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Nothing Ventured – Communicating VC Aspirations For The British Economy

When playing a word association game with the term ‘economy’, a few options spring to mind almost immediately – austerity, recession, triple-dip. All pretty negative I’m sure you’ll agree (sorry George).SMEs however, is one word that provides a glimmer of hope. read more

 

The City Centre Is Still King

According to a recent poll, almost two thirds of businesses in London are considering moving premises - with lack of space, high rents and servicing costs cited as factors. With the growth in mobile and flexible working, does this mean that there is no future for city centre offices? read more

 

Updating Your Business Plan

A well-drafted business plan is crucial when raising finance or trying to attract investment, but it is also, of course, an essential tool for the successful management of a business. A carefully researched ‘roadmap’ which includes the right information provides focus, prevents business drift and reduces risk. read more

 

The Big Challenge

Guy Rigby, Head of Entrepreneurs at Smith & Williamson, asked six successful entrepreneurs about the biggest challenges they faced when setting up a business. Here’s what they had to say: read more

 

Considering Becoming A Franchisee

Franchising is essentially the licensing of a business format by a franchisor to a franchisee, which allows the franchisee to operate his own business under the franchisor’s brand, using an established business method. Quality and standards are carefully controlled by the franchisor to ensure uniformity across the franchise network. read more

 

Need Help With Your Business Planning?

12/12/2012 By Claire West Find out how the Institute of Directors can help you... Investors agree that the most important aspect of any business plan is the Executive Summary – this is your ‘elevator pitch’ – a one page summary of the whole plan. If you get this right then people will read... read more

 

Why is Ireland the Ideal Location for Startups?

Ireland is home to many things. Guinness. Hurling. U2. The Cliffs of Moher. But for many of us, it's simply home. Did you know that Ireland is also the world's top location for startups with a dedicated investment fund for startups thinking of relocating? read more

 

Promoting Your Business On a Shoestring

When starting a business, or indeed when trying to be frugal in tough times, saving money is important, but not at the detriment that people don’t hear about you, or know who you are. So how do you strike the balance between getting your message out to the masses as well as saving on costs? read more

 

Creating A New Business Facebook Page: The Basics

Barely an hour goes by these days without some multinational brand desperately appealing to you to ‘Like’ them. Admittedly, this is on their Facebook page rather than them wanting to join you for drinks, but with an estimated 845 million global users, Facebook popularityfor a business is now directly linked to the health of its turnover, so the race is well and truly on to get you engaged and keep you that way. read more

 

Creating A Great Business Website … On A Budget

In these heady days of rapid digital innovation, maybe more than ever before, there are opportunities out there for any budding entrepreneur with a big idea but only a small budget. So what are the tricks to creating an online business on a budget that will not only be a success, but will last? read more