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Better with age

Not so long ago a government report concluded that two-thirds...
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David Strang is flying high with his boomerangs

Big returns

David Strang’s boomerang and toy company Wicked Vision has soared since he first launched it ten years ago.

Keep your customers coming back for more

Retaining customers

Keeping customers coming back for more isn't always easy. Here are ten top tips on how to retain a loyal consumer base.

Ascending in rocky times

Not all companies are seeing a drop in sales. Here SmallBusiness.co.uk meets entrepreneurs who are watching their profits climb.

Sales & Marketing News

Manufacturers are keeping the economy turning

Growth in manufacturing at 15-year high

Manufacturers enjoyed buoyant trading conditions in the second quarter, with output and order activity increasing by the highest rates since 1995.

SME margins still in decline

Businesses are putting up their prices but their profits are still falling, finds research.

Optimism increasing among consumers

Consumer confidence has improved for the first time in the UK since February, according to a study.

Consumers: ban cold calling

Cold calling is regarded as an interruption to daily life that should be banned, according to a survey.

Scottish retailers on the ropes

Retail sales in Scotland for July have dropped to a ten-year low.

Boost for global trade

The confidence of UK importers and exporters about the shape of the economy is on the up.

Inflation falls for second month

UK inflation dropped to 3.2 per cent in June from 3.4 per cent in May, its second monthly fall.

Exports yet to gather pace

The UK's trade deficit widened in May, knocking hopes that an export-led recovery is gaining momentum.

Recovery 'still on track’

The economy is still on the right growth trajectory, despite fears that spending cuts will plunge the UK back into recession, claim government and business bodies.

Manufacturing output falls

Industrial production fell by 0.4 per cent in April, after four consecutive monthly rises, according to official figures.

No export-led recovery for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises are failing to take advantage of the favourable export environment.

Events Calendar

City University & Knowledge Connect: Free money from the LDA for your business

29th June, City University, Ground Floor, Room AG07

Protecting Your Business

6th September, Best Western Country Hotel, Caerphilly

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

Local Guides

Regular Small Business newsletters
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Resource Centre

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Video

Can your customers find you?

If you have a web presence, then you need to ensure that customers can find it – otherwise, it’s just a waste of money.

Email and web hosting

This video looks at the the importance of business email and web hosting for SMEs.

Three Minute Mentor - Setting up a Home Office

Whether you're based at home full time or just occasionally, you need the right tools at hand. This short video looks at how you can set up the perfect home office

Three Minute Mentor - Email Marketing

Blogs

Will Alan Sugar sweeten business prospects?

Marc Barber 10/06/2009

While any help singled out for small businesses should be welcomed, the appointment of Sir Alan Sugar as ‘Enterprise Tsar’ smacks of gimmicky desperation. (2 comments) Have your say »

A corner turned?

Penny Proffit 23/10/2008

Much like the faces of the soldiers on the landing boats heading for Omaha beach in the movie Saving Private Ryan, there is a grim acceptance among owner-managers that the foreseeable future is going to get bloody. Have your say »

Strategic Uses for Pay-per-click Advertising

Guest Blogger 22/05/2009

Seven tips on strategic use of online Pay-per-Click advertising that can really boost your e-commerce effectiveness and create a better return on your investment.

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