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Article Archive - April 2010

The Conservative party gives their business manifesto
by Rosie Beasley | 30 Apr 2010
The Conservative Party is still edging a lead in the polls, although at this stage it seems unlikely that they will gain enough ground during the last days of campaigning to avoid a hung parliament. Much depended on the outcome of the final live television debate last night and early polls suggest that he came across the best on issues for entrepreneurs and business.
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The Labour party offers their business manifesto
by Rosie Beasley | 30 Apr 2010
Do you know who you’ll vote for on 6th May? What are the issues that you are focusing most on to help you make your decision?
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How to vote in the general election
by Josh Hall | 30 Apr 2010
The 2010 General Election is has shaped up to be one of the most unusual, and potentially most important, in recent political history. The traditional two-party system, dominated by Labour and the Conservatives, is in danger of being torn apart by resurgent Liberal Democrats, buoyed as they are by a surge in leader Nick Clegg’s stock and a popular distrust of both of the alternatives.
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The Liberal Democrats layout their business manifeso
by Rosie Beasley | 30 Apr 2010
With the general election campaign in its last week and many voters undecided, it’s time to get down to brass tacks and look at exactly what each party hopes to offer small businesses if it wins the election.
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How to bolster your small business for the economic recovery
by Josh Hall | 29 Apr 2010
As the UK economy begins to recover from the downturn, businesses across the country are considering ways that they can cement their financial position. According to a Simply Business survey, nearly 43% of small business owners feel that things aren’t looking better for businesses and there is a general sense that many firms remain in a precarious situation.
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Recruiting the wrong employee can cost a company 2.5 times their salary
by Jasper Martens | 27 Apr 2010
Small businesses don't have to fear high recruiting costs if they use 'For Direct Hire' from business owner Marc Mapes. Jasper talks to Marc about his new concept as part of our entrepeneurs series.
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Legal considerations for start-up businesses
by Josh Hall | 26 Apr 2010
Setting up a new business is often viewed as a legal minefield. Business groups are constantly pressing the government to reduce the burden of ‘red tape’ that afflicts entrepreneurs, suggesting that many are put off starting their own firms by the numerous legal hurdles that they must overcome.
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Data protection: key responsibilities for small businesses
by Josh Hall | 23 Apr 2010
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) was recently given the power to fine small businesses up to £500,000 for breaches of the Data Protection Act. As a small business owner it is highly likely that you will have some data protection responsibilities – and yet, despite the severe penalties, many business owners are unaware of their obligations.
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4 social media marketing disasters
by Josh Hall | 23 Apr 2010
Social media is becoming an increasingly important marketing tool for firms of every size. As the world moves online and an increasing proportion of business takes place digitally, your firm needs to ensure that it is utilising tools like social media to their full potential.
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What to do if your customers don't pay on time
by Josh Hall | 21 Apr 2010
Late payment is a significant problem for many businesses. Research this year has revealed that there is a huge £63 billion in unpaid bills affecting UK small businesses. But as a business owner a major part of your job is to ensure sufficient and smooth cashflow. Late payment is one of the quickest ways to damage the health of your business – and this can have disastrous effects for even the most profitable businesses.
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