New research has found that while many Brits want to start a business, nearly half say that economic instability and uncertainty ahead of the next general election is deterring them from starting...
A good-looking site is no longer enough — it needs to actively work for you by attracting new business and driving your company forward.
Your brand is potentially under threat in many ways online. Expert Chris Barling provides his eight top tips for safeguarding your business
Given the cost of attracting new customers to your business – ensuring customer loyalty can be the difference between failure and success.
Customers expect to be able to reach you immediately when they have a problem. The right communication systems can help you operate more efficiently.
A free-to-use tool, Hootsuite can make Twitter management easier, more efficient and effective. We explain how to get the best out of Hootsuite.
Emails are a popular marketing method. As the costs are low, they’re simple to set up and it’s relatively easy to track responses and measure success.
John Keating of Databroker explains how to source a mailing list for your marketing that is fit for purpose.
What makes a great salesperson? One thing's for sure, it's not about having the gift of the gab. Two top sales gurus reveal the secret to selling.
Big data can give you insights into your customers and improve your marketing and sales results.
Presentations are crucial in business communication - from industry conferences to pitching to potential clients. Here are seven ways to get them right.
Bristol-based Kabuto Foods aims to take instant noodles to a whole new level. But what what inspired Crispin Busk to launch the business?
Even seasoned networkers get butterflies when they walk into a room full of people. Charlie Lawson advises on how to overcome your networking fears.
Failing to attract enough customers is worrying, but if you know why you might be able to turn things around. Here are six possibilities.
Luan Wise on how to make the most of your LinkedIn profile - from your picture and heading to your list of your skills and achievements.
Five steps to forming strategic marketing collaborations with other businesses - one of the most cost-effective ways to reach new audiences.
Are you missing some simple tricks that can improve your ecommerce operation? Here are some basic techniques to transform your online sales.
Is your marketing wasting money and profits? Discover the most common areas where your marketing budget could be going to waste and how to plug the gaps.
You may think of cute kittens or cakes, but Pinterest is one of the fastest growing social media sites. Here are six things you should know about it.
The culture of sharing is already well-established among consumers. Now businesses are discovering that by collaborating they can reach new audiences.
How to make your small business look bigger, with the right name, branding, by using a virtual receptionist and by building an impressive website.
Simply signing up to Twitter and Facebook is not enough. Discover how you can maximise your opportunities on social media in six easy steps.
From posture to hand gestures, your body language speaks volumes about you. Improve the impression you make and learn the body language of others.
Many businesses are missing simple tricks that could dramatically boost their results online. Find out how to turbo-charge your website this year.
It is possible for start up businesses to create a strong brand from the outset. Find out how other businesses created their brand identify.
The quality of your delivery service can make or break your ecommerce business. Chloe Thomas on how to improve deliveries and boost online sales.
Even small businesses can benefit from benchmarking - to check how you're doing against your competitors and identify ways to improve. Our guide.
Finding new clients is not easy when you are self-employed - nine ways to get more work as a freelancer
Alyssa Smith is a British entrepreneur whose iconic silver jewellery has many devoted fans. Alyssa explains how she built her successful brand.
Editorial coverage has more credibility with potential customers than an advertisement. Follow these steps to get into your local media.
Websites like Rated People, Checkatrade and My Builder put homeowners in touch with tradespeople. Ben Dyer investigates the power of referrals.
CRO (conversion rate optimisation) is a process of website testing and improvement to make it easier for customers to buy so you make more sales.
Competing on price threatens your margins and your reputation. Ben Dyer explains why small business owners should avoid price-cutting.
How to improve the product page designs on your ecommerce website and boost online sales.
Ecommerce expert Chloe Thomas explains how to win back customers that have abandoned their online shopping carts.
Providing quotes for new customers is time-consuming and not always successful. Ben Dyer explains how to improve your conversion rate.
How to use search engine optimisation (SEO), quality online content and link-building to get your website to the top of Google search rankings.
Danielle Haley offers a beginner's guide to choosing and using SEO keywords to attract more traffic to your website and increase sales leads
Why your best sales people could be your customers thanks to word of mouth. Shweta Jhajharia on how to turn loyal customers into a sales team.
Ten types of shopper and how independent retailers can attract them and win them over in-store and online using mobile commerce and social media
SEO helps attract visitors to your website but it's landing page optimisation that turns browsers into buyers. Danielle Haley, Director of Indy Consultancy.
Confused about all the conflicting advice on SEO? Danielle Haley from Indy Consultancy outlines ten simple ways to improve your search ranking.
Pinterest is like an online noticeboard where you can pin stuff you like and share it with others. See how to use this social network in your business
How can you use Instagram in your business? See how to get started with this photo sharing social network - expert hints, tips and advice.
It can be hard choosing an SEO expert. Learn how SEO really works, what can go wrong and what questions to ask an agency before you sign a contract.
How to use 11 key metrics to measure the performance of your online marketing, improve traffic to your website and turn visits into sales.
Email marketing is an effective way to boost sales. Find out which subject lines have the biggest impact and why some advice may be misleading.
Kira Lauber explains the importance of creating a narrative and using a metaphor to present complex data in a clear and attractive way.
Your reputation is perhaps your best asset in the business world. Lose it and all your hard work will be lost. Here's how to protect and enhance it.
A strong brand calls for a clear visual identity, effective messaging and a distinctive brand voice that resonates with your target audience.
Want to reach a new audience? Sponsoring a successful email newsletter can help you deliver your message effectively to your target market.
How to generate free publicity for your business using social media, press coverage, customer reviews and viral marketing
Just because a rival has slashed their prices doesn’t mean that you should. They might not have the same reasons as you for considering a price cut.
Customers are the lifeblood of any business, so by treating them well and regularly exceeding expectations, you can boost satisfaction and retention.
Sarah Weller on how attending networking events has helped her make new contacts. She offers advice on how to get the most out of networking.
Discover the best small business apps for project management, Thanks to online tools and mobile apps, it has never been easier to organise all aspects of your business life. Here are some of the ...
Here are ten apps that every business should be using to engage with new and existing customers.
Email marketing can be very effective - if you get it right. Jonathan Rodger offers ten key tips to ensure your email marketing pays dividends.
Businesses have to ensure that their marketing isn't misleading or offensive. But these obligations apply equally to any online marketing you produce.
When attending a trade show, how can you make sure your exhibition stand attracts the right visitors? Here are ten tips to pull in the punters.
You meet someone at a networking event and take details. Can you start sending them your email newsletters right away? Or should you ask permission?
Good customer care needs a personal touch, but businesses must ensure that client hospitality is “proportionate” or risk prosecution.
Many small firms offer specialist products and services aimed at niche sectors. Bruce Townsend finds out how small can be beautiful.
Many businesses use telephone marketing to communicate with customers. Any firm that sells direct usually handles enquiries and orders over the phone.
Understanding how sales contracts work and what selling regulations apply to your business is more than just a matter of compliance.
Sales promotion aims to provide a short-term boost to sales. While a price cut is one option, we look at alternatives that are more cost-effective.
QR codes are a great way to give your customers easy access to your website from their mobile phones as part of an online marketing strategy.
Many people hate cold calling, but sometimes there is no alternative when you need to attract new customers. Expert Andy Preston provides advice.
Jackie Fast, MD of Slingshot Sponsorship, offers eight tips to help your business maximise its returns from sponsoring an event or sports team.
It's tough in a recession, but what about surviving two world wars, and the Great Depression? Meet the businesses that have been through it all.
A professional profile is an essential part of your sales and marketing toolkit. It can bring your company to life and demonstrate your credentials.
Content is at the heart of today’s marketing strategies as websites and blogs demonstrate expertise, sell services and grow professional businesses.
For anyone carrying out their own market research online there are a number of pitfalls to watch out for. This article offers some in-depth guidance.
Chris Barling shares eighteen valuable tips for attracting visitors to your ecommerce website and maximising your sales potential online.
When you are selling, how do you handle the objection that you are too expensive? Here are four ways to help you sell without having to cut prices.
Email marketing offers superb potential, but the design of your emails and the images you use can make or break a campaign says Matt Bird.
Rebranding your small business can give it new impetus especially your brand is underperforming. When to rebrand and how to make your new brand a success
How to market your knowledge-based business; how to sell your own expertise as a consultant and build a strong reputation in a niche market.
Marketing is vital for accountants and law firms that want to bring in new business. But what are the key principles for promoting professional firms?
Branding guru Dan Einzig suggests ten ways to build a brand for your small business to help you to stand out from the crowd
Amazon and eBay offer huge opportunities for small firms trading online. Chris Dawson, finds out what the future holds for small firms trading online.
A template for businesses to brief copywriters and graphic designers in order to create online content and printed marketing materials.[
Marketing to women: how to advertise to female customers and sell to a female demographic without using clichés, stereotypes or objectification.
What are the guidelines governing competitions and promotions on Facebook? Sarah Orchard reveals how to promote your firm without breaking the rules.
Have you thought about creating videos to promote your business? Video can help your SEO results and it is an effective way to boost engagement.
Twitter is a way to connect with new people, keep in touch with those you know, find out what’s going on in your world and get your message out there.
Michael Scutt, partner at law firm Crane and Staples, explains why having a social media policy is vital for employers great and small.
How to use local SEO, including a Google Business Profile, to boost your Google search ranking and attract more customers to your local business
Regular sales are vital for your business. So how can you ensure your products and services remain keenly priced and relevant to your market?
Businesses survive on their sales. So how do you motivate a sales team to ensure you maximise its potential and get the best results?
The five golden rules of running a retail business - from customer service to the four Ps
The statement “made in Britain” carries a lot of kudos with some overseas customers. So how can you cash in on that positive association?
In a crowded list of Google results, a business with four or five stars will stand out - so how do you get positive reviews online?
Increasing your contacts on LinkedIn or Twitter can help you find suppliers, get a quick answer to a business question or generate new sales leads.
There are many ways to keep in contact with customers. But your office phone system can improve customer service, increase sales and boost profits.
