The Knowledge Hub

Business advice and articles for small business owners

Welcome to the Fleximize Knowledge Hub. As pioneers at the centre of the alternative finance industry, we know what’s what when it comes to small business. So take a look at our advice, tips and expert guidance to help you launch and grow your own venture. We’ve cherry-picked topics that affect all SMEs – from law, finance, tax and employment, to creative strategy and marketing. Bookmark your favourite Knowledge Hub articles, and do visit regularly – we’re always adding useful content.

Brand Storytelling: Big Successes and Epic Fails

Brand Storytelling: Big Successes and Epic Fails

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Brand Storytelling: Big Successes and Epic Fails

Storytelling is a brilliant way of attracting and retaining customers. What can small businesses learn from the best and worst campaigns of recent years?

Discovering an Employee Has a Criminal Conviction

Discovering an Employee Has a Criminal Conviction

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Discovering an Employee Has a Criminal Conviction

What rights and responsibilities do employers have in respect of employees with undisclosed criminal records? Tackle this tricky issue with our handy guide

Slack, Sheds & Summer Holidays in Sicily

Slack, Sheds & Summer Holidays in Sicily

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Slack, Sheds & Summer Holidays in Sicily

The messaging app that will transform your business. Find out how somebody tricked TripAdvisor. Why there's far more to Sicily than the Mafia.

The ISDN Switch-Off: How to Prepare Your Business

The ISDN Switch-Off: How to Prepare Your Business

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The ISDN Switch-Off: How to Prepare Your Business

BT is switching off its ISDN and PSTN networks in 2025 and replacing them with voice-over-IP services. Here's how to prepare your business for the change

Why Employers Should Embrace Social Media

Why Employers Should Embrace Social Media

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Why Employers Should Embrace Social Media

Many employers regard social media as an unwelcome distraction and drain on company productivity. Used correctly, however, it could transform your workforce

How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

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How to Improve Staff Morale Cost-Effectively

Evidence shows that happy employees are more productive and generate higher profits. But how can you improve staff morale on a small business budget?

Late Trains, Reddit & True Crime Podcasts

Late Trains, Reddit & True Crime Podcasts

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Late Trains, Reddit & True Crime Podcasts

Why businesses shouldn't be afraid of Reddit. The podcast that's going in pursuit of justice. Are Britain's trains the least punctual in the world?

What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

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What Could Replace Annual Appraisals?

Companies are beginning to move away from annual appraisals towards continuous performance management. But what does this mean for employee pay and bonuses?

Business Structures: a Simple Guide for Startups

Business Structures: a Simple Guide for Startups

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Business Structures: a Simple Guide for Startups

Choosing the wrong business structure can cause serious problems for a startup. Avoid making the same mistake with this short guide to business structures

The Importance of Employer Brand

The Importance of Employer Brand

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The Importance of Employer Brand

A strong employer brand is essential for any business in this day and age. But what does it mean, and how do you build one for your company?

Finland, Farmers & Caffeinated Buses

Finland, Farmers & Caffeinated Buses

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Finland, Farmers & Caffeinated Buses

Why farmers are already feeling the backlash of Brexit. How your used coffee grounds could be used to fuel a bus. Why is it time to say hello to Helsinki?

Why It’s Time to Stop Fearing AI

Why It’s Time to Stop Fearing AI

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Why It’s Time to Stop Fearing AI

Far from being a threat, artificial intelligence presents a huge opportunity for businesses and customers alike. How could robots transform your company?

Bad Reviews: How to Use Them to Your Advantage

Bad Reviews: How to Use Them to Your Advantage

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Bad Reviews: How to Use Them to Your Advantage

It's never nice to receive a negative review from a customer. However, there are plenty of ways that business owners can benefit from bad reviews

Stranger Things, Stress Prevention & SEO Tips

Stranger Things, Stress Prevention & SEO Tips

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Stranger Things, Stress Prevention & SEO Tips

The triumphant return of a Netflix favourite. How to tackle the pressures of business ownership. What's the secret to outranking your rivals on Google?

Cryptocurrencies: What Does the Future Hold?

Cryptocurrencies: What Does the Future Hold?

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Cryptocurrencies: What Does the Future Hold?

With more people buying and trading in cryptocurrencies, some have suggested they could eventually replace traditional currency. But how likely is that?

R&D Tax Credits: a Guide for Small Businesses

R&D Tax Credits: a Guide for Small Businesses

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R&D Tax Credits: a Guide for Small Businesses

What are R&D tax credits, and how can your company claim them? We answer these questions, and more, in this definitive guide to R&D tax relief

9 Ways to Cut Your Basket Abandonment Rate

9 Ways to Cut Your Basket Abandonment Rate

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9 Ways to Cut Your Basket Abandonment Rate

Cart abandonment is a common problem for e-commerce businesses. What practical steps can they take to improve their checkout process and boost conversions?

Blue Planet, Black Mirror & the Beautiful Balkans

Blue Planet, Black Mirror & the Beautiful Balkans

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Blue Planet, Black Mirror & the Beautiful Balkans

Sir David Attenborough is back with Blue Planet II. How Charlie Brooker foresaw China's latest controversy. Why is Dubrovnik worth discovering?

Virgin Bank Business Loans

Virgin Bank Business Loans

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Virgin Bank Business Loans

Virgin Bank are a Start Up Loans Delivery Partner, offering UK entrepreneurs personal loans of up to £25k. Here are the key details you need to know.

Annual Leave: Lessons From the Ryanair Debacle

Annual Leave: Lessons From the Ryanair Debacle

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Annual Leave: Lessons From the Ryanair Debacle

With Ryanair blaming flight cancellations on a change to its holiday year, what has it taught other employers about managing their employees' annual leave?