11/06/2013
Slowly but surely, we’re seeing early signs of confidence creeping back into the markets. Three months ago, many of the businesses that we talk to on a regular basis were scratching their heads and wondering where the next order was going to come from. But a growing proportion of those are now seeing previous customers return and new customers making enquiries.
11/06/2013
Batman has always been a superhero favourite. Obviously he’s strong, cool and rich, but the thing people can identify with the most is that he’s human.
Now, whilst Bruce Wayne excels at being both a playboy billionaire and crime-fighting extraordinaire, his skills would also lend themselves particularly well to running a successful debt collection agency...
10/06/2013
Last week saw two important but contrasting sets of figures published. The first, which you’ve probably read, was the Bank of England’s official statistics revealing that bank lending to British businesses fell yet again, this time by £300 million during the three months to March.
The second piece of news, however, is far more encouraging but, for one reason or another, hasn’t gained the same level of traction in the media...
05/06/2013
After many creative and interesting entries to our #BusinessIn5 competition, where business owners were asked to describe what it’s like running their own company, we’re pleased to announce the top three...
04/06/2013
The role of the accountant has traditionally been an important one in the financial running and well-being of a business. From day-to-day cash flow management to the provision of professional and qualified advice, an accountant can be a useful resource.
Yet many companies fail to utilise their full expertise, despite the current challenges that they face. Why is this, and how is the role of the accountant changing?
04/06/2013
Many businesses have been put off from disincorporating due to the prohibitive tax and administrative barriers that the process brings. But a new disincorporation relief, which was recently introduced by the government, gives small companies the opportunity to disincorporate whilst avoiding some of these issues for a limited time.
24/05/2013
Without the commitment, dedication and skillset of a business’s employees, it is unlikely to get very far. Yet a recent survey from a firm of recruitment consultants has highlighted a few areas that employers could improve upon to get the very best from their team.
From workloads to the dreaded ‘sickie’, this survey from Office Angels provides an interesting picture of what motivates your staff to do a good job.
24/05/2013
The shortage of engineers in the UK has been labelled a “disaster” by the man spearheading the latest project to break the world land speed record. Richard Noble, project director of the Bloodhound project, also said that Brits needed something to “excite” them to convince them to pursue a career in engineering.
But with engineering firms “crying out” for new engineers, how can the decline in UK engineering be reversed?
24/05/2013
Our #BusinessIn5 Twitter competition will be coming to a close next week and so far we’ve received many great entries.
But there’s still time for you to win £250 for a charity of your choice!
All you have to do is simply follow @hiltonbaird on Twitter and tweet us a description of running a business or department in five words.
Be sure to add the hashtag #BusinessIn5.
21/05/2013
As the debate continues surrounding the UK’s future as a member state of the EU, 19 business leaders have written to The Independent expressing their support of continued membership – albeit with renegotiated terms.