Business Resource Centre

In this 'Owner Insights' series we will be taking a look at SMEs around the UK from different industries that all have one thing in common - seasonality in their businesses. Eaten Alive produces some of the finest fermented foods that are both vegan-friendly and good for the body. Founded by two chefs with a passion for fermentation, they've created their own line of kimchi, sauerkraut and hot sauce. Their recipes focus on putting great produce and flavour first. Learn more about Eaten Alive.

In this 'Owner Insights' series we will be taking a look at SMEs around the UK from different industries that all have one thing in common - seasonality in their businesses. Complete Digital is a London-based digital marketing agency which specialises in data-led digital strategies that generates leads, sales and growth for their clients. Learn more about Complete Digital here.

In this 'Owner Insights' series, we will be taking a look at SMEs around the UK from different industries that all have one thing in common - seasonality in their businesses. Sensation Band Entertainment Agency provides a range of world-class music services for private ceremonies and events. Combining some of the UK’s top musical talent with cutting edge technology and sound equipment, Sensation Band offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Learn more about Sensation Band here.

How do you handle customer complaints? How can you stop complaints from ruining your reputation? Life isn’t perfect and most small businesses can have a temporary or minor setback from time to time. It may be product defects, slow post, poor service, or even a misunderstanding that makes the phone ring. What is important, though, is having a plan to handle customer complaints in advance, when dealing with issues around product defects, service or delivery.

What is a vision statement, and how can it help your business? How does a vision differ from a mission statement? A well-written vision statement should describe what your business wants to achieve in the future. It should be ambitious. It should also motivate your team and your customers. In this guide, we’ll explain how to create a meaningful vision statement in five simple steps.

What is a SWOT analysis? SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. A SWOT analysis is a useful tool for small business owners that want to succeed in building a company, move forward generally, or perhaps tackle a new project. Here, we’ll explain one of the easiest ways to do a SWOT analysis – giving you results that are easy to understand and ready to use.

What does a good business plan look like? Do you have to write a detailed business plan or could a short version do instead? A good business plan is a roadmap that helps people see where you’d like to take your business. This guide explains what to put into a business plan if you’re a small business looking for investment or funding.

A good cash flow forecast is a valuable tool. But how do you plan ahead if you’re just starting out? And how do you create a cash flow forecast that’s useful? Here, we’ll explain how to create a cash flow forecast that can help take the pressure off your small business in the short term, and make it easier to grow in the long term.

You’ve poured endless energy into your business. Now, how do you put a value on what you’ve done? What is your business worth? Which methods could you use to value your business and which would you prefer? This guide can help you to put a valuation on your business that’s credible and reflective of all your hard work.

What is market research? Can it really shape the way you run a small business? How big an impact could it have on your company’s profit margins? As a small business owner, it’s easy to be excited and ignore the facts and figures. But to be a success, you have to find out what your market wants. This guide will explain why market research is so important for small businesses, and where to find some freely-available resources.

How can you make performance reviews a little more effective for your business? Can you link what you learn to the strengths and weaknesses in your business straight away? This overview should help you get more from scheduled review meetings with your team.

What is working capital? In a nutshell, working capital is the amount of money your business needs to meet its everyday financial obligations and still operate successfully. It’s the amount you need in available cash so that you can pay suppliers and employees, take care of maintenance costs, buy in stock, and pay your overheads.