A to Z search of keyword metadata

MA Awards 2005 MA Award winner's names for 2005 ceremony

MA Awards 2007 The winners of the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards 2007 ...

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

email and spam Email management and spam

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 ...

The direct approach Whether you choose a printed mailout sent through the post or an emailed communication, an effective direct-mail campaign enables you to convey your product's key benefits to those most likely to ...

Q&A: Closing a sale Ian Cochrane (IC), associate at sales-training consultancy Gazing Performance, reveals how to close a sale.When should I be looking for buying signals?IC: Throughout the four stages of the selling ...

Whisky tips Tips and advice to make whisky tourism work for you

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 ...

How to run a World Class B&B or Guest House Mangement skills needed to make a success of your Bed and Breakfast or Guest House business

Is this your problem? I need to perform a SWOT analysis An accurate, comprehensive SWOT analysis is a very beneficial tool which allows you to consider internal and external factors that affect or could affect your ...

Management training Core skills training for management

Management and Leadership Programme The new management development training programme is now available ...

minutes 2006 Download management team minutes from 2006.

Managerial Skills Test your managerial skills

Managing change The need for change is a fundamental reality for businesses and organisations in the 21st century. However, humans are often ill-prepared for the personal consequences involved. And the modern manager needs to be able to guide and support staff through times of change.

Managing projects successfully This programme aims to provide a forum for Project Managers and Senior Managers to gain exposure to Best Practices in Project Management in its broadest sense.

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 ...

How I clinched deals with supermarkets "I launched the business because I wanted to produce premium-quality sausages that were affordable and aimed at the mainstream market. Many independent suppliers ignore the supermarkets and just ...

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 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... 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... 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 ...

10 ways to... Wrong-foot the competition Use these strategies to keep your business ahead of immediate rivals Treat your business to an image makeover. Consider rebranding - a strong brand will differentiate your business from others ...

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 ...

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 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 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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 clinched deals with supermarkets "I launched the business because I wanted to produce premium-quality sausages that were affordable and aimed at the mainstream market. Many independent suppliers ignore the supermarkets and just ...

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 appeal an HM Revenue & Customs decision Over 87,000 tax complaints were registered against HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in 2005. If you have a problem, a fixed complaints procedure is in place which you must follow. First stepsYou can ...

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

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 ...

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... Many small business owners find it hard to take their firm to the next level. It can be hard to find the resources you need without overstretching yourself. Sharing the load with a business partner ...

I'm considering suing one of my customers for a small claim... Pursuing a debt through the courts should always be a last resort. Often the threat of legal action is enough to make customers pay. But if you have explored all other means, is it worth taking a ...

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 ...

I'm struggling to get a bank loan... Small firms are often viewed by the banks as high-risk borrowers and find it tough to get loans at the best of times. During economic uncertainty - such as that caused by interest-rate rises ...

In and out of season "Your cheques could bounce and your standing orders could be left unpaid because you have no money coming in during the quiet season," warns Mark Lister, business adviser for Business Link ...

Insurance claims Should your business suffer damage or a loss, you need to begin by deciding whether you should make a claim on your insurance. It might mean you have to pay excess on your policy, which is why, for ...

Is this your problem? I need to sack one of my employees... If you have a legitimate reason, follow the correct procedures and treat the person fairly, dismissal shouldn't cause you problems. Your priority is to ensure ...

Is This Your Problem? My employee has asked for a pay rise...An employee asking for a pay increase is an everyday fact of business life. There might be numerous reasons why they believe they deserve more, including ...

Is this your problem? I need to make sure my recruitment advertisement is legal and effective...Taking on an employee is a major step for all business, but recruiting the right person is particularly crucial to a small ...

Is this your problem? One of my staff has accused another employee of sexual harassment... Not only does sexual harassment make the victim's life a misery, it can land your business in very hot water unless you act ...

Is this your problem? One of my employees is taking too many cigarette breaks...If one of your staff is pushing the boundaries on taking fag breaks it can affect the morale of other employees as well as reducing that ...

Is this your problem? I need to make sure my business is properly insured... While the business insurance you need by law is usually fairly minimal, it can pay to have extra protection in a crisis. But choosing from the ...

Is this your problem? A competitor has opened up near to my business...It may be hard to see the silver lining, but things might not be as bleak as they first seem. There are ways to safeguard your business - you ...

I've got more business than I can handle... Too much business can present a big challenge to a small firm with limited resources. If unprecedented demand leaves you struggling to fulfil orders, you risk damage to your reputation and loss of ...

