The right attitude to work and a strong set of basic skills remain at the top of employers’ wish lists when it comes to hiring new recruits, a new study has shown. The Forum of Private Business’s latest member survey on employment and skills revealed that 63% of employers rate a positive attitude to work […]
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Forum’s Budget submission calls for action on Business Rates
Author:The Forum of Private Business has urged the Chancellor to scrap a planned rise in business rates as part of its annual Budget submission. The Forum makes the call after its own research recently identified rates as the least favourite of all business taxes, with 94% of firms believing they have spiralled too high. The […]
Simplified accounting for sole traders and partnerships
Author: 12th December 2013From April 2013, the Government is proposing to introduce simplified accounting and expenses options for small, non-incorporated businesses. If you fall into this category, read on to find out what the changes mean to you and how you can have your say on the proposals. Following announcements on tax simplification made in March’s Budget, the […]
Ten top tips for business mentoring
Author:The Forum is working closely with Get Mentoring to support the recruitment and training of thousands of business mentors within the micro, small and medium-sized business sectors. Those that sign up and are eligible complete a free course available online, via distance learning or at one of the many taught workshops across the UK. The […]
Follow dismissal procedure to avoid tribunals
Author:Having to dismiss someone is never easy – but there are specific rules that you have to follow in order to stay within the law and which can make the process go smoothly. New research has found that as many as two thirds of small and medium-sized businesses aren’t following the correct procedure. Make sure […]
Is advertising or PR best to find new customers?
Author:There are a number of ways you can raise awareness of your business to drive sales, but should you pay for advertising or go down the free route of trying to get press coverage. In this article, we look at the pros and cons of each approach and how they can work together. Why use […]
The dos and don’ts of tendering
Author:In the second part of our article on how to make the most of tendering opportunities, we tell you what you should and shouldn’t do if you want to win new business. Read part one for tips on selling to large organisations here. Do provide ALL the requested information on time and in the required […]
Small business guide to content marketing
Author:As a small business owner, you probably set up your small business because it’s something you’re passionate about and an expert in. Within your business there could be a whole world of untapped information that could add extra value to customers by creating unique and useful content that they love. Consumers and business buyers all […]