A to Z search of keyword metadata

The journey Once this ground-breaking journey has been completed, there will be no environment left on earth which is impossible to access by anyone who, irrespective of ‘ability’, has the will and courage to journey there.

By Hands and Feet expedition The first inclusive crossing of Greenland by a British woman. The technologies and expertise developed through this project will enable other disabled people to challenge themselves in the outdoors - and to change lives.

Expedition challenges This journey challenges the current limits of belief as to what is possible for disabled people to achieve. It also pushes back the frontiers of readily available clothing and kit technology within the outdoor industry. Outlined here, are just a few of the many varied challenges that the team have had to overcome along the way.

The team The complete expedition team has come together over the last two years around a core nucleus of people who have long been committed to the project.

Media platform Information will be disseminated to the disabled community through an Inclusive Expedition Handbook (RGS-IBG), expedition conferences and University Fieldwork conferences, as well as through hands-on British activity programmes.

Key partners and sponsors Without the enthusiastic commitment of the many partners who have been involved in this project from the word go - especially the partners responsible for the design and development of Karen’s proto-type kit and clothing - this unique project would never have gotten off the ground.

Body language According to renowned expert Robert Phipps, the main problem with body language is that every intention of creating a good impression often disappears once we start talking to someone. "Most ...

Creating a healthy workplace All businesses are legally obliged to carry out a health and safety risk assessment of their premises once a year. But in addition to this check of the basic safety essentials of your premises, ...

Political correctness at work Research by the insurance firm Hiscox has found that 41 per cent of small-business owners consider it acceptable to refer to employees as 'love'. Six in ten have no qualms about hugging a colleague. ...

Case study: How I keep my team united THE ISSUE: Maintaining a harmonious team.THE SOLUTION: "I founded the business with my partner in December 2002. As commercial insurance brokers, more than 60 per cent of our workforce is made ...

United we stand "A team that works well together will deliver better returns, so taking steps to support that team makes good commercial sense," says Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) ...

Blue Reef Cottages Blue Reef Cottages, Isle of Harris, five star self catering accommodation

BlueReef Cottages Blue Reef Cottages, Isle of Harris, five star self catering accommodation

Caberfeidh Caberfeidh - five star self catering accommodation on the Isle of Harris

Croft Cottage Accommodating up to six people, Croft Cottage offers luxury five star living on its own 26 acre croft on the Isle of Harris.

Shalom Shalom, a luxury five star cottage in Strond, South Harris

Harris ferry study 03 An evaluation of the Sound of Harris ferry service. The research was undertaken between August 2002 and January 2003.

Fire-risk assessment The introduction of new regulations in October 2006 means that the previous system of fire-safety certificates for premises has been abolished. The employer or 'responsible person' for the premises ...

I'm feeling completely stressed... If you're constantly feeling tired, irritable and anxious, you could be suffering from work-related stress. The long-term effects can include depression, high blood pressure and heart disease, so it ...

Road safety "One-third of road deaths each year in the UK are linked to work," reveals Tony Moore, facilities manager at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health. "Beside the human cost, ...

Health & well being Health spas are the new black in tourism

Case study: How refurbishing our workplace has benefited my business THE ISSUE: To increase productivity and generate new business by improving the workplaceTHE SOLUTION: "Our business designs and builds office interiors, but it was a couple of years before I ...

Creating a healthy workplace All businesses are legally obliged to carry out a health and safety risk assessment of their premises once a year. But in addition to this check of the basic safety essentials of your premises, ...

Health & well being Health spas are the new black in tourism

Healthcare and biotechnology The healthcare and biotechnology sectors employ around 5,000 people in the Highlands and Islands area and this number is growing.

Case study: How refurbishing our workplace has benefited my business THE ISSUE: To increase productivity and generate new business by improving the workplaceTHE SOLUTION: "Our business designs and builds office interiors, but it was a couple of years before I ...

Creating a healthy workplace All businesses are legally obliged to carry out a health and safety risk assessment of their premises once a year. But in addition to this check of the basic safety essentials of your premises, ...

Renewables

Culture Experience the culture of the Western Isles

Economy The Western Isles economy

Innse Gall Community, in its truest sense, has been the real foundation of the culture of the Western Isles for many centuries. It is the area's most essential strength and it affects all that the people of the area do and achieve.

Western Isles The geography and economics of the Western Isles

Graduates working in Businesses TCS enables firms of all types to take advantage of the wide range of expertise available in HEIs and public/private sector research institutes.

Meet the coaches Need to ask a question about Hospitality Assured? Try a member of coaching staff.

Business links Essential business transformation links

Arts These pages outline the important place of the arts in the development of the Highlands and Islands - and the role of the HIE Network and HI-Arts.

