t seen in over a decade. The high rent costs could become unsustainable for small businesses with bricks-and-mortar stores or offices in London and other major cities.
Make Your Rewards Program a Part of Your Festive Marketing
It’s nearly Christmas and the frantic shopping has begun. Using your rewards program as part of your festive marketing campaign could be the boost your sales needs moving into the new year.
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Rental Property
Financial investment in rental property is one of the best ways to earn income and still have a long-term wealth creation. If well managed, it should expand your finances and grow your capital base without incurring losses.
The Rising Wages Impact on Small Businesses
Last month, it was announced that next April (April 1st, 2022) the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage are set to increase. Subsequently, this has had a knock-on effect with the Real Living Wage now being raised to £9.90 for the 300,000 employees whose employers have voluntarily joined the scheme.
How is SSP Calculated? A Guide for Employers and Employees
Statutory sick pay (SSP) is a government benefit in the UK that provides financial support to employees who need to take time off work due
Black Friday Success: Ditch the Discounts and Get Creative
Real Business predicts what Black Friday will look like in 2021 and recommends what you should be doing in order to compete in the saturated market of retail. Now considered one of the most significant shopping events on the retail calendar, there is no denying that UK small businesses’ must not ignore the novelty despite it being over-exhausted by online retail giants.
Our Guide To Starting A Charity In The UK
There are many wonderful charities in the UK that do fantastic work all over the world. From philanthropic organisations to those which focus on the
Doing Business in the USA: ESTA or Visa?
The USA opened its borders again on 8 November, meaning business trips and holidays to The States are possible again. Here, we’ll briefly go over what travel permit you need for a business trip to the US: an ESTA or a work visa.
All you need to know about Business Asset Disposal Relief
As a business owner, you should be conscious and aware of all of the ways in which you can save money and access relief. All
The Man Helping Businesses Find Alternative Finance Solutions
A significant challenge for businesses is maintaining their cash flow. Daniel Bowsher, owner at Invoice Finance Connect, provides companies with the right advice and connections to secure the financial support they need.
Does the Demand for Perfection Decrease the Chance of a Good Business Outcome?
The all or nothing approach of wanting to be nothing but the best eliminates the opportunity for your business to be good or even great.
The Pros and Cons of Prioritising Growth over Profitability
Entrepreneur and leader, Jessica Kruger discusses why it’s time to stop focusing on profitability and more on growth. Ultimately, the growth of a company is the point where you are reaching expansion and allows for you to seek additional options in order to generate more profit. So, if you aren’t considering growth within your business strategy maybe it’s time you should.
Facebook to Meta: The Risk of Rebranding
Just as another Facebook scandal hit our news waves with former employee Frances Haugen imploring regulators to take serious action against the social media giant, the company did their best to play the ultimate reverse card. A total company-wide rebrand. It unfortunately and understandably fell flat.
How Business Owners should start Looking at the Bigger Picture
When you own a business, it is very easy to get caught up in the small intricate details of running it. There is always something
Respecting Both People and Planet with Amrit Bhogal
Real Business sat down with Amrit Bhogal, designer and owner of indie fashion brand, Dastaar Clothing, to discuss breaking into the fashion retail industry and prioritising sustainability throughout the product creation process.
Top Tips to Cope with Stress for SME Owners
Running your own business can be an overwhelming and lonely affair. In the early days, it is often just you in your home office, working every hour of the day to achieve your goals.
How Businesses Thrive as Community Champions
Admittedly bittersweet, the past eighteen months have reminded our, at times, fragmented world of the power of community engagement and what we can achieve when working together. Neighbours pulled together to support vulnerable community members, be it picking up their shopping or checking in regularly by phone; schools and other public institutions flung open their doors to act as vaccination centres; we stood together, weekly, to recognise our healthcare system and other key workers.
Why Accelerating the Pace of Tech Adoptions is Vital for Your Post-Covid Roadmap
Brendan Flattery, Managing Director, ERP, at The Access Group, discusses how technology was bringing about business change way before Covid and why it is going to be vital as we move into the recovery phase.
Novuna: A New Name in Business Finance and Cash Flow Finance
Over the last eighteen months we’ve experienced unprecedented change, affecting the way we work, communicate and do business with the pandemic forcing businesses to operate
Are Work Parties a Good or Bad Idea?
