BizHelp24 News 194 - Small Business News

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How to Guide: Patents and Trademarks

After our recent news article on Online Patent Applications, we have had a number of requests for more detailed information on patents and trademarks. As you can now search and apply for trademarks and patents online, the process is easier than ever before, but can still be complicated for new users.

So here is a brief look at what patents and trademarks are, and how you can apply for them; we have also updated our articles on the two subjects...

Are Slow Responses to
Emails Costing You Sales?

If your business receives queries by email, then you need to make sure that you respond to them quickly; otherwise, a new survey has found that you could be pushing your customers to your competitors.

The 'Fasthosts Customer Service Email Study' found that the average British consumer is only willing to wait up to 24 hours for a reply, with one in five (19 per cent) abandoning their enquiry after only 12 hours...

Are You Working Long
Hours to Help Growth?

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are well known for working long hours to grow their business; but a new survey has shown that many are damaging their work-life balance by failing to take holidays and adequate breaks. 

British entrepreneurs are clocking up over 47 hours every week, according to a survey into the work life-balance culture of Britain's small business managers...

Accountants -
Small Businesses' Unsung Heroes?

Running a business is not easy, and a new survey has found that a large number of small businesses get much more beneficial services from their accountant than just accountancy!

A survey from business software provider Sage has shown that over three-quarters of business owners (76 percent) feel that their relationship with their accountant is very important to the smooth running of their business.

Improve Your Cashflow
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.

If you are starting, or have recently started a business; you may be interested to know that one of the UK’s major banks has launched a new start up offer with 2 years free business banking. 

With business bank accounts you usually have to pay to deposit and withdraw money; but with the new account from Natwest these charges are free until the third year...