Dan Matthews
Dan is a business owner and journalist with around
10 years experience writing in print and online. He has held editor and publisher-level positions at respected publishing companies and has written
for The FT, The Guardian, FHM, Real Business Magazine, Growing
Business Magazine and his own online title LaunchLab.co.uk.
He has also written four business books for John Wiley publishing, and is currently working on a fifth for Harriman House. He has made a number of media appearances on Channel 4 radio, CNBC Europe (TV), FT.com
(podcasts) and the Legal Channel (TV - I hadn't heard of that last one
either).
Notable interviews:
Gordon Brown, William Hague, Menzies Campbell, John Redwood, Stelios H, Peter Jones, Alan Sugar, Gordon Ramsay, John Caudwell, Charles Dunstone, John Madejski, Luke Johnson, Piers Morgan, Duncan Bannatyne.
Articles
Web analytics - what you need to know
Website analytics are ignored by too many companies, yet analytics packages hold the key to optimising the money you earn through your website. It's simple: learn the ropes or lose customers.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 17,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Website analytics are ignored by too many companies, yet analytics packages hold the key to optimising the money you earn through your website. It's simple: learn the ropes or lose customers.
Late payment pain hints at recovery
Late payment has returned to the top of the pop-pickers’ list of business gripes, according to a new survey. That sounds like bad news, but could it be a sign that the ...
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 18,2009
- Comments (3) - Rating (2 votes)
Late payment has returned to the top of the pop-pickers’ list of business gripes, according to a new survey. That sounds like bad news, but could it be a sign that the ...
Peter Jones, the phoney Dragon
Peter Jones is involved with 30 businesses, a fistful of adverts, a string of TV shows and even has time for a philanthropic streak with his very own enterprise academy. Oh and ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 24,2009
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Peter Jones is involved with 30 businesses, a fistful of adverts, a string of TV shows and even has time for a philanthropic streak with his very own enterprise academy. Oh and ...
The Ashes’ impact on the economy
When the football World Cup trundles around every four years, business journalists like me are inundated with press releases from accountants and economists estimating the likely impact of the event on the national ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 07,2009
- Comments (2) - Rating (4 votes)
When the football World Cup trundles around every four years, business journalists like me are inundated with press releases from accountants and economists estimating the likely impact of the event on the national ...
When in doubt, invest in takeaways
Recessions change consumers’ buying patterns; but we still gotta eat, right? Venture capital group Index Partners thinks so too, which is why it’s invested more than £10m in an online fast-food search engine.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 28,2009
- Comments (5) - Rating (3 votes)
Recessions change consumers’ buying patterns; but we still gotta eat, right? Venture capital group Index Partners thinks so too, which is why it’s invested more than £10m in an online fast-food search engine.
Want to reach the top? Act weird
It’s a plunging understatement to say that Brad Burton is not your typical managing director. A lot of people like to label themselves ‘mad’, but in this case I think it could ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 17,2009
- Comments (5) - Rating (3 votes)
It’s a plunging understatement to say that Brad Burton is not your typical managing director. A lot of people like to label themselves ‘mad’, but in this case I think it could ...
Make money from swine flu
And the award for cynical use of swine flu as a way to generate media interest in your company goes to…Abbey Business Centres! :: Rapturous applause ::
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 08,2009
- Comments (4) - Rating (4 votes)
And the award for cynical use of swine flu as a way to generate media interest in your company goes to…Abbey Business Centres! :: Rapturous applause ::
Sir Gerry trumps the Dragons
Sir Gerry Robinson’s new business show, Gerry’s Big Decision, is the best on television because it spotlights the plight of Britain’s entrepreneurs more accurately than Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice combined.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 03,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (3 votes)
Sir Gerry Robinson’s new business show, Gerry’s Big Decision, is the best on television because it spotlights the plight of Britain’s entrepreneurs more accurately than Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice combined.
UK firms’ summer drama
We Brits are a funny bunch. We moan about our cold, wet climate, but as soon as a spot of good weather comes our way everyone goes berserk.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 01,2009
- Comments () - Rating (4 votes)
We Brits are a funny bunch. We moan about our cold, wet climate, but as soon as a spot of good weather comes our way everyone goes berserk.
Woolworths back in business online
Woolworths, the iconic peddler of pick ‘n’ mix, is staging a slight return online. But can it succeed in cyber space with the same product lines that helped it go bust on ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jun 29,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Woolworths, the iconic peddler of pick ‘n’ mix, is staging a slight return online. But can it succeed in cyber space with the same product lines that helped it go bust on ...
Las Vegas and its perfect business model
Las Vegas offers the ideal business model: it has developed a culture in which spending money is integral to the experience of being there, and where people expect very little in return ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jun 22,2009
- Comments (3) - Rating (3 votes)
Las Vegas offers the ideal business model: it has developed a culture in which spending money is integral to the experience of being there, and where people expect very little in return ...
When student debt is a good thing
I was once asked what I thought was the biggest barrier for young people starting their own businesses. My reply was “getting into debt at university”. Well from the sounds of things ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jun 17,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (1 votes)
I was once asked what I thought was the biggest barrier for young people starting their own businesses. My reply was “getting into debt at university”. Well from the sounds of things ...
Hold that thought…
If you’ve had a business idea simmering away for a while and you think now is the right time to turn the dream into a reality, stop and make sure modern economics ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jun 11,2009
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
If you’ve had a business idea simmering away for a while and you think now is the right time to turn the dream into a reality, stop and make sure modern economics ...
How Max Clifford makes you famous
I chatted to PR legend Max Clifford last week at his offices in London. I was there for about 40 minutes but in that time I saw Chris Eubank and a soon-to-be ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jun 09,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
I chatted to PR legend Max Clifford last week at his offices in London. I was there for about 40 minutes but in that time I saw Chris Eubank and a soon-to-be ...
Working at home, more okay than it used to be
It seems the recession is speeding up the evolution of the workplace by encouraging more and more of us to work from home.
By Dan Matthews on
Jun 03,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
It seems the recession is speeding up the evolution of the workplace by encouraging more and more of us to work from home.
