You are probably drowning in well-intentioned advice and ‘helpful opinion’ from family and friends. However, good business advice spoken from commercial experience is another matter entirely. That’s not to say it’s hard to find, but discerning the wheat from the chaff in the Internet age is sometimes less than straightforward – especially if matters are […]
Anyone who has been through a major earthquake, flood, fire or other disaster can confirm that a lot more could have been done – and should have been done – to lessen the impact. Forethought is the key to recovery. Assessing the risks Meet with staff and advisers to start developing a recovery plan. Set […]
A successful business is one that’s built around a solid business plan. It’s the architecture you base your business on, and a tool that’s always in use to make sure you’re on track. A business plan is also something that you’ll be required to share with your bank. For them to lend you money, they’re […]
These days your personal data is everywhere, and that information is valuable to marketers, hackers and everyone in between. If you want to prevent the unauthorized use of your personal information, you need to take a proactive approach to protecting yourself and your identity. You can no longer afford to be blasé about your data […]
How you price can have a dramatic effect on your sales, cash flow, and profit margins. Your pricing strategy will determine how customers see your trade business in the marketplace – naturally comparing your prices with your competitors. What you need to know to build a profitable pricing strategy The prices you charge will influence […]
When you are setting out and everything is moving so quickly, it’s easy to deviate from where you intend to be. If you don’t have a business plan, you might compromise growth or miss out on opportunities by sweating the small stuff and not focusing on what matters most. Having a clear business plan from […]
The key to building value in your business is to plan the process in a systematic way, whether you’re aiming to grow your business or groom it to get a better price from a buyer. Looking through the eyes of buyers Whether you just want to build a stronger business, or you’re looking ahead to […]
Your business plan is a management tool and is designed to suit the structure and needs of your particular business. There is not a one-size-fits-all business plan, or a set formula that you have to follow. This leeway to design your own business plan can feel quite daunting at first, but this is easy to […]
More than just a book-keeper If you’re thinking that your accounting software is there just to look after your finances, chances are you’re missing out on what it can do to grow your customer base – and improve your profit margins. The right accounting software is a tool that can be used to benefit your […]
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Wouldn’t you like to be able to reduce your time spent on administrative tasks so you could focus on increasing profits and running your business efficiently? Now might be the right time to contract out bookkeeping and payroll. The pros of outsourcing As your business grows, it might be time to outsource these time-consuming, administrative […]
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Are you planning on selling to customers in an overseas market? There are export channels galore to choose between – but which ones are right for your business? The direct route or the indirect route Generally, there are two ways your business can go – direct exporting or indirect exporting (or both). No matter which […]
An effective export business plan lays the foundations for overseas success. Each piece of the plan should come together to create a blueprint that will see your business prosper in the years ahead. Goals The foundation of your export business plan will be built on your goals – the markets where you intend to sell […]
For first-time exporters, finding success in overseas markets can be an avenue towards securing long-term, sustainable growth. But thorough preparation is vital to managing the business risks involved. Building a well-researched plan Deciding to export should be part of your continuing vision for your business. In-depth research will help you understand the specific challenges and […]
Use the Product pricing calculator to work out materials, overheads and labor to work out the price you should charge for your products. Download the Product pricing calculator […]
Use the Service pricing calculator to calculate materials, overheads and labor to work out the price you should charge for your services. Download the Service pricing calculator […]
Use the Trading, profit and loss forecast template to compile a document that you can continue to use to measure your business’s health and progress. Enter your projected monthly sales and costs to predict how profitable your business will be. Download the Trading, profit and loss forecast template […]
Use the cash flow forecast template to compile a document that you can continue to use to measure your business’s health and progress. The template is split into two sections, “Sales” and “Less Payments”. Enter your sales figures into the first section and your costs into the second. The template will automatically calculate your sales […]
If you have a business which charges for labor, use the Labor charge out rate calculator to work out how much you should be charging. Download the Labor charge out rate calculator […]
Use the Fixed costs summary calculator to work out monthly business overheads. Download the Fixed costs summary calculator […]
