Small businesses are struggling to find school leavers with relevant skills, according to a new report from the British Chambers of Commerce. Over half, 55% of the 2000 companies surveyed said they wanted to increase workforce numbers. But more than half also said it was difficult to find the right people. Almost half of respondents…
DetailsAt the end of last month, Facebook debuted a step-by-step online guide aimed at helping small businesses use the social networking site. The company describes the new site as a ‘online education centre’ for its users giving information about how to set up a profile page and create targeted advertising on the site. The timing…
DetailsAs a manager, you are legally responsible for the health and safety of your employees. A high-quality health and safety induction for new employees will help you meet your responsibilities. For many businesses, all that’s required is a basic series of tasks set by the HSE governing body and have lots of information available to…
DetailsHave you got the “riot” measures in place for your employees? Most small businesses have woken this morning to face the aftermath of the riots taken places across the UK with the situation expected to be an ongoing concern for businesses located in the areas. Is your business adequately equipped to deal with the HR…
DetailsTaking a valued customer out for a three-course lunch or sending a client a bottle of champagne as a thank you gift can be an important part of a maintaining a good working relationship. But upcoming reforms have made many small firms question whether wining and dining clients will remain straightforward. Will the Bribery Act…
DetailsKeep your business ahead of your competitors – Part 3 Theres no doubt that business is difficult for all of us at the moment.. To help you when you need it the most, local businesses have donated their time and energy to hosting this FREE business event for you to attend.. The speakers from around…
DetailsAfter over a decade supporting commercial organisations master the skills of social media marketing I still find it surprising the mistakes I see small businesses doing online. Over the course of the last few years, we have dedicated our time through Business Link, EMDA, CIM and other well known national institutes to help small businesses…
DetailsBrighter Directions have joined other local businesses by signing up to take on an apprentice as part of the 100 in 100 campaign, which aims to get 100 local employers within 100 days to pledge support to create a placement. The business case for taking on an apprentice is compelling. As the country moves towards…
DetailsCompanies can apply for a share of £550m fund to cover energy efficiency upgrades in private sector version of Green Deal Businesses can today apply for a share of a £550m fund backed by the Carbon Trust and Siemens designed to help companies install energy efficient and low carbon technologies. The green finance initiative was…
DetailsKeep your business ahead of your competitors – Part 2 Theres no doubt that business is difficult for all of us at the moment.. To help you when you need it the most, four local businesses have donated their time and energy to hosting this FREE business event for you to attend.. The speakers from…
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