Google raises the email bar with Wave
Imagine if email were invented today. What would it look like and how would it function? That’s the question Google asked itself two years ago and the result is Google Wave.
By Dan Matthews on
May 29,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Imagine if email were invented today. What would it look like and how would it function? That’s the question Google asked itself two years ago and the result is Google Wave.
Business lessons from The Wire
I’ve just completed series three of the excellent HBO series The Wire and it occurs to me that in amongst all the cops, drugs and guns there are some valuable business lessons ...
By Dan Matthews on
May 26,2009
- Comments (2) - Rating (4 votes)
I’ve just completed series three of the excellent HBO series The Wire and it occurs to me that in amongst all the cops, drugs and guns there are some valuable business lessons ...
Glitterbugz encapsulates life for entrepreneurs
Catherine Fitchie, who owns children’s hairdresser Glitterbugz in Cwmbran, South Wales, is just one of thousands of small businesses struggling to make ends meet.
By Dan Matthews on
May 19,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Catherine Fitchie, who owns children’s hairdresser Glitterbugz in Cwmbran, South Wales, is just one of thousands of small businesses struggling to make ends meet.
Cambridge entrepreneurs seek speedy rail upgrade
Cambridge is fast becoming Britain’s equivalent to Silicon Valley. Don’t laugh, it’s true and here’s why:
By Dan Matthews on
May 18,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Cambridge is fast becoming Britain’s equivalent to Silicon Valley. Don’t laugh, it’s true and here’s why:
Hotel entrepreneur to give away millions
Where there is gloom and greed you will often find pockets of extraordinary charity. MPs and the greedier City bankers should take note of this example of unbridled philanthropy.
By Dan Matthews on
May 15,2009
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Where there is gloom and greed you will often find pockets of extraordinary charity. MPs and the greedier City bankers should take note of this example of unbridled philanthropy.
Another step forward for green entrepreneurs
When you think of green vehicles, you generally think of cars. But a handful of electric-powered motorcycles, such as the new ‘Zero S’ from entrepreneurial business Zero Motorcycles, are arguably causing bigger waves ...
By Dan Matthews on
May 14,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
When you think of green vehicles, you generally think of cars. But a handful of electric-powered motorcycles, such as the new ‘Zero S’ from entrepreneurial business Zero Motorcycles, are arguably causing bigger waves ...
The economy in briefs
The topsy-turvy economy caused a lot of head-scratching among entrepreneurs as to where the growth markets are and what is the next big thing.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 28,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
The topsy-turvy economy caused a lot of head-scratching among entrepreneurs as to where the growth markets are and what is the next big thing.
Darling told to ‘get his round in’
None other than funny man Al Murray has waded in to the Budget debate by calling on Alistair Darling to protect the Great British Pub.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 22,2009
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
None other than funny man Al Murray has waded in to the Budget debate by calling on Alistair Darling to protect the Great British Pub.
What Grant Bovey did next
You might know Grant Bovey as the husband of Anthea Turner, the bested boxing opponent of Ricky Gervais or that bloke from Hell’s Kitchen.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 21,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
You might know Grant Bovey as the husband of Anthea Turner, the bested boxing opponent of Ricky Gervais or that bloke from Hell’s Kitchen.
Reasons to resist wage envy
Another reason, if you needed one, to jack your job in and start your own business: wage envy.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 21,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Another reason, if you needed one, to jack your job in and start your own business: wage envy.
Is it okay to talk about green shoots yet?
It was only a few months ago that small business minister Shriti Vadera got duffed up in the press for suggesting that ‘green shoots’ of economic recovery were sprouting in Britain.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 14,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
It was only a few months ago that small business minister Shriti Vadera got duffed up in the press for suggesting that ‘green shoots’ of economic recovery were sprouting in Britain.
MPs expenses, one law for them?
Two abuses of public money: one leads to a media backlash and an investigation, the other results in three and a half years behind bars. Spot the difference.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 08,2009
- Comments () - Rating (4 votes)
Two abuses of public money: one leads to a media backlash and an investigation, the other results in three and a half years behind bars. Spot the difference.
Social networks all talk and no trousers?
Social networking is the darling of the internet, promising the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for marketers building brands online. But many have already given up on this ...
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 03,2009
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Social networking is the darling of the internet, promising the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for marketers building brands online. But many have already given up on this ...
The Apprentice, discrimination and stupidity
Contestants who are booted off The Apprentice often give the same excuse: once the cameras start whirring, your brain goes to mush.
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 02,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Contestants who are booted off The Apprentice often give the same excuse: once the cameras start whirring, your brain goes to mush.
Our man at the G20 protests
Violence in the City of London will dominate the headlines tonight, but there is less nastiness occurring than at an average football derby: a few smashed windows, some shouting and a fair ...
By Dan Matthews on
Apr 01,2009
- Comments () - Rating (4 votes)
Violence in the City of London will dominate the headlines tonight, but there is less nastiness occurring than at an average football derby: a few smashed windows, some shouting and a fair ...
Attack of the killer Bs
Branson, Brawn and Button that is. This three-way partnership has proved an instant hit Formula One – is Sir Richard’s midas touch back with a vengeance?
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 30,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Branson, Brawn and Button that is. This three-way partnership has proved an instant hit Formula One – is Sir Richard’s midas touch back with a vengeance?
Homeless guy starts a shop from nothing
There’s a homeless guy near our offices who has taken it upon himself fight both his circumstances and the recession to make a break for a better life.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 27,2009
- Comments (3) - Rating (4 votes)
There’s a homeless guy near our offices who has taken it upon himself fight both his circumstances and the recession to make a break for a better life.
The Apprentice series five
The greatest annual event in business TV is upon us. The Apprentice, series five, kicks off tonight at 9pm.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 25,2009
- Comments (2) - Rating (2 votes)
The greatest annual event in business TV is upon us. The Apprentice, series five, kicks off tonight at 9pm.
Business rates hyper-inflate
While economists are all a-quiver about the looming spectre of deflation on the high street, shopkeepers have the opposite problem: a great big spike in costs.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 23,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
While economists are all a-quiver about the looming spectre of deflation on the high street, shopkeepers have the opposite problem: a great big spike in costs.
