Why productivity matters
Productive companies get more out of what they’ve got, enabling them to increase their profits, pay higher wages and invest in their future. More productive businesses mean a more prosperous country. Discover why productivity matters below.
Filter
Article
From an experienced leader to a new one
Liz Smith, MD with LG Printing, looks back to her first difficult years as a leader and offers some leadership advice to her younger self.
People & Team
Article
Meet the businesses that pool employee evaluation
Regularly evaluating the performance of your staff can help a business better meet individual and collective targets. We talk to two companies developing new employee evaluation techniques to engage with staff about their tasks and expectations.
Performance management
Digital Readiness
Article
The most effective digital tools for growing businesses
The best business tools increase productivity and focus. Digital tools link teams, improve collaboration and act as personal organisers. We spoke to business owners about what’s worked for them.
Digital Commerce
Sales & Growth
Article
Three ways entering business awards can give you a competitive edge
Entering business awards might not be at the top of your to-do list, but we think it could be once you find out how three family business leaders gained an upper hand by doing so.
Marketing & Sales
People & Team
Article
Don’t fret about the costs – consider the motivation gains
"Company rewards schemes do come at a cost, but also help form the corporate culture, attract talented people and maintain job retention at high levels”, said Dave Barnett, who believes strongly in motivation strategies.
Motivation
Leadership & Strategy
Article
I felt like I was in my dad’s shadow
It took Liz Davis a long time to realise she didn’t need to be her dad after taking over the family business – she just needed to be herself.
Improve your own leadership capabilities
Leadership & Strategy
Article
The different interpretations of vision and values in business
They're discussed a lot in terms of their importance in setting a successful strategy, but interpretations of vision and values are often unique to each company and leader. Be the Business digs a little deeper.
Vision & Values
Article
Did you choose the right video conferencing technology?
Explores ten factors SME might need to consider when choosing a video conferencing service to meet their needs post-coronavirus.
Sales & Growth
Article
Taking control of your marketing strategy – and reaping the benefits
It’s hard to win new customers and grow without a marketing strategy, but how do you decide who best to tell your story?
Marketing & Sales
Digital Readiness
Article
Productivity hacks using commercial technology
Technology has the ability to bamboozle and empower businesses in equal measure – it all comes down to education and execution. One business leader tells us about one of his productivity hack, using a CRM system to power decision making.
Digital Commerce
Sales & Growth
Article
Honing the company offering using customer feedback
While there have never been more ways for comments – be it positive or negative – to be given on products or services, customer feedback can be a powerful tool, if used wisely.
Marketing & Sales
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Do you really know what makes your business remarkable?
Martin Morales, CEO and founder of Ceviche Family, shares his top tips for building a remarkable business built on memorable customer experiences.
Support your employees
Digital Readiness
Article
How building business partnerships with universities and research bodies can pay off
Universities are edifices of industry expertise. Building business partnerships with these institutions can create commercial opportunities and help small companies kickstart innovation.
Collaborative tools & analytics
People & Team
Article
Cancelling scheduled meetings boosts productivity and creativity
SME leaders are ditching scheduled meetings to boost productivity and creativity. We spoke to two business owners about the benefits and their advice.
Talent development
Digital Readiness
Article
What we learned from using Slack for the first time
Devotees say Slack increases productivity, communication and transparency. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? Business owners share their experience.
Digital Commerce
Planning
Video
A business mentor gave me a sounding board for my ideas and decisions
A business mentor may seem formal, expensive or out of reach, but there have never been more opportunities to access an experienced individual to bounce ideas off in times of need and drive effective change.
Ambition
Digital Readiness
Article
It’s The Small Things: Graze CEO Anthony Fletcher
From humble beginnings to 500 staff, Graze is an amazing British business story. CEO Anthony Fletcher talks about the small decisions being made each day.
Develop the use of business data
Digital Readiness
Article
How startups can help your company develop new ideas
Charlie Bradshaw, founder and CEO of product design and manufacturer Matrix APA, understands the value of collaborating with startups as an opportunitiy to further develop his own company.
Collaborative tools & analytics
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Ask how employees can help define the vision
At data firm Viga, founder Lewis Reeves wanted to ensure the company values were approachable and so got everyone involved helping define the vision.
Vision & Values
Digital Readiness
Article
Outsourcing a business task can help you work out what you really want
Outsourcing is a great way for business owners to work out what success feels like for any given task knows Zoe Cunningham, MD of software development specialist Softwire.
Digital Commerce
Article
Pivoting from one business offering to another
As one of her hospitality firm came to a screeching halt, Hattie Mauleverer took solace in an astonishing spike in demand for her other business offering.
People & Team
Video
Matthew Thomson of Fifteen Cornwall says drawing on your team’s knowledge can drive up productivity
Matthew Thomson of Fifteen Cornwall explains how important it is to draw on your employees’ expertise – especially what they know about your customers.
Talent development
Leadership & Strategy
Article
If you don’t think your business needs to improve you’re kidding yourself
Believing that a business, and the management team at the helm, should never stop trying to improve, Geometric Manufacturing managing director Paul Wenham explains why it can be such an effective outlook.
Leadership Behaviours
Planning
Article
How I successfully applied for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
Barry Leahey successfully applied for funding through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. He talks us through the key steps he took.