1. Watch the cash! Obviously, for a start-up, this goes well beyond spending money on technology, but it’s important to keep it in mind when choosing software. Where possible, invest in systems that allow you to pay monthly with no tie-in. Even if you feel that your business requires something more bespoke and specific in the medium term, selecting Pay-As-You-Go systems initially can pay dividends. Initial use of a Pay-As-You-Go system will allow you to test your requirements and then purchase a more bespoke solution from a more informed position. Consider things like dedicated or hosted servers, and shared environments, so that you are not spending money on in-house servers and so on. Rarely are these necessary nowadays, and in fact they can limit your flexibility. The online environments are usually available for a monthly fee as well, and this helps cash flow as well as limiting risk. If your requirements change, or if the business fails, you are faced with a … [Read more...]
Isn’t it time there was a little more joined up thinking in support for small businesses?
Why is money for enterprise not invested in areas where enterprise produces the best returns? Today’s announcement of the second round of enterprise zone investment was disappointing for those who believe that this investment needs to be placed in areas where the best returns can be had. The government, in its wisdom, has agreed to the plans of a number of organisations for the creation of Enterprise Zones in a variety of areas. The majority of this investment is going to areas where arguably there is not the culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship.One enterprise zone that has been agreed is in Oxfordshire, David Cameron’s back yard! And yet one of the most deprived areas of the country, believe it or not, is Bognor Regis, a town known for its long hours of sunshine and very high unemployment rates. The Coast to Capital LEP put forward a plan for the establishment of an advanced manufactiuring Enterprise Zone for this area and it was rejected. On another note, another of the new … [Read more...]
