Could free government cash bring small businesses out of productivity crisis?
The government is being urged to bring in a new "Productivity Allowance" to help drag the UK out of a "lost decade" of economic woes. more»
Finance
HR
When can an employee take unpaid leave?
Many employers will be aware of a worker’s annual entitlement to paid annual leave, however, fewer will be aware of an individual’s ability to take a periods of unpaid leave more»
Tax & admin
£120,000 VAT scam exposed: HMRC sentences small business owner
A clothing wholesaler from Rochdale has been sentenced by HMRC after forging documents to steal almost £120,000 in VAT repayments. more»
On the up
Swole Panda: Sustainable bamboo clothing from young menswear entrepreneurs
As part of our Young Entrepreneurs series, we caught up with Oliver and James Slacke, co-founders of bamboo-based fashion brand Swole Panda. more»
Work and Wellbeing
How UK workers are using mobile apps to keep on top of their mental health
Nearly half of British workers are logging on to mobile apps to monitor stress and boost their mental health. more»
Business development
The difference between a raffle and a prize draw
Whilst some people might think of a "raffle" as a generic term for prize draws and competitions, strictly speaking, it’s not. more»
Franchising
My franchisor went out of business: Why am I stuck with a £4,000 termination fee?
What happens when your franchisor enters administration? Is your franchise agreement automatically terminated? more»
High Streets Initiative
Amidst the high street chaos, small retailers are finding alternative ways to fight back
While we might not have seen the last of the woes faced by town-centre retailers, the future is not necessarily so gloomy for independent retailers. more»
Insurance
Will I be sued by my old employer if I set up a rival company on garden leave?
When starting a rival company, how likely is your previous employer to enforce a restrictive covenant? Grid Law founder David Walker assists one reader looking to begin contacting potential clients while on gardening leave. more»
From the top
The Apprentice 2018 Episode 2 review: What “real” entrepreneurs think of the candidates
Has The Apprentice lost its sense of reality? Our expert panel of former winner Ricky Martin, a TV entrepreneur and a leading business coach offer their perspectives on the series so far. more»