Culture and heritage The distinctive Gaelic, Norse and Scots traditions of the area, together with the natural and man-made heritage, are treasured assets and we can further improve their attractiveness and contribution to development.

HI Arts Hi-Arts - arts and cultural development agency for the north of Scotland.

HICEC board Highlands and Islands Community Energy Company board membership

About the HIE network Details about the Highlands and Islands enterprise network of which Shetland Enterprise is the most northerly component.

Ackergill Tower Ackergill Tower, Glenfiddich Distillery, Aviemore Highland Resort, Blue Reef Cottages

Acquire additional plant and equipment When you are considering an investment in plant and equipment there may be financial support to help with the capital cost

Agriculture Agriculture remains a key primary sector. HIE aims to help the sector in a number of ways.

Ancestral tourism product development The Ancestral Tourism Initiative is working with businesses across Scotland to develop new and existing products for the ancestral tourism marketplace.

Ancestral tourism research Keep up-to-date with the latest ancestral tourism market information, and find out how to develop your business by carrying out your own visitor surveys and research.

Aquaculture HIE works closely with producing and processing businesses as well as with the industry’s service sector.

Archive news This archive of our news releases stretches back to 1996. You can use our 'advanced search' function to make the most of its contents.

Aviemore Aviemore, leading the way as a world-class Highland resort

Background Access to land is a vital resource in the development of sustainable rural communities.

Blue Reef Cottages Blue Reef Cottages, Isle of Harris, five star self catering accommodation

BlueReef Cottages Blue Reef Cottages, Isle of Harris, five star self catering accommodation

Board member profiles View personal profiles of each of our board members and the latest register of board members' interests.

broadband news archive Broadband news archive

Business advice & information A wide range of information and advice services available to help businesses develop their plans.

Business benefits The facts speak for themselves, it's a business no brainer when it comes to broadband benefits

Business events Business events in the Highlands and Islands

Business support We work with many types and varying scales of business. Share your vision with us and discover how we can help.

CLU contacts Staff contacts for HIE's community land unit

Community assets Community assets include land, the environment and infrastructure owned, managed or impacted on by the community. By encouraging community-based options for the use of these assets, we can increase the capacity of communities to undertake their own local development.

Community Land Acquisition In partnership with our colleagues in the Community Land Unit at Highlands and Islands Enterprise, we can provide assistance to communities to purchase and manage land and assets.

Consultations Details of consultations and the types of consultations that HIE respond to

Contact centres Contact centres have been one of the major success stories in recent years.

Contact webmaster Tell us what you think about our web site.

Crafts The potential for sales at home and abroad makes the crafts sector an integral part of economic life in the region.

Culture and heritage The distinctive Gaelic, Norse and Scots traditions of the area, together with the natural and man-made heritage, are treasured assets and we can further improve their attractiveness and contribution to development.

Customer service We aim to provide the best possible service to the individuals, businesses, organisations and communities with whom we work, and to demonstrate maximum transparency in all of our operations.

Develop infrastructure Important for developing existing business and attracting new industries is the support infrastructure of the Highlands and Islands.

Develop your hi-tech idea The Highlands and Islands of Scotland possesses a wealth of well-educated and talented people, none more so than in the new high-tech industries.

Driving change Innovative tourism, the next generation

Economic development One of the most important recent shifts in opinion is that the Gaelic language and culture is now seen as a powerful motor for economic development if harnessed in the right way. Development agencies are increasingly geared to exploit the economic opportunities which Gaelic offers.

Environment The HIE Network’s environmental renewal programme concentrates on bringing derelict, neglected, under-used or unsightly land or buildings into economic, leisure or social use, preferably with some form of environmental gain.

Explore new markets or improve your marketing There are a variety of ways HIE can assist within the fields of exporting, marketing and research and development.

Exporting information and advice on exporting support for the area’s businesses and trade partners at a local, national and international level.

FAQs Our frequently asked questions (FAQs) are listed by subject to guide your query.

Financial assistance What financial assistance is available to business?

Food and drink A number of services and forms of assistance to the food and drink sector an be accessed through HIE.

Forestry The Highlands are rich in timber resource and currently have 40 per cent of the woodland area of Scotland.

Gaelic These pages outline the place of the Gaelic language ...

Glenfiddich Distillery Glennfiddich Distillery, a world class five star tourist destination

Government consultations Details of recent responses by HIE to consultations by the Scottish Government and UK Government on issues affecting the Highlands and Islands.

Grow your business Most business projects assisted by HIE Skye and Wester Ross have targets relating to creating employment opportunities.

Healthcare and biotechnology The healthcare and biotechnology sectors employ around 5,000 people in the Highlands and Islands area and this number is growing.

