Business News

A total of 46 per cent of British consumers have cancelled plans to spend with a small business after finding a poor quality website, according to research.

From a study conducted by 1&1 Internet Ltd,  of more than 1,800 UK adults, 37 per cent have walked away completely whilst a further 9 per cent have opted to spend less as a direct result.  (Read more…)

Running a business is exciting.  But all businesses, of whatever size and in whatever sector, need to make sure that in the daily whirlwind of activity they don’t forget to keep their intangible assets – the so-called crown jewels of a company – safe.  (Read more…)

The average age of UK small business owners fell between 2007 and 2010 as the number of young entrepreneurs choosing to start their own business has grown dramatically.
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Want to succeed in business? New research reveals that your posture could be key.

Show enthusiasm, ask questions and bring copies of a résumé. These are just a handful of the most common interview tips for job seekers, but a person’s posture or body language may also be a deciding factor in whether they land a coveted position – even when the person on the other side of the desk is in a more powerful role. (Read more…)

Small business owners plan to stay in business longer than they’ll be married.

It may not always be a match made in heaven, but UK bosses are in it for the long haul when it comes to running their own company, according to a survey of small business owners. The research reveals that over a quarter (28 per cent) expect to run their business for more than 25 years (longer than the average marriage in the UK at 24 years, or 11.6 years if it ends in divorce) and one in five said they plan to keep working well into their seventies. (Read more…)

Small business could save up to £300m a year with better advice and support on health and safety following a report.

The average company spends around 20 hours a year, or more than £350, on administration meeting health and safety requirements. Cutting the time spent by just five hours per company would save low risk businesses £150 million a year.
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Employers are proceeding with caution, anticipating a slower, but still steady hiring environment.Thirty-seven per cent of employers said they plan to increase their number of full-time, permanent employees in 2008, down from 45 per cent at the same time last year.” (Read more…)

Do you remember the last time you saw your desk?

- If not, then you are probably suffering from deskitis!
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Family Spending published today by the Office for National Statistics includes new analyses on housing expenditure, children’s expenditure and equivalised income.

This shows that household consumer expenditure in the UK averaged £418 per week. Transport (including buying and running vehicles as well as public transport fares) accounted for £61. Spending on recreation and culture represented the second highest outgoing, with households paying out £57 a week on TVs, computers, newspapers, books, leisure activities and package holidays.

(Read more…)

Motivation and Experience are Top Characteristics for Franchises

The ability to self motivate (68%) and experience of sales and marketing (24%) are the most important characteristics that franchisors seek in potential franchisees, according to the 2004 NatWest/British Franchise Association survey.

(Read more…)