Addicted to starting up?
Conventional wisdom says that people start businesses to become wealthy, successful and independent. But really it’s because they love the pain.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 20,2009
- Comments (3) - Rating (5 votes)
Conventional wisdom says that people start businesses to become wealthy, successful and independent. But really it’s because they love the pain.
Wellworths blazes from Woolworths ashes
Wellworths, the former Woolworths outlet forced to close when the chain went under last year, has staged an emphatic return.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 12,2009
- Comments (3) - Rating (2 votes)
Wellworths, the former Woolworths outlet forced to close when the chain went under last year, has staged an emphatic return.
Recession takes a bite of world’s billionaires
The world’s stock of billionaires dropped by nearly a third in the last 12 months as the global economic downturn took its toll on the rich list.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 12,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
The world’s stock of billionaires dropped by nearly a third in the last 12 months as the global economic downturn took its toll on the rich list.
Tesco angers small businesses – shock
It’s not like we’re against Tesco (or any other supermarket for that matter), but they just have a knack of enraging small businesses.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 09,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
It’s not like we’re against Tesco (or any other supermarket for that matter), but they just have a knack of enraging small businesses.
Facebook mimics Twitter?
People say that when you start a business it’s a good idea to ‘take inspiration’ from established and successful companies. But is it ever good to take the opposite stance? Not in ...
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 06,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
People say that when you start a business it’s a good idea to ‘take inspiration’ from established and successful companies. But is it ever good to take the opposite stance? Not in ...
Sleep on your money worries
Entrepreneurial bed business Feather & Black has the perfect solution for the credit crises: cash under the mattress.
By Dan Matthews on
Mar 05,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Entrepreneurial bed business Feather & Black has the perfect solution for the credit crises: cash under the mattress.
Business lessons from Jack Straw’s scammers
As much as we all detest ‘phishing’ and the gangs who use the practice to relieve the unwary of their cash; you have to give credit to the ones who targeted Jack ...
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 26,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
As much as we all detest ‘phishing’ and the gangs who use the practice to relieve the unwary of their cash; you have to give credit to the ones who targeted Jack ...
The business behind The Watchmen
Comic superhero flick the Watchmen, which premiered this week in London, is one of the most anticipated films in years and should also be one of the most lucrative. But the film’s success ...
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 25,2009
- Comments (4) - Rating (5 votes)
Comic superhero flick the Watchmen, which premiered this week in London, is one of the most anticipated films in years and should also be one of the most lucrative. But the film’s success ...
Fear ghosts, not clones
Once upon a time we were scared that urban centres were turning into clone towns. Not anymore.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 23,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (3 votes)
Once upon a time we were scared that urban centres were turning into clone towns. Not anymore.
YouNoodle.com – thoroughly modern valuations
A few months back we told you about YouNoodle.com, an oddly named social network that calculates company values for start-up businesses based on the ‘noise’ surrounding them.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 20,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
A few months back we told you about YouNoodle.com, an oddly named social network that calculates company values for start-up businesses based on the ‘noise’ surrounding them.
Woolworths' toy story has a happy ending
Where there’s a Wool there’s a way. A silver lining from Woolworths’ demise is the huge gap left in retail markets when the chain went belly up last year.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 19,2009
- Comments (3) - Rating (2 votes)
Where there’s a Wool there’s a way. A silver lining from Woolworths’ demise is the huge gap left in retail markets when the chain went belly up last year.
Behold the new ‘Woolworths’
Another inspiring entrepreneurial story for you today – this time from the ashes of former high street favourite and pick ‘n’ mix purveyor Woolworths.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 13,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (3 votes)
Another inspiring entrepreneurial story for you today – this time from the ashes of former high street favourite and pick ‘n’ mix purveyor Woolworths.
Foxtons’ Hunt strikes again
Say what you like about Foxtons founder and entrepreneur John Hunt, but one thing is definitely true: he sure understands the property game.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 12,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Say what you like about Foxtons founder and entrepreneur John Hunt, but one thing is definitely true: he sure understands the property game.
Baugur takeover, entrepreneurs line up
British entrepreneurs are queuing up to ‘rescue’ Icelandic retail giant Baugur, which has large stakes in some of Britain’s most famous shops.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 10,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
British entrepreneurs are queuing up to ‘rescue’ Icelandic retail giant Baugur, which has large stakes in some of Britain’s most famous shops.
Reasons to be cheerful, Part I
With so much doom and gloom around it’s high time someone in the media highlighted the positive business developments so far in 2009.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 09,2009
- Comments (2) - Rating (2 votes)
With so much doom and gloom around it’s high time someone in the media highlighted the positive business developments so far in 2009.
The importance of ‘appropriate punctuation’
Sometimes I look at the BBC news website and I think: ‘They use too many inverted commas’.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 05,2009
- Comments (2) - Rating (3 votes)
Sometimes I look at the BBC news website and I think: ‘They use too many inverted commas’.
Branson’s Galactic eyes new income streams
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic business started life as a straight astro-tourism concept, but today it is a realistic business model with a multitude of income streams.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 03,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic business started life as a straight astro-tourism concept, but today it is a realistic business model with a multitude of income streams.
Got a tenner? Then make your mark
Today saw the (rather snowy) launch of the Make Your Mark with a Tenner campaign, a scheme to promote social enterprise among the kiddies.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 02,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Today saw the (rather snowy) launch of the Make Your Mark with a Tenner campaign, a scheme to promote social enterprise among the kiddies.
Entrepreneurs’ novel solution to the funding crisis
It’s what entrepreneurs do: find something that’s wrong with the world, fix it, and make some money along the way.
By Dan Matthews on
Feb 02,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
It’s what entrepreneurs do: find something that’s wrong with the world, fix it, and make some money along the way.
In short, small firms are not happy
There’s a big problem with the government’s scheme to save British small businesses: it’s far too late.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 31,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
There’s a big problem with the government’s scheme to save British small businesses: it’s far too late.
