Practical business guides for UK freelancers and sole traders. Step-by-step advice on finance, tax, marketing, pricing, contracts and growth.
As we recently reported outstanding debts to small and medium-sized business stood at a record £35.3bn at the end of last year – and large companies have been identified as the main culprits. To help make sure that your business does not join this statistic we asked solicitor and MD of ContractStore Giles Dixon to provide some easy to follow guidance.
Many people in business like to think they drive a hard bargain. Nobody wants to be thought of as a pushover and in certain circles a steely immutability is seen as admirable, but skilled negotiating can lead to longer-term relationships if you create value says David Freedman of Huthwaite International
Twitter can be a fantastic marketing tool, but you need to be aware of the legal implications. Let me explain how to not fall into some of the pitfalls.
A relative new kid on the social media block, Pinterest is growing quickly, with rating figures suggesting that UK traffic increased almost 50% between December and January alone.
Every business needs a website to advertise their products and services, but how can you make sure your site connects with your customers in a clear and engaging way?
Usability experts Darren Langham and Matt Tullett from Birmingham-based web and graphic design firm Twelve20 offer their top tips on making your website work for you:
Managing and sustaining growth, though highly desirable, can be loaded with pitfalls, both foreseen and unforeseen. Here are a few of the growth issues you may have to contend with, and a few tips in how to reduce their impact.
‘Companies everywhere are recognising that video has become the factor that can provide an edge over the competition’ – the wise words of James Leal-Valias, creative director at iStockphoto, writing for Business Matters a few weeks ago under the title ‘Design for Small Business: Integrating Online into Your Marketing Mix’.
Many people and business owners remain reluctant to haggle, but the credit crisis means many more of us might need to learn new tricks when trying to make our money go further.