Work parties are often seen as an important part of office culture. Employers can often feel pressured to provide office parties for their employees every
Are Brands Perpetuating Fast Fashion with Trendy Halloween Items?
It happens every year. You are invited to a last-minute Halloween bash. You frantically pull out the witch, pirate, or zombie costume you wore last year, only to find it doesn’t fit, or maybe it hasn’t stood the test of time at the bottom of your wardrobe. Maybe it’s stained with last year’s fake blood.
Levelling the Playing Field for Diversity-Led Businesses
Entrepreneurship can be extremely rewarding. The opportunity to be your own boss, making money doing something you love or getting the chance to meet like-minded people — these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of being a self-employed entrepreneur.
How to Stop Living in the Past and be Happier at Work
Did you know that the average person spends over 90,000 hours of their lifetime working? This makes up around a third of your life. Your
Frightening Facts: How much do UK businesses spend on Halloween?
The UK is fast becoming one of the biggest markets for Halloween, so what ghoulish goods and services are British consumers buying this year?
Small Business Consulting & When to Use It
When it comes to small business owners, a lot of the time they want to try and do it all themselves, from picking out the
6 Tricks that will Treat your SME this Halloween
The spooky season is the perfect time of year for SMEs; it’s an exhilarating window of opportunity to enhance your business in so many ways. The festivities reaps much more than just tasty treats for enterprises. It can be both profitable and exciting for SMEs that choose to incorporate anything and everything Halloween.
How to be an Overnight Success in Business
It is the dream of most new business owners and entrepreneurs to have their business receive instant international attention and success and become an overnight
How Bringing a Dog into the Office can Reduce Stress Levels
Serial entrepreneur and founder of The Webinar Vet, Anthony Chadwick explains the benefits to having a canine friend in the office.
What are the benefits of Yell Business to business owners?
Yell Business is the business-to-business side of Yell, which offers a Yell.com listing to business owners for free.
Want to Build a Future-Proof Business? Here’s What You Need to Know
Many people are considering whether now is the right time to set up their own business. However, building a business isn’t easy, with around 20% of UK businesses failing within the first 12 months.
How to Start A New Career in Corporate Video Production
There are many reasons to start a career in corporate video production. Making videos is one of the most collaborative types of filmmaking, requiring everyone on set to work together for the best possible outcome.
What can leaders be doing to encourage their employees to find their purpose?
Entrepreneur, author and educator, Eloise Skinner, talks through what you can do as a leader to help your team get their zest back through self-fulfilment and a purpose-filled life.
How Can Small Food Businesses Help Promote Food Sustainability?
Saturday 16th October 2021 is World Food Day. Yes, a day to celebrate the beautiful thing that fills our minds, days and of course stomachs.
Why “Going Independent” Means Quicker Lead Times and a Higher Level of Customer Service
Independents have been having somewhat of a revival over the past two years, namely due to the pandemic and Brexit but also thanks to consumers wants and needs for a higher level of customer service, the opportunity to be able to speak to someone and the need for a more sustainable product offering. Managing Director and Founder of Polypouch UK, Stephen Frankel explains why you should consider going independent to improve the logistics of your business.
The Importance of Prioritising Diversity in Leadership Roles
Recent research conducted by Workday, a leader in cloud applications for finance and HR, in partnership with Sapio, has found that despite the economics issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, 75% of UK businesses plan to maintain or increase their ED&I investment and introducing new initiatives to improve diversity and inclusion.
How to buy an online business in the UK
Buying an existing online business in the UK may provide you with a better chance of success than if you had to start your own
Delivering Fairer Shared Parental Leave Policies
Shared Parental Leave (SPL) policies always seem more controversial when they fail to get effective take-up from fathers. But Nordic countries such as Sweden and
Why Team Mental Health Should Be a Priority for SMEs
According to the Mental Health Foundation, 14.7% of the UK’s employees have experienced mental health problems in the workplace. It can take the form of
Importance of problem-solving for potential managers
Effective problem solving is a crucial skill for managers to possess because they’re expected to be able to overcome challenges in everyday operations to more
Future business ideas for UK entrepreneurs
Aspiring entrepreneurs are always on the lookout for new business ideas that will withstand the test of time. In a crowded and very competitive market
Growing Your Business Through Innovation and Sustainability
Paul Alder, Vistafolia’s founder and expert horticulturist and technical landscaper, details advice on how to promote innovation in a company culture and maximise growth potential. An experienced visionary, Paul is utilising sustainability to innovate a lacklustre artificial living wall market with a fresh product.