Even eBay gets the blues
Think of 10 businesses that should do well in a recession. Is eBay in there? Well it’s doing badly and here’s why.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 23,2009
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Think of 10 businesses that should do well in a recession. Is eBay in there? Well it’s doing badly and here’s why.
Dragons on Twitter
The business credentials of Twitter as a networking tool appeared confirmed yesterday as four out of five Dragons’ Den investors joined the website.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 22,2009
- Comments (2) - Rating (2 votes)
The business credentials of Twitter as a networking tool appeared confirmed yesterday as four out of five Dragons’ Den investors joined the website.
Starting an estate agency
Imagine if you could analyse all businesses that have sprouted up in the last six months.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 16,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
Imagine if you could analyse all businesses that have sprouted up in the last six months.
The £21bn loan swindle
Once again ministers are dipping into the public purse to bail out the banks. If you don’t want to know the result, look away now.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 14,2009
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Once again ministers are dipping into the public purse to bail out the banks. If you don’t want to know the result, look away now.
Cars might fly
Sometimes an invention comes along that is so valuable that the infrastructure around it is forced to catch up.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 12,2009
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Sometimes an invention comes along that is so valuable that the infrastructure around it is forced to catch up.
Write a business plan
Writing a business plan is the very first thing you should do after making the decision to start a business.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 09,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Writing a business plan is the very first thing you should do after making the decision to start a business.
Evil email tax return scam
This month, I and millions like me will fill out a tax return, pledging a giant wedge of our income to HMRC.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 08,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
This month, I and millions like me will fill out a tax return, pledging a giant wedge of our income to HMRC.
Start-ups still sturdy
Entrepreneurs are a hardy bunch, but – thanks to the credit crunch, just how hardy is only now becoming clear.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 06,2009
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
Entrepreneurs are a hardy bunch, but – thanks to the credit crunch, just how hardy is only now becoming clear.
Even billionaires get the blues
When UK finally heaves itself out of this horrible recession we’ll have plenty of war stories to tell future generations; none more profound than that of Sir Tom Hunter.
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 05,2009
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
When UK finally heaves itself out of this horrible recession we’ll have plenty of war stories to tell future generations; none more profound than that of Sir Tom Hunter.
Dragons Den opportunity knocks
For many of you the following invite will be like having the chance to spend the day in a rainforest buried up to your neck...
By Dan Matthews on
Jan 02,2009
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
For many of you the following invite will be like having the chance to spend the day in a rainforest buried up to your neck...
To Twitter or not to Twitter
Twitter is fast becoming the social network for tech-savvy businesses and professionals – but it’s just a load of status updates.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 23,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (3 votes)
Twitter is fast becoming the social network for tech-savvy businesses and professionals – but it’s just a load of status updates.
The changing face of Capitalism
Democracies smugly proclaimed the end of Communism with the collapse of the Berlin Wall, but as the financial world hits the self-destruct button, is Marx having the last laugh?
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 22,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Democracies smugly proclaimed the end of Communism with the collapse of the Berlin Wall, but as the financial world hits the self-destruct button, is Marx having the last laugh?
Entrepreneur round-up
Another big week for some big entrepreneurs. Read on to find out who’s not letting the Christmas lull get in the way of their moving and shaking.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 17,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Another big week for some big entrepreneurs. Read on to find out who’s not letting the Christmas lull get in the way of their moving and shaking.
Don’t snap, Dragons
Let’s not kid ourselves, TV’s Dragons’ Den is not popular because it shows the dark machinations of business. It’s popular because everyone loves car-crash telly.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 16,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Let’s not kid ourselves, TV’s Dragons’ Den is not popular because it shows the dark machinations of business. It’s popular because everyone loves car-crash telly.
Christmas is cancelled
It’s proving a real struggle to make good our promise not to spread doom and gloom about the economy on this website.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 15,2008
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
It’s proving a real struggle to make good our promise not to spread doom and gloom about the economy on this website.
Tax cheats beware (of nothing!)
We at LaunchLab pay our small business’ taxes. But it’s just been revealed that if we weren't VAT registered and didn't pay tax, HMRC would struggle to track us down – weird eh?
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 11,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
We at LaunchLab pay our small business’ taxes. But it’s just been revealed that if we weren't VAT registered and didn't pay tax, HMRC would struggle to track us down – weird eh?
What people are spending money on
Across the globe, strategists are anticipating the buying habits of cash-strapped consumers and adjusting their marketing plans accordingly.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 07,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
Across the globe, strategists are anticipating the buying habits of cash-strapped consumers and adjusting their marketing plans accordingly.
Queen’s speech, the small business reaction
Like the pre-Budget report before it, this year’s Queen’s Speech was (unusually) highly anticipated.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 03,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Like the pre-Budget report before it, this year’s Queen’s Speech was (unusually) highly anticipated.
Who you should copy
As we keep saying here at LaunchLab, even though the economy is spluttering and wheezing certain well-placed companies are sprinting ahead of the pack.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 02,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
As we keep saying here at LaunchLab, even though the economy is spluttering and wheezing certain well-placed companies are sprinting ahead of the pack.
A lesson in competitive intelligence
Duane Jackson’s small business accountancy software vendor KashFlow can afford to pay for market research, but sometimes hearing it from the horse's mouth is best.
By Dan Matthews on
Dec 01,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Duane Jackson’s small business accountancy software vendor KashFlow can afford to pay for market research, but sometimes hearing it from the horse's mouth is best.
Lessons from Woolworth’s for small firms
The credit crunch didn’t do it for Woolworth’s as some newspapers would have you believe, the former British icon has been limping along for years. Here’s why it went under – small ...
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 28,2008
- Comments (2) - Rating (2 votes)
The credit crunch didn’t do it for Woolworth’s as some newspapers would have you believe, the former British icon has been limping along for years. Here’s why it went under – small ...
Stringfellow acts like an entrepreneur - shock
Think you have a hard time complying with government red tape? Then spare a thought for entrepreneur Peter Stringfellow.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 27,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Think you have a hard time complying with government red tape? Then spare a thought for entrepreneur Peter Stringfellow.