Value-based pricing is about coming up with a price that your customers are willing to pay. Pricing strategist Mark Stiving explains.
Elly Curshen explains how social media helped her make a success of her Bristol eatery, the Pear Café, and become a successful food writer.
Networking helps you form and maintain relationships that could benefit your business. Our guide to seeing opportunities and making connections.
A quality in-house email marketing list is essential if you contact customers via email. We outline the steps to take when building an email list.
In the rush to get your product to market, it's easy to get carried away, but you must carry out thorough market research to check there's a market.
Seven FAQs explaining how to handle bad publicity in the press and on social media, and what to do if competitors spread rumours about your business
The customer may not always be right but if you see things from their point of view, you will avoid conflict and build trust says Benjamin Dyer.
Pinterest is more search engine than social network. Gemma Went explains how to maximise Pinterest's potential to drive traffic to your website.
Gemma Went outlines six key ways to make the most of Instagram - including top tips on using links, Stories, hashtags and user-generated content.
Facebook has many features that can help small businesses to reach new audiences. Gemma Went has six top tips on getting the most out of Facebook.
Sarah Orchard explains how live streaming with Facebook Live can boost customer engagement and improve brand reach for small businesses.
Want to get more out of Twitter? Social media expert Gemma Went explains how to raise your game - including tips on posts, apps and strategy.
12 FAQs explaining how to write a press release that meets your objectives and stands out because of its headline, picture and quotes
19 FAQs explaining how using media coverage to publicise your business, products and its successes can improve your business
18 FAQs explaining how to get PR to publicise your small business in newspapers and magazines and on websites, TV and radio
22 FAQs explaining how to find, make contact with, and build relationships with journalists to generate positive PR about your business
LinkedIn offers a range of useful advertising options and the ability to target messages to niche audiences. Luan Wise explains how it works.
A guide to public relations (PR) – how to get endorsements for your brand from journalists, influencers and customers
Social media expert Alison Battisby provides an essential checklist to help you get the most out of Instagram, from creating themes to using hashtags.
Changing your business name? Checklist of key steps to take when you change the name of your business, from notifying Companies House to updating your website and literature.
Just how many Twitter accounts do you really need? Social media expert Luan Wise debates the pros and cons of having multiple Twitter accounts.
Luan Wise explains how LinkedIn works, who it is aimed at and how to get the most out of this business-to-business online networking platform.
Everything you need to know about using Instagram to promote your small business - from creating a style to making the most of hashtags
Andy Bounds offers seven ways to make your proposal more persuasive - and speed up the writing process.
There are five key salesperson types, but one beats them all. Fascinating insight into sales technique by Andy Bounds.
Advertising on Facebook can help you reach a targeted audience cost-effectively. Gemma Went shares some tips and tricks to help you get started.
Twitter Ads allow you to amplify your tweets to a wider audience. Social media expert Alison Battisby of Avocado Social explains how to get started
How to promote your business and engage with people online by posting on social media platforms and blogging.
What is your brand worth and how can you increase its value? Shweta Jhajharia of the London Coaching Group shares tips for increasing brand equity.
This trends summary explains that the market for livery stables stays broadly in line with the economy
This trends summary explains that the farrier market stays broadly in line with the economy as a whole
This trends summary explains that the performance of the farm supply sector is closely linked to the fortunes of the farming sector as a whole, which itself is dominated by commodity prices
This trends summary explains that shopping in farm shops has become increasingly popular with UK consumers, with the number of farm shops growing in recent years.
Firms are increasingly realising that digital billboards fail to offer the reach of traditional alternatives. Why classic billboards are here to stay.
Rather than identifying large groups to sell to, pinpoint who your perfect, target customer is. Then seek out individuals who match that customer avatar.
Traditional billboards still work in the digital era, for businesses large and small, as Paul Inman explains. Commuters remember these gigantic ads.
Advertising used to be divided into above the line (brand building) and below the line (lead generation and conversions). Social media now does both.
11 simple ways you can market and advertise your start up business on a tiny budget from social networking to online directories and email marketing.
What is Microsoft Advertising and how does it differ from Google Ads. What Microsoft Advertising costs. How to use Microsoft Advertising to get better results from your PPC advertising
Instagram is a powerful sales and marketing tool for small businesses. Sarah Orchard has 20 top tips for getting the most out of Instagram.
Where you can advertise online. Options for search advertising, social media, display advertising and free advertising, and what they offer
How to write an effective pay-per-click ad. A tailored approach to writing PPC ads that will attract the right visitors and improve cost-effectiveness
YPP's founder noticed a gap in the market for fast, quality print production. Stuart Maclaren tells us how he went from kitchen table to big success.
Partnering with a bigger business can help you leverage your innovations. How to get in front of the right people - and make a great impression.
Creating quality content that engages readers and helps sell products is as much an art as a science. Jon Wade of FSE Online tells us more.
Even if you're flat out, generating sales leads allows you to be choosy about which jobs you take on. Ben Dyer looks at how to increase your leads.
LinkedIn allows you to get in front of thousands of business professionals - who could be future clients. Luan Wise describes where to start.
Handy advice from social media guru Luan Wise on making LinkedIn work for you - from making your first connections to staying front of mind.
Instagram adverts were only introduced in 2013, but they're estimated to have already driven more than one billion user actions. How to get involved.
Facebook a key marketing tool for businesses large and small. If yours is yet to reap the benefits, marketing guru Sarah Orchard offers her advice.
How to write a compelling advertisement that stands out and persuades your target market to buy, including ads for publications and online advertising
How to use Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to improve your search engine ranking, get to the top of Google searches and increase your website traffic
Good design is vital if you want a website that's attractive, organised and intuitive to use. Our guide to designing your business website.
Are you handling customer data legally and is your marketing database up to code? Find out with this checklist.
PR activities can help spread the word about your business for little money. This checklist explains how to promote your business through the press.
If you need investment in your business, you will need to pitch your business. These tips can help you hone your pitch and convince investors you’re worth investing in.
We're not all natural-born salespeople, so we share some simple steps that can help you negotiate better sales.
Ten top tips on giving your mobile marketing campaign a better chance of achieving your objectives.
The internet undoubtedly brings a wealth of business benefits. But it also poses risks. This checklist explains how to get the most from the internet.
The ISO 9000 standard series provides guidance for running a quality management system. How to introduce a quality system, and the benefits.
A clear complaints-handling procedure enables you to resolve issues and maintain a positive relationship with customers. Use our checklist to better manage customers' complaints.
Here are some simple things you can do to get more footfall and win sales from people who would not otherwise know about your business.
Exhibitions can be a great place to meet potential customers face to face. Here are the key steps to exhibition success.
Your business website lets you put your business in front of a global audience. How to plan a successful website and attract visitors.
The ISO 9000 family of standards helps businesses put quality management processes in place. Read our tips for getting accredited under ISO 9000.
Understanding how to use the internet effectively can help you find the information you want more easily, and be sure it's reliable.
Use this checklist to help to develop new products, from developing new ideas to setting budgets, deciding on product specification and prototyping.
This checklist will help you to deliver a presentation, and includes advice on body language, covering the key points and dealing with questions.
As a business owner you should always be prepared to deal with bad publicity. Follow these steps to minimise damage and get things back on track.
Designing your website is probably a job for a professional - but as the one holding the purse strings, you'll want to stay in control of the project.
Social networks allow small businesses to connect with customers. Your profile is often the first thing new contacts see so make it count.
If you want your business to stay in customers' minds, a slogan could make you stand out from the others. Here's how to write a compelling slogan.
To be effective, your firm's brand identity must be consistent across your website, email and printed literature. Read our checklist.
Knowing your market is vital if you want to maximise sales and stand out from the competition. We explain how to find and use market information.
Selling via your website can attract new customers and make it easier to serve your existing ones. Our guide to setting up and running an online shop.
Checklist: how to write a marketing plan for your business, including setting objectives, choosing marketing methods and tracking results.
Selling can be intimidating, but our useful checklist will help your prepare a sales pitch that will persuade the customer, overcome objections and close the sale.
Once you've come up with the idea for a new product or service, you need to develop it, test it and take it to market. Our guide to the key steps.
Use this checklist to help you write an effective advertisement, from deciding on the message to design options, and getting a good response.
How to use a database to improve customer service and to support your marketing and sales efforts.
Prototypes let you spot design flaws, get feedback from possible customers and even secure funding for your new product. How to get prototyping right.
How to make a sales strategy to help you sell more, including sales forecasting, sales tools, selling technique and targeting customers.
Exhibitions and trade shows are a good opportunity to promote your products and business and generate sales leads. Our guide to exhibiting successfully.
Making presentations: a step-by-step guide to preparing for and giving successful presentations that keep your audience engaged and get results.
Recruiting skilled and motivated salespeople is vital to help your business bring in new customers and grow. How to attract and keep the right people.
Creating an authentic brand for your small business that matches your USPs with your customers’ needs to create a powerful brand identity.
Writing to customers and prospects, via email, leaflets or direct mail, can be an effective way to promote your business. Here's how to get results.
There are so many ways to keep in touch with customers or approach new prospects. But well-written sales copy still has the power to persuade.
Use this checklist to help you write an effective press release, including how to structure it, what you need to include and what format to use.
From demonstrating that you understand your customers to handling complaints promptly and effectively, learn how to set up a customer care programme.
If you use social networking to talk to customers, it helps to have a social media strategy. This checklist covers the main considerations.
A guide to managing your sales team: how to organise, support and motivate your salespeople to help them achieve their sales targets
Social networks offer an excellent way to connect with business customers - but you must present a professional, credible face.
How to use Facebook to build relationships with customers, encouraging endorsement and spreading positive word of mouth.
Direct marketing lets small businesses make the most of limited resources. But a clear message and a quality mailing list is essential.
Find out how to encourage new customers to come back and start buying regularly from you, to create regular and reliable revenue for your business.
Online social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have moved into the business mainstream - but the law isn't always clear.