Keeping it in the family "Family businesses are bound together by more than just commercial interests," says Grant Gordon, director general of the Institute for Family Business. "This can make them stronger, but ...

Key sectors Economic mainstays profiled

Limiting your risk Being a sole trader is a great way to start a business. It is inexpensive and there is little form-filling to do. But you are personally responsible for any losses the business makes. Restructuring ...

Locate your business If you are interested in locating your business in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, contact our competitive locations team.

Managing anti-social employees "Bad habits such as untidiness and a lack of personal hygiene can cause offence at work," says Dr Jaafar El-Murad, lecturer at Westminster Business School. "Too many long personal phone ...

Managing your suppliers "It pays to spend time building good working relationships with your suppliers - it will help you get the best deals," argues Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) senior ...

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

Manufacturing Priority will generally be given to assisting projects which involve manufacturing, product assembly, processing or ...

Manufacturing Briefing on the manufacturing sector

Measuring up "A business-performance review is an essential management tool," says Roger Hetherington, adviser at Business Link Suffolk. "It's important for business owners to know how well their ...

Motivating employees "Well-motivated employees are more productive, prepared to go further for you and are more creative," states leadership-development specialist Graham Wilson. "They certainly provide ...

My employee has lied on their CV... One thing you can guarantee when recruiting is that some applicants will try to mislead you about their skills, experience, references or qualifications. In fact, according to Risk Advisory Group ...

My landlord has set an unreasonable rent... Renting can make good sense financially; it ties up less capital than buying a property, leaving you with more cash to use elsewhere in your firm. It also provides you with financial security, as ...

My premises have been hit by disaster... If your premises are hit by a disaster, you are not alone: according to the Business Continuity Institute (BCI) nearly one in five businesses suffers a major disruption every year. This could be ...

My supplier has overcharged me... Finding out you've been overcharged can make you feel angry, and that all trust between you and you supplier has been shattered. But before you complain, check your facts carefully.Is the price ...

New checklist for SMEs handling requests for personal information under the Data Protection Act 1998 checklist issued by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The checklist guides businesses through the procedure they must follow if an individual asks in writing (known as a 'subject ...

New family-friendly legislation receives Royal Assent The Work and Families Act 2006 has received Royal Assent. As well as granting working parents new rights to more maternity and paternity leave and pay, there are a range of measures designed to make ...

Non-executive directors Non-executive directors (NEDs) work with other directors to guide a company to long-term growth. Gerald Powell, senior partner at Ernst & Young, London, explains: "A non-executive director ...

Non-hazardous waste disposal: your obligations Businesses generating hazardous waste are accustomed to following strict rules governing disposal. Since 31 March 2007, the Landfill Regulations 2003 (Scotland) have obliged firms to "treat" ...

Online business networking Making the right contacts can be crucial to developing your business. But traditional networking can be very hit or miss, and spending valuable time calling potential contacts only to be rebuffed, ...

Online marketing An accessible website or targeted email can be effective ...

Parental rights "You need to ensure you are up to date with parental rights," says Alan Phillips, employment helpline manager at Croner Consulting. "Employment tribunals make large awards against ...

Planning your personal pension According to the Office of National Statistics, less than half the self-employed people in the UK pay into a pension. "Many self-employed people who are earning a lot of money assume they will ...

Positive press Good publicity in trusted media is a powerful tool for building recognition with potential customers, suppliers and investors. Like word-of-mouth recommendation, it is usually considered more ...

Premises security "More than ever, securing your premises is important," warns Ian Johnson, chairman of the Security Consultancies Section at the British Security Industry Association."For a start, you ...

Premium concern Under Injury Cost Recovery (ICR) legislation introduced in January 2007, the NHS can claim back treatment costs of up to £37,000 from a business, via its insurance, if an accident is the result ...

Profiting from service providers Employing an external service provider can be the most cost-efficient way to deal with many of the processes that underpin your business. Most businesses rely on other firms for a wide range of ...

Public-sector contracts Public-sector organisations in the UK (eg central government departments and agencies, the NHS and its local trusts, the MoD, Northern Ireland Assembly, National Assembly for Wales and the Scottish ...

Q&A: Chasing late paying customers René de Sousa (RdS), senior procurement specialist at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and member of the Better Payment Practice Group (BPPG), tells Tom Whitney how you can ...

Q&A: Closing a sale Ian Cochrane (IC), associate at sales-training consultancy Gazing Performance, reveals how to close a sale.When should I be looking for buying signals?IC: Throughout the four stages of the selling ...