Are You or Your Loved One Tired of Being a Workaholic? 3 Strategies to Help You Heal
Addictions Therapist and Founder of Love With Boundaries, Candace Plattor, explains how you can overcome the inner compulsion of always working, as well as feeling guilty when you’re not working, in 3 simple strategies.
Corporate Law Firms For Your London Business
No matter the size of your business, if you are a business owner, you will probably find the need for a corporate lawyer at some
Online business ideas UK – E-commerce opportunities for all
The Covid-19 Pandemic has forever changed the way we look at the world of work and the way that many businesses operate. Social distancing rules
Rethinking Work for the Digital Age: Why it’s Time to Consider Colocation
The last 18 months have proved to be a transformative roller coaster for thousands of organisations in every industry sector, thanks to the disruptions created
What is a business angel? – The ultimate guide to securing investment
A business angel, or angel investor as they are also known, is an individual who invests in a company, typically after seeing the startup pitch
The Top 5 Female Policies you need to have in your business
Dr Ghazala Aziz-Scott, specialist in women’s health at The Marion Gluck Clinic explores how the menopause can affect working women and how they can go about discussing this problem with their employer and create a more open and caring workplace.
How to Start a Business Post-Pandemic
Despite a global pandemic, the entrepreneurial spirit drove many people in the UK to decide this was their time to start a business in 2020.
Employers Urged to Prioritise Emotions in the Workplace as They Aim to Fill Ever Growing Vacancies
Harnessing the power of human emotions will be needed to fill job vacancies and stem the tide of resignations after the pandemic, say experts. In
How to be a good boss
We all know that having a good boss can truly change the life of an employee and provide them with the motivation and inspiration that
Green Finance: What are the common myths?
Although green finance is a relatively new concept, it is crucial that it continues to gain traction as the business community seeks to take accountability
Your Ticket to the City with Terry Burns
Real Business sits down with concierge and hospitality expert, Terry Burns, to talk about his extensive industry career and building his own brand through networking
How to Grow your Innovative Startup into a Business Eligible for R&D Tax Credits
Here’s how you can use the government’s R&D tax credits scheme as a launchpad for your new business, writes CEO at Myriad Associates, Barrie Dowsett.
How to start your own UK business with no money
Funding and capital are often the biggest hurdles to overcome when starting a business. If you’re short on cash but have a great idea that
What is an MVP?
In the world of business, MVP stands for a minimum viable product. It is a technique that was made popular by Eric Ries when he
Mindfulness Practices Leaders Should Encourage Their Employees To Take
As we celebrate International Happiness at Work Week 2021, Real Business are encouraging you and your workforce to be happy, starting at the place you probably spend most of your time. Spiritual leader and mindfulness expert, Arika Trimnell gives her take on what you should be doing to be more mindful in the workplace, and how you should encourage your team to be doing them same.
How to get your website noticed online & offline
A great website is more than just an online collection of your blog posts and products. It’s a marketing tool that can be used to
5 Ways to Increase Your Energy Levels at Work
We believe that one of the main priorities as a business owner is to look after your workforce, and as we celebrate ‘International Happiness at Work Week 2021’, we have been highlighting how you can do this. Renowned Neurophysiologist, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains how you can increase your energy levels through the simple things, which can make the biggest difference to you and your workforce’s happiness.
The Importance of Exercise to your Employees
We all know how important exercise is within our daily routines; not just for our body but for the sanity of our mind too. This is especially true with the busy schedule of our workforce. Founder of The Engagement Coach, Amrit Sandhar, describes the positive impact physical activity could provide within your work environment.
