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.
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Planning
Article
Coronavirus cash flow crib sheet
Cash flow is going to be a big focus for all businesses the next 12 months. This article brings together expert advice, tips and best practices.
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.
Planning
Article
Creating a scalable and reassuring back-to-work plan
From working out its maximum safe occupancy to creating an induction document,…
People & Team
Article
Using role-play in job interviews helps test instinct
When finding staff with a industry passion and the right customer-facing skills became a challenge for Chance & Counters it used quirky job interviews.
Recruit to succeed
People & Team
Article
Lay the groundwork now so your staff can assume extra responsibility in the future
If junior members are staff are expected to eventually take a step up and start embracing extra responsibility then training and skill development must be part of their day-to-day lives, as Be the Business found out from three forward-thinking SMEs.
Talent development
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Go behind the scenes at The Headland Hotel
It’s one of the most iconic hotels in all of Cornwall, with a history dating back over 100 years, but Darryl Reburn and the team at The Headland Hotel have a decidedly modern approach to business.
Leadership Behaviours
Digital Readiness
Article
Customer insights showed us a new way of running business
Business owners often have a very clear idea about what they do and where they want to take their business – but customer insights can be valuable and prompting you to certain directs admitted Ann-Marie Rossiter.
Digital Commerce
People & Team
Article
Focus on your people’s talent, and it’s impossible for competitors to copy you
Faced with a personnel predicament after Optimity secured a funding injection, Anthony Impey decided to train up his existing people talent rather than hire cookie-cutter staff.
Talent development
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Struggling SMEs brush up on survival skills
A look at SMEs which are struggling to survive following a decline in revenue and a drop in customer demand during the coronavirus pandemic.
Leadership Behaviours
People & Team
Article
It’s The Small Things: Snaffling Pig CEO Nick Coleman
They have a lofty goal – be bigger than Walkers and loved as Lego. However, Nick Coleman and Snaffling Pig are getting there one small improvement at a time.
Motivation
Leadership & Strategy
Article
How to become a disruptive leader in a family business
We spoke with Barry Leahey MBE about what it means to be a disruptive leader – especially when you’re at the helm of a family business.
Leadership Behaviours
Digital Readiness
Article
How Facebook Live cookery sessions are putting one business on the map
When coronavirus threatened their business, The Cooking Shed turned to Facebook Live and connected with some surprising new customers.
Collaborative tools & analytics
People & Team
Article
Lunch break not a time to deliver results
Headforwards knows that motivational drop offs are linked to employees being constantly pressured to perform and deliver results, and that's why the company runs a series of lunch clubs for its employees.
Motivation
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
People & Team
Article
Internal training schemes do not always need to be formal
Creating an internal training culture doesn’t have to be centred around formal, classroom-based schemes and courses knows Trusted Media.
Talent development
Digital Readiness
Article
How to ensure ongoing personal development
The role of business leaders continually evolves as a company grows. This means you need to ensure ongoing personal development and continually learn new skills knows Lisa Forde, Director of Dotty about Paper.
Collaborative tools & analytics
People & Team
Article
The 25 year-old MD who’s not afraid to ruffle some feathers
When taking the reins at a family business the tendency may be to abide by the status quo. Chloe Watmore has torn up the rule book and breathed new life into a stagnated enterprise.
Talent development
Planning
Article
Coronavirus: Controlling fixed costs
It’s always good to control your fixed costs but, during the coronavirus outbreak, it could make all the difference to the survival of your business.
People & Team
Article
Match your company rewards with employee needs
PrivateFly, a private jet charter firm, goes beyond traditional perks and engages employees in the rewards strategy by offering customised benefits.
Motivation
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Productive meetings – Ditch mobiles and risk being kicked out
They’re critical for communication and collaboration, but what is the secret to productive meetings? Be the Business showcases eight innovative and original approaches to driving efficiencies.
Leadership Behaviours
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
People & Team
Article
Experimenting with cost-effective perks and rewards
Providing perks and rewards to employees can help create a happier, more motivated and united workforce. Be the Business spoke to three companies about what is offered – from office ski-trips to street parties, and from health monitors and pension provision.
Motivation
Leadership & Strategy
Video
Plans, processes and people – the three Ps of successful delivery
John Lucas is COO at Tharsus, a robotics firm in Northumberland. He told Be the Business about the three Ps of delivery: plans, processes and people.
Vision & Values
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.