A to Z search of keyword metadata

Lionacleit data centre Established in April 2002, our data centre in Lionacleit, Benbecula, represents one of HIE's efforts to disperse public sector jobs to remote, fragile areas and we hope its success will underpin the debate on moving more public and private sector jobs into outlying areas of the Highlands and Islands.

HIE Inverness and East Highland Inverness and East Highland

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

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 ...

Network results '03-'04 Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is intensifying its efforts to help create well-paid jobs throughout the area.

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 ...

Businesses may need to act to avoid age discrimination against directors Companies may need to make special provision for directors under the new age discrimination laws that are due to come into force this October. One key element in the new Regulations is that the ...

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: consistency when disciplining or dismissing employees A recent legal decision has clarified that employers can ...

Case law: guidance for employers on identifying a grievance Deciding when a complaint is a grievance, triggering the statutory grievance procedure introduced in 2004, is now easier, following a number of recent cases decided by the Employment Appeals ...

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 ...

Do you need to review your fixed-term contract employees? Employers need to review employees on fixed-term contracts if they are not to be treated as permanent employees under legislation coming into force this July. This important provision, designed ...

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 ...

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: 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 ...

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 ...

Your chance to have your say on draft family-friendly regulations Businesses now have the chance to put their views on the controversial changes to maternity, paternity and adoption leave arrangements, as well as flexible working for carers for adults, that the ...

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 ...

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 ...

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: 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 ...

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 ...

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: 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: 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 ...

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 ...

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.

Excellence in Education through Business Links EEBL aims to strengthen industry links with education by providing teacher placements.

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) ...

tech tips Tech tips for e-business and small to micro-sized companies

Application form Online and downloadable application form to participate in Byte the Bullet

Business transformation Electronic commerce has been described as the fulfilment of every small and medium-sized business’s dream.

Byte the Bullet Byte the bullet - helping SMEs with the effective, planned use of ICT and e-business

Case studies Ebatt case studies of implementing technology into small business

e-Communities Project information on e-communities project and first e-Day event at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Skye

e-Communities study The e-Communities study was commissioned by HIE and in partnership with Skye & Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations (SLCVO) to establish the attitudes and levels of engagement in ICT among community groups in the pilot area of Skye & Raasay. The study includes information on skills and confidence levels, areas of activity and inactivity, and attitudes towards ICT as a tool for further development of the community sector in the Highlands and Islands.

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

Key sectors Economic mainstays profiled

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 ...

What is Byte the Bullet? Details of the Byte the Bullet business transformation programme

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.

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

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.

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

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

CHS – Facilities Management HIE requires a supplier who will provide a Facilities Management company for the Centre for Health Science who will operate within the facility.

EU energy performance certificates HIE are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced supplier to assist them in ensuring compliance with the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC.

Human Networking Service HIE requires a suitably qualified and experienced supplier who will provide a high quality human networking service for the Highlands & Islands.

MBSE invitations to tender Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise occasionally produce invitations to ...

Pentland Firth – grid options study Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced contractor to carry out a grid options study intended to inform project decision making by providing options and recommendations for providing mechanisms for dealing with power generated from marine energy developments that are expected to be sited in the Pentland Firth.

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 ...

Records storage Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) requires a storage and retrieval service contractor who will provide a high quality service, whilst offering good value in the expenditure of public funds.

HIEP Operations To date the partnership has primarily focused on matters relating to EU funding programmes – their use to support activities in the Highlands & Islands and influencing the development of future structural funds policy in Brussels, although other areas of policy influence are, and will continue to be, important.

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

job outcome evidence examples Further to the programme rules issued in 2007, including ...

Training for Work A period of up to 26 weeks to re-establish workplace skills and knowledge with one of our partner Training Providers, or maybe with an employer, where you would work to gain a qualification.

The Airds Hotel EatScotland award winner, The Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll

The Brief archive Back issues of the Network's corporate magazine.

