This case study is the personal business account of Sandy Banfield, who owns her own virtual business and support company. Sandy discusses her personal history, professional background and business-building journey to help other entrepreneurs work out their own path.

The biggest asset of a business is its staff. With the right team, your business can focus on new business and growth. With the wrong team, you risk going nowhere. So what’s the secret to getting the right staff? And how do you get the best out of them?

Talent measurement firm SHL recently launched its JobMatch tool, an online tool that allows HR professionals and line managers to match candidates to the right roles in a cost-effective and scientific way.

Despite tough economic conditions, new figures show that seven in 10 small businesses have introduced new or improved products and services over the past two years, but the economy is preventing six in 10 from achieving growth this year, new figures from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) show.

Britain is leading the way in Europe with regards to how employees view work-life priorities, according to new global research from Robert Half International.

After a recent two-day visit to Beijing, Chancellor George Osborne announced bold plans to establish London as an offshore trading centre for the Chinese Renminbi, bringing widespread opportunities to British businesses.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has vowed to deal with the "ticking time bomb" of 55,000 “Neets” -16 and 17-year-olds - who are not in education, employment.

A new survey of 1,000 business leaders by the Institute of Directors (IoD) shows that companies are relatively confident despite the weak economic outlook.

850,000 penalties for late tax returns will be issued over the next fortnight, 550,000 fewer than the same time last year, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announced.

Nearly half of SMEs answering a recent survey have yet to make the necessary preparations ahead of London 2012.

Market stalls offer a range of benefits to owners, including an outdoor working environment and the ability to be your own boss. Markets and car boot sales generally have relaxed, natural working environments which can help keep you stress-free. If you’re thinking of setting up a market stall, this guide will help you get to grips with what’s required to succeed in this traditional business area.

The last quarter has seen pay intentions reach their highest level since spring 2009, according to newly released data from survey of more than 1,000 employers, commissioned by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

A new survey has found that 91 percent of SMEs are using social networks for business purposes, an increase of 31 percent from last year’s survey.

Traditional marketing tools have evolved. Small business owners now have a huge number of choices when it comes to raising their firm’s profile, from local adverts, flyers and brochures, to online searches, reviews sites and social media. Sham Hussein, Marketing Executive for Yell in the UK, explains how SMEs can maximise their opportunities online.

Bank of Ireland may soon receive a €150m fund from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to be used to extend credit to small and medium-sized enterprises.

Research conducted by customer communications experts Pitney Bowes has revealed that consumers are becoming increasingly jaded as a result of excessive contact from businesses, especially via email.

UK companies are sharpening their focus on softer workplace benefits to attract and keep the best talent, according to new research, published today by Vodafone UK.

When it comes to green procurement in business – that is, the acquisition of goods and services without causing a detrimental impact on local environments and economies – small businesses are said to have the upper hand.

Andrea McDowell, is the founder and managing director of Shoot it Yourself (SIY). Andrea set up Shoot It Yourself in 2009, having worked in television for a variety of independent production companies as a Director.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has said that small firms in Scotland are being hurt by the country’s current system of regulation.