Use published market research and your own research to get data you need to target new opportunities, and understand your customer's wants and needs.
How do you set up an ecommerce website without breaking the bank? Find out the key steps involved in building a website.
So you've decided you need a website. Before you go bowling in, following these steps can help ensure you get your site right first time.
How swapping a traditional, corporate website for a content-rich site full of useful advice paid off for business development expert Ian Brodie.
There are no quick tricks when it comes to selling expensive products. But with the right marketing you could seriously improve your sales.
This trends summary explains how the pig meat sector in the UK is always cyclical, so peaks and troughs in profitability are the norm. But the troughs have become harder to weather and the peaks ...
Your website might be attractive, easy to navigate and buy from, so why don't more customers return? Emma Allen explains some possible reasons.
How to promote a new offer using Google My Business, social media, email, events, sales promotions, affiliate marketing and press coverage.
To maximise your chances of succeeding in business, you must focus on the most effective routes to your market. Find out how to identify them.
Selling online involves more than just building a website and listing your products or services. Get advice on how to sell online.
12 FAQs on sales technique, including which customers to concentrate on, when the best time is to make a sales approach and how to close a deal.
The key to successful negotiation is to understand your customers. The more you know about them, the stronger your position will be. Read these FAQs.
Ten FAQs on planning your sales presentations, including how to prepare your notes, what can go wrong and how to deal with questions.
How to write an advertisement for your business; our advertising FAQs will help you create powerful ads with compelling headings that get results
Ask people to pay too much and they will stop buying: too little and your profit margin slides. Here are seven ways to price your product accurately.
How to set up a pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaign on Google Ads or Microsoft Advertising and get great results
Increasing prices involves risk, but if you handle things carefully you can avoid upsetting customers, while achieving your goal of boosting margins.
Ten ways to approach new customers including advertising, email marketing, ecommerce, social media, word-of-mouth and networking
An agent will act on your behalf to negotiate sales of your products or services. They are often used when selling products in overseas markets.
Firms are always searching for ways to trim their costs and increase their profits, in good times and in bad. Make your business leaner and fitter.
Pricing a service can be trickier than pricing a product. Getting it right means accurately valuing your time and expertise. Pick up other advice.
Market research can help you to identify your target consumer, find out what they think about your ideas and help you target the right market.
Need-to-know answers to ten questions frequently asked by small-business owners when they need to set prices for their products or services.
Many firms have found agents to be a cost-effective way of accessing sales expertise, contacts and customers. But you need to choose the right one.
How to build your business by targeting your dream business customers, listening to their needs and working with them to achieve their goals.[
Quantatitive research is about using polls, surveys and questionnaires to gauge customer opinion and gather feedback on your brand
Read our FAQs on advertising strategy, including whether it's right for your business, where to advertise, managing costs and campaign planning.
New product research is absolutely vital before you go to market, to make sure you’re not about to launch a costly disaster.
When it comes to product development, you cannot afford to get too personal. To give it the best chance in the market, you need an objective view.
Qualitative research is about finding out not just what people think but why they think it, as well as their motivations and feelings.
Unsurprisingly, everyone says that they do follow up after attending business events - but statistics don't bear that out. Simon Naudi explains how to effectively follow up leads.
Your website content should do more than just present information. It needs to engage the reader, boost your rankings and reinforce your brand.
Networking is a business and personal marketing tool that will deliver your overall business and marketing strategy. Lay your foundations for success.
Networking can help you generate new sales leads, deepen connections with existing contacts and learn useful information about your markets.
Being sensitive to the body language of prospective customers is a useful skill for salespeople if they want to capitalise on selling opportunities.
Even if you aren't exhibiting, a business exhibition, event or trade show in your industry can offer a brilliant chance to research your market, make new connections and gain inspiration.
To brief an agency, be clear on what you want to know, who your audience is, your preferred research approach, deadline and budget
30 top tips to help you get the best out of exhibiting, from designing your stand to the most effective ways to engage with prospective customers.
How to measure your marketing to optimise results and boost response rates
There are some definite dos and don'ts when it comes to exhibiting at a business exhibition, trade event or consumer show - follow these expert tips to make the most of your investment.
Covering timing, frequency and content, Tim Watson provides answers to some frequently asked questions about creating and sending email newsletters.
Apart from a good idea, what do you need for successful development of a new product? These FAQs talk through the process from strategy to prototype.
Market research can provide you with a lot of extremely useful information, much of it for free. Read our introduction to market research.
Find out how you can stop others from damaging your business by registering or using the same or similar names or brands to yours.
Many people attend business shows with good intentions, aiming to meet people, do business and generate sales. But often their objectives are too vague, and either non-measurable or unrealistic.
Retaining customers is cheaper than finding new ones. Customers become repeat purchasers because they like your product and appreciate your service.
The first thing a customer will notice about your business is its name. Creating the right first impression is essential, but not as easy as it looks.
Businesses need to spend more time watching their backs and looking at what their competitors are up to, according to our market research expert.
Find out how to build a brand for your small business, including creating a logo, registering a trademark and branding on a budget in these handy FAQs.
Read answers to frequently asked questions about exhibitions. Find out why you should exhibit, likely costs and how to measure cost-effectiveness.
Sales promotion is a method of increasing sales over the short term: usually a special offer which is available for a limited period only. 10 FAQs.
Use our free marketing plan template to create a detailed marketing plan to help identify key marketing activities for your small business.
While many businesses put a lot of effort into trying to attract new customers, they risk missing the chance to sell more to existing customers.
Customer retention is vital and a customer loyalty scheme is an effective way to keep customers coming back for more.
Pricing is one of the most important aspects of your business to get right. Find out what you need to do before putting a price tag on your product.
FAQs about direct mail, including personalisation options, costs, mailing list and what sort of response rates you can expect from a campaign.
Small firms need to concentrate on niches that are either too small and specialised for the big boys or too new for a large firm to catch on to.
Benchmarking provides a means to compare your firm against other businesses, and identify areas where you can improve your performance.
Reliable customers are the lifeblood of every business. However, it can be risky to rely on them - if their business flounders, so might yours.
How to write a quality statement when tendering for a contract that will demonstrate your skills, experience and expertise
The difference between winning and losing a contract could be down to the quality of your initial proposal: saying the right things in the right way.
However up-to-the-minute your technology is, the human touch is far and away the best way to keep customers happy and generate more business.
The public sector spends billions of pounds directly on orders with SMEs. How can you improve your chances of getting a piece of the action?
Frequently asked questions about designing, creating and printing marketing materials.
If you want to sell more than your competitors, you need to remind your customers why they should buy from you rather than a rival. Here's how.
Don't blow your advertising budget on an expensive radio advert which goes out at 3am. Save money by investing in low-cost advertising options.
Rather than being a pointless exercise in data analysis, benchmarking can help you to identify areas where you can make changes and make your firm more profitable.
How to grow your small business and protect your cash flow by identifying high quality sales leads and turning prospects into new customers.
Discover the four key ways that you can get press and media coverage - PR is a great way for small businesses to raise their profile and get noticed.
In order to make sales, we have to understand our customers then ensure we target the relevant potential customers with the right sales messages.
Benefits often prevent a salesperson from engaging with the real motivations of the buyer. In fact benefits are no more than an abstract idea.
Human beings have two major motivations; to gain reward and to avoid loss. There will be plenty of times where both motivations influence a decision.
Profitable marketing for small businesses means identifying gaps in the market missed by mass providers. These FAQs can help you get it right.
Ten ways to make sure that your business stays ahead of your competitors
Successful selling means showing customers how your product meets their needs. Highlight its benefits rather than just describing it.
Customer care is fundamental to any business - but how do you measure up? What are the specific skills you need to ensure you perform well?
Customer care should be at the heart of your business if you want to build customer loyalty and bring in new business. Edwina Hughes explains.
How to safeguard your business when a competitor opens up nearby, and even benefit from it in the long term: there may well be room for both of you.
FAQs on all aspects of telemarketing for small businesses
Ten ways for businesses to reward loyal customers including discounts, promotions and VIP treatment
Although no one likes receiving a complaint, they provide an opportunity to identify and rectify problems with your current systems or product.
Read these helpful FAQs to find out why customer loyalty is important, how it can be achieved and how you can measure and monitor success.
How do you turn online browsers into buyers? Ecommerce expert Chloe Thomas explains how to persuade more website visitors to buy your products.
It's not all cheap toys: merchandising can be a valuable means of connecting with customers, raising awareness of your brand and boosting sales.
Hard-to-please customers can create a dilemma for small business owners: should you bend over backwards to keep them happy or let their business go?
Andy Preston of sales performance training company Outstanding Results explains how training can help you improve the performance of your sales team.
With customer complaints, you are often resolving situations which are not your fault. Mac MacKay shares useful techniques to help handle things.
Good salespeople are a major asset, because they deliver sales, yet finding them can be very hard. Learn how to find and recruit them.
Spotting a gap in the market is only part of the battle: taking it successfully to market presents a far bigger challenge. Find out how it's done.
Market research expert Rob Sheldon explains the differences between qualitative and quantitative research and the role they play in market research.
BSI British Standards have published two standards to help organisations improve customer satisfaction. This article explains what they cover.
Understanding your customers is the secret of successful selling. The more you know about them, the easier it can be to increase their spending.
There is almost always a better deal to be had, but how do you go about finding it? Bryan McCrae of Cognitive Sales Consulting offers advice.
When customers are dissatisfied with the service you're providing they fall into one of four kinds of complainers. How do you tailor your response?
The top 20 questions that market research could help you answer - on everything from product and packaging to branding and price
Sales expert Ian Cochrane explains how to recognise buying signals, overcome objections and close a deal when selling to customers face-to-face.
Use these handy FAQs to plan your market research, from research methods and costs to finding an agency who understands your needs.
Reaching potential buyers with a targeted message at the right time is key to maintain sales growth. Make sure you identify who spends what when.
