The Sixty Percent

Insights, news and guides for small businesses

Investing in the North of England

From one-man or one-woman bands to companies with huge annual turnovers, SMEs are central to the Northern economy. We explore the ingredients to their success.

Are you building trust with your customers?

Cybersecurity. Privacy scares. Chatbots. There’s a lot to put people off a brand these days. So how do you build a trusting relationship with your customers? We look at five important ways to make trust work for your business.

How to write an eye-catching business plan

Writing a business plan is a useful thought exercise if you’re preparing to start a business, but if you are seeking financial backing for your new venture then it can be so much more.

Here live the best business stories

How to make business out of business in Wales

Mark Powney of Business News Wales explains how sharing good news stories in Wales has helped him achieve success.

From iwoca with love

As you might expect, Valentine’s Day is a hectic time of the year for lingerie boutique stores. And so we thought it might be interesting to learn how one of our customers has been preparing for this, the most romantic day of the year.

Why delegation is good for business

Although you can get pretty good at juggling tasks, sooner or later you’ll need to take a break if you want to focus on the things that are most likely to grow your business—that means getting comfortable with delegation.

How to make business out of business in Wales

Mark Powney of Business News Wales explains how sharing good news stories in Wales has helped him achieve success.

The future of the Northern Powerhouse

Has the grand plan launched by George Osborne, a man who is no longer an MP and now edits the London Evening Standard, lost its way?

News

How to build an off-piste family-run business

Stephen Gee had enjoyed winter-sports holidays with his family for over 30 years. When his son wanted to head out to the Alps for one more season, the opportunity to set up a business of their own appeared.

Guides

Could Brexit mean the end of the UK's olive oil industry?

Business owner Kamil Shah shares the story behind Olive Branch, a company that’s dependent on Britain’s strong trading relationship with Europe.

Guides

Embracing the North's tech hubs

“This is an obvious statement but Manchester is just an easier place to start up than London."

News

Why having a social mission can benefit your business

Social entrepreneur Jemma Phibbs of School Space discusses how doing good and doing good business aren't mutually exclusive.

Guides