HIE Network News News from around the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Network.

HIE Service Charter This charter sets out the high standards of service you can expect from HIE.

HIE's arts strategy HIE sees arts development as part of its overall development remit.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise Services provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise include support for high growth businesses, workplace training and development, assistance for community and cultural projects and measures for environmental renewal. These activities are primarily delivered by local area teams. Whether you are looking for business finance, community broadband solutions or simply browsing our job vacancies, we hope you enjoy exploring our website.

Highlands and Islands tourism statistics Quick tourism statistics and tourist industry figures

How to guides How to guides for tourist industry operators

How we can help These pages outline the background to HIE's community land team and present its aims and objectives.

Innovation I have a business problem that I think could be overcome with the help of a graduate work placement. Can you help me find an appropriate graduate?

Innovation Forss ‘Innovation Forss’ is a programme that brings together the ...

Introduction Business growth plays a key role in the creation of employment and income

Introduction With a growing population and falling unemployment, Skye and Wester Ross enjoyed sustained progress in 2003-04 which will be fuelled by new development projects in the coming year.

Investors in People Highly regarded, the Investors in People (IIP) award is viewed as a stamp of best practice in business.

Manufacturing The HIE Network is committed to working with manufacturing companies to make possible the best outcomes for business and the local economy.

Market research Tailored market research reports offer companies a crucial business edge in the export market.

Marketing One of the most effective means of increasing market share is the deployment of best practice marketing methods.

Marketing advice New product development, expansion plans and new market help.

Meeting UK buyers at specialist food and drink shows Helps producers optimise their product sales pitch and introduces them to selected UK buyers.

Oil and gas With possibilities arising from the emerging oil facility decommissioning market and the new reserve exploration in the Atlantic Frontier, the oil and gas sector could continue to have a major impact on the economy of the Highlands and Islands for some time to come.

Operating plan This operating plan outlines how HIE proposes to deploy its resources over the next two years. This operating plan outlines progress in the HIE network's eleventh year and indicates how HIE proposes to deploy its resources over the next two years. It reflects the priorities on which the Network will focus its activity. These are, in turn, based on the principles contained in the Network’s strategy: 'A Smart Successful Scotland - the Highlands and Islands Dimension'.

Other consultations Details of recent responses by HIE to consultations from other bodies on issues affecting the Highlands and Islands.

Other key links Key partners and how they can help tourism businesses

Overseas exhibitions and trade missions The Scottish Exhibition and Mission programme brings together – in a single document, produced every six months by the trade development arm of Scottish Development International – details of all the trade exhibitions and missions being organised out of Scotland.

Product or process innovation Innovation is the process by which businesses improve their competitiveness and profitability through the continuing adoption of relevant new products and ideas.

Promoting its value A key task of CNAG is to promote the value of Gaelic development to the Government, local authorities, business and the population at large - not least the Gaelic speaking population.

Quality and training Quality assurance in tourism

Recent news Recently-posted headline news from the HIE website home page.

Renewable energy The renewable energy resource in the Highlands and Islands is world leading, if you are interested in locating here, we can assist your business.

Research and development Research and development support for businesses in the Highlands and Islands.

Restructure your business Sound investment is the route to competitiveness and long-term sustainability for most firms.

Sea fisheries As a traditional mainstay in many fragile parts of our area, HIE promotes a market-led ethic in working with businesses in the fisheries sector.

SQA link Dear Training Provider, As you will be aware, the ...

Telecommunications Highlands and Islands Enterprise has harnessed its own and European funding to facilitate significant investment over the last decade and more from some of the UK’s biggest telecommunications providers.

Textiles HIE is part of a national working group, the Scottish Textiles Forum, which is looking at ways to develop the Scottish textiles industry.

The Brief magazine Back issues of The Brief - predecessor of Update magazine.

TMU staff Photographs and contact details for TMU staff

To a Highland bard Robert Burns in the Highlands. Time to get up to speed for Homecoming Scotland 2009.

Tourism marketing and promotion While VisitScotland promotes Scotland as a whole, tourism businesses also have a responsibility to undertake their own marketing and promotion, building on national and regional activity.

Tourism skills development The key to effective staff development and training is to link it directly to your business objectives.

Training related links Training related links of interest to Training Providers and their trainees

Transport infrastructure Transport infrastructure is an essential component to the long-term future of the Highlands and Islands.

Upgrading premises or find new premises Owning considerable amounts of office and factory space as well as substantial tracts of development land, our network of Local Enterprise Companies are well placed to assist with your property requirements.

What assistance can CLU give? Details of the various levels of financial and other assistance which HIE's Community Land Unit can offer Highlands and Islands communities.

