The European Union yesterday called on Member States to participate in a major review of the accounting directives for small to medium-sized businesses to help reduce the administrative burden on them.

Managing teams is tricky enough, but when you have a challenging manager to deal with as well - I guess you could do without it. But a structured approach can mean success for all sides.

Worrying new figures show a 10 percent increase in crimes committed against businesses in 2008, along with an 18 percent rise in the cost of business crime.

Small businesses will now incur more cost as Royal Mail charge business owners an extra £170 per year for one collection per day.
The new flat rate fee offers a service with fewer collections as the morning collection has been abandoned, but with additional charges to businesses amounting to £450 per year. The changes were [...]

Email marketing is one of the most cost effective ways to improve the visibility of businesses. Email newsletters offer quick distribution amongst existing and potential customers. However, many SMEs fail to galvanise their readers because of ineffective language and content.
To get the most from email marketing, Bryan Black, managing director of SmartFocus, a digital [...]

Norwich Union research says that one in six small business owners experience a level of stress that causes sleepless nights.
According to the survey, 750,000 people are affected by sleeplessness, with 46% identifying the market downturn as the biggest contributor to their worries. Concerns over customers defaulting on payments amounts to 30% of business owners’ [...]

Businesses, now more than ever, need to harness the attention and loyalty of customers. Customer retention rates are decreasing as people are more inclined to shop around for the best deals. Subsequently, SMEs are advised to ensure their delivery of service is second to none.
The potential revenue stream from existing customers can be enough to [...]

SMEs may have to make significant adjustments to handle changes in maternity benefits, due to come into force in October.
The changes are expected to put a substantial financial strain on SMEs as they will be required to provide all non-cash benefits for the entire duration of maternity leave. Previously, they were only obliged to [...]