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
SMART goals translate strategy into tangible targets
The SMART goals framework ensures objectives are meaningful. We look at best practice for creating, embedding and tying goals to the company’s mission.
Target Setting
Video
Why business mentoring is more than just a talking shop
With over 200 pairings through our Mentoring for Growth programme now made, Be the Business looked at how business mentoring is more than just an opportunity to shoot the breeze and share anecdotes – it provides the kind of advice and guidance key to sustainable growth.
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Challenge the old ways of doing things
When James Calder set up Distinct Recruitment, he remembered the old ways – when bosses typically sat in their own office when he was a young employee – and it was something he wasn't keen to repeat.
Leadership Behaviours
Leadership & Strategy
Article
A business mentor re-united our family firm behind the same vision
With the third generation at family firm Carrs Pasties not finding things straightforward, mentoring turned out to be the experience-based support needed.
External Collaboration
Leadership & Strategy
Article
How do family businesses tackle the subject of vision and values?
Company values guide businesses through different generations. But new leaders need to innovate. We talk to family-owned companies about their vision.
Vision & Values
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Creating an environment that welcomes suggestions and objective feedback
Businesses which fail to provide a way for staff to provide objective feedback on their working world are missing out on a wealth of insight that would help drive productivity.
Leadership Behaviours
People & Team
Article
Software helps us track staff performance daily
Brain Lonsdale has invested in project management software to help better monitor staff performance, and now has daily productivity insights.
Performance management
Planning
Article
Your coronavirus cash conservation checklist
With so much uncertainty around how long the impact of coronavirus will last, cash conservation will decide how your business gets through the outbreak.
Planning
Article
How do you plan in a rapidly changing environment?
No matter what new rules or guidelines may emerge over the summer, Kristina Rowe is aiming to cover all bases with her forward-thinking planning efforts.
People & Team
Article
To furlough or not to furlough – how to make tough decisions about staff
Ccoronavirus has meant owners and leaders are facing some of the toughest decisions of their lives. Here's some help when it comes to your people.
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Hibernating SMEs work out how to get going again
The challenges and opportunities for SMEs hibernating since the coronavirus pandemic forced doors to close are numerous. We look at how to tackle them.
Leadership Behaviours
Leadership & Strategy
Article
The different approaches taken to communicating vision and values
Taking the vision and values a company develops from the drawing board and into the workplace is easier said than done – but there are some proven strategies for communicating vision and making values stick.
Vision & Values
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
People & Team
Article
How to monitor your best performing staff and empower them
While most focus may go on dealing with members of staff not pulling their weight, business leaders must be careful to not ignore their best performing staff who are the most important assets.
Talent development
Planning
Article
We’re looking at ways to completely restructure the business
The coronavirus lockdown has been eye-opening for Catherine Connor, co-founder of Lovingly Artisan, who is now eyeing a restructure.
Change your mindset around future planning
People & Team
Video
Chris Blade of Cumbria Crystal sets his team a one per cent productivity challenge
Chris Blade is managing director of Cumbria Crystal, a manufacturer of bespoke crystal in Ulverston in the Lake District. Cumbria Crystal is the last producer of completely hand-blown and hand-cut, full-lead, luxury English crystal in the United Kingdom.
Talent development
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.
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.
Leadership & Strategy
Article
Weighing up quick business wins with longer-burn strategies
It may be tempting to launch into a series of grand plans designed to catapult your company to the next level, but ignoring quick business wins could mean you struggle with momentum.
Leadership Behaviours
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
Article
Stuck in a lift with 10 business leaders – what would you ask?
Series one of the It's The Small Things podcast featured ten small change champion CEOs, founders and leaders. Take a quick tour to find out was learnt.
Improve your own leadership capabilities
Planning
Article
What happens when your business plan runs off course?
A business plan is crucial to long-term success. Yet unexpected events can throw things off track. Here's what to do when things start going wrong.
Target Setting
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.
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