Word-of-mouth recommendation is one of the best forms of advertising, because it is persuasive, credible and free. Find out how to achieve it.
How to define your target market and focus your marketing on specific customer profiles
Every business has its best customers: the ones you want to keep. So how do you reward them? And should you give everyone the same VIP treatment?
Every business needs to stay fresh to be competitive. This may mean regularly refreshing your products or coming up with an entirely new offer.
It may seem as though larger retailers dominate the ecommerce market, but smaller can be smarter when competing for sales online.
Your CRM system may hold valuable information about your customers that will help you to understand how they make purchasing decisions.
The humble questionnaire is a very powerful tool. Not only does it allow you to find out what your customers think but it can also boost loyalty.
Despite starting up at the recession's height, Julia Lowe of Farm Toys Online explains how high quality products and clever marketing ensured success.
It’s not easy marketing any business. You have to take risks and sometimes they don’t pay off. But your mistakes can provide valuable lessons.
The buying process is hindered by fears and doubts. It’s up to the salesperson to allay the buyer’s fears. Grant Leboff explains how you can do it.
How to encourage creative thinking in your business by being open to new ideas, brainstorming and rewarding problem-solving
Hiring a freelance graphic designer can ensure that your business looks professional in its branding, in marketing materials and online; but how do you find the right designer?
LinkedIn is a business-focused networking platform that replicates real-life word-of-mouth contact introductions. So, how do you use it for business?
Twitter should not be used simply to broadcast sales messages all day, but often it can drive sales. Find out how to start using Twitter for business.
Facebook has evolved into the preferred social networking website for more than 1.2bn users worldwide. So, how do you use it for business?
Social media has transformed the way we market, but it hasn't replaced other ways to reach your audience. How to combine your marketing activities.
Local outdoor advertising sites such as hoardings, billboards and posters are cost-effective and they get results
Do your customers read your email newsletters? Are they bringing in business or turning people off? Find out how to improve your email marketing.
The complete guide to writing a press release: what to include in a press release and how to get media coverage and positive PR for your business.
A freelance copywriter can write highly persuasive, effective copy that sells your products and services. But how do you choose the right one?
Marketing flyers are a great way to promote your business in your local area; here’s how to produce your own leaflets.
Atlantic Trampolines is a specialist trampoline supplier that uses Google Ads to bring in orders. Founder Andrew Jardine reveals how.
Google offers a range of free tools to help you get the most out of your Google Ads campaign. Read our guide to what they can offer your business.
Pay-per-click advertising: How to choose the best PPC keywords for Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising
Google Ads puts cost control into your hands. But managing both costs and return on investment means testing, analysis and regular adjustments.
There's nothing more powerful than a face-to-face meeting when trying to win a new customer. Sales expert Andy Preston reveals how to prepare.
If a trademark is to be registered, whether a word, logo, shape, sound or smell, it must be represented graphically on the application form
How Rowan Gormley and some like-minded friends set up Naked Wines - an online wine business that allows customers to call the shots.
Does your business need an image make-over? Refresh your firm by improving everything from your website, logo and premises to your customer service.
Do you want to know more about your ecommerce competitors? Michelle Strassburg, co-founder of wood flooring specialist Wood and Beyond, gives tips.
Marketing and sales training can deliver significant business benefits. Training your employees helps boost sales and improve customer satisfaction.
Testimonials offer an independent indication that you have done a good job and can help reassure new or nervous buyers. Here are ten ways to generate customer testimonials.
If you are using social media, you probably think you simply need to target the same people you’ve been targeting for years. But you could be wrong.
Case studies make great promotional material for any business. Telling how your company has helped a client could bring you valuable media coverage.
Body language expert Robert Phipps explains how understanding non-verbal communication can help small firms to increase their sales.
How to get more local customers using local SEO, Google Business, social media, customer reviews and networking to market your business.
Keeping an eye on your competitors is essential in business: it can help you to identify your own strengths and weaknesses. Learn how it's done.
Ten ways to improve your offer: ideas and tips for making changes in your business that will drive sales and boost customer loyalty.[
Mark White of Better Business Blogging explains why your blog needs to add credibility and increase your visibility if it is to drive sales.
Older consumers make up a huge market - 23% of the UK's population is 60 or over - making it a sizeable and lucrative market. We look at how you can marketing your business more effectively to mo...
What your customers say is incredibly valuable. Positive feedback boosts business and criticism can help you to improve your offering.
The EU General Data Protection Regulations lay down strict rules about the use of personal information. There are significant fines for failure to follow the rules.
Exhibitions can be highly eco-unfriendly events - but consumers increasingly demand that businesses demonstrate their eco credentials. How to stay sustainable when exhibiting
Door drop mailings are highly targeted and effective, especially for small businesses targeting a local audience.
Sales meetings demand many skills and being mindful of the basics can go a long way to ensuring a positive outcome. Read these top tips.
If you are a small firm, you could be forgiven for thinking that branding is not important for small businesses, but this perception is wrong.
Big companies have staff and resources that small firms can only dream of. So how do you compete against bigger rivals when you are a small firm?
Getting your exhibition strategy right needs careful planning and a lot of hard work. Fiona Humberstone reveals ten mistakes exhibitors make - and how to fix them.
Exhibitions provide the opportunity to meet, connect and build rapport with prospects and customers. Here's how to make the most of exhibitions.
Improve response rates to your marketing messages by relating to your customers and their needs, rather than only focussing on your business.
If you rely on one big customer for much of your trade, it is critical to build on the relationship to retain their business and win future sales.
Business events can be a great way to meet prospects and raise your profile - but they can be hard to get right. Small business owners describe how they get value out of exhibitions.
If you’ve got something to say then it’s well worth approaching your local radio station to see if they would like you to come in and do an interview.
A marketing training plan sets out what your training needs are and how you will meet them, and will help you get the most out of your budget.
Marketing and sales recruitment is a vital part of building a solid marketing and sales team that can move your business to the next level.
Is your attitude to customers negative or positive? Can you relax into a customer relationship and build rapport? Take this quiz to find out.
The idea of networking fills many people with fear. But what are the skills you need to be a good networker and how can you improve your performance?
Customer service has never been so important, yet many firms seem to have lost sight of their customers' needs. You need to exceed their expectations.
Research reveals that businesses with good service grow twice as fast as those with poor service. Here's some tips to help you dazzle your customers.
Research reveals that 80% of non-routine sales only occur after at least five follow-ups, so the 8% who persevere will succeed.
Many companies do not understand the important differences between brand and marketing. Find out why the two are important, but in different ways.
A guide for suppliers on how to negotiate with retailers to maximise product sales and achieve the best possible margins
Many firms don't know who their most profitable customers are or how to retain them. In difficult times, customer loyalty may be your greatest weapon.
Simply having a website is rarely enough: you need to ensure the content is fresh, relevant and accurate. Find out how to produce effective web copy.
How to develop a unique selling proposition (USP) that will make your business stand out from the competition
Not all customers are the same. So stop taking a one-size-fits-all approach to your marketing and start segmenting your customers.
Gemma Haggarty explains how to increase your online sales by turning web visitors into customers.
Customer focus is essential to success in business. Expert Andrew McMillan explains how to place customers at the centre of your business culture.
Derek Bishop, director of Culture Consultancy, considers the steps your business can take to tighten up its data security to better protect customers.
How Tim and Kevin Slatter fought back against the supermarkets with their ecommerce business The Cake Store, selling imaginative celebration cakes.
Good networking generates sales leads and contacts who can help you develop your business. But how do you get your employees to network effectively?
It’s more cost-effective to cultivate existing customers than look for new ones. CRM can help you sell more to your existing customers.
Building an online community is a powerful way to get people to engage with your business - particularly if you count on repeat purchases.
Making the right impression when networking can have a powerful, positive impact cement the reputation of you and your business and ultimately make more sales.
The design of your website has a direct impact on your number of sales conversions. But encouraging sales doesn't mean sacrificing good design.
It can be tough for small retailers on the high street. Customers are looking for bargains and retailers need to respond to changing customer needs.
When a customer wants to buy from you, make it easy for them to complete the purchase. But are things really that simple?
Customer-facing functions need to get to know customers on a one-to-one basis, so they can anticipate customers' requirements and exceed expectations.
Cross-selling and upselling can make a huge difference to your sales figures. Find out how customer service plays a vital role in making more sales.
Keeping customers makes good business sense but it's not always easy. Here are our tips on how you can keep customers coming back to your business.
Effective motivation can significantly boost the performance of your marketing team. Try a combination of financial incentives and management support.
How do you create a positive culture in your small firm? Andrew McMillan of Charteris looks at how employers can change employee attitudes.
As a business owner you have a vital role in leading the marketing effort and maximising the effectiveness of your sales and marketing team.
Sponsoring a local team, event or good cause doesn’t have to cost a lot and it can give your small firm great publicity and a sales uplift.
Online directories can be a low-cost way of driving potential customers to your website. But how do you know which you should be advertising in?
Price comparison websites do a great job helping consumers find good deals, but they can also be useful to small business owners if used properly.
Price comparison websites are valuable tools to help you analyse competitors and check out price fluctuations. We guide you through the key sites.
Cold leads are difficult to convert into buyers. So how do you approach a cold lead to give yourself the best chance of making a sale?
There are many ways to improve a website but often it’s the simple things that make a big difference. Online selling expert Chris Barling explains.
Good customer service can turn customers into evangelists for your product or service, spreading the word and bringing in new business.
How to handle customer complaints and what to do when a dissatisfied customer asks for compensation
Affiliate marketing can boost traffic to your site, but you only pay for visits that result in sales. Find out how to set up an affiliate programme.
Creating a loyal band of customers through good service is a great achievement, but you've got to keep working at your relationship. Find out how.
How to win back old customers. Lapsed customers may need an incentive to return but with the right approach they can become loyal customers again.
Your members of staff are the key to delivering top-notch customer service. We explain why you should hire – and fire – for attitude.
Are you confused or sceptical about what market research can offer? We reveal how to use market research successfully for your small business.