What does CLU do? The aim of HIE's community land team is to increase the role of communities in the ownership and management of land and land assets, and the sustainable management of these resources for the benefit of the community.

What is community land ownership? A simple working definition of community land ownership.

Who can CLU assist? Criteria for community land assistance.

Young Enterprise Scotland Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) is Scotland's leading business skills programme for aspiring young people, giving them the opportunity to test out their business ideas and develop their own small business as a member of a dynamic team.

Annual report 2002-2003 The HIE Network's twelfth annual report and accounts 2002-03.

Annual report Gaelic translation 2005-06 The 2005-2006 HIE network annual report text in Gaelic.

Head of business growth Based in Lochgilphead. Salary £29,352.

Our directors The people behind HIE Argyll and the Islands

Business development Frequently asked questions regarding assistance to businesses

AIE links Online sources of information in Argyll and the Islands.

Our directors The people behind HIE Argyll and the Islands

HIE board minutes archive Archive minutes of HIE board meetings from October 2004 to October 2006.

Code of conduct It is the responsibility of HIE board members and directors to make sure that they are familiar with, and that their actions comply with, the provisions of this code of conduct.

Board of directors Information on the members of the HIE Caithness and Sutherland board of directors.

Property for businesses HIE Caithness and Sutherland offers a range of industrial and office units situated throughout the area, and the ability to provide purpose built premises for individual businesses.

Complaints -staff guidance HIE network staff may from time to time have to handle situations where a customer is unhappy and wishes to complain.

Conference programme The conference programme: 11.00 to 19.00

HIE - equality and diversity HIE aims to be proactive in ensuring that the services and assistance we provide are accessible to all people who live, work and study in the Highlands and Islands.

Terms and conditions Terms and conditions which apply to HIE grant assistance.

HIE publication scheme Details of HIE's FOI publication scheme.

FOI - FAQs Questions and answers relating to freedom of information, HIE's responsibilities and your rights.

HIE's policy for Gaelic This policy has been created in recognition of the language's integral relationship with the area covered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the renewed interest in the Gaelic language and culture.

Agricultural forecasts Agricultural trends and forecast for the HIE area in 2003 and beyond.

Annual report 2004-2005 The HIE Network's fourteenth annual report and accounts 2004-05.

Tenders Latest invitations to tender and notices of contract for HIE and related contracts.

Sustainable development HIE’s strategic policy framework establishes sustainability as a key implementing principle. Sustainable development is central to the HIE's strategic vision of progress and legacy.

FOI - about our area About our area - information details

Annual report 2001-2002 The HIE Network's eleventh annual report and accounts 2001-02.

Contact us How to contact us.

Your feedback Please use this form to forward any comments or suggestions about HIE service quality.

Main links page Gateway to more than 200 Scottish, government and other websites of interest.

A9 Economic Appraisal In 2007 HIE and HITRANS commissioned a study into the economic benefits that improvements to the A9 trunk road between Perth and Inverness would bring.

A9 North of Inverness This report was commissioned by HITRANS, HIE and the Highland Council to assess the economic impact of improving the road journey between Caithness and Inverness and reducing journey times.

Board of Directors HIE Innse Gall board members

What's New? HIE Innse Gall press releases and approvals, job vacancies, publications

Graduate Placement Work placements for undergraduates and graduates.

HIE Inverness and East Highland Inverness and East Highland

Recruitment Being part of HIE means the chance to live and work in some of the most spectacular areas of Scotland. The Highlands and Islands offer an excellent quality of life and, if you enjoy the outdoors, you will have plenty of opportunities to pursue a wide range of sports and leisure interests / Current job vacancies

minutes 2005 Download management team minutes from 2005.

Approvals 2007/08 HIE Moray approvals from April 2007 to March 2008 ...

Business Start Up Courses HIE Moray offer a free 3 day business start ...

Approvals 2005/06 HIE Moray approvals from April 2005 to March 2006 ...

RAF taskforce HIE Moray's RAF taskforce team, based at Horizon Scotland in Forres, was set up in response to the announcement of significant job losses at RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth over coming years.

Arts These pages outline the important place of the arts in the development of the Highlands and Islands - and the role of the HIE Network and HI-Arts.

Company information About HIE Caithness and Sutherland

Current vacancies Current job vacancies.

News media enquiries Contact HIE's communications team

HIE 2007 review HIE produced a simple narrative account of its activities in 2006-07 in advance of publishing its formal annual report and accounts.

Annual report Gaelic translation 2004-05 The HIE network annual report 2004-2005 in Gaelic.

Annual report 2005-2006 The HIE Network's fifteenth annual report and accounts 2005-06. Previous reports, from 1998-99 onwards, are also available here.

Complaints handling The Network has a clear complaints procedure which is set out in the leaflet - Are you happy with our service?

