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More companies are exploring a mobile payments strategy

Introducing a mobile strategy

Mobile payments are becoming increasingly useful for consumers on the move, and there is evidence of more and more SMEs adopting a mobile strategy to capitalise on the smartphone market.

The size of SMEs makes them well positioned to use new technology quickly and gain competitive advantage – if they know how. Here, Xenios Thrasyvoulou, CE0 of website for freelancers PeoplePerHour.com, and SmallBusiness.co.uk provide some top tips on how to make a big impact on the net.

Setting up an eBay business

The phenomenal success of auction site eBay has created a new breed of business, able to reach customers in specialised areas all over the world, at very little cost.

Starting to trade online

When looking to actually sell your wares on the internet, you first have to make a choice: build your own website or set up an eBay or Yahoo store.

Setting up card payments for retail and online selling

Nowadays, we all take card payments for granted, both in the high street and online. For most businesses, being able to accept card payments is a necessity. The following checklist provided by SmallBusiness.co.uk covers the main things to consider when setting up card payments.

Get ready for the Xmas rush

It may seem early to start talking about Christmas with summer only just behind us but many small businesses are already getting ready and gearing up for the biggest sales opportunity of the year. You may want to start thinking now about getting your website ready for the rush.

Don't Miss

The ability to store and find information is vital to keeping the business running efficiently

The benefits of fully integrated business management software

As any business owner knows, both efficiency and effective communication are the Holy Grail of good business management.

An advertising marketplace

Launched in 2009, mobile advertising display marketplace Adfonic has already won contracts such as Tesco, Google, Groupon and Peugeot. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to CEO Victor Malachard.

Funding, cubed

Crowdcube provides a platform for entrepreneurs of startups and growing businesses to connect with potential investors. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to co-founder Luke Lang.

Technology in Business News

Continental SMEs more tech-minded

British small businesses place less of an emphasis on technology than their European counterparts, research finds.

Continental SMEs more tech-minded

British small businesses place less of an emphasis on technology than their European counterparts, research finds.

Businesses falling short with IT plans

SMEs are failing to set sufficient IT project briefs, research finds.

Social media could be holiday risk for businesses

Photos and videos of Christmas parties posted on social networks could do great damage to companies’ reputations, according to an HR expert.

SMEs lax in social media interaction

Only four in ten customer service complaints made on social media ever get a response, research finds.

UK SMEs behind on e-commerce

One in three UK small businesses see e-commerce channels as a threat to their business, according to a new study.

Intolerance of social networks could hurt SMEs

Employers who impose strict policies against the use of social networking tools designed for business are at risk of alienating ‘Generation Facebook’ from joining their organisation, research finds.

Businesses go for shorter leases

Small businesses are increasingly signing shorter lease deals to dodge rent reviews, research suggests.

SME tech investment hampered by finances

A lack of resources is preventing small and medium-sized businesses in the UK from adopting new technologies such as tablets and cloud computing, research finds.

'Seismic shift' predicted for UK business landscape

The next ten years will herald a ‘seismic shift’ in the UK’s business landscape unseen since the original industrial revolution, finds a new report looking at the future of UK firms.

SMEs still not adept in social media

Almost 50 per cent of B2B businesses are not measuring return on investment when using social media, research finds.

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FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

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.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is 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.

What Investment

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

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Selling online Questions & Answers

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Website building

Clifford McDowell, Mr Site

IT protection

Ross Walker, Symantec

Technology

Phil Birbeck, PC World Business

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Latest questions answered

Q: How to set up online payment Q: Setting up online Q: Purchase receipts - eBay business

Regional Buyers. Regional Suppliers. National Products & Services.

On Thursday 8th March 2012, come down to Newcastle Racecourse to learn more about how technology can impact your business in a positive way. We're focusing on the topics that YOU want, and we're getting the BEST companies to teach you about them. Find out more here.

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

Google Apps for Business

Work smart. From anywhere, at anytime. Free 30 day trial.

Blogs

Apprenticeship dreams

Ben Lobel 07/02/2012

So, another government incentive has been dangled in front of small businesses in the form of a fresh £6 million fund for hiring apprentices. Have your say »

A promising venture

Small Business Finance 06/02/2012

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital. Have your say »

Winning new business in 2012

Guest Blogger 02/02/2012

Shaun Thompson, CEO of Sandler Training, explains how growth is possible in frugal times. Have your say »

Selling online Resource Centre

Find a payment processing provider

Partnering with Netbanx is an easy way to accept payments online. Services range from expert advice on how to get started to ongoing technical and customer support.

Free e-commerce information

This site offers free e-commerce information including tips for gettng started online, tips for selling to customers and selling abroad.

Get the right website for your business

This tool is designed to help you establish whether a website is necessary for your business, what type of website is suitable and how to reach more customers.

Set up an online payment account

PayPal is an online payment service that allows customers to pay online with credit or debit cards without sharing financial information.

Accepting card payments

Barclays provides you with information and price quotes on getting your business ready for card payments.

Taking online payments

Electronic-Payments.co.uk provide detailed information on how to get your business ready to take online payments.

More Selling online Resources

Other Technology in Business Resources

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Video

Selling on eBay

Ebay trader Chris Dawson gives his tips to selling through the trading website.

Misco Offers for small businesses

At Misco, we understand the constraints faced by small businesses. This is why, we’ve built a team of specialists readily available to share with you their expertise and work with you to find tailored IT solutions fitted to your business requirements. View our offers or call our team of experts today on freephone 0808 181 7582 or by email smallbiz@misco.co.uk.

Help with technology in business

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