While the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been fully embraced by large businesses and international corporations, it’s only in recent years that it has begun to influence the thoughts of small and medium sized enterprises in the mainstream. This is most likely to due to the perceived cost of implementing CSR measures and the assumed lack of tangible return it provides, but this outlook is finally starting to change in the wake of new data and reports.
Take the fact that 70% of surveyed marketing professionals claimed that CSR was one of their key considerations when choosing a new job role, for example, which suggests that effective CSR strategies can benefit various aspects of small businesses.…
Our outlook on life is often dictated by perception, rather than specific facts or logical thinking. While some may suggest that this it is healthy to act on instinct, however, it may be detrimental to your decision making over time and could ultimately impact negatively on your life.
This was reflected by an article in This is Money recently, which claimed that 82% of small business owners believe that their venture is too small to be targeted by cyber thieves. This is completely inaccurate, however, and it is a misconception that could cost businesses thousands of pounds.…
With the house building boom currently happening in the UK construction companies are getting plenty of business but any owner or general manager knows that marketing their company or services is what will continuously bring them in new business even after the boom ends. You want potential customers to know your name and you want current customers to speak highly of your business in order to entice new clients to contact you. Passing out business cards and mailing out flyers may have done you well in the past but today you can utilise internet marketing strategies along with other tricks that will leave an impression on people.…
Branding a new business or company requires the ability to genuinely connect with potential clients and customers, regardless of the industry you are working in. Using branded promotional materials to help generate interest in a new startup company or an existing business is one of the best methods of maintaining a presence while appealing to specific audiences and demographics.
Types of Branded Promotional Materials and Products
There are hundreds of branded promotional materials available to print on based on the type of company you are working to grow as well as the source you utilize to help with delivering the merchandise itself.…
Property rental is one of those business types that can grow very rapidly, as you buy and rent out more homes to tenants. With rent prices at a very strong level at the moment, it’s not too difficult to be earning a lot more each month than is going out, making this a very successful business proposition if you’ve got the money and credit to get started. Things can still go wrong however, and when they do, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got the backing you need.…
Construction is an industry that has seen an incredible improvement over the last few months, with lots of work being given the go ahead. Here are the things that you need to know to set up your own construction business.
Sole Trader, Partnership or Company?
Deciding what to trade as is an important part of setting up your own business. A sole trader will, more often than not, find it quite hard to find work. There are lots of reasons for this, including the fact that clients see sole traders as an employee with all the rights that go with it, and agency are weary of debt transfer and the employment agency legislation that requires workers to be paid under PAYE schemes.…
We are all drawn to some areas of life more than others. As an entrepreneur, you are likely to be bold, confident and hands-on. Some areas of business however are more complicated, though just as important as those paradigm roles of finding investment and product design. Here are some important areas that is important not to leave behind as you improve your new business.
Develop Your Website
Depending on what kind of business you have just started, there is a good chance that your website is currently at some kind of stop-gap stage between non-existence and some idealised notion of ‘completion’.…
While it is no secret that the UK economy has experienced huge growth in the last eighteen months, the extent of this expansion will surprise many. Most recently, it was reported that the British economy will grow faster in 2014 than any other G7 nation, while low wage rises will also drive interest rates down until the formative part of 2015 at least.
According to statistics, British GDP growth will hit 3.1% during the third and fourth financial quarters of 2014, as a result of strong capital investment.…
Now that the economy is well and truly on the mend and the nation’s finances are above the level of the 2008 slump, your business might be finally starting to think about relocating. With that little bit of extra cash flow on your books, whether you’re a home business thinking about taking the big step of leasing a proper office space, or you’re an already established business with an office looking to up-scale, now could be a good time. There’s one thing that might still be in your way, though: where in the UK is best suited for your company’s needs?…
Since the advent of crowdsourcing and flexible working directives, business owners have been more inclined to make a significant investment in human capital. The single most important aspect of this process is empowerment, as companies encourage their employees to maximise their potential and develop into talented and highly motivated members of staff. So whereas traditional business models were built on the fundamental principles of cutting costs and increasing profitability, contemporary wisdom suggests that the recognition and application of people power is perhaps far more important.…
