Category: Opinion

As organisational cultures evolve and mature over time, so does their understanding of innovation. For opportunist cultures, innovation is about lots of ideas.

Be friendly, sure. But overdo it, and you risk losing respect and causing chaos.

If a business has a problem that needs solving, whatever it is, there tends to be a pattern as to where the business owner will look for a solution.

Every decision, whether it is personal or business, is based on an emotional response. Our perspective is strongly influenced by emotion and this includes our attitudes, health and finances.

As a passionate supporter of entrepreneurship, particularly in the form of those small businesses that are the heartbeat of our economy, I am always on the lookout for people who want to start their own business.

Tucked away in Schedule 33 of the Finance Bill is an almost forgotten outcome from Nick Clegg’s much-vaunted attempt to create a more egalitarian society by fostering the creation of a John Lewis-style economy. Despite the initial impetus of the launch of this policy in 2012, the Government has struggled to turn this vision into a reality.

Flexible working is an adaptable resource for SMEs that can help build an engaged workforce and enhance productivity. And, according to Kate Nowlan, chief executive of CiC Employee Assistance, flexible working doesn’t have to be a strain or a drain on the business. Here she takes a look at how it has worked in her own organisation and considers how it could work for you too.

Speed is not the only — or even the most important — factor.

Don’t waste your money and time with brand advertising that can’t deliver a return on your investment. Do it right from the start.

This month Johnny McGinley takes a short thought provoking look for us at perhaps a seldom talked about area in the digital space, this is recruitment for social and digital media teams in SME brands.

IT now permeates every fibre of every business – and increasingly it must extend outside the traditional business boundary.

Great design equates to good business. It is a bottom-line investment, a decisive advantage that can propel you ahead of your competition. Can you afford to deny yourself the benefits?

Often mistakenly associated only with negative publicity, reputation management should be a key part in every company’s communication and marketing strategy.

Julie Pickersgill is operations director of Advanced Digital Dynamics (ADD). Since joining ADD in 2006, Julie has grown the business from three people with a £300k turnover to a 24-strong team with a £3.4m turnover against a challenging backdrop.