Sales forecasting is essential for short and medium-term business planning. An accurate forecast can help you manage your cashflow.
There are many ways to market your website without spending a fortune, as Chris Barling of ecommerce software provider Sellerdeck explains.
What is podcasting and why should you use it for your business? Podcasts are surprisingly easy to create and can help you connect with your customers.
Your business will never be able to keep everyone happy all the time. But even if you've let someone down, the relationship doesn't have to be over.
Writing a marketing plan may seem unnecessary for a start-up, but in fact it's a vital tool that can help you focus your marketing activities.
The look and feel of your business cards, compliment slips and letterheads is important, they say a lot about your business. We explain.
Branding and business image are key considerations for start-ups. Ces Loftus-Price provides her golden rules for branding your new venture.
This trends summary explains how the demand for organic produce is forecast to grow, but it is also greatly affected by the economy.
The main factors affecting the plant nursery market trends are largely based on the economy and weather conditions.
Small businesses are looking to make significant operational changes, especially around efficiency and finances, in the 2024/25 financial year.
New research suggests that 45% of self-employed workers are not saving into a pension, prompting renewed calls for political parties to tackle the issue ahead of the next election.
Taxpayers now have until April 2025 to fill gaps in their National Insurance record from April 2006, giving them a chance to increase their State Pension.
The number of small businesses in the UK is growing; however, it's "one of the most challenging times to be a small business owner" according to retail expert Mary Portas.
The increased cost of doing business is preventing the UK's 5.5m small and medium-sized businesses from taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint, according to new research.
The Small Business Saturday campaign is calling on UK small firms to put themselves forward for the SmallBiz100 which showcases the best of Britain's small business community.
Managing multiple social media platforms can be time-consuming. We share five simple tips that can save you time and effort.
UK small businesses are weathering the storm caused by the cost-of-living crisis and the economic fallout from Brexit and COVID-19, according to new research.
Just because a branding strategy is easy to implement doesn't mean it is the right approach for your small business. Here's how to boost your branding by reviewing what your strategy.
Your business will face a range of online risks. Identity and Access Management can help protect your business from these risks.
New data from GoDaddy suggests that side hustles generate £22,900 a year on average.
A good marketing campaign can really make the difference in attracting new customers within any sector – even online banking. That's according to data from a new survey of 500 UK business leade...
Seven in ten small business owners say their bank ignores them and even "actively discriminates against them in favour of larger companies" according to a new survey.
Most businesses use social media to connect with customers, build brand loyalty or get a faster response to marketing. So, is organic social media or paid social media best for your business?
Elite Business Live comes to ATOMICON to uncover business nightmares and share insight into the challenges and pitfalls of running a successful business.
55% of small businesses in the UK still have unpaid invoices from 2022, according to new survey data
As Mental Health Awareness Week gets underway, a raft of new surveys have highlighted how stress is affecting the UK's self-employed workers and small business owners.
With all the online marketing options available these days, it's easy to overlook the benefits of a well-written press release. Here's how to write one.
Fast-track your journey to business ownership at London's only franchise exhibition supported by the British Franchise Association.
Ad fraud can appear in many guises, and in the ever-evolving mobile landscape, it can be even more difficult to address. Luckily Maria Novikova, CMO at Xenoss, shares her key methods for tackling...
Marketing is constantly evolving. This makes it more difficult to recruit the right person with the right skills for the job. We share five key things to look out for when recruiting a marketer.
Stand out from the crowd by delivering excellent, proactive customer service with these practical, winning strategies.
Discover how TikTok Shop is impacting online and ecommerce businesses from the seamless integration of shopping and social media to the amplification of influencer marketing.
Virgin StartUp has announced that it will be distributing up to £36 million in Start Up Loans to early-stage founders over the next two years.
How Preciso's powerful platform makes it easy for SMEs to plan, buy and manage advertising campaigns.
Small businesses are being offered the chance to take over a shop rent-free on London's Oxford Street, as part of Westminster City Council's Fairer Economy plan.
Who hasn't dreamt of fame and fortune at some point. If you want to make it in the music industry, you can use the power of streaming services and social media to grow your audience and your fort...
HMRC is urging self assessment customers to file early in order to help them manage their cashflow and spread payments.
New rules will make it easier for small businesses to shop around for a good deal on card readers.
SMEs won't have the blockbuster budget of the Barbie movie marketing team but that doesn't mean they can't utilise some of the techniques that have helped make the film a runaway success.
The TikTok Shop allows users to discover and purchase products directly from their favourite TikTok content creators or through brand advertisements. Here's how it can help your ecommerce busines...
A new survey finds that the majority of British employees support the idea of a "right to switch off" law that would allow them to ignore work emails while they're on holiday.
Need help managing your social media? You might be considering working with a social media service provider. We share five ways to identify the right provider for your business.
Email marketing allows you to engage with your customers. But you need to employ the right strategies to achieve your ultimate aims. Here are five strategies to supercharge your email marketing.
How do you cut through all the noise from social media, email newsletters and blog articles? You tell stories that connect with potential customers that prompt them to act.
As inflation drives up the cost of living, Brits are increasingly looking for extra sources of income to help make ends meet.
Brand experience is no longer optional but is a strategic imperative for small businesses aiming for sustainable growth. Discover how working with a brand experience agency is important.
New research reveals that almost half of all invoices issued by sole traders and small firms were paid late in the past year, leaving many business owners struggling with cash flow.
New research from American Express and Small Business Saturday has found that most SME business owners are growing in confidence.
A new study has found that this summer sees a two-year high for the proportion of seasonal businesses predicting growth for the quarter ahead.
Marketing automation can streamline marketing operations and boost efficiency. However, it's not without its challenges. Here's how to set up fool-proof marketing automation.
The dominance of online video content has created the demand for video editing tools. We review Movavi Video Editor and consider the pros, cons, features and pricing.
The Go Global Initiative aims to offer support and guidance to 100,000 UK small businesses over the next year, helping them to boost their exporting power.
Tradespeople are being urged to step up security as a crime wave sweeps through UK construction sites.
Tom Ollerton, founder of Automated Creative, discusses the launch of the company’s first ebook, how automation played a key role in its creation, and why the marketing industry is so hard to br...
The Federation of Small Businesses is calling on the government to simplify customs declarations procedures as it emerges that most small firms that trade overseas rely on expensive intermediarie...
People expect companies to be clear and honest in their dealings with the public. Discover how transparency about products, services and prices that builds customer trust and satisfaction.
Acas has issued new guidelines for employers in the wake of YouGov research that shows one in three workers say their bosses are not good at managing workplace stress.
Sometimes you need to edit your online content. Perhaps to amend or add products and pricing. But how can you amend your web content without impacting your ranking? Find out how.
More and more Brits are choosing to set up their own business, including 100,000 rural micro businesses that have been established in the past 12 months.
As a business, you will gather client data and information to deliver products easier. Gathering inaccurate data can damage your business. Here are ways to validate client data.
Our free downloadable product pricing calculator works out how much you should be charging to cover your costs and make a profit
Local search marketing is a great way to make your brand more discoverable to local customers. Discover five effective strategies for boosting your local search marketing.
Avoid the common pitfalls when writing meta tags in 2023, here are the rules, the best practice and the mistakes most people make it. Read more:
This trends summary explains that graphic designers must have up to date skills, as the sector becomes more competitive.
Google Analytics has been updated. Here's what every small business needs to know about Google Analytics 4.
How to find and choose the best keywords and search terms for your website using Google Keyword Planner to improve SEO and attract more customers.
How to use Google Alerts for your small business; a guide to getting the most out of Google Alerts including how to create customised Alerts.
How to recruit salespeople and hire marketing staff for your small business; from writing a job description to identifying the best candidates.
When marketing to children, it’s important to capture their attention and make it exciting. Read on for how to create interest and market to children successfully.
No matter how well you plan your marketing, there are always factors that can derail your plans. We look at the six factors that can adversely influence your marketing.
One of the quickest ways to increase your profits is to cut your costs. Discover how you can increase your bottom line and sales with these five tips.
Reviews of the UK’s most popular small business CRM software. Best free, best for ease of use and best for power users.
Podcasting has been around for a while, but more businesses are adding a podcast to their content marketing mix. Read the top five benefits of podcasting for your business.
Podcasting is booming with more than 4.3 million podcasts registered already. So, should you add podcasting to your content marketing mix and, if so, how do you create a small business podcast?
23 tips on how to improve engagement and traction on LinkedIn
How to set a sales strategy that will help your business achieve its growth potential, including setting sales targets, managing salespeople and using CRM systems.
How to write to your customers directly and get results by using targeted and compelling mailings, mailshots, emails and e-newsletters.[
How to position and market an innovative new product or service by conducting market research and highlighting the benefits to potential customers.
The essential guide to doing a SWOT analysis for your small business, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
This trend summary explains how the architectural sector is closely linked to the health of the economy and the state of the construction industry and the housing market.
The latest construction industry statistics show a booming and sustainable sector. Yet, rising construction costs and labor challenges in addition to new regulations are reducing the margin for e...
SMS marketing can be effective, but there’s more to it than just sending texts. So how do you choose the right provider and ask the right questions?
To make the most of the opportunities to network at trade shows, you should plan your visit in advance. What you need to bear in mind.
Small business confidence has recovered strongly between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023, according to the Federation of Small Businesses, but it is still in negative territory.
Here are some handy tips when choosing your app development agency to get you off to the best start!
A study of the best cities in the UK to work for a small business has found that Glasgow, Salford and Liverpool offer the best SME job opportunities and quality of life.
You can make product demonstrations simpler and more effective with a product demonstration platform – but which is right for your business? Read our review.
This article explains what E-A-T is, why it is important, and how you can incorporate it into your SEO strategy to improve your website's search rankings and overall online visibility.
Do you have plans to grow your business by reaching new customers or developing your website? Then you will need access to funding. Could digital loans be the answer?