Initial thoughts on the pre-Budget report
The devil is always in the detail, which it'll take time to piece apart, but on first impression it looks as though Alistair Darling is spending a lot to relieve ...
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 24,2008
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
The devil is always in the detail, which it'll take time to piece apart, but on first impression it looks as though Alistair Darling is spending a lot to relieve ...
Oh to have a Dubai budget
In terms of its economy, Dubai is in a funny place right now. After benefiting massively from the oil wealth of surrounding emirates, it is using the money to make ...
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 21,2008
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In terms of its economy, Dubai is in a funny place right now. After benefiting massively from the oil wealth of surrounding emirates, it is using the money to make ...
Selected anecdotes from the National Business Awards
I was at the National Business Awards last night (in my journalistic capacity) with a few colleagues and some fellow techie businesses.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 19,2008
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I was at the National Business Awards last night (in my journalistic capacity) with a few colleagues and some fellow techie businesses.
Luxury super-yachts going super cheap
There aren’t many things you buy that come with a £8m discount, but the super-yacht market is through the floor currently and you could pick up just such a bargain.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 18,2008
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There aren’t many things you buy that come with a £8m discount, but the super-yacht market is through the floor currently and you could pick up just such a bargain.
A very enterprising week
Would you let a bunch of children run your business for a week? Nor would The Priory Centre chief executive Andrew Forrest, normally, but this is Global Enterprise Week and anything goes.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 17,2008
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Would you let a bunch of children run your business for a week? Nor would The Priory Centre chief executive Andrew Forrest, normally, but this is Global Enterprise Week and anything goes.
Lego loses trademark rights - harsh but fair
Lego will have to raise its game having been stripped of its trademark rights for its little plastic bricks by an EU court.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 14,2008
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Lego will have to raise its game having been stripped of its trademark rights for its little plastic bricks by an EU court.
Raef Bjayou – from Apprentice to sage
This is ludicrous. Apprentice flop Raef ‘hair, tie and hanky’ Bjayou is actually dishing out business advice.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 13,2008
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This is ludicrous. Apprentice flop Raef ‘hair, tie and hanky’ Bjayou is actually dishing out business advice.
Head in the Cloud
Cloud computing for small businesses is so hot right now. Erm, what exactly is it again?
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 10,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Cloud computing for small businesses is so hot right now. Erm, what exactly is it again?
To tie or knot to tie
A year or so ago, Channel 4 news anchorman Jon Snow (a titan of broadcasting) asked viewers to decide whether or not he should wear a tie to present the news.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 07,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
A year or so ago, Channel 4 news anchorman Jon Snow (a titan of broadcasting) asked viewers to decide whether or not he should wear a tie to present the news.
Darling, Brown and Mandy: step up or step back
Recent events have turned the spotlight on the government’s anaemic response to UK businesses' troubles.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 06,2008
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Recent events have turned the spotlight on the government’s anaemic response to UK businesses' troubles.
Barack Obama and small businesses
In the end, Barack Obama walked it like we all new he would. But one of his biggest hurdles en route to the White House was not his skin tone, ...
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 05,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
In the end, Barack Obama walked it like we all new he would. But one of his biggest hurdles en route to the White House was not his skin tone, ...
A(nother) postcard from the Americas
Having stopped over in Niagara my travels are culminating in a four-day visit to New York City. From a business perspective, and all other perspectives, NYC wins this leg hands down.
By Dan Matthews on
Nov 02,2008
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Having stopped over in Niagara my travels are culminating in a four-day visit to New York City. From a business perspective, and all other perspectives, NYC wins this leg hands down.
BMI sale puts a smile on Branson’s face
Sir Richard Branson likes his scraps. A while ago he was exchanging blows with the mighty Rupert Murdoch over competing digital television businesses (Branson arguably lost that one). But more recently it’s ...
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 29,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Sir Richard Branson likes his scraps. A while ago he was exchanging blows with the mighty Rupert Murdoch over competing digital television businesses (Branson arguably lost that one). But more recently it’s ...
Beer and clothing in Toronto
I’m on my hols visiting some friends in Toronto, Canada. But far from kick-back and relax, I’ve been hard at work investigating local businesses – mainly bars, eateries and sporting venues – ...
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 28,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
I’m on my hols visiting some friends in Toronto, Canada. But far from kick-back and relax, I’ve been hard at work investigating local businesses – mainly bars, eateries and sporting venues – ...
Entrepreneurs’ mixed fortunes
We’re constantly in touch with small businesses across Britain and as a result get a lot of feedback about how you lot are coping with the dreaded credit crunch and its close ...
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 23,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
We’re constantly in touch with small businesses across Britain and as a result get a lot of feedback about how you lot are coping with the dreaded credit crunch and its close ...
Alan Sugar’s business rules
The other day we took a look at Jeremy Clarkson (that wise sage of enterprise)’s views on how businesses can stay afloat by following certain rules when on the road. ...
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 23,2008
- Comments (2) - Rating (3 votes)
The other day we took a look at Jeremy Clarkson (that wise sage of enterprise)’s views on how businesses can stay afloat by following certain rules when on the road. ...
Jeremy Clarkson’s business rules
Are you the sort of business person who covers their mouth in airport lounges while talking on a mobile phone? If so, you’re sunk…according to Jeremy Clarkson.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 21,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (1 votes)
Are you the sort of business person who covers their mouth in airport lounges while talking on a mobile phone? If so, you’re sunk…according to Jeremy Clarkson.
Suppliers bemoan Tesco ‘cash demands’
Supermarket giant Tesco stands accused of squeezing its suppliers to help it compete with low cost competitors such as Asda, Lidl and Aldi.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 20,2008
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Supermarket giant Tesco stands accused of squeezing its suppliers to help it compete with low cost competitors such as Asda, Lidl and Aldi.
How to lose friends and alienate people, by RBS
Does RBS have a PR department? If so I bet yesterday it was full of people with bewildered expressions on their faces.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 17,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Does RBS have a PR department? If so I bet yesterday it was full of people with bewildered expressions on their faces.
Crunch humour abounds
What’s the definition of optimism? A banker who irons five shirts on a Sunday evening (and other jokes inspired by gallows humour).
