As a past marketing director, my financial director would always throw in this question at budget time; "So, Shirley which half of your marketing budget will you waste this year?" Find out my answer

Getting leads, sales and customer enquiries for your business is one of the top challenges for any company. In my experience, getting new customers  is one aspect that most companies need help with.

I've heard this so many times but strangely enough there are exactly the same number of minutes in every hour of every day. But it seems we're just not productive. My mother has saying, "if you want something done, give it to a busy person", and in my experience it always works.

Simply 3 of the best HMRC giveaways! Capital Allowances, Research & Development Tax Credits and Patent Box

In the early days of any business the general philosophy for business owners is ‘any customer is a good one’. But as time moves on not all of those clients are worthy of the title ‘good client’.

In one of my master classes we look at the value of your business and how you can maximise it. Nearly everybody is surprised to see ‘customer database’ almost at the top of this list. I find that so surprising as, in general, it's the first thing a liquidator looks to sell.

It's been a tough few years but hey, let’s celebrate that you're still in business, many aren't. But will you still be successfully trading at year end?

When anyone starts a business it’s tempting to take on every client that comes your way. It doesn’t matter whether or not they are ideal or a money making client. We just celebrate winning clients in those early days but many of them will end up costing you a lot of money to deal with in the future.

Do you only think about your business goals or consider your personal goals too? After all we should not be spending all of our time at work. As a business owner your personal goals always drive your business goals.