Q&A: Disputing an invoice What I can do to avoid this happening? KS: "Disputes occur when businesses fail to agree terms in advance. Time spent clarifying exactly what each party does and when - including standard ...

Q&A: How can Acas help my business? Acas assistant director of individual conciliation, Ron Woods, tells Afsheen Latif how small businesses can benefit from his organisation's services.What kind of problems does Acas deal with? RW: ...

Q&A: How do I manage flexible working? Lynette Swift (LS) is managing director of flexible-working consultancy Swiftwork. She talks to Tom Whitney about the benefits. What is flexible working? LS: "It's a work pattern that includes ...

Q&A: Improve your tax efficiency Chas Roy-Chowdhury, head of taxation at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, talks to Tom Whitney about how limited companies can become more tax efficient. Where should I begin? Chas ...

Q&A: Local networking Heather White (HW), director of networking consultancy The Magic of Networking, tells Tom Whitney how networking locally can help you develop your business.Why should I network locally?HW: It keeps ...

Q&A: Making the most of surplus cash Rob Simpson (RS), managing director at Independent Financial Adviser Simpson Financial Services, tells Tom Whitney how small-business owners can get higher returns for their surplus funds.What ...

Q&A: Managing staff on long-term sick leave Acas policy adviser Margaret McMahon outlines your responsibilities and the steps you can take to help employees back into work with minimum disruption to your business.What constitutes long-term ...

Q&A: Maternity and paternity leave Steve Williams (SW), head of equality services at Acas, explains what the recent changes to maternity pay and leave mean for employers. How much time off is allowed for maternity leave? SW: ...

Q&A: Modern apprenticeships Tom Whitney talks to Scottish Enterprise's director of skills programmes, Dougie Somner (DS), about how Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) can help your business.What are Modern Apprenticeships?DS: They ...

Q&A: Objections to a sale Guy Aston, SME training director at Huthwaite International, talks to Georgina Harris about limiting the chances of being faced with sales objections. Why do customers make objections? GA: ...

Q&A: Preparing for a tribunal claim Ron Woods (RW), assistant director of individual conciliation policy at Acas, explains how to prevent employment tribunal claims and what to do if one is made against you. What claims do small firms ...

Q&A: Registering for VAT Paul Taylor (PT), consultant at independent tax advice service VATease, explains how to register and whether there are any benefits to doing so early.Do I have to register for VAT if I am ...

Q&A: Self-assessment tax returns Tom Whitney asks Simon Littlejohns (SL), tax partner at accountancy firm PKF, how those affected should prepare for the 31 January personal tax self-assessment deadline. What are my legal ...

Q&A: Setting up a basic IT system Geoff Higginbottom, Network Services Director at Octavia Information Systems, talks Afsheen Latif through the ins and outs of setting up a basic IT system. How do I assess my IT needs?Ask yourself ...

Q&A: Stating your case to the bank Ross Keaney of Bank of Scotland Business Banking (HBOS), talks to Georgina Harris about the best way to approach banks for money.What do I need to know before I start? RK: "Before the meeting ...

Q&A: Tax-efficient borrowing Stuart Rogers, corporate tax consultant at Target Accountants, tells Simon Wicks how you can borrow money tax-efficiently.I've taken out a loan to buy equipment for my business. Can I claim any of ...

Q&A: Valuing a business Rob Harman, partner at accountants Morris Owen and adviser to Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, talks to Georgina Harris about the best ways to value a business.What are common reasons for ...

Q&A: Website accessibility Richard Morton (RM), designer of accessible websites at QM Consulting, tells Afsheen Latif about making websites fully accessible.Where should I start?RM: Make sure your website is just as easy to ...

Raising prices "Setting your prices too high will reduce sales," warns Business Link Devon and Cornwall adviser Penny Heath. "But if you handle things carefully, you can avoid losing customers and ...

Recruiting overseas staff "There are lots of reasons to recruit people from abroad," argues the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) international manager Frances Wilson. "Overseas candidates ...

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, ...

Rules for online trading The ease with which you can start trading online means that what begins as a way of shifting unsold stock or making pin money can quickly become a main source of income. But sidestepping the ...

Sales forecasting According to Geoff Hurst, marketing director at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, sales forecasting is a cornerstone of the business-planning process. "Sales forecasting is essential. If you ...

Selling online "Every day you're not selling online, you're losing money," warns Janet Coombs, owner of Blue Ribbons sugarcraft centre in East Molesey, Surrey. After having a basic version created in ...