How to make a complaint Procedure for making a complaint to the HIE Network

Graduate placement - recruitment guidelines Here are some summary guidelines relating to the GO programme - from deciding you would like to employ a graduate, to their appointment.

Mail / phone / fax / e-mail HIE office addresses, telephone and fax and e-mail contact details.

Update magazine Welcome to 'Update', our regular downloadable newsletter.

Recent site changes A rolling twenty-day record of changes made on the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website.

Operating Plan 2008-11 HIE's three-year Operating Plan is agreed annually with the Scottish Government. It sets out specific actions which the organisation will carry out to deliver the Government Economic Strategy in the Highlands and Islands.

Current jobs Browse current graduate job vacancies here.

HIE quality assurance The HIE quality assurance programme has been developed to provide consistency of advice across the HIE Network area.

Management team personal profiles HIE senior management team personal profiles.

HIE management team Learn more about HIE's senior management team including minutes of weekly meetings.

Our Directors and Staff The directors and staff of HIE Shetland.

HIE Shetland Shetland lies at the north-western frontier of the European ...

HIE Shetland - FOI HIE Shetland is required to comply with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, which provides a general right of access to information held by Scottish public authorities, including that held by HIE Shetland, from 1 January 2005.

Where to find us Location maps: Where to find SALE and HIE offices.

Businesses Dynamic and sustainable businesses are fundamental to the achievement of our vision. Successful businesses not only contribute directly to economic performance but also underpin our communities and provide an environment of opportunity in which individuals can develop their skills and abilities.

Global connections Reducing the economic peripherality of the Highlands and Islands is essential to long-term progress.

Scottish Parliament news Newsfeed from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise Services provided by Highlands and Islands Enterprise include support for high growth businesses, workplace training and development, assistance for community and cultural projects and measures for environmental renewal. These activities are primarily delivered by local area teams. Whether you are looking for business finance, community broadband solutions or simply browsing our job vacancies, we hope you enjoy exploring our website.

Marketing advice New product development, expansion plans and new market help.

Business start up Supporting you to start a new business

10 ways to ...get through the summer For many firms, the longer days of summer means having to manage annual leave for employees and reduced workload for a few months. There is also the warmer weather and the problems this can bring. ...

10 ways to... advertise on a budget Don't blow your advertising budget on an expensive radio advert which goes out at 3am. Spread your risk and save money by investing in a range of low-cost advertising options Use your local press. ...

10 ways to... approach new customers Advertise somewhere new. Research publications that would appeal to your target market. Start with your local press and then consider regional and trade publications. Look for free sources of ...

10 ways to... assess if 2006 was a good year for your business With the year drawing to a close, now is a good time to look back and reflect on what your business has achieved over the past 12 months. Use these indicators to find out how 2006 was for you You ...

10 ways to... Be a more environmentally-friendly business According to research from the Carbon Trust, an average office-based business wastes £6,000 per year by leaving equipment on at weekends and bank holidays. The message is clear - being more ...

10 ways to... be an effective manager Know what is going on. Be aware of what is happening in your sector, your organisation and your team. Knowledge gives you the tools to plan ahead, use your resources effectively and make informed ...

10 ways to... deal with debt If your debts are mounting, you need to take action fast. Follow these ten steps to get back on an even keel Don't ignore the problem - deal with your debts now. If you ignore bills, invoices ...

10 ways to... Get more out of business meetings Meetings are vital tools to move a business forward, but all too often they can prove a frustrating waste of time. With simple preparation, you can increase your chances of getting the best from the ...

10 ways to... get more out of your staff in 2007 Many people can lack focus and enthusiasm when they return to work following the Christmas break. So what can you do to get more out of your employees in the year ahead? Carry out regular staff ...

10 ways to... get the most from your suppliers Making your business matter to your supplier can reduce your costs and improve the quality of goods and services you buy. Tom Whitney helps you manage your suppliers Underpin your supplier ...

10 ways to... Improve the image of your business Although you may not realise it, many people will judge your business on its looks. A scruffy or out-of-date image is likely to make people think the same about your products or services. Simple ...

10 ways to... Improve your work-life balance Many people struggle to find an optimum balance between work and home. This can be especially true of those running a small business. The results can be stress and feelings of guilt and unhappiness. ...

10 ways to... make more sales Take an objective look at your existing sales strategy. Do you have the right approach? If not, adopt a more customer-focused sales strategy and re-evaluate its success in six months. Look at what ...

10 ways to... Prepare for Christmas Whether you're gearing up for your busiest annual period or planning to shut down between Christmas and Hogmanay, there's plenty to do in the weeks to come. Planning now can prevent headaches later ...

