Strategic Planning … when & how … the basics
Creating a strategic plan is a key component of planning for growth and one that I help our clients to deliver so they have clarity of direction in their business. Done correctly, it will help...
How to manage customer relationships…
This week whilst on vacation in California I sat with a chap whilst over lunch and the conversation turned to work. He is a successful entrepreneur here in Silicon Valley and like many others he...
To be or not to be…..incorporated?
Tax changes have made it even more important to consider carefully, when running a business, whether it is best to trade as: Sole trader – an individual Partnership – two or more individuals or...
Why mentoring matters…
In today’s complex entrepreneurial environment, mentoring is more important than ever. However, while an overwhelming majority recognise that mentoring can help them to succeed, very few of the UK’s...
VAT: 5 common small business queries answered
1. VAT registration limit The VAT registration threshold is £81,000 from 1st April 2014. This means if your taxable income has gone over this limit within the last 12 months, you must register for...
Do you want to be in the top 5%?
It’s nearing the end of February; you’ve calculated a sales total for the month. Do you know if you’re having a good year? When I ask most entrepreneurs this question, they don’t have an answer....
5 Barriers to Business Growth
It is not access to finance that we regard as the largest barrier to growth, but the mindset of those responsible for directing the business through a period of change. What are the issues that we...
Have you hit ‘the Wall’?
How to achieve or rekindle growth is a hot topic amongst many entrepreneurs, consultants and academics alike. Many consider that the macro-economic conditions are the main reason for business...
Priceless Value
In our simple view of the world, the customer will only part with their hard earned money if you can deliver something to them that is more valuable than the next best alternative. Therefore, we see...
What am I doing?
One of the recurring themes we find when speaking with SMEs is that there is little clarity about what they are trying to achieve. Whether this is from a start up owner, or an established company...