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Better Business
Money Matters
Money is a sensitive topic for many people, and it can be difficult to talk about, especially if you're struggling financially. However, it's important to remember that you're not alone and that there are resources and help available. We have lots of advice available for both individuals and businesses on saving money and taking charge of your financial situation. This includes setting budgets, planning to avoid unnecessary costs, managing margins in your business, and broaching the topic of pay rises with employees.
Understanding Costings and Retail Pricing
Many florists enter the industry because of a passion for flowers and design. However, creativity alone cannot sustain a business. Every bouquet sold must cover not only the cost of flowers but also labour, packaging, rent, utilities, delivery, and waste. When these elements are overlooked, florists may unknowingly underprice their work. A bouquet priced purely on instinct or competitor comparison can quickly erode profit margins. In contrast, florists who understand their tr
Karen Barnes
May 115 min read
Sustainability: How to Switch to a Green Energy Supply
With rising awareness of climate responsibilities, shifting customer expectations and growing pressure to reduce emissions, choosing a renewable energy supplier has become both a strategic and ethical decision. Switching to a green tariff not only helps businesses reduce their environmental impact but it can also enhance brand reputation and provide long‑term cost stability. How Green Energy is Defined A mechanism called REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin) is used to
Jackie Whittaker
Apr 152 min read
Are Photoshoots Worthwhile?
Expert florist Viv Bradford shares her tips for getting the most from styled photoshoots.
Viv Bradford
Apr 93 min read
Sustainability: How Small Businesses Can Use Energy More Sustainably
Small businesses have a significant role to play in building a more sustainable future, and using energy wisely is one of the most obvious places to start. By making a few smart changes, whether that’s upgrading to efficient equipment, changing everyday habits, or exploring renewable options, businesses can cut costs, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a healthier planet. Sustainable energy use isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for business, too.
Jackie Whittaker
Apr 82 min read
Break-even Analysis for Small Business: Calculate your Break-even Point
Break-even analysis helps you calculate how many units you need to sell to cover fixed and variable costs. Learn how it works and how to use it in your business planning. Every business, from start-up to established enterprise, needs to answer one essential question: when will we actually start making money? That’s where break-even analysis comes in. What is a break-even analysis? A break-even analysis is a financial planning tool that identifies the exact moment your total r
Federation of Small Businesses
Apr 76 min read
Payslips - An Expert Guide
With more people than ever working under non-standard contracts, it can be hard getting payslips right. Croner are here to help.
Croner
Mar 305 min read
How to Calculate Pro-Rata Pay & Holidays
Do you know what the term ‘pro rata’ means and how to work out pro-rata pay and holidays for your employees? Croner explain.
Croner
Mar 263 min read
Seven Payroll Tasks you Need to do Every April
Don't miss a deadline! Stay on top of your annual payroll duties and prepare for the new tax year ahead with our handy checklist of seven payroll tasks for April. Running payroll every month, whether yourself or outsourced to payroll experts, is a weekly or monthly routine. But every April, when a fresh tax year begins, new employment law changes come into force and there are annual payroll duties to carry out. Payroll experts at the Federation of Small Businesses have put to
Federation of Small Businesses
Mar 193 min read
How to Comply with Making Tax Digital
Find out the four steps your small business can take to comply with the tax legislation, and where you can find compatible software. The Making Tax Digital for VAT deadline has already passed. Since April 2022, VAT-registered businesses have been required by law to follow the new rules, including using compatible software to submit your VAT returns. You may face penalties from HMRC if you don’t meet MTD requirements. Don’t worry – at the Federation of Small Businesses, we'
Federation of Small Businesses
Feb 97 min read
10 ways you can reduce the risk of overtrading
Are you overtrading? Spot the warning signs early and learn how to fix cash flow strain before it damages your business growth. Learn how you can prevent the dangers of overtrading and the measures you can put in place to grow sustainably and protect your bottom line. Overtrading may seem like a good problem to have in business. After all, landing a big contract means more orders and more sales. However, the risks of overtrading shouldn’t be ignored. A sudden rise in demand c
Federation of Small Businesses
Jan 86 min read
Boost your Business: 10 Ways to Win a Corporate Contract
Supplying regular flower and plant arrangements to local clients can be good business, as repeat orders mean regular income. These days, corporate work encompasses everything from products supplied to businesses for reception areas, to products purchased for employee gifts, customer gifts or those used to dress conference and exhibition venues, show homes and more. Competition to supply corporate flowers can be fierce. In tough times, many businesses choose to cut back on thi
Jackie Whittaker
Jan 53 min read
How Open Banking can Help your Business
Open Banking lets small businesses securely share financial data, simplifying access to finance, improving cash flow & accounting. It also enables easier, more secure, and cheaper customer payments, offering a competitive edge. It's a UK government-backed initiative for better business management. What is Open Banking? Open Banking is a way for you to safely and securely share your business’s financial data, such as your bank transactions or account details, with other truste
Federation of Small Businesses
Dec 29, 20255 min read
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