Networking is an effective business tool, especially if you want to increase the awareness of your brand in your local area. It gives you the opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded business contacts.

To get the most out of networking groups, you have to appear confident about yourself and your business offering. Prepare what you want to say about yourself in advance so you can clearly communicate the core benefits of your product or service.

Try to improve your knowledge about the things affecting your local area. If the topics arise during the group, you will be able to...

It was with great pleasure and immense delight that Tracey Wall, Director of Empowering Mums, attended the Cheshire Woman Of The Year Award Ceremony at Eaton Park, Chester, as an award nominee.

Tracey joined a host of courageous, hardworking and dedicated women from across Cheshire to enjoy a spectacular lunch in the historic and breathtaking Wolf Room at Eaton Park.

This nomination recognised Tracey for the tremendous support she offers mums throughout the UK and beyond; supporting and encouraging them to boost their self-confidence and improve their life balance so they can...

Good bookkeeping is essential when it comes to running a successful business. This month, Amy Bell of A Bell Accountancy, is sharing her tips in this two-part Guide To Bookkeeping. If you would like to read Part 1 of this useful resource, please visit http://bit.ly/ZloZvP.

Retain your receipts 

As a general rule, any expense that is ‘wholly and exclusively’ relating to the purpose of the business is tax deductible. Don’t forget to note the small purchases you make, such as stamps and ink cartridges. Even if you paid for these purchases out of your own money, they...

Good bookkeeping is essential when it comes to running a successful business. This month, Amy Bell is sharing her tips in this two-part Guide To Bookkeeping. Amy has worked as an accountant for over 10 years and runs her own accountancy and bookkeeping company, A Bell Accountancy.

Keep it simple

Bookkeeping doesn’t have to be complicated. You can track your records manually, using a simple Excel spreadsheet or cashbook. Alternatively you can invest in a computerised accounts package such as Sage. The first step is to decide which system will work best for you and your business.

Stay...

Creating and following a structured business plan will give you the clarity and focus you need to make your business a success. Here are some quick tips to spur you into action!

Vision & Mission It is imperative you have a vision and a mission for your business. Can you answer these questions?

• What it is you want to achieve?
• How do you visualise your business in 1, 5 or 10 years?
• What is your mission?
• What are the benefits customers can expect to enjoy when they utilise your business?
• What is your motivation for success?

Gain Clarity

Allow yourself to think and dream big! Your goals...

It was with great pleasure and immense delight that Tracey Wall, Director of Empowering Mums, attended the Cheshire Woman Of The Year Award Ceremony at Eaton Park, Chester, as an award nominee.

Tracey joined a host of courageous, hardworking and dedicated women from across Cheshire to enjoy a spectacular lunch in the historic and breathtaking Wolf Room at Eaton Park. 

This nomination recognised Tracey for the tremendous support she offers mums throughout the UK and beyond; supporting and encouraging them to boost their self-confidence and improve their life balance so they can...

Establishing and managing a business can be challenging, especially when there is so much to do! However, with careful strategic planning, you can accomplish far more than you ever thought possible. Here are some ways you can improve your planning strategy, increase productivity and drive sales.

Plan for all outcomes

Don’t embark on a new financial year without comprehensively assessing the market. You ought to consider any fluctuations and changes on the previous year, including economic influences. Additionally, try to identify new pockets of customers with whom you have yet to...

Many employers are aware of the importance of good ergonomics and creating office environments that ensure the physical wellbeing of their employees. Providing staff with a working environment that is comfortable, safe and motivating often leads to improved and consistent productivity. As a mumpreneur working from home, you too should be mindful about looking after your own wellbeing and ensuring your office is set up in a comfortable way.

When choosing your office furniture, it is important to be ergonomically aware. Set your workspace so you are free from aches and pains caused by...

If you’re embarking on a home-run business, you’re probably wondering how you can create an ideal space without commandeering an already well-used area of the house. You may have already set up your business but now find the dining table is an inconvenient place from which to grow your business. You now need to decide how you can best utilise the space you have to create an area solely for your business. Remember, it is all for the greater good of you and your family, as allocating a room or area for your business will bring great rewards.

Claim your space

If you have a spare...

Are you ready to get ahead this year and make way for Spring? Would you prefer to enjoy the warmer months and great outdoors once Spring arrives, rather than spending time scrubbing and cleaning at home? Why not get a head start by de-cluttering your home while the weather is still dull, so you can fully embrace the start of the new season?

Getting to grips with your home environment can provide an enormous sense of wellbeing. By de-cluttering your home, you will be releasing the pressure in your mind, as you will feel more in control about your surroundings. Clutter not only takes up room...