Growing a Rival Pub Game into an Internationally Renowned League
In 1984, Lashings Bar was challenged to a game of cricket in the famous Mote Park by another local pub, The Minstrel, after another team
E-commerce ideas: Our top six lucrative online businesses
If you’re thinking about starting a new business, have you considered e-commerce? E-commerce involves selling products or providing services online, and it can be highly
Business ideas for students
As a student, you may feel that you are strapped for cash and could do with some extra pocket money. In this case, you have
Why a Loyalty Program Revamp Could be the Secret to Boosting Customer Engagement
Celebrity hairstylist and founder of HNB Salon and Spa, Steph Stevenson says customer loyalty “is no easy feat” but successfully executing a loyalty program revamp can be something your SME may be missing. Stevenson explains to Real Business how.
What Small Businesses Can Learn From Space Exploration
Mission Commander and Billionaire, Jared Isaacman and his team, ‘Inspiration4′, are set to be the first all-civilian orbital mission to space this afternoon, nearly 50 years after the United States’ first space station was launched. What can a small business today learn something from a relatively unknown part of NASA’s Space Program? Dwight Steven-Boniecki, director of the film Searching For Skylab: America’s Forgotten Triumph explains.
How an Entrepreneurial Graduate is Battling University Loneliness
Founder and CEO of Umii, Georgia Wheadon, launched her app to try to combat on-campus isolation, a nationwide issue that has worsened during the pandemic. She now works with
Business survival strategies – what are they?
As a business owner, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. We live in volatile and unprecedented times, and there are so many variables
Why Your Team Needs a Coach with Joanna Howes
Leadership and Performance Coach and Founder and CEO of The Change Creators, Joanna Howes talks through why your SME should consider the learning and development of your team as a necessity and not just a perk.
How to Preserve Your Company Culture with a Remote Team
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way we work and run businesses. Online teams are now a part of everyday life and this has brought
Real business’ contract review checklist
Are you a business owner that is writing up their very own employee contracts for the first time? Or perhaps you already have some experience
Keri Jamieson: Women Are Not One Dimensional
Real Business recently sat down with Keri Jamieson, founder and director of KeriKit, to talk about launching her own online business, creating a fashionable accessories
How to make a future proof marketing strategy through influencer loyalty
Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Miappi, Toby Britton, explains how your SME can adopt an influencer loyalty marketing strategy to in a bid to keep up with competition and cultivate a strong customer community.
Is university a waste of time these days? Find out our thoughts
Not so long ago, there was a time in which you would need to get a university degree if you wanted to get the job
Discretionary bonus scheme – what is it?
Rewarding staff members with bonuses and incentives is a great way to encourage staff members to go the extra mile, push sales, and work to
Self-Respect and Self-Care When Your Loved One is Overwhelmed in the Workplace
Addictions Therapist and Founder of Love With Boundaries, Candace Plattor, explains what you can do to help your loved one who is feeling overwhelmed at work, all through the power of self-respect and self-care.
From Virtual to Physical: How To Convert Your Crypto To Gold and Preserve Your Wealth
Real Business sat down with Michael Lillelund and Shaun Houghton from My Gold Platform, the bespoke gold company that trades physical gold internationally, offering customers reliable investing advice and secure delivery or storage.
Transferring business from sole trader to a limited company
Many businesses begin their life as a sole trader, with just one person working on a self-employed basis. However, if your business really takes off
Our guide on how to reduce business rates
If you’re a small business owner, you’ll know just how frustrating it is to see business rates eat away at your hard-earned profits. With all
How to start a franchise in the UK: Everything you need to know
A franchise is a type of business that offers an entrepreneur the opportunity to buy into a proven and successful business model. Buying a franchise
Top Strategies for a Successful Rewards Program
Loyalty and rewards programs can help businesses increase their customer lifetime value and customer retention. In order to, compete with high technology-driven consumer companies like Amazon, Apple, or PayPal, for repeated business and to build customer relationship by providing personalised content or discounts and value for money.
There are various types of loyalty programs but what are some of the key strategies for launching a successful rewards program?
How to Become a Morning Person
Renowned Neurophysiologist and Sleep Expert, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains how you can maximise your working-performance by doing these simple steps to ultimately being a morning person.
