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.

New initiatives put small firms in the spotlight

17 November 2020

A new collaboration between Yell and Amazon means that millions of small businesses can now be found using Alexa; and a start-up is offering grants to help SMEs make TV ads.

Since October, over 2.5 million Yell customers in the UK have become discoverable via Alexa thanks to a collaboration between Yell and Amazon. This agreement is in addition to similar arrangements that Yell has in place with Apple and Bing. The rich content includes consumer reviews, opening hours and other business information.

According to Yell, ownership of voice-activated smart speakers in Great Britain has grown by 35% since 2019 and over two-thirds of owners interact with their voice assistants on a daily basis. Now, thanks to the collaboration, Brits can ask Alexa to find them a local plumber or a nearby hairdresser.

Claire Miles, ceo of Yell, said: "We're always looking at how we can broaden the channels from which our customers can be found. With many of us spending more time in our homes, it's key to enable end consumers to search for and find the local businesses or services they need, through their preferred choices of digital channel. This arrangement with Amazon … now makes it even easier for end consumers to ask for local business information straightaway."

Meanwhile, another new initiative has been launched to help UK small businesses advertise on TV. Barter start-up baggl has pledged £1 million worth of TV advertising grants for small businesses.

The initiative is being supported by AdSmart from Sky and it aims to give 300 small businesses match-funded TV advertising grants worth £3,500. Applicants will be required to match-fund this with an equal contribution of £3,500, totalling £7,000 for an AdSmart local TV campaign, including video production.

Each successful applicant will receive a 30-second localised TV commercial, including video production. The ads will be broadcast on a regular basis over 30 days across Sky's premium channels including Sky Sports, Sky Cinema, MTV, National Geographical and Sky Atlantic. The ads will be targeted based on customer attributes including age, gender, income, profession and residential status and within a 2.5-mile radius of their desired postcode.

According to baggl, campaigns will be turned around and ready for broadcast in one to two weeks, allowing small businesses to get on to television leading up to Christmas and into 2021. Applications close on 31 December 2020.

Baggl is a new online marketplace about to launch, where business and freelance members can trade products and services with one another using a combination of cash and barter trade credits.

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.