Countdown to Human Capital Awards
By Catherine Woods
At last year’s CBI/Real Business Human Capital Awards, prison administrator Vicky O’Dea was crowned the ‘people’s champion’.

Equality Bill is an "added burden"
By Kate Pritchard
The Forum of Private Business has slammed the government’s new Equality Bill, claiming that it will create an even greater administrative burden for small businesses. “Ironically, given that it is supposed to be employee-friendly legislation, it could become an impediment to employment,” says the organisation’s chief executive Phil Orford.

Harriet Harman: "Inequality and discrimination still persist"
By Kate Pritchard
Equality minister Harriet Harman plans to create a “fairer society” by allowing firms to discriminate in favour of female and ethnic minority job candidates. But what do entrepreneurs think of the new Equality Bill?

Catering company shatters preconceptions
By Catherine Woods
John Charles has made a point of employing disabled people at Catering 2 Order because he's heard too many stories about job centres telling such workers catering isn't a viable career choice.

Card company laughs all the way to the bank
By Catherine Woods
The Card and Gift Company may only be small but managing director Andrew Gibson insists they have a lot of fun, partly because of the nature of the business.

The Apprentice: "Sir Alan's advisers were a joke"
By Kate Pritchard
In the run up to the final episode of The Apprentice, recruitment entrepreneur Zena Everett has hit out at Sir Alan’s advisers for their unprofessional interviewing style: “Their bully boy tactics went against every single professional rule in the book.”

The Good Redundancy Guide
By Real Business
About to make redundancies but worried you'll end up in an employment tribunal? Before you make the dreaded annoncement, read our 14-point check list.

Wolseley suffers as Pimlico Plumbers soars
By Kate Pritchard
Wolseley, the world’s largest plumbing supplies firm, yesterday announced a 30 per cent drop in pre-tax profits and is expected to cull hundreds of jobs, as the housing slump hits demand for repairs. So has come entrepreneur plumber Charlie Mullins is announcing bumper sales?

The people problem: a start-up's perspective
By Catherine Woods
Innovantage founder Matthew Dewstowe identifies managing and motivating his staff as one of the most challenge aspects of owning a growing business.

Staff turnover linked to good packages
By Catherine Woods
Staff retention is crucial in a relationships-focused business like recruitment. That’s why Jo Sellick doesn’t shy away from offering his key employees at Sellick Partnership lucrative packages.