Selling to big businesses "Whether you are an independent food manufacturer trying to win an initial order from a supermarket or a small IT firm pitching to supply a major banking group, securing your first big order can ...

Selling to big retailers Securing your first big order to supply a major retail chain can be a turning point for your business. As well as the obvious financial benefits, getting your product on the shelves can boost your ...

Small is beautiful Being small does not have to be a barrier to success - in fact, it can be a positive strength. Large organisations may seem to have many markets sewn up, but their one-size-fits-all approach to ...

Software licensing Market research firm IDC has found that more than a quarter of the software used in UK businesses is unlicensed. It may not seem a major offence, but software companies are cracking down on ...

Succession planning According to a 2005 survey from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), 30 per cent of small-business closures take place because of the lack of an effective succession plan. ...

Tax breaks for green vehicles According to the Energy Saving Trust, annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from UK road transport have doubled to 38.5 million tonnes since 1970. The Government is hoping to cut this figure by ...

Tax increase on private use of commercial vans Businesses need to be aware of new rules in force from 6 April 2007 if they are to avoid a massive increase in the tax they pay as a benefit-in-kind on private use of commercial vans. Under ...

Ten ways to... Improve your cashflow Successful ventures are built upon healthy cashflow. This is where money entering the business is greater than money paid out. If you want to improve your cashflow, here are some simple measures to ...

Ten ways to... improve your presentation skills A presentation is a great way to deliver your key business messages to customers, staff or investors. Here are ten ways you can improve your skills to make your presentations pack more of a punch ...

Time for a change? "If a small firm has been trading for some time and has fallen into a rut, a relaunch can provide the best opportunity to turn things around," says Kathryn Hughes, adviser for Business Link ...

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) ...

Up close and personal "If you don't stay close to your customers, you risk losing them to your competitors," warns Jo Bowen-Jones, enterprise development director of Greater Merseyside Business Link. ...

Updating your business plan "Your business plan needs to be updated at least once a year," says Alan Smithson, adviser at Business Link Cumbria. "However, if there is a major shift in your market, it will need an ...

Why homeworking is good for my business and my employees THE SOLUTION: "The business was set up in 1994 and we now employ 55 staff. We've always offered flexible working, including the opportunity of homeworking for employees who need it. It's good ...

Word of mouth Referrals are recommendations about your services or products made by satisfied customers to others. Their power is greater than any paid-for form of marketing or advertising because they are highly ...

Writing a winning sales proposal When looking for new suppliers, most organisations will ask for a written proposal following a meeting or a tender notice. What you include in your proposal and how it is presented will be a key ...

Local area offices Our area offices deliver HIE programmes and pursue development in a way that matches local needs.

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

Shetland Area Map Page containing a downloadable map pdf file showing, in some detail, the geographical area in which Shetland Enterprise operates.

Where to find us (maps) Access to maps of HIE office locations including Cowan House, Inverness.

Where to find us Maps showing locations of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise offices.

Area maps Find out our main office location and see our area through interactive 'streemap.co.uk' maps

March 2006 Issue March 2006 - regular business updates and articles.

March 2007 Issue Lots of up-to-date news, reports and advice for fledgling or established businesses.

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 ...

Mark Hope Mark provided a review of the world’s current energy usage and what the energy sources are. It is clear that the modern economy is built upon ‘cheap’ energy; that is energy usage without accounting for its environmental impact. Mark concluded with his prediction on changes/adaptations we will need to make in the way we engage with energy.

Is this your problem? A competitor has opened up near to my business...It may be hard to see the silver lining, but things might not be as bleak as they first seem. There are ways to safeguard your business - you ...

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

Sales forecasting According to Geoff Hurst, marketing director at the Chartered Institute of Marketing, sales forecasting is a cornerstone of the business-planning process. "Sales forecasting is essential. If you ...

Time for a change? "If a small firm has been trading for some time and has fallen into a rut, a relaunch can provide the best opportunity to turn things around," says Kathryn Hughes, adviser for Business Link ...

Market trends Tourism trends and new markets for tourism in the Highlands and Islands

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... 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... 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... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

Customer enquiries It has been estimated that poor response to customer enquiries loses an average small business in the UK four customers each year - thought to amount to some £16,000 in profit. "Most ...

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.

HIE Orkney HIE Orkney's aim is to support the growth of ...

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 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 ...

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 We can provide marketing assistance to help businesses to market their products and services outwith Orkney.

Marketing Making sense of the marketing jigsaw

Marketing Marketing tourism in the Highlands and Islands

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.