10 ways to... Promote a new offer No matter how good your new product or service is, it won't do as well as you deserve unless you promote it properly. Try these road-tested techniques. Your key customers are the most likely to ...

10 ways to... set up a green supply chain Selecting and managing your suppliers so you receive the most environmentally friendly products and services can reduce your costs, underpin a positive PR strategy, and increase your customer base. ...

10 ways to... spring clean your business Review your business plan. Be honest - are you on track to meet your targets? Consult with peers or a business mentor and update the plan with realistic objectives for the coming year. Are you ...

A member of my team has handed in their notice... Staff turnover is a fact of life for any business, and even your most dedicated employee will want to move on to a fresh challenge eventually. It might be a surprise when a key member of your team ...

Age concern Following the introduction of the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, employees who have been discriminated against on grounds of age can take their complaint to an employment tribunal. Employers ...

An eye on the market Innovation is at the heart of every viable business idea, but "new" can quickly lose its gloss in a competitive marketplace. Rivals will waste no time improving on your offer, and customer ...

And the winner is... Cash, publicity and personalised business growth advice; all these could be yours in exchange for filling in a form. If that sounds too good to be true, think again; given out regularly as business ...

Are you eligible for a grant? With a combined value of £50 billion, there are more than 4,500 grants available to businesses in the UK. SMEs qualify for 96 per cent of business grants. Grants are almost always awarded for a ...

Avoiding Christmas party mishaps By law, businesses can be held responsible for their employees' behaviour - even at a work event outside normal working hours. For example, if an employee behaves badly towards another worker ...

Avoiding unfair commercial practices Very few businesses set out to coerce or mislead people into buying something they don't really need, and unscrupulous, over-zealous and uninformed traders are held in check by a raft of consumer ...

Body language According to renowned expert Robert Phipps, the main problem with body language is that every intention of creating a good impression often disappears once we start talking to someone. "Most ...

Breaking up a business: how to avoid trouble There are many reasons for wanting to set up in business with other people, particularly friends and family. But it brings its own risks too, including the legal, administrative and financial ...

Business gifts and VAT The importance of looking after important customers has been known ever since people began trading. But when it comes to business gifts, what can you claim for? When it comes to VAT, what are the ...

Business links There are various ways to network, ranging from attending regional business events and sector-specific conferences, to informal social gatherings and online discussion forums. "People think of ...

Business mentoring "The most common reason to use a mentor is to gain an external perspective on how your business is being run," explains Business Link Devon and Cornwall adviser Jonathan Sharp. "If you ...

Capital allowances Businesses can claim a type of tax relief, known as capital allowances, against some business purchases and investments. In practice, claiming a capital allowance means that you set off a proportion ...

Case law: duty of care relating to waste Businesses that place controlled waste refuse on public land or highways for collection risk prosecution unless they comply with guidelines concerning collection times. In a recent High Court ...

Case law: employee unfairly dismissed for insulting emails Businesses need to have clear procedures for dealing with complaints about email insults, in the light of a recent tribunal decision. An employment tribunal has recently held that an employee who ...

Case law: employees' negligence can affect employers' health and safety liability A recent court ruling may help employers who face health and safety claims when employees have not followed correct procedures. Under the health and safety legislation, employers are required 'to ...

Case law: employer liable for bullying and harassment at work Businesses may be held liable for bullying or harassment by their employees in the course of their work, the House of Lords ruled recently. An NHS Trust employee complained that he was being ...

Case law: employer liable for indirect racial discrimination An employer has been found liable for racial discrimination following a racist remark made by a supervisor which was overheard by another employee. Businesses must have clear policies on all ...

Case law: employer liable for stress claim even where it offered counselling service Two recent cases show that employers must be fully aware of the duty of care that they owe to their employees if they are to defend stress claims successfully. In one case, heard by the Court of ...

Case law: employer pays out £800,000 in workplace bullying case Managers have received another stark reminder of the need to take their responsibilities concerning bullying and harassment at work very seriously, as one employer is forced to pay £800,000 in ...

Case law: formal risk assessment for disabled employee not required In a recent case, a woman employed as a mobile library manager developed a degenerative knee condition, which meant that she was unable to drive the vehicle. Her employer considered the possibility ...

Case law: 'grossly offensive' telephone calls In a recent case, the House of Lords has ruled that 'grossly offensive' comments made over the telephone - which can include comments made to you or your employees by customers, suppliers or ...

Case law: sex discrimination claim where employee was made redundant on return from maternity leave is unsuccessful A recent Court of Appeal ruling has clarified the approach taken by the courts when considering a discrimination claim. In this case, an employee was made redundant on her return from maternity ...

