There are more than 310,000 retail businesses in the UK, which is 5.7% of all businesses, with SMEs accounting for more than 99% of them. Many UK retail businesses, especially those in the high street, have had a very tough time in recent years, having battled Covid and a record inflation-fuelled cost-of-living crisis that’s left consumers much more careful when it comes to spending their cash. So, is it still worth starting a small retail business and if so where do the best opportunities...

Creating a great customer experience is crucial, especially for new and established businesses operating in retail and hospitality. If you don’t create a great experience, many customers will avoid your business or head for the exit not long after entering your premises. There are many ways to encourage a great customer experience, but the potential for using music to create the right mood cannot be overstated. Music really can boost your profitability, as expert Liam Wood of the New World...

Dawn White battled eczema while growing up and when her own struggles showed just how sensitive human skin can be to normal detergents, she decided to do something about it. Dawn set out to create a detergent that was kinder to skin and contained no nasty chemicals. Soon she invented her own pioneering, eco-friendly detergent pellets, but they also needed a container so that they could be placed directly into washing machine drums, which is why her game-changing reusable Laundry Egg was also...

If you don’t have a well researched business plan, you may still be able to start and grow a successful business – but it may never achieve its full potential. To do that, you need goals and a successful strategy that enables you to achieve them. Essentially, that’s what a sound business plan offers you. So, what are the key components of a successful business plan, how do you use it to grow your business and what are the classic business plan mistakes you need to avoid? Nicola McKenzie,...

What does the future hold for small businesses in the UK in the next five to ten years? Which businesses are most likely to survive and succeed? How will customer wants and needs change and how might small businesses market their products and services to them? Will online sales continue to grow and is that likely to bring about the demise of the high street? What about managing, and, could AI actually be a good thing for small-business owners? Applied futurist, speaker, writer and consultant...

Many new small independent retailers buy their stock wholesale, often from small suppliers, makers and craft businesses. It can really set you apart by providing you with high quality, exclusive stock that’s superior to the mass-produced options sold by others. But where do you find such suppliers and how do you negotiate good deals? Consultant and wholesale and retail expert Therese Oertenblad answers these key questions, while also providing tips for micro makers that want to sell their...

Starting your own business is challenging. If you haven’t done it before, you’ll inevitably lack know-how, while there are common pitfalls to avoid. So, what key tasks do you need to complete when setting up your own business, if you’re to get off to the best possible start? Start-up and small-business content expert, journalist Mark Williams, answers this and other key questions. Visit Start Up Donut and sign up to the Donut newsletter for more free start-up news, advice and special offers...

The Entrepreneurs’ Adviser, Guy Rigby, SME mentor and author, explains how to start a high-growth business and overcome key scale-up challenges.

Email marketing expert Laura Hanlon of Birmingham-based agency Pink Leopard shares her top email marketing tips for start-ups and small businesses.

How Charlie Low and Dale Comley wrote a best-selling book about converting vans into off-grid mobile homes and created their award-winning business, Climbingvan

Award-winning business coach, mentor, adviser and peer board facilitator Jonathan O’Shea explains the business and personal benefits of seeking peer group support

Fiona Graham of the Institute of Family Business shares her insight into the pros and cons of starting up with family and explains how to make it work

How ex-bartenders Matt Mahatme and Jordan Palmer created Lixir Drinks, a tonic water and mixer brand that “combines big flavours with less sugar, fewer calories and nothing artificial”

Self-confidence and human behaviour expert, Jo Emerson, author of self-help book Flying for Beginners, explains how to build your self confidence in business

Rory MccGwire, founder of Atom Content Marketing, creator of the Donut business advice websites, on how to make sure your business survives when times are tough

Are you thinking of starting your own business in 2023? Maybe you've already taken the leap but are looking for reliable, free advice on the challenges you are facing. The popular Start your Own Business podcast is back. Packed with top tips and free advice, downloading the podcast could be one of the best business decisions you make this year. Find out what's coming up in series four by listening to the trailer now! Visit Start Up Donut and sign up to the Donut newsletter for more free...

Leading time-management expert and productivity coach Clare Evans provides tips on how small-business owners can get more done each day

Mark Hart, Professor of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School, on how to overcome challenges and grow your small business

West-Midlands-based entrepreneur Surlender Pendress looks back on starting her business with Mark Sherwood and shares her start-up top tips

Lou Chudley of Bristol-based agency Spark Social shares her expert tips on how to use Instagram to attract more customers and grow your small business

IT consultant Richard Hillsdon of Tekeez explains how to make sure you have the hardware and software your new business needs to succeed

Successful London-based Caribbean food entrepreneur Troy Johnson looks back on starting his business Juici Jerk with brother Jarrell and what lessons they learned

Leading expert and author Stephanie Edwards offers advice to small businesses on how to provide consistently excellent customer service

Lucy Cohen, founder of accountancy firm Mazuma, offers tips on how to start a business when you have little or no money