I was about ten years old when I got a pink plastic sewing machine for Christmas, and started making dresses for Barbies. I sold them for around 50p to my neighborhood friends, and spent my profits on buying ice cream, fashion designer Ornella Gallo dI Fortuna explained when asked how long she's been an entrepreneur. more»
The latest official figures suggest the UK's so-called productivity puzzle? remains a serious concern, as we continue to lag far behind our competitor countries. more»
Tangle Teezer exports 82 per cent of its 28.4m sales revenue to more than 70 countries. Twenty Tangle Teezer brushes are currently being sold every minute. To find out more about what it takes to create a successful global brand with a market leading product and a small team, Business Advice sat down with company CEO Matt Lumb. more»
Marking National Apprenticeship Week 2016, which runs from 14 to 18 March, an independent study from the Skills Funding Agency has found that eight in ten managers value apprenticeships above other means of growing a small business. more»
Barclays has announced the launch of Eagle Labs, designed to incubate new businesses. Startups will gain access to resources including expert mentoring, event spaces, 3D printers and laser cutters. more»
The UK's small manufacturing businesses are optimistic about the industry's performance over the next quarter to April, with domestic orders and exports set to improve. more»
Small business bosses constantly strive to safeguard their reputation, and in order to have continued trust and loyalty from customers, they must be able to guarantee the quality of their goods. However, in many situations companies don't have complete control over components and goods that enter the supply chain and that can wind up in their end product. more»
Supply chain innovation could maximise growth for small firms as consumer goods spending forecast predictions remain minimal in the UK and across Europe. more»
For many young companies, exporting to a couple of countries would be a big achievement. Few owners dream of distributing products to 70 locations around the world after eight years of trading. more»
The latest business to feature in our section profiling exciting companies in the small business space is Beauchamps of London a venture led by entrepreneur Alex Fagan, producing high-end leather goods for a discerning customer. more»
