Tips

You just have to watch an episode of Dragon’s Den (other brands available) to get an idea just how many people out there have a business idea. An episode will also give you an idea just how many bad ideas are out there.  It’s an unfortunate fact that some business ideas simply will never come to anything, and rather than spend a lot of time and perhaps money on such an idea, ever...
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Expanding your business’s reach into a foreign market might well be one of the most challenging things you ever do as an entrepreneur, and of course marketing will be a major area of opportunity and concern. In general terms the rules of play in foreign markets will be largely similar to those of your own, but in some respects they may be drastically different.  Being able to appreciat...
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In the UK, 95% of people buy their goods via Internet retailers and in just one year more than £100 billion can be spent online. With these figures in mind it’s no wonder why you are planning to open an online store.  But, before you start seeing pound signs, there are a few things you need to consider before setting up that virtual shop: 1. Which ecommerce platform are you goin...
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We have said it before and we are going to say it again – your people are your biggest asset. Finding and retaining well-qualified and productive staff is essential for success. High staff retention is vital Every time you lose a member of your team, you have to spend time and money advertising the role, wading through applications and interviewing people. In addition, you have to put each...
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Anna is a creative content editor and strategist at Quick Formations, AKA Quick- an online Ltd. Company registration and formation service. Originally a designer, Anna has worked with various startups and SMEs creating graphics, social media campaigns, and brand identities to catapult them into the market.Here, Anna shares some of the things you can do to make sure that Halloween has a positive im...
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A couple of months ago, the UK government launched a new consultation into Making Tax Digital, its ambitious plan to implement a fully digital tax system across the whole of the UK by 2020. With consultation documents published and people invited to comment on the proposals, what are the main things that small business owners need to be aware of?  Emily Coltman FCA, chief accounta...
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By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail - Benjamin Franklin Black Friday is on 25 November, the day after America’s Thanksgiving. Once only an American thing, Black Friday has found its way around the world and has become a popular method of making obscene amounts of money through one day of sales and discounts, traditionally mainly on electronics and fashion products. Cyber Monday...
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Setting up business in the US is more appealing than ever. Brexit is casting a sizeable shadow of doubt over our future business relationship with Europe, so it makes sense to at least consider expanding stateside. However, if you’re thinking of setting up across the pond rather than across the channel, there’s a lot you’re going to need to research first. To get you started, her...
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Bank Account Phishing Tricks You Should Know About Phishing scams are emails or phone calls by criminals aimed at stealing sensitive information from you so they could access your current accounts, savings accounts, business accounts or credit card. Up to 156 million phishing emails are sent every day. The fraudster pretends to be an authorized representative from your bank and usually wants you...
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In a world where money talks, it is a common misconception to assume that all employees are hell bent on supersizing their wage packets. However, according to multiple studies, the happiest workers are not those who earn the most. The key ingredients needed to make a satisfied employee are recognition, fair treatment, and a friendly, inspiring environment. It will surely come as a surprise to mos...
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  Every customer is important to your company, whether they are big or small. Each and every one of them contributes to a thriving business and the more you have, the more word will spread of your business. So don’t neglect your past and current customers in favour of always trying to net the next big one. Here are just a handful of things to bear in mind when trying to ensur...
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Determining when you are ready to expand and deciding what country you are going to expand to first are just the first, easiest steps. There is a lot to think about and, as always, doing your homework thoroughly beforehand is vital to helping ensure success and reduce stress (rhyme definitely intentional). So here are some things you’ll need to consider before and during your hard-earned exp...
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