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New start-up programme approved

Lord Peter Mandelson has given the go-ahead for a new £35 million scheme to create over 12,500 new businesses in the north-west.

North-east firms to get boost

Almost £2 million of European funding has been given to the Institute of Digital Innovation (IDI) to help start 90 new companies in the north-east.

Entrepreneurs want to be their own bosses

The main aim of European entrepreneurs is to be their own boss, as opposed to their US counterparts who say making lots of money is their main motivation.

Start-up numbers drop

November saw the lowest number of start-up companies created since the dotcom crash in 2001, dropping by over a third compared to two years ago.

Super SMEs emerge from downturn

'Super' small businesses have emerged from the economic slowdown and are outperforming the rest as they have not fallen into the 'classic pitfalls' some companies do.

Disabled people 'should be supported in start-ups'

Disabled people should be supported in starting their own business, with many choosing to do so because they have difficulty finding paid employment, one organisation says.

Mandelson unveils £30 million tech fund

Technology firms who want to expand their business and raise equity finance of up to £2 million have been given access to £30 million in a new technology fund.

Dragons' Den 'dumbs down business'

Small firms feel shows like Dragons' Den and The Apprentice dumb down the public perception of businesspeople.

UK needs to help start-ups

The country needs to work collectively to help people with good ideas to start up their own business.

'Spouse power' gives businesses £72bn boost

Partners of small to medium-sized business owners are contributing 230 million unpaid hours each year, helping these firms stay profitable, new research has found.

Guides & Tips

Ten recession-beating tips

In these uncertain times it’s important to keep your cool and make the right decisions. Here’s a list of the top ten things you shouldn’t do in order to keep your business afloat

Rising Star: Sara Murray

Founder of insurance comparison website Confused.com, Sara Murray set up GPS tracking device company Buddi which is due to hit a turnover of £4 million

Reclining star: Tim Williams using his Jetsleeper

Sleeping giant: Tim Williams

After appearing on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, Tim Williams was promptly booted off without a penny. A year and a half on and his travel pillow invention Jetsleeper is a roaring success.

Don't Miss

Karin Ridges: Mad about ethical businesses

Rising Star: Karin Ridges

Karin Ridges founded Mad Promotions, a PR company for ethical businesses, back in 2005. Since then she has started internet TV company Veggie Vision

Start-ups and universities

The UK is world-class when it comes to science and innovations. Increasingly, these great ideas are being turned into commercial reality

Rising star: Piers Daniell

Still only 26, Piers Daniell has taken internet service provider Fluidata from the confines of his bedroom to a £2 million business in the space of two years

Events Calendar

Protecting Your Business

6th September, Best Western Country Hotel, Caerphilly

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Tax Guide, the FT Guide to Personal Tax is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and Jonquil Lowe, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as 100 tax-saving tips.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

Formerly the Lloyds TSB Small Business Guide, the FT Guide to Business Start Up is now published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc, this unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

Regular Small Business newsletters
Access to all our experts in the Q & A forum
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Goodbye to pic ‘n’ mix

The century-old chain of Woolworths is the first high-profile casualty of the year. As it closes its doors for good, what lessons can be learned?

Free and Unlimited Business Banking

When you're starting a business its vital to choose the right bank. One that offers great value for money and all the support you need to give you every chance to succeed. Get up and running with the Business Builder Account and receive: 2 YEARS FREE and UNLIMITED day -to-day banking including: FREE and UNLIMITED Direct Debits and standing orders; FREE and UNLIMITED cheques deposited and issued; FREE and UNLIMITED automated transactions; FREE cash deposits; FREE online start-up advice, business guidance and business planning software; FREE legal and tax advice.

The new Peugeot 308 SW SR means Business

The new Peugeot 308 SW SR is not just a car; it’s a business solution. Equipped with SmartNav and Bluetooth technology, it keeps you in control and its green credentials will help to save fleet money, with low fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions. Click here to find out more.

Thinking of starting a new company?

FREE and INSTANT name check from UK’s leading online company formation agent who can provide everything you need to get started; from company formation through to creating your website with complete eCommerce solution. To find out more visit www.@ukplc.net

SmallBusiness.co.uk Free Tools

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Polls

Video

Fivium - The challenges of growth

Matthew Fletcher of IT systems company Fivium talks about the challenges of being part of a fast-growing business.

"The business is out there"

Entrepreneur Neil O'Connell has built his business , Sulis Interiors, up from nothing.

"There's no such thing as failure, only feedback"

The challenges David Ferry faced when starting and growing his business, Ferry Financial.

Flexible working: the leaders' view

At the 2008 Work Wise UK Summit, BT Business asked a number of leaders for their views on flexible working.

Blogs

Trying to hire staff

Marc Barber 11/12/2008

There’s no getting round the fact that great ideas are always made or ruined by other people. Have your say »

Credit crunch: What does it mean for you?

Penny Proffit 25/01/2008

In the current global economic climate, small business owners are likely to be concerned about the consequences of the credit crunch. Penny Proffit has teamed up with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to bring you ten quick tips for survival. Have your say »

Quality content is the foundation of Search Engine Marketing

Guest Blogger 21/07/2008

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is in essence the theory and practice of getting a website onto the first page of 'natural' (sometimes called 'organic') search results on the important search engines for important keywords. Have your say »

Q & A

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Business development expert

Ashley de Safrin, Business Link in London

Franchise information

Julie Waites, The Franchise Company

Start-up tips

Philip Wilkinson, Business Link

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172 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Business grants Q: Is a limited company for me Q: I want to start a DVD rental business Q: Writing a novel: self–employed? Q: Do I need to consider IR35 in my new business? Q: Starting an aquatic shop Q: Franchise advice

Prize Draw

Free prize draw!

Smallbusiness.co.uk has teamed up with Avery® Quick&Clean™ Business Cards to offer five lucky readers the chance to win a copy of BBC Dragons' Den James Caan's new book The Real Deal and a pack of Avery® premium heavyweight business cards. To enter the prize draw, simply answer our question here

Don’t let a little thing stop your big plans

Whether opening a new premises or just starting out, let British Gas Business take the hassle out of getting connected. Don’t put it off – Call 0845 073 3843 or visit connectionsandmetering.co.uk

HSBC Business Direct

HSBC Business Direct has the essential business bank account service for smaller business needs. Find out more here

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