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 16,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (1 votes)
What’s the definition of optimism? A banker who irons five shirts on a Sunday evening (and other jokes inspired by gallows humour).
UK billionaires shop Cold War-style
Billionaire entrepreneurs are sifting through the rubble left behind disgraced City traders and are finding some real bargains. But are we witnessing the rise of a new brand of oligarchs?
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 14,2008
- Comments (2) - Rating (3 votes)
Billionaire entrepreneurs are sifting through the rubble left behind disgraced City traders and are finding some real bargains. But are we witnessing the rise of a new brand of oligarchs?
Don’t fear the Crunch. Boredom will see us through!
The media may be partly responsible for causing the credit crunch, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to help us out of it too.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 09,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
The media may be partly responsible for causing the credit crunch, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to help us out of it too.
John Thurso – the other shadow business secretary
Nick Clegg’s front bench re-shuffle gives me the opportunity to complete my trinity of profiles of MPs with responsibility for business.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 08,2008
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Nick Clegg’s front bench re-shuffle gives me the opportunity to complete my trinity of profiles of MPs with responsibility for business.
Peter Mandelson – Opportunity shocks
He’s back. The Prince of Darkness – or Peter Mandelson as he’s sometimes known – has risen like an unkillable vampire; and this time he’s sinking his teeth into Britain’s ...
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 06,2008
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He’s back. The Prince of Darkness – or Peter Mandelson as he’s sometimes known – has risen like an unkillable vampire; and this time he’s sinking his teeth into Britain’s ...
Top five Dragons’ Den spoofs
Dragons' Den is a great watch whether you’re interested in business or not. But what’s really good is that it’s the ideal show to parody.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 03,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Dragons' Den is a great watch whether you’re interested in business or not. But what’s really good is that it’s the ideal show to parody.
What makes ASOS so darn good?
Online retail has been Britain’s economic success story of the decade (and by extension, the century). And ASOS.com – formally As Seen On Screen – is one of that sector’s leading lights. ...
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 01,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (1 votes)
Online retail has been Britain’s economic success story of the decade (and by extension, the century). And ASOS.com – formally As Seen On Screen – is one of that sector’s leading lights. ...
Sylvia Garvin – Sejuiced and Sublime
Sylvia Garvin and Valerie Maximen did what plenty of successful Brit-based entrepreneurs have done before: they copied the idea for Sejuiced from someone doing it abroad.
By Dan Matthews on
Oct 01,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Sylvia Garvin and Valerie Maximen did what plenty of successful Brit-based entrepreneurs have done before: they copied the idea for Sejuiced from someone doing it abroad.
For now, small business’ Tory prejudice is justified
Small business’ spiritual home has always been Tory. A few years ago when Labour was riding high in the polls with the knock-out leadership combo of Blair and Brown this wasn’t justified, ...
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 30,2008
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Small business’ spiritual home has always been Tory. A few years ago when Labour was riding high in the polls with the knock-out leadership combo of Blair and Brown this wasn’t justified, ...
Howard Brown – a scoundrel for our time
As financial institutions crumble around us like in the closing scene of Fight Club, journos everywhere are inking their poison pens and taking aim at the culprits.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 29,2008
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As financial institutions crumble around us like in the closing scene of Fight Club, journos everywhere are inking their poison pens and taking aim at the culprits.
Why flip-flop trading matters to small firms
The last seven days played host to London’s greatest stock market story. Never in the Ftse’s 217-year history has anyone witnessed such a frenzy of boom-and-bust trading.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 22,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
The last seven days played host to London’s greatest stock market story. Never in the Ftse’s 217-year history has anyone witnessed such a frenzy of boom-and-bust trading.
Facebook Vs Facebook
If you’ve read anything about Facebook and what it can do for businesses you’ll know it’s great for market research, advertising and occasionally PR.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 18,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
If you’ve read anything about Facebook and what it can do for businesses you’ll know it’s great for market research, advertising and occasionally PR.
How to start a business on a shoestring
Entrepreneurs I speak to often claim they didn’t draw a salary when they started their business, and to be honest I have claimed the same, but we all know it’s a lie.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 18,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Entrepreneurs I speak to often claim they didn’t draw a salary when they started their business, and to be honest I have claimed the same, but we all know it’s a lie.
Why football and business don’t mix
Football has always had a shaky relationship with the businesses that drive it; no more so than in this season’s Premier League.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 17,2008
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Football has always had a shaky relationship with the businesses that drive it; no more so than in this season’s Premier League.
Why can’t we hold on to our mobile phones?
You never really own a mobile phone; you just look after it until the day you leave it in the back of a taxi.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 16,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
You never really own a mobile phone; you just look after it until the day you leave it in the back of a taxi.
Nowadays, everything’s for sale
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin group sells everything but that which its name implies. How much longer, you wonder, when virginity (or the removal of it) brings this much celebrity and grubby dollars?
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 11,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (0 votes)
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin group sells everything but that which its name implies. How much longer, you wonder, when virginity (or the removal of it) brings this much celebrity and grubby dollars?
Pound for pound, Sterling is the Leweser
There was a time when a move like this would spark civil war, but luckily for the sleepy East Sussex town of Lewes the authorities have softened their approach to flagrant acts ...
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 10,2008
- Comments (2) - Rating (1 votes)
There was a time when a move like this would spark civil war, but luckily for the sleepy East Sussex town of Lewes the authorities have softened their approach to flagrant acts ...
Fantasy (business) football
Sulaiman Al-Fahim’s arrival and threatened spending spree at Manchester City shook the Premier League hierarchy to its foundations. But imagine if you had the budget (and the gumption) to do the same ...
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 09,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (1 votes)
Sulaiman Al-Fahim’s arrival and threatened spending spree at Manchester City shook the Premier League hierarchy to its foundations. But imagine if you had the budget (and the gumption) to do the same ...
Crunch-busting businesses
Despite much of what you hear in the media it’s not all doom and gloom out there.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 05,2008
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Despite much of what you hear in the media it’s not all doom and gloom out there.