It's important for fintech companies to stay on top of the latest digital marketing trends and techniques to stay competitive. We explore some key tips, tricks, and trends in digital marketing.
The best social media apps for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and more, including social media management software and content creation tools.
AI has helped reshape the working world, from generating copy to assisting with the implementation of new technology, here is a handy blog on how to use AI when adopting new technology.
A handy guide to explain how swag and gifts are the best way to get your company name out there by handing out freebies and gifts.
What is AIs place in the realm of B2B marketing and how can B2B marketers adopt technology for an increase in performance?
How estate agents and realtors can boost their presence and reach with online, digital marketing methods.
How to put your business in the spotlight by holding a promotional event, and how it could help you reach and impress prospective customers.
Customer data management and mobile tech are vital in today's sales landscape. Our guide to the basic tools available to improve sales success.
Our overview of how to choose and use sales agents, wholesalers and other distributors to access new markets, and how to manage the relationship.
How to work out whether telesales is right for your business, and make it work for you with effective planning and staff training.
If customers don't know you exist, they won't buy your goods or services. Here are five tips to make your business stand out in the crowd and become more visible to prospective customers.
What is influencer marketing? How social media influencers can promote your small business, improve brand awareness and boost your sales.
What is direct marketing?; how to get results from direct mail, leafleting, email marketing campaigns and text marketing.
Are you planning an email marketing campaign to teachers or school leaders? Read these three top tips to improve your, open, read and conversion rates.
Outdoor advertising puts your message in front of a big audience in a non-intrusive way. Start here and find out how it could help you.
Radio ads are a tried and tested way to reach a local audience, but you might not have even considered cinema or TV. Our overview of the benefits.
By 2025, 95% of the UK population will have a smartphone. Most people take their phone everywhere they go - making it the ideal way to get your messages read. Our overview.
Discover how AI and VR are revolutionising social media marketing, creating impactful, personalised interactions between companies and their customers.
Elite Business, the business publication dedicated to inspiring Britain's SMEs, continues its nationwide tour broadcasting live for free at the UK's best expos.
The number of financial advice firms is declining, and while the vast majority of players are still small outfits the number of larger players with over 50 advisors is on the up.This trend looks ...
This blog discusses the most important steps when creating a Facebook campaign if you want to guarantee success.
Street food stalls, property letting businesses and online retailers were the biggest growth sectors in 2023, as the number of UK start-ups increased by 12% compared to 2022.
In this article, we share tips that will help you generate more leads from organic traffic channels, paid media, and lead providers, boosting customer acquisition and growing your bottom line.
According to a new survey by Capital on Tap, only 1% of small businesses in the UK have never had to deal with an overdue invoice
Funding is a significant barrier for would-be entrepreneurs but new research has found that most people think that business start-up costs are far higher than they really are.
Despite good intentions - especially at this time of year - many Brits lack the time or energy to exercise outside of work, according to a new report.
HMRC has revealed that a record number of Self Assessment tax returns were submitted by the filing deadline.
New research has found that Newcastle, London and Leicester are the best UK cities to start a small business in 2024, based on data including business growth and average monthly rents.
This blog provides small business owners with actionable marketing tips. Whether you're starting out or refining existing strategies, these insights will help your business stand out in the crowd...
Virtual reality (VR) offers exciting new opportunities for marketers to promote and sell excursions, days out and holidays to tourist destinations around the world.
As the 31 January self assessment tax deadline approaches, Brits are being urged not to fall for phishing emails, calls or texts that purport to come from the UK tax body HMRC.
A new survey of UK small business owners has found that 69% of those polled said they would consider changing banks this year, as many seek new ways to grow their business.
The premier business conference, Elite Business Live, is set to open its doors for the 11th year on 13-14 March 2024, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, St. Paul's, London.
Read the five top tips for managing returns as a SME from Capital on Tap.
Business surveys published this month suggest that one in two small business owners are feeling optimistic about their prospects in 2024, with many looking to grow.
Give your small business marketing a boost in 2024 with ten marketing ideas that can raise brand awareness, improve customer loyalty or help you convert interest into sales.
Attracting customers is only the first step in your customer relationship. Next, you need to work out how to retain your customers. This is where a winning loyalty programme can help.
Developing a custom software solution is not without its risks. We look at the common pitfalls and share some simple solutions and successful case studies demonstrating how to do it.
We take a look back at the changes in 2023 in the world of PPC with Tom Welbourne of The Good Marketer from automation to the return to creativity in marketing.
Tens of thousands of Brits aged over 50 have started running their own businesses in the past three years, bucking an overall downward trend in self-employment.
Anyone selling goods or services via online platforms needs to be aware of new rules regarding the way that digital platforms such as eBay share information with HMRC; it could affect the amount ...
Amazon is withholding payments from hundreds of UK sellers while it conducts new VAT checks; some traders are reporting that they are still waiting to be paid even though they have supplied all t...
Maximize Performance Max Campaigns: Know your audience, automate, get creative, test, stay updated, focus on metrics, use ad extensions, optimize for mobile, watch competitors, utilize remarketin...
Family lawyers call for pensions to be a compulsory part of divorce proceedings as full-scale of pension disparity revealed
Financial analysts predict that the Bank of England is likely to reduce interest rates in the coming months but will they cut the rate when they meet this week? Businesses are certainly hoping fo...
A new survey of small businesses has found that two-thirds of UK business owners and freelancers say they expect to do better in 2024 compared to last year.
A new survey by the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE) has found that 10% of skilled freelancers are currently out of work due to the impact of controversial re...
Research by Acas has found that most employees don't know about new laws that will make it easier to request flexible working.
PPC search ads are shown to potential customers when they search using specific, pre-selected keywords or 'trigger' phrases. We explain how you can generate highly targeted leads with PPC ads.
More and more small businesses are using social media influencers as part of their sales and marketing strategy; and new research shows that those that do are reaping the rewards.
A new study has investigated the impact of bank branch closures on the UK's small business community.
UK businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors, can benefit from a new free information guide that has been launched by Business Companion to give a clear, concise, and up-to-date overview of the...
50% of UK start ups fail within three years. We share start up tips for surviving the Death Valley curve – that tricky period when your start up is operational but is yet to achieve positive ca...
A sale is not just about shifting old stock by offering a discount. It is a good opportunity to boost year-round conversions and build relationships with your customers.
Discover how brands can run effective programmatic campaigns using AI and machine learning to gather actionable insights without compromising consumer privacy.
Despite challenging conditions, the number of UK digital micro businesses turning over more than £ 100,000 a year grew substantially during 2023, and almost a fifth (17%) now bring in six-figure...
Do you really need a custom website or can you get away with building a website for your business using a site builder? We look at why using a professional will give you a more impactful result.
Thousands of small businesses have been asked to pay back the R&D tax relief they received in recent years as part of an HMRC crackdown on error and fraud.
Despite challenging conditions, the number of UK digital micro-businesses turning over more than £100,000-a-year grew substantially during 2023.
You will have many touchpoints with your customers on their journey from awareness to purchase. Understanding these touchpoints can help you optimise your strategies and drive conversions.
Although Chancellor Jeremy Hunt claimed small businesses were close to his heart during his Spring Budget speech, many of those who represent the UK’s 5.5m SMEs were left distinctly underwhelme...
Societal pressures to conform and lack of support from friends and family are key barriers for people that want to start their own business, according to new research.
Identifying the source of poor-quality leads from PPC ad campaigns can be difficult if you don't understand prospects' journeys. Mediahawk shares some top tips for attracting the right leads.
Selling anything online requires an attractive, functional website. But this is especially true when you're selling artworks where the visual is so intrinsic to an item's appeal and saleability.
New research has found that many business owners are reluctant to take out loans to help grow their business because of the risk to their personal assets, including their homes.
The fee that businesses have to pay to register a limited company with Companies House is to increase significantly from 1 May 2024.
A guide to essential strategies that micro-businesses can adopt to propel their business growth including networking and partnerships, technology and branding.
HMRC is urging almost 5.7 million people to file their 2022/23 tax return as the 31 January self-assessment deadline approaches.
Different social media platforms will attract different audiences. That's why your business needs to engage with your audience on multiple platforms.
Calls-to-action prompt your site users to take via clickable buttons or hyperlinks that lead directly to sales. They also help users navigate your site but only when they are placed properly. Rea...
Agencies, brand advertisers and marketers only have seconds for their adverts to resonate and a matter of milliseconds for real-time bidding decisions. Here's how smart bid technology can give sm...
Anyone that has earned income as a self-employed worker in the 2022/23 tax year must register for Self Assessment by 5 October if they haven't done so already.
A recent survey of retailers across the UK has found that cash remains a crucial payment method that keeps tills ringing for independent shops and small businesses.
Almost a third of small business decision-makers are struggling to sleep because of concerns about the challenges they are facing, according to new research.
How to improve online conversion rates on your website so browsers become buyers and you sell more online using Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO).
A strong brand identity could be the difference between blending in or standing out in a crowded marketplace. Discover how you can create a brand that stands out.
As remote work becomes more prevalent, businesses need to think about how they recognise and engage with dispersed teams so that teams feel valued.
Business groups are calling for government action as the British Independent Retailers Association declares that rising retail crime poses a "severe threat" to shopkeepers.
New research suggests that Saturday jobs may be a thing of the past, as most young people say they would rather run their own business than work in retail or hospitality.
Quiet times can be challenging for nonprofits. Building the lifetime value and retention of regular donors can help charities through these leaner months. Here's how you can do it.
More than one in two small businesses rely on ecommerce platforms to sell online but many face problems with fake reviews, late payments and infringement of intellectual property.
If you want to be found online, you need to keep up with the latest developments in SEO. We look at the some of the key trends in SEO in 2023.
A branded email address demonstrates to the world that your business is professional. Here's how you can set up a professional business email with all the familiarity and functionality of Gmail.
Many women decide to start a business to get more control over their work-life balance and now they say they're happier as their own boss, according to new research from Small Business Britain.