Case law: sick-pay policy for employees with disabilities A recent tribunal ruling has clarified that employers can treat employees with disabilities the same as other employees when it comes their sick-pay policies. In this case, the employer's ...

Case law: successor used as comparator in equal pay claim Businesses drawing up a remuneration package for a replacement employee should take note of a recent tribunal decision in an equal pay claim. In this case, a female employee was replaced by a ...

Case law: time limits in discrimination claims Employees may have more time from the date of a grievance to bring a discrimination claim, according to a recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) ruling. Some uncertainty has existed over the ...

Case law: 'without prejudice' correspondence in settlement negotiations Businesses involved in settlement negotiations should not assume that all correspondence will be protected from disclosure, following a recent High Court ruling. The case involved negotiations ...

Case study: How delegating benefits my business "It became apparent that my employees were capable of doing some of my work themselves. Whenever I was away, they dealt with things effectively."The company had reached a critical stage and ...

Case study: How I chose my business location THE SOLUTION: "My partner and I have four businesses based in Peterborough and Birmingham and we are about to open our fifth restaurant and pub, Oaka, in Kennington, London. "It was ...

Case study: How I chose my business name THE ISSUE: How to choose an effective business name THE SOLUTION: "I was trying to come up with a business name for two years before I decided on Spa Fabulous, and we finally opened the salon in ...

Case study: How I keep my team united THE ISSUE: Maintaining a harmonious team.THE SOLUTION: "I founded the business with my partner in December 2002. As commercial insurance brokers, more than 60 per cent of our workforce is made ...

Case study: How I manage my seasonal business THE ISSUE: Surviving year-round when running a seasonal business THE SOLUTION: "We sell clothing and equipment for watersports such as surfing and diving. Our busiest time of year is between ...

Case study: How I manage staff expenses THE ISSUE: Creating, promoting and monitoring a staff expenses policyTHE SOLUTION: "IncrediBull employs 30 staff, 75 per cent of whom claim expenses regularly. Travel, hotel stays and client ...

Case study: How networking benefits my business THE ISSUE: To generate more business by raising profile THE SOLUTION: "When I started the company in 1990, building a network was important to help grow the business. I thought about contacts I ...

Case study: How referrals benefit my business THE ISSUE: How to generate more business. THE SOLUTION: "I set up Affinity with my business partner in 2000. Referrals have been responsible for many of the jobs we've done. "In the wedding ...

Case study: How refurbishing our workplace has benefited my business THE ISSUE: To increase productivity and generate new business by improving the workplaceTHE SOLUTION: "Our business designs and builds office interiors, but it was a couple of years before I ...

Case study: How supporting charity has strengthened my business THE ISSUE: The mutual benefits of giving to good causesTHE SOLUTION: "I set up Happy Computers in 1990 with the aim of making a positive impact through everything the firm does. We're in ...

Case study: How updating my business plan benefited my firm THE SOLUTION: "I launched the business with my wife in 1991, since when we have expanded to employ 55 people. Although writing our business plan was one of the first things we did, we originally ...

Case study: How we became an eco-friendly business THE SOLUTION: "Our managing director, Mandie Kemp, set up the company in 1995, since when it has grown to employing 14 staff. In 2003, Mandie decided both the business and the environment would ...

Choosing a name for your business Inspiration for business names can come from almost anywhere. Some names are playful, such as The Cod Father fish-and-chip shop. Others, such as The Village Bakery, are more functional.But all ...

Choosing an online payment system Being a successful e-retailer is not just about having an attractive website or offering the best deals; repeat sales are also dependent on making payment easy, and Internet shoppers are no longer ...

Collaborating for contracts Teaming up with another small firm through a sub-contract or joint venture can greatly increase your chances of landing public-sector and corporate contracts. This in turn provides multiple benefits ...

Commercial mortgages While leasing and renting offer flexibility, the main benefit of buying your premises is that the property becomes an asset that adds value to your business, particularly if property prices continue ...

Company cars and tax This year's Budget brought reforms aimed at encouraging businesses to take a more environmentally-friendly approach to transport. The Government has introduced a new system of road tax, Vehicle ...

Company identity theft Company identity fraud takes place when criminals misuse a legitimate firm's identity to obtain goods or services fraudulently. Not only can this leave you to foot the bill, but your credit rating ...

Corporate Homicide Workplace fatalities are not as rare as you might think. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 220 employees died at work and 117 members of the public lost their lives because of ...

Countdown to October age discrimination legislation Businesses need to be aware how they will be affected by the wide-ranging Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, which come into force on 1 October. Managers are advised to review their ...

Counterfeit claims "Employers need to their make staff aware that falsifying expenses is unacceptable," asserts Charles Cotton, pay and benefits adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. ...

