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Small business, big ideas
Page last updated at 15:21 GMT, Thursday, 2 July 2009 16:21 UK
David Groocock
Growing optimism among small firms
The BBC News website is tracking 10 small businesses from across the UK to see how they are being affected by the economic downturn. Here are their thoughts for May.

EXPERT PANEL

Choose an expert and ask them advice about running a small firm

Russell Lawson, FSB
Ganesh Selvarajah, Business Link
Liz Barclay, Radio 4 presenter
Professor Nigel Nicholson
Paul Lynam, NatWest
George Derbyshire, head of NFEA
Martin Gibson, BuildDesk
Howard Graham, Made Simple
Julian Nolan, Honeywell


Shopfronts Recession beater
How small firms can best ride out the economic downturn
Louisa Sheppy of Sheppy's Cider Downturn watch
Follow small firms as they navigate the economic downturn
Roadworks outside a shop Roadworks woes
Why roadworks can wreck a small shop's business

START-UP SUPPORT

Hurdler How new start-ups can best succeed
George Derbyshire, head of NFEA, looks at how new firms can best overcome the early hurdles they may face.

Business tax impact a key factor
How to attract new clients
How free samples can win trade

Select more stories:
 
ENVIRONMENT ISSUES

Rubbish bins How firms can best recycle plastics
Dr Martin Gibson, director of BuildDesk, looks at how small companies can most easily tackle plastic waste.

Putting food waste to good use
Types of hazardous waste
How to dispose of old PCs

Select more stories:
 

BANK & MONEY MATTERS

Flowers How to impress the bank manager
NatWest's Paul Lynam looks at how to best secure financial backing for your business idea.

Raising cash for your company
Is your business idea any good?
Find a more supportive bank
Select more stories:
 

Small businessman Adam Whipps Tough times
Small business owners discuss the impact of the downturn
Mike Warburton, of accountants Grant Thornton Stroud success
How the town of Stroud is battling the credit crunch
Workshop Revenue streams
How a small firm can boost profits by licensing out a product




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