The Knowledge Hub

4 Common Reasons for Dismissal

Marcia Smith

Have to sack an employee is a sad reality of running a business, whatever the reason. But what are the most common reasons employees are let go?

Involving Staff in Product Development

Emma Meakin

As a leader, is it important to communicate with all levels of employees about the development of a product?

Social Media and Customer Retention

Emma Meakin

When it comes to retaining customers or clients, Social Media can be incredibly important, and could be the crucial factor in someones purchasing decision.

Think You're Ready to Hire Your First Employee?

Marcia Smith

Are you sure you're ready to recruit your first employee? Read this article before drafting that all-important ad.

Prices v Customer Service

Emma Meakin

For your customers, there are two main factors to focus on in their decision making cycle - price and customer service. But which is the most important?

Not Sure What to Pay Staff?

Marcia Smith

Read our rundown of all the things you need to consider when calculating the cost of hiring a new employee. It could impact salary levels.

Busting Myths About Administrators (or Insolvency Practitioners)

Emma Meakin

Putting right the myth that administrators are the bad buys. Read how they always try to salvage your business, not destroy.

Choosing and Protecting Your Business Name

Marcia Smith

The name of your business is one of the most important factors in establishing a strong brand. Here's how you can choose and protect your business name

What is a Venture Capitalist?

Marcia Smith

Spotify, Skype and Zoopla have benefited from venture capitalist funding. We tell you what VCs do and where you can find the right one for your business.

How Does Government Type Affect My Business?

Carl Stanford

Government type (dictatorship, democracy, monarchy, etc) can have many significant affects on the way you manage and operate your business.

Is Your Business Ready For The Next Step?

Daniel Kidd

Every entrepreneur, at some stage, comes to a point where their small business needs an office. If this is you, how do you find the right one?

Introduction to the CMA

Marcia Smith

Take a look at what the The Competition and Markets Authority ​(CMA) does and what areas are covered by its regulations.

Key Criteria for Making Redundancies

Marcia Smith

Selecting which staff members to make redundant is never easy, but here's some guidance on the criteria you can use to help make this difficult decision

Corresponding with Clients

Emma Meakin

Contacting customers is the first step to gaining repeat custom. But when and how should you get in touch? Knowledge Hub investigates...

Business ​Debt and Insolvency, and Tax

Marcia Smith

There are agreements you can sort with HMRC in the event of insolvency, debt, or unpaid invoices. We review some of these options including bad debt relief

Does my Company Need an Employee Handbook?

Marcia Smith

Many big companies produce an employee handbook to guide their staff in practices and procedures. Here's why you should consider one for your business...

Being the Best Leader You Can Be

Emma Meakin

What are the seven key characteristics of a great leader, and how can you apply them to yourself and your business? Knowledge Hub investigates...

Motivating your Staff to Work Effectively

Emma Meakin

Managing a workforce and keeping them performing effectively can be tricky. So just how can you keep your team working like a well oiled machine?

Focus on Both Repeat & New Business

Marcia Smith

New sales are important for growth, but your existing customer base is also essential in keeping your business going. But which should you focus on more?

Difference Between Acquisitions and Mergers

Marcia Smith

Acquisitions and mergers are an important moment in the lifecycle of many businesses. Here's all you need to know about your next big step in business.