Abu Dhabi Sheikh down – Sulaiman Al-Fahim
Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim is the biggest story in football since Roman Abramovich shook his magic eight-ball and decided to buy Chelsea FC. In fact, what am I talking about? He’s much bigger than ...
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 04,2008
- Comments (2) - Rating (0 votes)
Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim is the biggest story in football since Roman Abramovich shook his magic eight-ball and decided to buy Chelsea FC. In fact, what am I talking about? He’s much bigger than ...
Branson watch – buying up airports
Sir Richard Branson is so active he could fill a business news website all on his own. Most recently piquing his interest is Britain’s second biggest airport, Gatwick.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 02,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (0 votes)
Sir Richard Branson is so active he could fill a business news website all on his own. Most recently piquing his interest is Britain’s second biggest airport, Gatwick.
Darling, do be quiet
Alistair, darling, it’s not your job to tell everyone what a terrible state the economy’s in, it’s your job to sort out the mess.
By Dan Matthews on
Sep 01,2008
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Alistair, darling, it’s not your job to tell everyone what a terrible state the economy’s in, it’s your job to sort out the mess.
Launch a small business in 10 steps (part 2)
In part one of “launch a small business” we discussed researching your business’ market, developing a start-up plan, getting business funding and selecting premises for your new business. This section covers start-up equipment, ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 30,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
In part one of “launch a small business” we discussed researching your business’ market, developing a start-up plan, getting business funding and selecting premises for your new business. This section covers start-up equipment, ...
Sir Philip’s first crusade
It must be unpleasant to have a knight and a lord of the realm gunning for you, especially when they’re worth more than £4.5bn, but that’s the unenviable situation in which Richard ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 29,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
It must be unpleasant to have a knight and a lord of the realm gunning for you, especially when they’re worth more than £4.5bn, but that’s the unenviable situation in which Richard ...
Small businesses’ car of choice?
Things are often popular because they’re good. If you buy something big and expensive, like a car, you want to know that a large number of like-minded people have done so before ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 28,2008
- Comments (2) - Rating (0 votes)
Things are often popular because they’re good. If you buy something big and expensive, like a car, you want to know that a large number of like-minded people have done so before ...
Entrepreneurs’ fix for the new music problem
It’s not a good time to be a music industry exec. Digitisation of the sector with MP3s and attending high rates of piracy have sent record labels into a spin, and their ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 27,2008
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It’s not a good time to be a music industry exec. Digitisation of the sector with MP3s and attending high rates of piracy have sent record labels into a spin, and their ...
The £15 Tesco business suit
I don’t buy (or wear) suits very often but when I do I remember what a splendid experience it is: getting measured up, trying on (too) pricey jackets and trousers and feeling ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 26,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
I don’t buy (or wear) suits very often but when I do I remember what a splendid experience it is: getting measured up, trying on (too) pricey jackets and trousers and feeling ...
A new bank holiday won’t boost business
Two conflicting bits of news today: the Trades Union Congress (TUC) says we should get a new bank holiday to boost businesses in the leisure and retail industries, while research group Mintel ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 22,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
Two conflicting bits of news today: the Trades Union Congress (TUC) says we should get a new bank holiday to boost businesses in the leisure and retail industries, while research group Mintel ...
Launch a small business in 10 steps (part 1)
Every new business start-up has its own unique set of targets, problems and needs - so no two small businesses are alike. But there are certain golden rules common to all start-ups that ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 22,2008
- Comments (3) - Rating (2 votes)
Every new business start-up has its own unique set of targets, problems and needs - so no two small businesses are alike. But there are certain golden rules common to all start-ups that ...
Bankesy juggles start-up and GCSEs
There’s a lot of talk about the UK’s skills shortage and how entrepreneurial businesses are suffering as a result, but we rarely hear about the entrepreneurs themselves (except when they are dyslexic or ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 21,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
There’s a lot of talk about the UK’s skills shortage and how entrepreneurial businesses are suffering as a result, but we rarely hear about the entrepreneurs themselves (except when they are dyslexic or ...
Entrepreneurs work 50-hour weeks? And the rest
Trawling through my business news resources this week I came across something of a rarity – an understated press release.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 20,2008
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Trawling through my business news resources this week I came across something of a rarity – an understated press release.
Businesses that thought big
For the entrepreneurs among you hoping to build up a world-eating business, here’s some inspiration.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 15,2008
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For the entrepreneurs among you hoping to build up a world-eating business, here’s some inspiration.
‘Your chance to be grilled by Duncan Bannatyne’
That was the subject line of an email that just dropped into my inbox. To my mind it’s like enthusiastically offering ‘your chance to be prodded with sharp sticks’.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 13,2008
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That was the subject line of an email that just dropped into my inbox. To my mind it’s like enthusiastically offering ‘your chance to be prodded with sharp sticks’.
Branson juggles space and time
It’s not easy being Sir Richard Branson, but it’s very easy to write about him if you’re a business journalist.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 13,2008
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It’s not easy being Sir Richard Branson, but it’s very easy to write about him if you’re a business journalist.
Boris Johnson: mayor of London, man of action
People have accused Boris Johnson of skirting around the big issues and focusing too much on the soft stuff, like which type of bus is right for London. Not so I say.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 12,2008
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
People have accused Boris Johnson of skirting around the big issues and focusing too much on the soft stuff, like which type of bus is right for London. Not so I say.
Harman's red tape revolving door
The phrase ‘give with one hand and take with the other’ has been used before to describe policy concerning UK business red tape. Here’s just one more example of where it applies.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 11,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
The phrase ‘give with one hand and take with the other’ has been used before to describe policy concerning UK business red tape. Here’s just one more example of where it applies.
Branson to cash in on extra-terrestrial business?
If you think Sir Richard Branson’s roll of the dice with Virgin Galactic is just an eccentric billionaire’s hobby, think again.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 11,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
If you think Sir Richard Branson’s roll of the dice with Virgin Galactic is just an eccentric billionaire’s hobby, think again.
