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Leadership & Management

Harnessing employee intelligence

Collective decisions: the way forward?

If a product or a marketing campaign is going to fail, there's a good chance that someone inside the business already knows. That's why companies are using technology to find out what their employees really think.

Business support faces axe

Concern is mounting that the government's £1 billion 'regional growth fund' is a smokescreen for crippling cuts in much needed support and funding for entrepreneurs and start-up companies in the UK.

Beware the buyer

The recession wasn't just about sales falling and people buying less. It has also caused businesses and consumers to look much more closely at how they purchase products and services.

Marketing & Sales

How to turn browsers into buyers

Guide shoppers towards a purchase

If you're getting plenty of visitors to your website but not many sales, you're not alone. Most websites convert visitors to customers at a very low rate, often less than 3 per cent. Here are seven tips to help.

Sales strategies for tight times

The economic downturn has forced companies to change their sales strategies to stay in business. We talk to three CEOs about how they've adapted to tough trading conditions.

Agents versus employees

A look at the pros and cons of using self-employed agents as opposed to employed sales reps.

Business Expansion

China's rising star: opportunities in Shandong

Shandong: open for business

With 17 bustling cities and a population of more than 94 million, Shandong province in eastern China offers British businesses a world of potential, writes Andrew Cahn, chief executive of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

From the other side

New Zealand is backing its growth businesses to the hilt as the country seeks to increase its volume of exports.

Picking the right overseas market

Exporting can offer a fast track to growth, but where do you start?

Human Resources

Creating a clear line of sight

As a business expands its workforce, it’s essential to maintain close working relationships, writes Martin Smith, an assessor from Investors in People.

Teambuilding can wait

Hilary Briggs, London chairman of the Academy of Chief Executives, explains why teambuilding exercises can backfire when times are tough.

Recruiting the DNA of your company

The people you recruit in the early days of your business will define its DNA, writes Jos White, serial entrepreneur and founding partner at venture capital firm Notion Capital.

Technology in Business

Proving the concept

Spin-outs can have enormous potential

The UK continues to punch above its weight by producing innovative, world-class university spin-outs. GrowthBusiness talks to scientists, entrepreneurs and investors to find out how it's done.

Get closer to your customers

Customer relationship management software could, paradoxically, give business a more human touch.

Smoother operations

A variety of software tools are available to help you streamline your business processes.

Legal Advice

Get covered: employers’ liability insurance

Prepare for all eventualities

In recent years we have seen a spike in the number of no-win-no-fee legal services being advertised on the television.

Purchasing from a liquidator

While pricing can be attractive, buying a distressed company has its pitfalls. Here are the traps to watch out for when you're bargain-hunting, writes Teri Hunter, a partner at corporate law firm Moorcrofts.

Corruption in corporate Britain

The UK has slipped to an all-time low of 17th in a global corruption index. GB assesses the scale of the problem.

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Research

  • From video games developers to firms of architects, creative businesses of all kinds struggle to get adequate financing due to a misconception that they cannot be analysed systematically, claims a new report. The study comes from the Centre for Creative Business (CCB), a joint venture between London Business School and University of the Arts London.

Directors' Pay AIM 2009

What should an AIM company pay its CEO or FD?
What should a non-executive director or chairman expect to be paid?
What benchmarks should AIM remuneration committee members be using when
setting pay?

Cash Shells Directory 2010

A comprehensive overview of cash shells on AIM and PLUS, companies that have become a significant feature on the market landscape.

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White Papers

'Close More Deals with Less Effort' - EchoSign Webinar: July 21, 11am PT (1pm CT / 2pm ET)

See how E-signatures can be your secret weapon in closing your deals faster and improving your sales performance.

12 Key Points to Consider When Selecting a Network Scanning Solution

Discover the 12 key points your company should consider before you evaluate and select a vulnerability assessment solution.

1Z0-040 Oracle Database 10G New Features for Administrators Practice Exam

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Enabling Entrepreneurs: Planning an Exit

This free Smith & Williamson white paper helps you avoid the common mistakes when looking to sell your business. Download today ‘Seven Mistakes to Avoid when Planning an Exit’.

Free weekly growth strategies for your business

Growing your business? Read our free impartial, jargon-free guides and tips on IT, marketing, legal issues and HR. Find out more or sign up today.

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Blogs

Chris Ingram

Chris Ingram

Where football meets business

Mar 16 2010

A love of football starts in childhood and, in a sense, never really leaves there. Footie is pure fantasy where club owners, players and fans lose themselves in the pursuit of the next win.


Videos

Punch above your weight

Jos White, who sold his company MessageLabs for $695 million, on why it's so important to act like a bigger business than you really are.

John Cleese, Video Arts

Meeting menaces: The Waffler

More tips from John Cleese, who reveals how to stop a waffler in full flow.

Ian Cheshire, B&Q

Reducing energy usage

Ian Cheshire, chairman of B&Q, explains how the store has saved 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Events Calendar

Rosenblatt New Energy Awards 2011 - Nominations Now Open

24th February, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

Investor AllStars 2010

23rd September, London Hilton, Park Lane

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Store

VCT Report 2010

Whether you are unfamiliar with the sector or an expert, the report offers you the most complete picture of the market ever produced.

AIM Guide 2010

The 2010 AIM Guide contains essential information for anyone interested in the Alternative Investment Market.

Business XL

Business XL is written by leaders for leaders. The magazine is a fountain of inside information and knowledge, which can only be delivered by people who have started, bought and grown their own business.

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