Creating a code of conduct "Research shows that businesses with a code of ethics outperform those that don't," asserts Simon Webley, research director for the Institute of Business Ethics. "It's one of the tools ...

Creating a healthy workplace All businesses are legally obliged to carry out a health and safety risk assessment of their premises once a year. But in addition to this check of the basic safety essentials of your premises, ...

Credit-checking customers "If you don't run credit-checks, the worst-case scenario is you won't get paid, of course, but it could simply mean you'll always get paid late," warns Philip King, director general of the ...

Delegating Are you always over-stretched and constantly having to work long hours? Are you reluctant to let anyone else make important decisions? Are some tasks being rushed or not completed because you simply ...

Developing a green travel strategy According to the Energy Savings Trust (EST), just one in five firms has considered the impact of work-related travel on the environment. Yet transport is one of the biggest contributors to the ...

Doing your bit "Supporting charities and getting actively involved in the local community is a rewarding experience for businesses, regardless of their size," stresses Susan Hinchcliffe, regeneration and ...

DTI publishes age-discrimination questionnaire The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has published a questionnaire and reply form that can be used by employees and employers in age-related complaints when the new age-discrimination laws ...

End game "Many owner-managers put a lot of hard work into building up their business only to throw away the possible rewards by failing to plan their exit," says Business Link Berkshire adviser Keith ...

Financial forecasts Of all the financial information you need to help you keep your business healthy, cashflow, sales and costs forecasts are the most important. The more frequently you do them, the better your chance ...

Finding the right location for your business A hairdresser on an industrial estate will never attract as many customers as one in a town centre. A white-goods seller in a narrow lane will find receiving and making deliveries onerous. Being in ...

Fire-risk assessment The introduction of new regulations in October 2006 means that the previous system of fire-safety certificates for premises has been abolished. The employer or 'responsible person' for the premises ...

Flood alert "About 25 per cent of small firms fail within a year of suffering serious flood damage," warns Ron Whitehead, chairman of the Flood Protection Association. "Get help from professionals ...

Getting ready for Christmas "Most businesses can do well at Christmas, but it will be particularly good for businesses that sell products or services which can be given as gifts," says Peter Nowlan, director of ...

Green is good Helping the environment and running a profitable business do not have to be mutually exclusive. Saving energy, recycling and reducing pollution can cut your operating costs; capitalising on their PR ...

Have your say: draft WEEE Regulations published Following numerous delays, a timetable has now been set for UK businesses to comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. The purpose of the Directive is to ...

Have your say: DTI plans to protect vulnerable agency workers Businesses using agency workers - as short-term cover, to meet upturn in demand, or to cover staff absence - need to be aware of plans to protect vulnerable workers in this ...

Have your say: mediation rules for sheriff courts Under new rules proposed by the Mediation Committee of the Sheriff Court Rules Council, businesses in dispute with each other would have to consider using mediation and alternative dispute ...

Helping hands Work placements come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from internships linked to universities to informal arrangements with people who knock on your door. But they all give you an opportunity to ...

HMRC guidance on employer contributions to occupational pension schemes HM Revenue &Customs (HMRC) has published new and reassuring guidance for employers on the test for determining whether employer contributions to occupational pension schemes are tax ...

Homeworking Under current employment law, employers are obliged to 'seriously consider' requests for flexible working from employees with children under the age of six or employees with children with ...

How I made an insurance claim THE SOLUTION: "I became a Pirtek franchisee in November 2005. As part of the franchise agreement, I took out contents insurance and business interruption cover straight away. It's just as well ...

How I stay close to my customers THE SOLUTION: "About 80 per cent of my business comes from existing customers. It's much easier than chasing work from new customers. Keeping close to my clients enables me to understand what ...

How mentoring benefited our business THE SOLUTION: "The Wind Dam Integration Concept was the brainchild of chartered aircraft engineer Derek Miles, aided and abetted by me."In 1999, Derek won a DTI Smart Award for a feasibility ...

How to update your business plan Your business plan should be a document that works ...

How we carry out direct mail campaigns THE SOLUTION: "The business was set up in 1996, since when it has grown to having 25 employees. We provide highly targeted direct-mail campaigns to small local firms. We can carry out the whole ...

How we prepare for Christmas THE SOLUTION: "Insideout opened its first store in Tavistock in March 2004 - we now have three stores in Devon. We sell a range of gifts and homewares, including jewellery and decorative ...

How winning an award helped my business THE SOLUTION: "The business was set up in 1995 and now employs 21. We produce a range of single-malt and blended Scotch whisky from our distillery on the Isle of Arran, which we export to 36 ...

I need to raise my prices but fear I'll lose sales... Increasing prices involves some risk, but if you handle ...

I want to find a partner to help me develop my business...