Recent content by graceks

  1. Small business marketing 101: build your brand and engage your audience

    Small business marketing 101: build your brand and engage your audience

    When you’re building your first business from scratch, establishing an impactful marketing pathway can be challenging. Our ever-growing technological landscape means the way we connect with our audience is constantly changing, and having a clear strategy in place is becoming a non-negotiable...
  2. Why small business networking is essential to small business success

    Why small business networking is essential to small business success

    If you’re one of the 5.51 million small business owners in the UK, you’ll know that networking is an integral part of your growth journey. Whilst you may find meeting like-minded founders and potential investors a daunting prospect, getting out there in person is a crucial step for business...
  3. Achieve more by doing less: balancing growth and wellbeing as a small business owner

    Achieve more by doing less: balancing growth and wellbeing as a small business owner

    When you’re at the helm of your small business, finding the time to prioritise your mental health is far and few between. Navigating research, planning, sales, marketing, and admin amongst a sea of other responsibilities are all part of building your enterprise. But when the scales are tipped...
  4. Four common management challenges for small business owners – and how to overcome them

    Four common management challenges for small business owners – and how to overcome them

    You’re finally on the path to making your small business dreams a reality – but those familiar feelings of apprehension are creeping in. The world of business can be daunting. Naturally, there are parts of the process you’re prepared for, but building a brand-new enterprise is a surefire way...
  5. Spring statement 2024: six predictions for small businesses

    Spring statement 2024: six predictions for small businesses

    Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is set to deliver the Spring Budget alongside economic updates from the Office for Budget Responsibility on 6th March 2024. Last year’s Autumn Statement promised to “back British businesses with 110 growth measures”, outlining National Insurance reforms, wage increases...
  6. The latest economic predictions for 2024 and their impact on small businesses

    The latest economic predictions for 2024 and their impact on small businesses

    After a somewhat turbulent 2023 and an election on the horizon, SME owners across the country are preparing for another challenging year in business. There’s no doubt that businesses are still in a period of recovery after facing the impacts of Covid-19, Brexit and geopolitical unrest. But...
  7. graceks

    How are you feeling about the UK's economic prospects for 2024?

    Hi everyone! We’re doing a round-up of the latest economic predictions for 2024, so how are you feeling about the UK’s economic prospects for 2024? How will they impact your business? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
  8. Do I need to pay tax on my side hustle? HMRC’s new reporting rules

    Do I need to pay tax on my side hustle? HMRC’s new reporting rules

    Got a slick side hustle to top things up when funds are low? Perhaps your side gig is where you get to explore your true passions in life. Whether you’re an avid eBay seller, or an Airbnb superhost – things in the side hustle world are changing. From the 1st January 2024, companies like Depop...
  9. The most popular business discussions of 2023

    The most popular business discussions of 2023

    2024 is right around the corner, and the festive period provides the perfect time to reflect on the past year in business. This year has been a rollercoaster for SMEs, where resilience has been a consistent theme in the face of economic instability. Our forums are a great place to gain advice...
  10. Six emerging small business trends for 2024

    Six emerging small business trends for 2024

    After a challenging year for SMEs, keeping track of business trends and adapting with the times feels more important than ever. But with technological advancements like AI and evolving approaches to work styles, how can we get ahead of the curve whilst generating a profit? Here are six...
  11. The year in business: 2023 round-up for SMEs

    The year in business: 2023 round-up for SMEs

    There’s no doubt that 2023 has been a rocky road for many. From social, political and financial lows to highs of optimistic determination – the small business world has been resilient in the face of significant adversity. So, from cost of living struggles to making strides towards net zero...
  12. 2023 small business challenges – and the best advice from the community

    2023 small business challenges – and the best advice from the community

    With another year coming to a close, it’s important to reflect on the year in business, looking at the highs, lows and everything in between. Our community has seen a lot of change this year – and we love being able to have open and honest discussions with our members about the challenges of...
  13. Eight ways small businesses can save money during the festive period

    Eight ways small businesses can save money during the festive period

    Whether you’re a dab hand at the Christmas game or you’re facing your first December as a new entrepreneur – the festive season is well and truly upon us. According to Statista, the average person in the UK will spend between £700 and £1000 on Christmas this year. And whilst you may be...
  14. How to register a trade mark for a UK business

    How to register a trade mark for a UK business

    So, you’ve spent weeks, months or even years building your brand, growing a loyal customer base and developing your products or services, and you’re starting to see success. Your small business means the world to you, but with SMEs accounting for 99.9% of the UK’s business population, there’s...
  15. The startup mentality: five steps to success

    The startup mentality: five steps to success

    Are you ready to build a startup? If you’re considering embarking on a new venture, you might be questioning if you have what it takes to make it big in the startup world. Whilst there are many budding entrepreneurs in the UK with an abundance of ideas, some believe there is a recipe for...