The advantages of litigation in business – The best way to resolve a dispute
In the business world, it is inevitable that disputes will arise. This is part and parcel of every competitive industry, but these disputes can be
The Best Practises for Cybersecurity Training in SMEs
There’s a common misconception that SMEs aren’t aware of cybersecurity threats. However, in reality, it’s not that SMEs aren’t aware of threats, more that they’re
How your SME can build authority using Video Marketing
Olga Andrienko, VP of Marketing at Semrush suggests why your SME should start to implement video platforms such as YouTube within your marketing strategy.
How to protect a new business idea: ultimate guide to safeguarding your intellectual property
Protecting business ideas is a crucial step in every entrepreneur’s journey. Your idea may seem like a small thing now, but you don’t know what
From Southampton to China: The Family-Run Freight Firm Going Global
The online shopping boom has almost doubled activity in the shipping and distribution sector over the last five years. After the temporary shock of COVID-19,
Deferred Tax and What It Means for Your Business: The Ultimate Guide
Deferred tax is the accumulation of taxes that are not paid or deducted during a current tax period but are instead deferred to future periods.
Why You Should Start to Consider a Rewards Program for Your SME
How do we create customer loyalty? Often, a customer is drawn to a brand or SME by a specific product or service. For small-to-medium sized
How to finance a franchise with no money
Owning a franchise is a goal for many aspiring business people and entrepreneurs. By opening a franchise, you get access to an already successful business
Best ways for small businesses to advertise locally
Do you have a small business and are looking to attract customers in your local area? Businesses such as restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and shop fronts
The Trademark Helpline: An Essential Service for UK SMEs
SME brands might be at risk of trademark trolls, brand clashes, and unexpected court battles. We sat down with Jon Paton, Director at The Trademark
What do sales and marketing firms do
It may seem rather obvious that sales and marketing firms focus on the areas of sales and marketing, but what do their services include exactly?
What is a consumer finance company account? Everything you need to know
“Consumer finance” is a broad term for any arrangement where a customer is loaned money so that they can make a purchase. This loan may
The Advantages of Litigation in Business – The Best Way to Resolve a Dispute
In the business world, it is inevitable that disputes will arise. This is part and parcel of every competitive industry, but these disputes can be
How to Start a Franchise in the UK: Everything You Need to Know
A franchise is a type of business that offers an entrepreneur the opportunity to buy into a proven and successful business model. Buying a franchise
How do finance companies calculate interest?
When you borrow money from a lender, whether it’s for a business loan or personal loan, you’ll need to pay back this loan with interest.
Lincoln’s Brewing Entrepreneur, Nick Peel: Filtering through the Pandemic
Real Business sits down with the Managing Director of Stokes Tea & Coffee, Nick Peel to talk about the current, unprecedented challenges for SMEs throughout the UK.
Changing Careers: Be Brave, Be Bold and Take a Leap of Faith
Co-founder of Shine for Women, Caroline Whaley, explores how you can take a leap of faith by changing careers just as she did after a senior career in global brand marketing for Nike.
Keeping it in the Family: Top Tips For Running a Family Business
Family businesses have been the backbone of the UK economy for many years. Small local firms that punch way above their weight, larger companies that go multinational, all backed and supported by a strong work ethic, a willingness to succeed and unrivalled dedication to the family and the company. Managing Director and Founder of Polypouch UK, Stephen Frankel finds out what you can do to run a family business.
What can a compliance consultant do for your business?
Compliance consultants are arguably the most important type of consultant, especially when your business experiences any form of rapid growth. This is because a compliance
What is the role of efficient markets in finance?
Have you heard of the terms efficient market hypothesis and informationally efficient markets? You cannot fully understand finance without understanding the role that efficient markets
Future of Fintech: Investment Trends, Dr Anino Emuwa
Founder and Managing Director of Avandis Consulting, Dr Anino Emuwa talks through why fintech is the darling of investors.
Sarah Pittendrigh: Formidable Over Forty
When life throws us curveballs, we pivot and adapt to overcome, succeed, and thrive. That has been the sentimentality of many business owners over the
How can a sole trader raise finance?
As a sole trader, you more than likely need to raise some sort of capital to help get your business off the ground, purchase the
Is Your Loved One Feeling Overwhelmed at Work? Here’s How You Can Help!