Valuing a start-up with science
Social networking websites have a lot to answer for when it comes to company valuations. Microsoft’s $240m investment in Facebook.com last year valued the latter at £15bn. You could buy the Ford ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 07,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Social networking websites have a lot to answer for when it comes to company valuations. Microsoft’s $240m investment in Facebook.com last year valued the latter at £15bn. You could buy the Ford ...
Dan Mintz and DMG: China Inc
Dan Mintz is the personification of a ‘can-do’ attitude. Elbowing his way into China in the wake of the Tiananmen Square massacre Mintz set up Dynamic Marketing Group (DMG) when most Westerners ...
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 06,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
Dan Mintz is the personification of a ‘can-do’ attitude. Elbowing his way into China in the wake of the Tiananmen Square massacre Mintz set up Dynamic Marketing Group (DMG) when most Westerners ...
Start-up businesses around the world
I often write stuff about how UK small businesses can work with firms overseas: ‘Learn from US start-ups’, ‘outsource production to China’, ‘Get your product made in Eastern Europe’, for example.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 05,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
I often write stuff about how UK small businesses can work with firms overseas: ‘Learn from US start-ups’, ‘outsource production to China’, ‘Get your product made in Eastern Europe’, for example.
Lifestyles of the rich and infamous
Here’s an interesting – though a tad speculative – article in The Guardian providing insight into the shadowy off-record movements of the super-rich.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 04,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Here’s an interesting – though a tad speculative – article in The Guardian providing insight into the shadowy off-record movements of the super-rich.
Dog psychology: not just for the barking
Sorry to be a wag, but in the tradition of the Friday ‘…and finally’ story, here’s some news about dog psychology, and industry that’s giving rise to alarming numbers of start-up businesses.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 01,2008
- Comments () - Rating (1 votes)
Sorry to be a wag, but in the tradition of the Friday ‘…and finally’ story, here’s some news about dog psychology, and industry that’s giving rise to alarming numbers of start-up businesses.
EU business in love with Blair?
It seems Tony Blair is enjoying a popularity resurgence, not just through the rose-tinted specs of the electorate, but also in the eyes of businesses across Europe.
By Dan Matthews on
Aug 01,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
It seems Tony Blair is enjoying a popularity resurgence, not just through the rose-tinted specs of the electorate, but also in the eyes of businesses across Europe.
Branso shoots for the moon
I have been tracking Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic project for a few years, but I never grow tired of it. Progress is at light-speed and it’s constantly breaking new innovations and ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 28,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (4 votes)
I have been tracking Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic project for a few years, but I never grow tired of it. Progress is at light-speed and it’s constantly breaking new innovations and ...
Shriti Vadera, the secret small firms minister
I’m a bit worried about Shriti Vadera, though her CV is amazing, particularly (I’m bound to say) for an Asian female who stands just over five feet tall working in white man-dominated ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 28,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (0 votes)
I’m a bit worried about Shriti Vadera, though her CV is amazing, particularly (I’m bound to say) for an Asian female who stands just over five feet tall working in white man-dominated ...
London is world’s third most expensive city
Small businesses based in London are splashing out serious cash in 2008, according to a new survey, more than those based in New York, Hong Kong and Paris.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 25,2008
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Small businesses based in London are splashing out serious cash in 2008, according to a new survey, more than those based in New York, Hong Kong and Paris.
How to have nice kids, by Peter Jones
Though it’s a brilliant show, Top Gear isn’t the best place to pick up useful advice about being an entrepreneur.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 25,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
Though it’s a brilliant show, Top Gear isn’t the best place to pick up useful advice about being an entrepreneur.
The festival business
Don’t believe what you read about Jay-Z and bad weather, Glastonbury is still king of the festivals when it comes to making money.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 25,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
Don’t believe what you read about Jay-Z and bad weather, Glastonbury is still king of the festivals when it comes to making money.
Don’t buy business books!
The successful entrepreneurs I speak to write books about running businesses, but they certainly don’t read them.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 24,2008
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The successful entrepreneurs I speak to write books about running businesses, but they certainly don’t read them.
Al Gosling and Extreme: Close-up
Al Gosling is a spontaneous entrepreneur. When I first speak to him on the phone he cuts me short, “actually, could I call you back in five minutes?” he asks. Five minutes ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 24,2008
- Comments (1) - Rating (2 votes)
Al Gosling is a spontaneous entrepreneur. When I first speak to him on the phone he cuts me short, “actually, could I call you back in five minutes?” he asks. Five minutes ...
Economy in a pickle
Economists acknowledge that we’re in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Growth is slowing and inflation is speeding up; a twin problem that makes the job of policymakers almost impossible.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 22,2008
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Economists acknowledge that we’re in a bit of a pickle at the moment. Growth is slowing and inflation is speeding up; a twin problem that makes the job of policymakers almost impossible.
Welcome to LaunchLab.co.uk!
Hello and thanks for taking a look at Launchlab.co.uk, the website for UK-based start-ups and small businesses. It’s a brand new site compiled by business owners and entrepreneurs for business owners and entrepreneurs.
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 21,2008
- Comments () - Rating (0 votes)
Hello and thanks for taking a look at Launchlab.co.uk, the website for UK-based start-ups and small businesses. It’s a brand new site compiled by business owners and entrepreneurs for business owners and entrepreneurs.
Kerry Keeling: A Woman’s Touch
Kerry Keeling runs a building business with a difference; but the firm’s USP is not that most of its workers are women – though they are. Far more unusual is that A ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 08,2008
- Comments () - Rating (3 votes)
Kerry Keeling runs a building business with a difference; but the firm’s USP is not that most of its workers are women – though they are. Far more unusual is that A ...
Amar Latif and Traveleyes: Inspiration incarnate
Traveleyes is an amazing business, not because it is groundbreaking, not because its founder is blind, but because it makes money by transforming customers’ lives. Dan Matthews talks to Traveleyes’ Amar Latif, Britain’s ...
By Dan Matthews on
Jul 07,2008
- Comments () - Rating (2 votes)
Traveleyes is an amazing business, not because it is groundbreaking, not because its founder is blind, but because it makes money by transforming customers’ lives. Dan Matthews talks to Traveleyes’ Amar Latif, Britain’s ...
