From our hubs
-
Smarter working 2hr 29min ago
How to deal with negative online comments
Online feedback can have a devastating impact on your firm’s reputation. Emma Feathersone looks at how to limit damage -
Efficiency 1 day ago
Fashion entrepreneurs: How to find a factory to make your products
Logistics might not be glamorous, but you will need to focus on your production process if you want your business to thrive, writes Perri Lewis -
Home business 2 days ago
Bake off: How to run a successful bakery business
TV shows like The Great British Bake Off have helped to put home-made cakes back on the menu. But what does it take to run a cake business? -
Efficiency 2 days ago
Efficient marketing strategies for SMEs
Small businesses shouldn't always go for the cheaper option – the important thing, says Mark Asquith, is to ensure your marketing strategy is right for your brand
-
Supporting business growth 3 days ago
Small Business Saturday celebrates ‘inspirational’ entrepreneurs
With last year’s campaign a resounding success, organisers are facing a “second album challenge”, however they have ambitious plans for December 6, reports Kitty Dann -
Managing your cashflow 3 days ago
How to find the best bank account for your business
Loyalty is not the right strategy - compare what is on offer to get a good deal, writes Jon Card -
Supporting business growth 4 days ago
Why the government should be supporting 'threshold businesses'
Businesses on the brink of becoming fully-fledged companies have potential to drive the economy forward, says Patrick Reeve -
Starting a new business 6 days ago
In the Spotlight… Vivid Drinks
Many SMEs struggle to make an impact in the drinks industry. We spoke to tea entrepreneur James Shillcock about how to land contracts with major retailers -
Managing your cashflow 6 days ago
Why alternative forms of finance are becoming popular among small firms
While the banks might not be lending to small firms, there are plenty of other options, writes Hazel Davis -
Smarter working 8 days ago
Why a four-day week, no managers and no office has paid off for this startup
The co-founders of a business in Argentina made some sweeping changes after becoming frustrated with the time they lost going to meetings and answering emails -
Starting a new business 8 days ago
Why image is everything when it comes to growing your business
Projecting the right image is crucial for positioning yourself in the marketplace and establishing brand identity, says James Caan -
Supporting business growth 9 days ago
What would Scottish independence mean for small businesses?
Big issues over currency, oil and trade loom large in the debate - but each has their own set of question marks, as Jon Card reports -
Supporting business growth 9 days ago
Social media - a beginner's guide to building your brand
Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest may seem daunting, but small businesses need to focus on managing social media if they are to keep up with the competition
-
Efficiency 10 days ago
Ten ways to make better business decisions
There are some choices that you need to mull over while others should be based on gut instinct, says Robbie Steinhouse -
Managing your cashflow 10 days ago
Securing investment: how our small business set a record on Dragons’ Den
Asi Sharabi, co-founder of Lost my Name, reveals international expansion plans following ‘watershed moment’ on TV show -
Home business 11 days ago
Beauty bloggers reveal their secret tips to business success
Successful bloggers and vloggers talk to Suzanne Bearne about turning views into cash -
Guardian Small Business Network 14 days ago
How to become a home-based freelance consultant
Setting up as a self-employed consultant has become a popular move for people in a broad range of industries and sectors, says Alison Coleman
-
Home business 14 days ago
Setting up a food business from home – what you need to know
You have a great recipe and stellar testimonials from your family and friends – what next? -
Essential resources
-
How to set up a home-based virtual assistant business
For the bright, efficient and organised, there are many opportunities for starting up at home
-
Sole trader or limited company: the best choice for freelances
When should a sole trader become a limited company? Our guide shows you how such a move will affect your tax, legal and financial responsibilities
Blogs
-
What is SEO and how can it help my website's Google visibility?
Learning how to improve your site's SEO can significantly improve your business' prominence in online search results
-
Small business tips: how to use social media to boost business
Knowing how to capitalise on your brand's social media presence is crucial. SME experts and entrepreneurs share their tips
-
Credit ratings are holding back Britain's entrepreneurs
We would do well to embrace the US attitude of encouraging risk-taking rather than punishing failure, says Judi Brazkiewicz
-
How to learn from rejection when starting a business
Tom Blake, who has been blogging about the highs and lows of his startup adventure, explains how he has moved on from negative encounters
-
How to set up a successful kickstarter pitch
Thursday 16 October, London: Make the most out of your Kickstarter campaign and create effective and exciting rewards, define an outreach strategy and reach – or even surpass – your target.
Price: £49
Learn more and book -
Speed reading for professionals
Saturday 11 October, London: Simple, practical techniques to help you become a faster, more efficient reader.
Price: £229
Learn more and book -
Guardian masterclasses for businesses
Multiple dates available, Anywhere: We offer bespoke training for businesses covering a wide range of skillsets held at either Guardian's central London offices or another location anywhere around the globe
Learn more and book
On Small business network
Find the latest jobs in your sector:
What others say
-
"I get a lot of useful information from the Guardian Small Business Network and make a point of checking out the website every day if possible." - Kathryn Kavanagh, partner at Babble Tactics.
"It's excellent, it does what is says on the tin and caters for small business in all stages of the business journey, from startups to established businesses. The articles, advice and webinars are all relevant and expert contributions are current and hit the mark. It has certainly filled a void and set the standard for the other serious dailies." Kim Hamilton, director of Frazer Stewart Ltd.
-
Guardian Professional Networks are community-focused sites, where we bring together advice, best practice and insight from a wide range of professional communities.
Some of our specialist hubs within these sites are supported by funding from external companies and organisations. All editorial content is independent of any sponsorship, unless otherwise clearly stated. We make Partner Zones available for sponsors' own content. Guardian Professional is a division of Guardian News & Media
;