Skip to main content
We're here with practical information for your business. Learn about business planning, running a business and more.

Search

For a successful business, you need a viable business idea, the skills to make it work and the funding. Discover whether your idea has what it takes.

Forming your business correctly is essential to ensure you are protected and you comply with the rules. Learn how to set up your business.

Advice on protecting your wellbeing, self-confidence and mental health from the pressures of starting and running a business.

Learn why business planning is an essential exercise if your business is to start and grow successfully, attract funding or target new markets.

It is likely you will need funding to start your business unless you have your own money. Discover some of the main sources of start up funding.

Businesses and individuals must account for and pay various taxes. Understand your tax obligations and how to file, account and pay any taxes you owe.

Businesses are required to comply with a wide range of business laws. We introduce the main rules and regulations you must comply with.

Marketing matters. It drives sales and helps promote your brand and products. Discover how to market your business and reach your target customers.

Some businesses need a high street location whilst others can be run from home. Understand the key factors from cost to location, size to security.

Your employees can your biggest asset. They can also be your biggest challenge. We explain how to recruitment and manage staff successfully.

It is likely your business could not function without some form of IT. Learn how to specify, buy, maintain and secure your business IT.

Few businesses manage the leap from start up to high-growth business. Learn what it takes to scale up and take your business to the next level.

Eight in ten firms say R&D has suffered during the pandemic

18 May 2021

The vast majority of businesses that carry out research and innovation work in the UK have reported delays or stoppages to research activities during the pandemic, according to a new poll.

A survey of 500 R&D active businesses, conducted by the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB) and The University of Cambridge, has found that research activities have been significantly curtailed by COVID-19.

The key findings show that:

  • 81% of businesses reported delays or stoppages to research during the pandemic
  • 12% had to stop research activity altogether
  • 77% saw delays to product/service demonstrations, testing and/or trial production
  • 96% reported changes to collaborative projects with universities

Dr Joe Marshall, chief executive of NCUB, said the findings prove that the pandemic "has had a detrimental effect on businesses' ability to engage in research and development (R&D) activities in the UK".

He said: "COVID-19 has affected research and innovation activities, but it is precisely these activities that will be vitally important to our recovery. It is therefore hugely concerning that these new results show that businesses that currently invest in R&D in the UK have suffered significant delays and stoppages to their innovation activity. The pressure for the nation to position itself as a global competitor for further R&D investment has truly never been greater, and this needs to be rectified urgently."

The NCUB is urging the government to act now to ensure businesses and the R&D infrastructure are supported. "The UK should be world leading, yet in the last ten years we spent £44 billion less on R&D than we would have if we had invested at the OECD average," said Marshall. "The government has, however, previously committed to spending £22 billion on R&D in 2024/25 and it is imperative for the nation's future, that they do not lose sight of this promise."

Tomas Ulrichsen, director of the University Commercialisation and Innovation Policy Evidence Unit at the University of Cambridge, said: "What is most concerning from the evidence presented in this report is the significant disruption to prototyping, demonstration, testing and trial production as a result of the pandemic. These activities are crucial for converting the ideas and technologies developed through R&D into economic and commercial value that benefits the UK. An effective and coordinated approach from government is urgently needed to support not just R&D but also its translation and commercialisation into economic value."

Written by Rachel Miller.

Stay up-to-date with business advice and news

Sign up to this lively and colourful newsletter for new and more established small businesses.