Articles
Are you a sole trader or the only employee of your business? If so, make sure you don’t fall foul of the IR35 tax rules – new figures suggest HMRC is in the midst of an unprecedented crackdown.
Pensions may have grabbed the headlines, but it is important that small businesses do not overlook a multitude of announcements George Osborne made that will have an impact specifically on them.
Britain’s continuing economic recovery might appear good news but small businesses should not be complacent - a leading adviser to the sector says the recovery could actually mean the end of the road for some companies.
The ‘Techpreneur of the Year Awards’ is calling on women involved in tech-related start-ups to submit an entry. The ceremony will award those involved in innovative start-ups which have launched or are in the process of launching.
Small business agony uncle James Caan tackles the problem of cash flow and security.
For Ecoigo's co-founder Daniel Todary, who set up the hybrid car firm in 2006, business is about proving something.
Simon Kay gets so many pitches is his job running an advertising gift business that he sometimes feels like his North London office is the Dragons' Den studio. Kay shares his top tips for a winning pitch.
Will you be affected by the new accounting regulation that comes into force at the end of this year? A better question, one survey suggests, might be have you even heard of FRS 102?
Many small businesses are still to struggling to obtain the finance they need to grow but need to be imaginative and think beyond just bank loans.
New research into the cost of replacing a member of staff who leaves suggests the process may be far more expensive than previously realised. So how can you ensure new staff members hit the ground running?
The Standard's business reporter Lucy Tobin has money-saving advice for SMEs with tips on securing virtual admin or receptionist support, pay-as-you-go advice from finance directors and free legal contracts.
Small business agony uncle James Caan tackles the problem of encouraging creativity.
Claire Madden, co-founder of Connection Capital on the growth of “alternative financing” - filling the void as the banks have stopped lending to small businesses.
Seasoned investor Andy Yates suggests five top sectors to start a business in, identifying the key areas - from elearning to consumer health - that are set for stellar growth in the coming years.
The British Chambers of Commerce has good news and bad: while the small business organisation said this week that Britain’s economy should finally hit its pre-recession size this summer, earlier than previously expected, it also warns many firms remain unable to afford pay rises for their staff.
If your business’s computers have begun displaying a new pop-up warning window this week, don’t panic. It may simply be Microsoft trying to tell you that your system is outdated – potentially dangerously so.
Would your business benefit from a faster and stronger broadband connection? If so, a Government scheme aimed at small businesses may be able to help. The Government’s Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme offers up to £3,000 of financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises looking to step up to superfast broadband in 22 cities around the UK.
The exit factor is back, and PWC's chairman of corporate finance Neil Sutton considers how to approach potential Asian buyers. He's also keen to answer Business Connection members' questions on exiting a business - contact details on the site.
Juan Lobato, chief executive of cloud platform firm BaseKit, ponders why techies love London, and Shoreditch particularly, - "there aren’t any other cities in the world that can provide such a rocket-fuelled launch pad," he says.
Dear Sales Doctor, I sell skip hire door to door and I’m finding most receptionist are saying it’s a no name policy and are not willing to get the right person to come and see me or provide me with the person's contacts details. I’m starting to think it is best to cold call on the phone; however I really need advice.