Business Growth Strategies | Finance management | Business expansion | Human resources

Leadership & Management

Harnessing employee intelligence

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

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

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

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

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.

10% off * business electricity renewal quotes is just one of the ways we’re giving businesses a better deal.

We’ve negotiated exclusive deals that could save companies money on top brands. Take any or all of these offers, starting with a minimum 10% off your electricity renewal quote, and start saving today. Get a quote (*T&C’s apply).

THINK SMART THINK FREE

Keep your business connected and on the move with Nokia smartphones. Contract Includes: - Free Nokia smartphone - 750 inclusive minutes per month - Free calls to UK landlines - Unlimited texts, email & web browsing - Plus free business email - *Only £30 a month *terms & conditions apply. Sign up now >

Convenient Fuel Management From TOTALCard

TOTALCard, the ITM Fuel Card of the Year 2009, offers you a first-class, convenient fuel management service to drive down your Car, Van or Truck costs. Accepted at over 3000 sites nationwide, we offer varied pricing structures and credit agreements to improve your cash flow. To find out more and get an expert from TOTALCard to contact you please click here.

Research

Creative businesses face ‘analysis gap’

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.

'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

Oracle 9i administrators can certify on Oracle 10G by passing this exam. The ExamForce 1Z0-040 Oracle Database 10G New Features for Administrators practice exam provides their unique triple testing mode to instantly set a baseline of your knowledge and focus your study where you need it most.

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’.