When inspiration struck – the story of my lightbulb moment
Falling out with friends, being extremely tired and reading a motivational book are some of the things that have sparked ideas for new businesses“I was a tired working mum and was trying to figure out...
View ArticleOff the beaten track: businesses based in beautiful locations
From the Brecon Beacons to the Causeway Coast, entrepreneurs share their stories of starting up across the UKAway from the hustle and bustle of big cities, small businesses are flourishing. Taking...
View ArticleKaren Gill MBE shares her tips for business success - video
The co-founder of everywoman says building a great network is critical for small businesses – and being among a community of entrepreneurs is inspiringThis advertisement feature is produced by NatWest,...
View ArticleStarting a business? Get ready for the rollercoaster – video
Sir Tom Hunter, founder of West Coast Capital and The Hunter Foundation, shares his tips for starting a businessThis advertisement feature is produced by NatWest, sponsor of the winning new business...
View ArticleAfter the floods – how to recover from disasters like Storm Desmond
Storm Desmond left huge destruction in its wake and numerous small businesses are now counting the costIn early December 2015 Storm Desmond breached flood defences and inundated large swathes of...
View ArticleSkills swapping: why sharing your experience is a path to success
There are a vast number of skills needed to start a business, and no one person has them all, these entrepreneurs explain how they share expertiseKelly James runs an interior design company as part of...
View ArticleHappy staff, healthy business
In recognising the business benefits of a happy workforce, employers are going the extra mile to keep their employees happyResearch has shown that a happy workforce makes for a more productive office....
View ArticleCountry roads: should you move your small business to a rural area?
A country location can make sense for entrepreneurs, although there are logistical challenges. We investigate the pros and cons of operating in the countrysideWhile there are advantages to operating a...
View ArticleShould you hire an intern?
Internships provide experience to young people looking to get into an industry, but what do they contribute to SMEs? We discuss the benefits and pitfalls with four entrepreneurs making use of this...
View ArticleHow a pub business realised its microbrewing ambitions – video
Matt Steer from Little Critters Brewing Company explains how his enterprise Lancar Ltd set up a microbrewery – from the infrastructure to ingredientsThis advertisement feature is produced by NatWest,...
View ArticleWhen things go wrong: crisis management for entrepreneurs
Starting a company is a daunting enough process, but what happens when a crisis hits just as a business is gaining traction?An entrepreneur with a seemingly never ending to-do list can be blindsided by...
View ArticleNetworking in the online age
Social media has changed the way people network, but entrepreneurs say there’s still a need for face-to-face interactionThere are some who thought the online age might have eliminated the need for...
View ArticleLeading the way: when a business becomes more than just your idea
Owning a business doesn’t automatically equip an entrepreneur to be a manager, leaving many scrambling to learn the requisite skills on the jobOne of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs setting up...
View ArticleBusiness ideas: the good, the bad and the crazy
Entrepreneurs have to be innovative and creative, a fountain of original ideas, with the diligence required to see them through. But how do you spot the good ones and turn them into a reality? Although...
View ArticleHow to develop a brand on a budget
Conveying your raison d’être can be tricky for SMEs without deep pockets. Here’s how to develop a brand voice to make your business stand out from the crowdAs a small business owner, you won’t have the...
View ArticleGoing global: the trials and tribulations of finding an export partner
Exporting can open up the whole world to your small business, but many entrepreneurs find securing an export partner a useful first stepThere are promising ways to begin your exporting adventures, and...
View ArticleOut of office: meet the entrepreneurs with extreme wanderlust
From a bamboo Skype room in Bali to the streets of Guatemala, these digital nomads prove remote working can be good for business In the modern workplace remote working is becoming more common, powered...
View ArticleThe road to sustainable growth does not always run smooth
Many entrepreneurs struggle more with growing a business than starting one. Getting the foundations right and hiring the right staff are keyIn a recent survey, a quarter of small business owners said...
View ArticlePlanning for success: seven ways to improve your business plan
A well written plan can be the key to success. Clearly explain what your business does, don’t hide weaknesses and work on the numbers, say expertsSetting out your vision via a business plan is a key...
View ArticleWhat's the secret to success at a trade show?
Top Drawer and Home are trade shows held in London’s Olympia over the same three-day period. With over 1,000 UK brands showcasing their wares to potential buyers, how can small businesses make the most...
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