When your loved one is overwhelmed from work, do you wonder how you can help? You may have seen a variety of ways they try to handle those work demands, with differing degrees of success. Addictions Therapist and Founder of Love With Boundaries, Candace Plattor, explains what you can do to help.
How SaaS Companies Are Increasing Conversions With Perfect Sales Demonstrations
For most B2B SaaS companies, the product demo is one of the essential aspects of their sales process. In many cases, the performance of the
Tokyo Olympics: Is Winning All That Matters?
As the Tokyo Olympics are finally about to begin, journalists and sports leaders are formatting their tables to count the number of shiny round pieces of metal that our nation’s athletes bring back. Olympic medallist and business coach discusses the ‘results fallacy’, and how much of an impact the craving to win is really having on the workplace and society as a whole.
Why women need to take control of their finances to close the gender pay gap
Anna-Sophie Hartvigsen, partner and co-founder of Female Invest, explores the unaddressed gender disparity in finance, investments and savings, and explains how women can take the simple step of learning to invest in order to make a difference.
British business disrupted from the dubbed ‘Pingdemic’
A record number of people who have come into contact with an infected individual are being forced to self-isolate, whereby most have been ‘pinged’ by the NHS contact-tracing app. Having already produced significant disruptions for many SMEs and critical services already, the “Pingdemic” threatens to undermine the efforts of the country and it’s 6 million SMEs it inhabits who have tried to keep afloat over the past 16 month.
What is the difference between finance and economics?
In the world of business, ‘finance’ and ‘economics’ are two words that are often used interchangeably despite the stark differences between them. As an entrepreneur,
Breaking down the ins and outs of partial exits
A decade ago, partial exits were a fairly rare occurrence for entrepreneurs. Buzzacott’s corporate finance director Andy Hodgetts explains why private equity houses in particular have more of an appetite for partial exits, becoming a very attractive middle ground for many entrepreneurs.
National Food Strategy Could Strike a Blow to Bespoke Food Businesses
The National Food Strategy Plan, led by businessman Henry Dimbleby, has stated that the food industry exploits our nation’s poorest, as fast food and high-food products are typically more affordable and more readily available to those on a strict budget. The report has advised the government to hike taxes on ingredients like salt and sugar; this would inevitably raise production costs and market prices, discouraging people from turning to the high-calorie foods like confectionary and cheese.
How SMEs are reacting to ‘Freedom Day’
As the clock struck midnight, many nightclubs up and down the country opened their doors to the glee of many, but are all of the country’s SMEs following in the same foot steps? We find out.
The SME Devoted to Doing Mortgages Differently
When the Charles team first launched their independent mortgages brokerage, they were determined to structure their business around customer satisfaction rather than meeting sales quotas.
Brain Training Tips to Boost Productivity
Getting a good night’s sleep is the worst kept secret when it comes to productivity and success within business and decision making, but, neurophysiologist and sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan explains how you can do more to train your brain, and be the best version of yourself beyond the advised 8 hours.
Making Your Own Experience – A Discussion with Pretty Little Marketer
If you are a dedicated LinkedIn user, you may have heard of the Pretty Little Marketer page. We chatted to its creator, Sophie Miller, about how young professionals, freelancers, or individuals looking to enter a new industry can make their own experience and boost their personal brand without relying on traditional employment.
“Maybe our greatest gift to the future leaders of business is teaching them to fail”, Alison McClymont
Leading child psychologist, Alison McClymont talks through the ways we can encourage our future business leaders to fail fast, grow-up with strong emotional intelligence and accept that vulnerability is ok.
Is TikTok changing the way we apply for jobs?
TikTok are piloting their latest addition to platform: TikTok Resumes. Currently only available in the USA, the new feature in the app will help employers find their ideal candidates through short, creative videos while also helping users find new career opportunities and apply through TikTok’s easy-to-use tools.
Capri Cafaro on providing food for thought: Interview
From TV-host to Author turned Cook, Real Business catches up with Capri Cafaro on why she is empowering entrepreneurs through her female equality activism and the importance of food for creating unity. The former Ohio State Senator explains the significance of food during her time in government, frequently leading to productive conversations while reaching over the political aisle.
What is the work of a HR recruiter?
Are you interested in a career as an HR recruiter? Or perhaps you require the services of one and are wondering exactly what they do?
