Blog


Could diversification be the right move for your business?

Diversification is a bit of a buzzword these days, dominating the news in industries such as farming and retail where many business owners are weathering financial turbulence.

For some of these companies, branching out into new markets has helped them establish new sources of profit and ensure the future of their business in a changing market. But there are still many business gurus who argue that standing your ground in a niche mar... Continue Reading


What legal documents do I need to buy or sell my business?

Buying or selling your business can be an exciting time but with so many aspects of the sale to deal with it can also become overwhelming.

To ensure the deal goes through as quickly and easily as possible it's vital that you stay on top of your paperwork. Specifically, all of your legal documents should be prepared as far in advance as possible and presented to the relevant parties as soon as they're needed.

We... Continue Reading


Four Valentine's marketing tips that will get your brand noticed

Valentine's Day isn't for everyone, but there's no arguing that it has become a significant date in the marketing calendar for small and large companies alike. Whether you're encouraging your customers to show their love, or providing them with the perfect way to avoid the hearts and roses as much as possible, this is a marketing opportunity not to miss.

To help you make the most of the occasion, we've put t... Continue Reading


Five ways to raise money for your business

So you've made it through the January lull but you may still need a bit of extra funding to help you achieve your 2019 business goals. We've put together a list of six popular methods of raising money for your business, so you can ensure your New Year's resolutions don't melt away with the snow.

Family and friends

It's not an option for everyone, but your own trusted contacts are a great source ... Continue Reading


Five ways to increase the value of your business

So, you’ve bought a new business or maybe you’re looking to sell. Whatever the case may be, you want to increase the value of your business. After all, what’s the point if your business isn’t growing in value?

You will need to be prepared to invest a good chunk of time and potentially inject some investment to grow the value of your business, but by doing it right, you are more likely to create a business that will be an attr... Continue Reading


Winter trading: how to beat the January lull

Christmas and New Year have come and gone, making the transition into January a rather dull and dreary one in comparison to the festive December season. And precisely for this reason, small enterprises may be feeling the pinch. Getting through the winter period is often tough when business is slow to pick up after the expensive year-end, but it needn’t be like that for too long. Here are some ways you can beat the January lull and pull your com... Continue Reading


Looking for a good investment opportunity?

We’ll let you in on a secret - pubs are making a comeback.

Just over the recent holiday season, pubs saw a sharp increase in festive sales, with reports of sales growth of 12.3 per cent over a two week period.

Statistics from Office of National Statistics (ONS) also shows a glimmering outlook for pubs, with employment being reported as on the rise in the sector, with a 6 per cent increase since 2008 and a more signifi... Continue Reading


Keep up with small-business tech trends in 2019

We live in a digitally evolving world, and there’s no doubt that small businesses ought to keep up technologically if they wish to compete in a level playing field. Much like last year, 2019 is expected to be filled with a number of technological advances that will assist with growing and improving your business – here are four trends you should keep an eye out for to ensure that you stay on top of the game.

Data analytics to ma... Continue Reading


Marketing strategies: why you need them for your business

You’ve got a product or service and even have a logo for your business venture. That’s all you need right? Wrong. A business venture is not complete without a marketing strategy.

You need a way for your customers to find you. Your business requires visibility. Sure, word of mouth is a great start but let’s take it a step (or two) further.

Do you know your customers?

Your product or service is not a o... Continue Reading


New Year's resolutions: Inspiration for small businesses

Forget the gym and the traditional January diet. This New Year, choose a resolution that will help your small business grow and succeed, regardless of the bumps in the road you may have to face throughout the year.

We've put together a list of five possible New Year's resolutions that might help you steer your business on the right path in 2019.

1. Manage your cash flow more effectively

If you are... Continue Reading


How to start 2019 on the right foot

It’s that time again - one year is about to end and another is about to start. Yes folks, 2019 is upon us, sooner than you think.

So as a business owner, you’re probably thinking of plans and strategies for growth and advancement in the new year. To assist you with this thought process, here are some tips to keep on your radar.

Growth in personalising marketing strategies

People are more informed now a... Continue Reading


Ten questions to ask a seller before you buy their business

There are many key issues to take into consideration before you buy a business, and the seller can sometimes be the best source of information if you open up channels of communication. However, it's important to ensure you ask the right questions to get the answers you'll need to make an informed decision.

We've put together a list of the top ten questions you should ask a seller before you consider making an offer.Continue Reading


Seasonal sales: how to market your business for the Christmas period

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially if you are a business looking to make the most of the commercial holiday. The Christmas period through December is the time for merriment, shopping and spending, so as a business, why not capitalise on the festive season?

Naturally, with the yuletide season approaching, people’s moods are light and cheery – perfect for forging connections and relating to your customers from ... Continue Reading


How to contact a business you want to buy

So you want to buy a business, but perhaps you're not sure where to start. There are many methods of initiating your purchase and each has its own pros and cons depending on your circumstances. Additionally, when you're navigating the potentially complex obstacles associated with buying a business, it's vital that you enlist the help of a resource you can rely on, making your decision even more important.

We've p... Continue Reading


How do you achieve a fast business sale?

A business sale can often take a long time, sometimes as much as a year to get from enlisting the business on the market to shaking hands to finalise the deal. But there are ways to speed up the process.

A fast sale can be completed in a matter of months, perhaps even weeks in some instances, if all the right matters are in order and a certain deadline is in place. Here are three tips to hurry along the sale, and to ensure the trans... Continue Reading