The Creel, South Ronaldsay EatScotland award winner,The Creel, South Ronaldsay, Orkney

The New Drumossie Hotel, Inverness EatScotland award winner, The New Drumossie Hotel, Inverness

The Pines, Grantown-on-Spey EatScotland award winner,The Pines, Grantown-on-Spey

Prince' s House Hotel, Glenfinnan EatScotland award winner, The Prince's House Hotel, Glenfinnan

The Three Chimneys, Skye EatScotland Gold award winner, The Three Chimneys, Skye

Shoplifters are plaguing my business... Shoplifting is the same as any other form of theft and, as such, is classed as an arrestable offence. This means you can detain a shoplifter by making a citizen's arrest. Police advise caution, ...

refreshing pages Refreshing your web site content

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.

Renewables

Marine Energy - Tidal The waters around the Argyll coastline offer abundant opportunities ...

Marine Energy - Wave Harnessing Argyll's wave energy to produce Renewable power

tigh-na-mara ^ home | < previous ...

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. ...

search by domain Searching tip using domain name registrations

Tips and Advice Guidance and information for Future Apprentices

tech tips Tech tips for e-business and small to micro-sized companies

acronyms What do they mean?

TMU staff Photographs and contact details for TMU staff

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

TMU news TMU news and information updated regularly.

Tools / resources Tools and resources specific to the HIE network

Tools Guidance How to use the tools and diagnostics

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

Advice for business Advice and training for tourism operators

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 leadership Why business leadership is important for the future success of tourism

Business leadership Leading the tourism business from the front

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 ...

Buying a franchise Buying a franchise gives you the opportunity to capitalise on an established brand. "Franchising is a business relationship between someone with a proven idea [the franchisor] and someone else ...

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 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 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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Driving change Innovative tourism, the next generation

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 ...

E-business Trading and marketing online for tourism businesses

E-business in tourism Web-generated business statistics for the tourism industry

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 assistance Financial assistance for tourism

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 ...

Food and Drink Business opportunities in food and drink tourism

Food for thought Food and Drink is now worth £950 million per annum to Scotland. The key consumer demands in this sector are online reservations

Forest Recreation Business opportunities in forest recreation tourism

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 ...

Golf Business opportunities for golf tourism

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 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 guides How to guides for tourist industry operators

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 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 ...

Internationalisation Tourism in the Highlands and Islands performs on the world stage, so fundamental to capturing our share of the market is the development of international clientele.

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 industries and broadband Key industries and broadband

Key sectors Economic mainstays profiled

Lights, camera, action Using online video in the tourism market

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Monitoring staff in the workplace There are any number of legitimate reasons for wanting to monitor your staff in the workplace - you could be concerned about breaches of company Internet policy, for example, or worried about ...

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 ...

Net No.1 travel resource Internet marketing increasingly important for tourism sector

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

Pride and Passion Promoting pride in our tourist industry

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: 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: 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: 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 ...

Quality and training Quality assurance in tourism

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, ...

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 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 ...

Taster tours Tourism taster tours and showcases

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 ...

Ten ways to...get more customers through your door Winning sales from people who would not otherwise know about your business, let alone visit your premises, will make a considerable difference to your firm. Here are some simple things you can do to ...

The Internationalisation Story The internationalisation of tourism presents big opportunities - and challenges.

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 ...

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

Tourism Tourism projects may be broadly classified under three main headings: accommodation catering recreational ...

Tourism A mainstay of the local economy

Tourism HIE is a key source of advice and support for tourism businesses.

Tourism and communities Tourism and how it impacts on local communities

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 Training Programme Training courses for tourism businesses in the Inverness and East Highland area

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 ...

Wildlife Business opportunities in wildlife tourism

World-class destinations What do we mean by world-class destinations?

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 ...

Green Tourism Green or sustainable tourism: what it means for the Highlands and Islands

Business leadership Why business leadership is important for the future success of tourism

Business leadership Leading the tourism business from the front

Data mining with Google Drilling down through web trends can uncover market research gems

Essentials Hot tourism topics - what tourism operators need to know.

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

Internationalisation Tourism in the Highlands and Islands performs on the world stage, so fundamental to capturing our share of the market is the development of international clientele.

Murdo's Laws of Hospitality Murdo’s Law of Expectation - “To exceed expectations, we ...