Monthly Archives: October 2020

Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
Many banks have stopped accepting new applications for business bank accounts since the coronavirus pandemic surged in the UK.
This is predominantly down to increased demand for government-backed emergency loans like Bounce Back Loans and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans. Banks are focusing on providing these and tending to their existing customers’ most pressing needs.
Which banks are still offering business bank accounts?
SmallBusiness.co.uk has spoken to the following banks to find out where they stand on accepting business bank account applications.
HSBC
HSBC closed applications for new business bank accounts on September 30.
An HSBC UK spokesperson said: “Since the introduction of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, we have given over £12bn of lending to the UK’s businesses, as part of an overall £20bn package supporting our business and personal customers. As one of the only banks that remained open to applications from all UK businesses since the scheme’s launch, we received a huge level of demand. With the scheme closing on 30 November, we need to focus our resources on fulfilling existing applications. We are no longer accepting new applications for Bounce Back Loans from companies that don’t have an existing HSBC business account and we will

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Why negotiation is an important skill to learn

by paulfisher • October 16, 2020 • 0 Comments

Originally written by paulfisher on Small Business
Is negotiation skill an art or a science?
In today’s data-driven world, businesses, and those who negotiate on their behalf, rely on data to inform and power the decisions they make. But data isn’t the only driver that can boost a company’s bottom line. My experience with UK and international companies has shown that even with time pressures, companies still value face-to-face communication and importantly, the negotiation skill coaching to give them the confidence to do this.
Given the increasingly complex world within which these organisations operate, it’s crucial for them to strike the balance between data usage and the softer negotiation skill needed to ensure they get the result they want.
>See also: How to negotiate a commercial lease – tips for negotiating with a landlord
What are the challenges to effective negotiation?
But what does that look like in practice and what are the challenges employees face when it comes to negotiating effectively?
Knowing what you don’t know
When entering a negotiation, how much you know is crucial. But preparation is also key. It’s essential that you can identify what you may need to know so you are best prepared to achieve your goals.
This can be achieved through a

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NatWest and ITV to launch £150,000 advert prize for small businesses

by Anna Jordan • October 16, 2020 • 0 Comments

Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
Tomorrow (17th October), NatWest and ITV are launching a competition for small business to win their own TV advert, worth £150,000.
Three businesses will have their own TV advert produced by acclaimed London-based advertising agency, Pablo. It’ll have guaranteed, tailored airtime on ITV and NatWest’s owned channels.
NatWest will also provide over 50 additional support packages to the top entrants, including places on NatWest’s Accelerator programme for entrepreneurs, one-to-one coaching sessions and advertising spend for LinkedIn.
The competition is open to any sector and size, business owners need to be over 18 and based in the UK to enter. It’s open to midnight on 2nd November.
Entrants must make a written pitch to the judges, explaining why their small business is extraordinary.
To enter, visit natwestbusinesshub.com/extraordinary
On 17th October, the first in a series of the four adverts will air, featuring Cornwall-based confectionary business, Buttermilk.
Margaret Jobling, chief marketing officer, NatWest Group said:
“Small business owners around the UK have been through an unbelievably difficult year, and have fought hard to continue supporting their customers through the challenges that the pandemic has brought all of us, so we want to give three extraordinary businesses the opportunity to share their message and

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Silvina Moschini, the Argentine entrepreneur on the way to being the next pink unicorn tells us how women can raise capital

by Paola Pérez Sirvent • October 16, 2020 • 0 Comments

The founder of the SheWorks! and Transparent Business shares its experience and the key for women entrepreneurs to obtain financing for their startups.

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Here's how the Best Places to Work have led in 2020

by Entrepreneur en Español • October 16, 2020 • 0 Comments

The world’s great companies have led the way in an unprecedented year. The new report captures the inspiring stories of Cisco, DHL Express and Hilton, top of the Great Place To Work list.