Social and search ads can be valuable additions to a small business' marketing, but which is the right one for you and what's the difference? This blog explains all.
New research has found that more than half of UK business owners don't have a will and 69% haven't thought about succession planning.
Almost 10,000 start-up loans were awarded to businesses during the 2022/23 financial year; however, the number of loans has been decreasing year-on-year and the British Chamber of Commerce is cal...
This year's annual InMobi Back-to-School survey reveals that in-person shopping is down but opportunities for online sales are up. We look at the main headlines.
Lightyear is targeting UK freelancers and solopreneurs with new business accounts that promise them the chance to earn more interest on company money.
Point-of-sale marketing is a powerful way to encourage shoppers to make impulse purchases, try new lines or simply help you shift old stock - ultimately boosting your bottom line.
The proportion of UK small businesses with specific plans for growth has reached its highest level for three years, according to new research.
Small businesses across the country are being invited to sign up for a series of free online workshops and one-to-one mentoring, as the Small Business Saturday campaign enters its second decade i...
Learn where the affiliate marketing industry is and where the experts expect it to develop at PI LIVE Europe, this October.
What can you do when your marketing strategy is not hitting the mark? The experts from Mediahawk share four steps you can take to revitalise your activity and results.
The busiest shopping season of the year is just around the corner. Here's how small businesses can prepare for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
As Christmas draws closer, the latest economic analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce, the IoD and the CBI suggests that business confidence is still in the doldrums and growth is expected ...
Email marketing remains an important element in most marketing strategies. These days it's even easier to get great results thanks to the wide range of tools on the market. We look at 12 such too...
Accountants are warning that piecemeal changes to the way self assessment works could cause confusion for UK tax payers.
There's a wide array of project management techniques that can be confusing. That said, these techniques can help your business to grow and succeed. Here's why you should use project management a...
The Boxing Day and January sales can be crucial for many small businesses, setting them up for the year. To maximise turnover at this important time, you need to prep now! Here's how to get ready...
Christmas is the most profitable period for four out of five small firms, according to research by the Small Business Saturday campaign.
Chancellor of the exchequer Jeremy Hunt has unveiled what he calls "an Autumn Statement for growth", delivering "the biggest business tax cut in modern British history" and welcomed by the Federa...
There are a range of predictions for this weekend's Black Friday sales in the UK, with one study suggesting that Brits will spend half as much as they did last year.
Discover how to optimise your Amazon listings to increase visibility and sales in this brief guide.
A survey of UK sole traders has revealed worrying gaps in the financial knowledge of many small business owners; another poll has found that most people don't know what happens to their pensions ...
Video content is playing an increasingly import role in the content marketing efforts of many businesses. The experts from Wallbreaker share their top tips for creating impactful video that works...
We explore the key factors that make content creators decide to work with specific brands and what factors can damage working relationships.
Following a Companies House announcement, users of Companies House Direct (CHD) and WebCHeck services are switching to the 'Find and Update' service
One in three self-employed individuals have never applied for a mortgage and many say they haven't even tried because they assume they would be rejected.
A new survey has uncovered some of the difficult decisions that small business owners say they've had to make to ensure the success of their business, including missing family events and sacrific...
A new study has discovered that more than 85% of small firms that do business with friends and family could potentially be losing out on hundreds of pounds a week because they don't charge enough...
UK microbusiness owners are significantly less optimistic about their national economy and individual growth prospects than US counterparts, according to a new GoDaddy study of digital/online mic...
Late payments are a powerful economic disruptor impacting businesses of all sizes. Studies have shown small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and freelancers are particularly at risk, with the impact...
As the number of freelancers rises, new research finds that digital marketers, data analysts and website developers are some of the freelance roles that are most in demand.
As consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious, businesses need to adopt more eco-friendly practices. Businesses must also adopt green marketing to promote their green credentials.
Existing customers are better for your bottom line as they cost less to look after, spend more and they often bring in new customers through their endorsements. Here's how to retain more customer...
This trend summary explains that the interior design sector in the UK is very much fashion led and is susceptible to changes in the economic climate.
This trends summary explains why the catering industry changes rapidly in line with the economy.
This trends summary explains how intensive poultry production has changed in line with sensitivity to animal welfare issues.
This trends summary explains how the male grooming sector has seen a huge growth in recent years.
This trend summary explains how hygiene regulations and tattoo conventions lend to the increased popularity of tattoos.
This trends summary explains that the shoe repair sector has to provide other services, as demand for footwear repair declines.
This trends summary explains how the picture framing sector is broadly connected by the economy.
This trends summary explains how the photography sector broadly reflects the economy.
This trends summary explains how the pet grooming sector has become a multi-billion pound business, while still refecting the economy.
This trends summary explains how the pest control sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the personal trainer sector is growing and changing, while also reflecting the economy.
This trends summary explains how the pawnbroker sector has expanded steadily in the UK.
This trends summary explains why the motorcycle rider training sector is steadily growing.
This trend summary explains that the locksmith sector mainly by the general level of crime and the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains changes in the window cleaning sector as demand and competition increase, lowering rates and wages.
This trends summary explains how life coaching has grown rapidly as people have become aware of the potential for improving their lives.
This trends summary explains that the garden services sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the demand for antique furniture restoration reflects the antiques market, the economy, and fashion.
This trends summary explains how the funeral director sector is directly affected by the number of deaths each year and these have been falling over many years.
This trends summary explains how the estate agent sector continues to grow with the internet providing a powerful marketing tool rather than a threat.
This trends summary explains how the dry cleaner sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains that demand for driving instruction is very closely linked to trends in the number of teenagers and young adults.
This trends summary explains how the dress maker sector is broadly connected to the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains how the demand for day nursery care providers in the UK has been steadily increasing over the last few years.
This trends summary explains how the upholstering sector reflects the housing market, fashion and the economy as a whole.
This trends summary explains how the acupuncture sector has seen a huge increase in demand for treatment.
This trends summary explains how modern chimney sweeps now offer a wide range of chimney services as the trend changes from traditional coal fires to oil, gas ad solid fuel appliances.
This trends summary explains how reflexology and other complementary and alternative medicines are gaining popularity.
This trends summary explains developments in the public house sector, such as more pub chains and new regulations.
This trend summary explains that pizza delivery has become a very popular takeaway meal option, particularly with students and young people.
This trends summary explains why the catering industry changes rapidly in line with the economy.
This trend summary explains recent developments in the mobile takeaway industry.
This trend summary explains that internet cafés must offer fast internet connection and a range of other services to attract custom.
This trends summary explains that the market for ice cream has expanded greatly as different types of ice creams have been introduced.
This trend summary explains that while other fast food sectors have prospered in recent years, fish and chips have been left behind.
This trend summary explains how the trend of eating out has benefited Chinese restaurants, while also resulting in a huge increase in competition.
This trends summary explains how the popularity of eating out has helped the cafe sector to grow enormously in recent years.
This trends summary explains how the physiotherapy sector reflects the economy.
This trends summary explains how the aromatherapist sector has grown hugely over the last few years.
This trends summary explains how the pharmacy sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains why the osteopath sector is growing. The treatment is now mainstream rather 'complementary'.
This trends summary explains how the optician sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the nutritional therapist sector has seen a significant increase in recent years.
This trends summary explains how the dental sector has seen an increasing number of dentists moving away from the NHS and offering private treatment to patients.
This trends summary explains how the dental lab sector has been competitive for such a long time, margins are slim, wages low and there has been little investment in training.
This trends summary explains how the chiropractor sector is one of the most popular complementary and alternative medicines.
This trends summary explains that in the chiropodist sector in recent years there has been an increase in both NHS and private provision.
This trends summary explains how the Chinese herbalist sector has risen in recent years.
This trends summary explains how the care home sector continues to rise.
This trends summary explains how the clothes hire sector is continuing to grow whilst changing with the times.
This trends summary explains how the demand for childcare services has grown steadily over the last few years.
This trend summary explains how amusement arcades are regulated by government legislations.
This trends summary explains the changes in the motor industry, changes that are broadly linked to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the management consultancy sector has become increasingly important but is affected by the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains how the courier delivery service sector has changed. Internet shopping has turned it into a huge sector.
This trends summary explains that demand for contract cleaning services has grown steadily. But competition is intense as there are so many small businesses, often operating from home. This has k...
This trends summary explains that because businesses are required by law to keep records of their financial transactions there is always a demand for the book-keeper's services. However, it is br...
This trends summary explains that demand for accountancy services is affected by the health or otherwise of the economy - during times of recession many clients become bankrupt and survivors redu...
This trends summary explains that more cars on the road creates a large and steady demand for the windscreen service sector.
This trends summary explains developments in the used car sales sector, such as connections to the economy and new legislation.
This trends summary explains that the tyre fitting sector suffers from increased competition, but the demand for tyres remains high.
This trends summary explains that the motorcycle dealer sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on their cars is linked to the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains that the music industry as a whole has had to adapt to changes in the way that people buy and listen to music.
This trends summary explains that there have been many casualties in the petrol retailing sector as a result of intense competition and very low margins on fuel sales.
This trends summary explains how classic car values (especially sports cars) dictate whether it is financially worthwhile to rebuild badly deteriorated vehicles, but in general there is steady de...
Despite the large number of vehicles on the road, the car repair sector as a whole has not had an easy time. Demand for repairs continues to fall with the improved reliability of new cars and man...
This trends summary explains that the demand for items to customise or individualise cars remains strong whereas DIY servicing has declined.
Demand for car body repairs depends to a large extent on the accident rate. Accident damage is likely to remain a big source of work for the foreseeable future with insurance work accounting for ...
This trends summary explains how there continues to be a high demand for car alarm fitters to sell security upgrades and tracking devices as vehicle-related theft is still a problem in the UK.
This trends summary explains changes in the vet sector reflecting the increase in small animals and a decrease in farmed livestock.
This trends summary explains that the turf supply market reflects the housing market and weather conditions.