News media enquiries Contact HIE's communications team

offline promotion Offline web site marketing

Online business networking Making the right contacts can be crucial to developing your business. But traditional networking can be very hit or miss, and spending valuable time calling potential contacts only to be rebuffed, ...

Online marketing An accessible website or targeted email can be effective ...

Positive press Good publicity in trusted media is a powerful tool for building recognition with potential customers, suppliers and investors. Like word-of-mouth recommendation, it is usually considered more ...

Q&A: Local networking Heather White (HW), director of networking consultancy The Magic of Networking, tells Tom Whitney how networking locally can help you develop your business.Why should I network locally?HW: It keeps ...

Small is beautiful Being small does not have to be a barrier to success - in fact, it can be a positive strength. Large organisations may seem to have many markets sewn up, but their one-size-fits-all approach to ...

The direct approach Whether you choose a printed mailout sent through the post or an emailed communication, an effective direct-mail campaign enables you to convey your product's key benefits to those most likely to ...

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.

Word of mouth Referrals are recommendations about your services or products made by satisfied customers to others. Their power is greater than any paid-for form of marketing or advertising because they are highly ...

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 ...

Marketing management consultancy HIE requires a marketing management consultancy to establish a masterplan with planning consent for a new combined university and innovation/incubation campus in Inverness.

Marketing Free & confidential marketing advice, guidance and finance.

Marketing support We can assist local businesses to develop and implement effective marketing strategies based on sound market intelligence and the quality of local products.

Forthcoming events We have no workshops or events planned at ...

Social inclusion Funding for disadvantaged groups

Parental rights "You need to ensure you are up to date with parental rights," says Alan Phillips, employment helpline manager at Croner Consulting. "Employment tribunals make large awards against ...

Q&A: Maternity and paternity leave Steve Williams (SW), head of equality services at Acas, explains what the recent changes to maternity pay and leave mean for employers. How much time off is allowed for maternity leave? SW: ...

Parental rights "You need to ensure you are up to date with parental rights," says Alan Phillips, employment helpline manager at Croner Consulting. "Employment tribunals make large awards against ...

May 2006 Issue Lots of up-to-date news, reports and advice for fledgling or established businesses.

May 2007 Issue Lots of up-to-date news, reports and advice for fledgling or established businesses.

Moray Moray undoubtedly forms one of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Yet, this is no Highland wilderness, for between the snowy peaks of the Cairngorms and the sandy shores of the Moray Firth you will find a population of over 97,000.

Annual report The Moray, Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (now HIE Moray) annual report can be downloaded here.

Board of directors HIE Moray board membership.

What's New? We like to keep you informed about any developments ...

News media enquiries Contact HIE's communications team

Q&A: How can Acas help my business? Acas assistant director of individual conciliation, Ron Woods, tells Afsheen Latif how small businesses can benefit from his organisation's services.What kind of problems does Acas deal with? RW: ...

Centre for Health Science Highlands and Islands Enterprise and HIE Inverness and East Highland have been developing the concept of an integrated Centre for Health Science in the Highland capital.

Centre for Health Science benefits More details about the benefits a Centre for Health Science will offer

Meet and Greet 1 Lesson 1 on meeting and greeting visitors in Gaelic.

Meet and Greet 2 Second lesson on meeting and greeting in the Gaelic Receptionist course.

Receptionist Course The course is welcoming and easy to follow. It ...

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 ...

Meetings The Local Economic Forum meets quarterly. In addition it meets with neighbouring forums from time to time - to discuss issues of common interest.

Minutes Of Meetings Minutes will be posted on this page after the next ...

Members Members of the Skye and Lochalsh Local Economic Forum

Membership At present the Inverness and East Highland Local Economic Forum has members drawn from key public and private sector organisations.

Wild Scotland benefits The membership benefits for wildlife tourism operators in joining Wild Scotland

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, ...

Non-executive directors Non-executive directors (NEDs) work with other directors to guide a company to long-term growth. Gerald Powell, senior partner at Ernst & Young, London, explains: "A non-executive director ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Migrant workers study 2005 A new study highlighting the recent significant increase in the number of migrant workers in the Highlands and Islands has called for a co-ordinated approach to helping them integrate into life in the area.

Construction, Quarrying & Mineral Extraction CASE considers that the capacity of the building industry and the related building trades within Caithness and ...

Ministerial Comments Update Paper No. 3 20th November 2001 Forum Action Plans Purpose 1. ...

Minutes Of Meetings Minutes will be posted on this page after the next ...