Forest Software

Web, SEO and IT & Business Advice for the Smaller Business

Monthly Archives: March 2012

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Last updated on April 13th, 2015 at 02:10 pm

Struggling with your own business? How an umbrella company could help. 

For anyone who is struggling to cope with the trials and tribulations frequently associated with owning and operating a small business, employing the services of an umbrella company can be a useful solution. The small business/umbrella company relationship is akin that of the employee/employer and such an association can help the owner improve the efficiency of various aspects of their enterprise, not to mention giving them extra time to concentrate on growing the business.

First off, an umbrella company can help immensely with the accounting aspect of the business. The umbrella company receives payment from clients on the business’s behalf and completes all necessary year-end tax returns. The umbrella company also takes care of deducting the taxes from each paycheck going to the business. Where applicable, National Insurance deductions and returns are also made by the umbrella company.

Usually, the only thing that the contractor or small business owner has to do in order to ensure he or she is paid correctly is hand in a timesheet. Continue reading

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Last updated on April 13th, 2015 at 02:10 pm

Getting the right energy prices is crucial for small businesses

Most small businesses face the same challenges and issues as the larger ones, but with fewer resources at their disposal they may be considered to have more disadvantages. Among the major issues usually identified by smaller companies are the satisfactory recruitment of suitably qualified workers; keeping up with technological advances; marketing costs; meeting statutory requirements; and gaining access to sufficient venture and growth capital.

Business overheads are another prime example: owners of commercial premises are now faced with utility bills that are higher than ever, whilst at the same time customers are unwilling to spend more and want bigger bargains and cheaper products.

Larger companies that are heavy users of energy may be able to get around this by negotiating good deals with suppliers – often they can do this because they have better financial backing and more buying power than smaller businesses. In these circumstances, smaller businesses with less financial support Continue reading

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Over the years we have published many articles based around the questions that we get asked from small businesses relating to marketing, SEO, general business advice and other subjects.  You can find a list of related articles grouped by subject below or can even search for a word or phrase or browse our recent articles.

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