This trends summary explains how the tree surgeon sector reflects the housing market and disposable income of households.
This trends summary explains how the smallholding sector reflects price and legislation changes in the agricultural sector.
This trends summary explains how the office based business is sector connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains that technology in the sign making sector has increased competition and expanded the market.
This trends summary explains how the burglar alarm fitter sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the scaffolding sector is connected to the construction sector and the economy as a whole.
This trends summary explains how the boarding kennel sector is changing constantly due to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the beauty salon sector has grown considerably over the last decade as consumers have become more and more conscious of the way they look.
This trends summary explains how the aerial installer sector is broadly connected to the economy and ever changing technology.
This trends summary explains how the window fitting sector reflects the housing market and the broader economy.
This trends summary explains how the tool hire sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the tiling services sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the thatching sector changes with modern technology, regulations and the economy.
This trends summary explains how the skip hire sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trends summary explains how the shopfitting sector is affected by the retail economy and construction sector.
This trends summary explains how the roofing sector reflects changes in the construction sector and the economy as a whole.
This trends summary explains that more firms are using temporary labour and staff agencies to fill vacancies quickly and easily.
This trends summary explains how the plumbing sector reflects the economy plus construction industry technology and regulations.
This trends summary explains how the plastering sector reflects the economy plus construction industry technology and regulations.
This trends summary explains how the painting and decorating sector reflects changes in the economy.
This trends summary explains how the fencing contractor sector is broadly connected to the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains how the demand for domestic electrical services is closely linked to the housing market and the strength of the economy as a whole.
This trends summary explains how the building supplies sector is closely linked to the housing market and economy in general.
This trends summary explains that the building sector is largely affected by the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains how the architectural sector is closely linked to the health of the economy and the state of the construction industry and the housing market.
This trends summary explains that web developers must have up to date skills, as the sector becomes more competitive.
This trend summary explains that the waste collection sector will grow as new legislation and recycling requirements increase.
This trend summary explains that the sandwich industry has seen strong growth in recent years and is continuing to grow, although very much faster in London than in the rest of the country.
This trend summary explains how caravanning and camping are very popular activities.
Recent years have seen a huge increase in and use of complementary and alternative medicine. This summary explains why the homeopath sector is growing and the treatment is now becoming mainstream...
This trend summary explains the fluctuations of the tack shop sector in recent years.
Any business needs to keep a steady flow of customers coming through its doors - and loans agencies are no exception. How to attract more clients.
This trends summary explains how construction based businesses are broadly connected to the economy.
The carpet industry tends to benefit when the economy is strong and the housing market is buoyant.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the taxi trade.
This trend summary explains that the removals sector is heavily dependent on the health of the housing market and the economy as a whole.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in the minicab and private hire sector in recent years.
This trend summary explains how the limousine hire industry has grown rapidly in recent years with a rise in the number of limousines seen on UK roads.
This trend summary explains the changes in the bus and coach sector in recent years.
This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the toy shop sector in recent years.
This trend summary explains that the sport of surfing in the UK and the image and lifestyle that surrounds it is currently very popular and fashionable.
This trends summary explains how the driveways and patios sector is broadly connected to the economy.
This trend summary explains what is happening in the sports shop sector.
This trend summary explains the changes in the show shop sector over recent years.
This trend summary explains that demand for scrap metal is directly affected by the demand for steel worldwide, which is closely linked to the state of the global economy.
This trend summary explains how the retail-based sector fluctuates with the economy.
This trend summary explains that the music retailing business in the UK has seen many changes over the past two decades.
This trend summary explains the results of a steady fall in post offices over the last 10 years.
This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the photo equipment sector in recent years.
This trend summary explains that despite the fall in number of pets, the amount spent on pets increases.
This trend summary explains that the outdoor equipment shop sector remains relatively strong despite a challenging economic climate.
This trends summary explains how the damp proofer sector is broadly connected to the economy.
How to plan your negotiating strategy, conduct a successful negotiation with customers and suppliers and get great deals for your business
This trend summary explains what has been happening in the off-licence sector in recent years.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the wholesaling sector.
This summary explains how health shops have grown considerably over the last decade as consumers have become more and more conscious of their wellbeing.
This trends summary explains how the haulier sector is broadly connected to the economy, but the shift to more home deliveries has seen the sector grow in recent years
This trends summary explains the difficulties that hairdresser face within this competitive sector
Renowned drag queen, Davina de Campo, shares five tips on how to build your own brand identity.
LinkedIn is renowned for the access it provides to a global professional network. But can LinkedIn ads benefit your business? Find out more.
Online platforms are increasingly saturated so why not try a different approach? Stickers are cheap, flexible and can be used in a multitude of ways.
Building rapport is key to convincing your audience of what you're saying. These seven top tips will help calm your nerves and connect with the crowd.
Pinterest is a powerful driver of traffic and product sales. Gemma Went shares her expert tips on getting the best out of your Pinterest boards.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the coach trade.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the convenience store sector.
Pricing guide: how to get your pricing strategy right to maximise profits, boost sales, keep prices competitive and protect your margins.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the blacksmith sector.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the tanning industry.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in recent years in the language school sector.
How to improve customer service and build customer loyalty to boost sales and encourage word of mouth recommendation.
How to sell your products or services to other businesses, including how to pitch for contracts, selling the benefits and how to close a deal.
How to use advertising to grow your business, including online advertising such as Pay Per Click, as well as print ads, radio, TV and cinema advertising
Public relations (PR) builds brand awareness, enhances your reputation, creates publicity and brings in new customers.
An essential guide to customer databases, direct mail and email marketing for small businesses.
How to create a marketing action plan that meets your business objectives using SWOT analysis, sales forecasts, scheduling and measurement of results
The essential guide to market research for small businesses, covering desk research, field research, qualitative research and quantitative research
This trend summary explains that in a competitive market such as this, an independent supplier needs to be able to differentiate itself from competitors.
This trend summary explains how traditional newsagents have had to face intense competition in recent years because supermarkets and many other outlets have diversified and now sell the newsagent...
This trend summary explains that cycling events can succeed as long as they are well run and offer the participants the level of service that they would expect from their entry fee.
This trend summary explains that there has been a revival of traditional cheese making to meet demand.
This trend summary explains that the last decade or so has seen interest in architectural salvage increase hugely.
This trend summary explains how demand for antiques depends to some extent on the health of the economy,
This trend summary explains that demand for hand-made and unique craft products has increased over the last couple of decades or so and is connected to the economy.
This trend summary explains that the demand for printing services has reflected the state of the economy as a whole.
This trend summary explains how the pottery sector is connected to the economy.
This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on furniture and furnishings is affected by the state of the economy and the housing market.
This trends summary explains how the changes in the lifestyles and eating habits of consumers have affected the food manufacturing sector.
This trend summary explains the developments that in general terms the manufacturing sector has seen in recent years.
This trend summary explains that recent years have seen a significant contraction in the UK clothing and knitwear manufacturing industry.
This trends summary explains how expenditure on decorative items for the house or garden reflects the state of the property market.
This trend summary explains that the amount of money that artists and hobbyists spend on artists' materials is affected by the state of the economy.
This trends summary explains how participation in snooker and pool is affected by the disposable income of consumers.
This trend summary explains that many people who want to ride regularly have to go to a riding school or trekking centre.
This trend summary explains the developments in the paintball centre sector.
This trend summary explains significant updates in the outdoor activities sector.
This trend summary explains the changes in the night club sector as a result of increased competition and regulations.
This trend summary explains that the mobile DJ sector tends to be one of the first to feel the effects of fluctuations in the economy.
This trend summary explains that the financial performance of driving ranges is closely linked to the popularity of golf.
This trends summary explains that while the fitness sector has experienced steady demand, the chains have benefitted more than the independents.
This trend summary explains the fluctuations of the event hire sector.
This trend summary explains that this sector tends to be one of the first to feel the effects of fluctuations in the economy.
This trend summary explains that art has become more important as interest has grown in interior design and decor - and in art for art's sake.
This trend summary explains what is happening in the bakery sector.
This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the needlecrafts sector in recent years.
This trend summary explains that participation numbers may have increased in recent times as people look for cheaper leisure activities.
This trend summary explains the factors affecting the music shop sector.
This trend summary explains that mobile phone stores must stay on top of the constant change and evolution of mobile technology if they want to be successful.
This trend summary explains what has been happening in the milk retailing sector.
This trend summary explains that in common with all independent retailers, market traders have suffered in recent years from increasing competition.
This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on clothes - including lingerie - is affected by the state of the economy.
This trend summary explains that there has been a steady long term increase in demand for garden products, for a number of reasons.
This trend summary explains that during the past 20 years or so the number of independent furniture retailers in the UK has fallen steadily.
This trend summary explains that in recent years there have been many changes to the structure of the flower growing industry.
This trend summary explains the fluctuations in the fishmonger sector over recent years.
This trend summary explains that the number of independent electrical retailers has been falling for some years now.
This trend summary explains that cycle ownership and use in the UK are on the increase.
This trend summary explains that buying and selling on eBay is part of the wider e-commerce sector which has seen strong growth in recent years.
This trend summary explains the changes seen in the e-business sector over recent years and probable trends going forward.
This trend summary explains that consumer spending on materials for DIY projects has been falling for many years according to government figures.
This trend summary explains that over the last twenty years or so the popularity of delicatessen, specialty and fine foods has grown enormously,
This trend summary explains the huge changes that have occurred in the computer industry since the development of the personal computer.
This trend summary explains that the clothing sector evolves as consumer interest in branded fashion labels increases.
This trend summary explains that the amount of money that people spend on carpets and floor coverings is affected by the state of the economy and the housing market.
This trend summary explains the changes in the butcher sector over recent years.
This trend summary explains that the bridal wear sector has had to adapt to a number of developments over the last decade or so.
This trend summary explains that the last two decades or so have been a turbulent time for the book trade.
What can PR do for your small business? How to use PR effectively, get positive media coverage and promote your business in the press.[