BizHelp24 News 174 - Small Business News

Although branding is often seen as something carried out by big businesses, it is also used to great effect by many small to medium sized businesses (and even sole traders). However, too many businesses ignore the possibilities that branding can offer.

A new survey for Microsoft has found that over a third of small businesses admit to having no brand values. In addition, 35% do not acknowledge the strategic impact of marketing on their business.

A study by web hosting company Fasthosts identifies three main varieties of online business based on key attributes. These findings have then been used to create a simple car analogy, so businesses can easily reflect on where they are and where they want to be. So, what types of website are companies running?

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with Invoice Finance

Invoice finance is a quick and low cost way of improving the cashflow of your business. Here is a guide to what factoring and invoice discounting can do for your business.

Tens of thousands of people are making money out of eBay every day, yet a large number are unaware that they may be required to pay tax and register as self-employed.

A new internet-based guide by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for people who trade online is being launched. It outlines the rules for people who trade online for a profit, as opposed to others who are just clearing low value items from the attic.

If your business struggles with VAT or find that paying out VAT affects your cashflow then the extension of a special scheme from 1^st April 2007 could help you. From 1 April 2007 the threshold for the Cash Accounting Scheme (CAS) is to be more than doubled from £660,000 to £1.35 million (the expected value of your taxable supplies for the tax year)...