Hope, snow and skiving
The three best bits of research today about how small companies are responding to recession.
The true cost of shoplifting
Recession and creeping unemployment have fuelled a wave of shoplifting from Britain’s retailers, according to the latest figures. But what is the cost of a crime that is taking place once every minute on average?
Entrepreneurs on strike
If you wanted evidence that Britain is deteriorating as an environment for entrepreneurs, here it is.
2010 predictions for SMEs
Read what the year ahead holds for small businesses and how they can continue to have a positive impact on the British economy.
A question of perspective
It is extremely easy to get complacent about all we have and when life gets a bit difficult, it is just as easy to slip into a miasma of resentment and fury about everything that is less than perfect about our lives.
Snow: reasons to be cheerful
While thousands of businesses lament the many millions of pounds shaved off Britain’s economic output by the snowy weather, a handful are hoping for yet more of the white stuff.
Ask Timpo: How do I cope with an employment tribunal?
Q: I’ve found myself being taken to an employment tribunal by an applicant who claims my job advert discriminated against people because of their age. I didn’t mean to suggest any such thing and employ plenty of more senior staff. What would you do?
Bank lending: The tide is turning
Financial and business news is the last thing we want to depress ourselves with after the festive season. However, I noticed a piece about lending in the New York Times that caught my interest.
The year of being selfish
New Year meeting with business coach who, like all good coaches, always challenges me, stretches me and leaves me feeling shaken and stirred.
Bookish Tesco is not all bad
Among the supermarket giants Tesco is often singled out as the guiltiest party when it comes to hitting small independent shops with competition from its unrealistic price cuts. But this story hints at the retail giant’s fluffier, more compassionate side.