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Establishing a successful recruitment process and clear written employment contracts for new employees can have a major impact on your business.

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Why "start-up stigma" is holding back entrepreneurs

5 March 2024

Societal pressures to conform and lack of support from friends and family are key barriers for people that want to start their own business, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 people across the UK, conducted by Venture Planner, has revealed some of the key factors that stop aspiring entrepreneurs from following their dreams to start a business. The findings suggest that there is a "start-up stigma" that can discourage those that want to become their own boss.

The pressure to pursue a job that is seen as more stable or traditional is holding back nearly four out of ten (38%) respondents, whilst one in five (20%) fear society's judgement and disapproval, including on social media. The survey also finds that 34% of respondents say their family and friends view starting a business as risky and reckless or something that should only be pursued if they have no other options.

A lack of preparation from mainstream education is also a key barrier. The survey finds that 41% of aspiring entrepreneurs feel that their education has not prepared them for tasks like business planning and financial management, with only 30% feeling somewhat prepared. The educational gap is profound, with 91% concerned about their ability to draft a business plan.

"Sadly, there is almost always a stigma around starting a business in Britain today. It is looked down upon as a Plan B and many don't see it as a sustainable source of income. That's in part because their formal education hasn't set them up properly to prepare for these tasks. Many wouldn't know how to do all the necessary groundwork - and that's likely because it is something that isn't taught." Alex Clansey, co-founder and ceo of Venture Planner.

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What makes a successful entrepreneur?

A new poll conducted by American Express has found that the top personality traits that entrepreneurs say account for their success are the fact that they are "motivated", "productive" and "risk-taking". Other key characteristics include being "resilient" and "brave".

The research also investigated entrepreneurs' motivations for starting a business. The most popular responses were:

  • Being your own boss (58%);
  • Improving work-life balance (46%);
  • Having a business idea to exploit (33%);
  • Making money (29%).

Overall, the study found that the majority (78%) of entrepreneurs saw starting their own business as a means of unlocking opportunities that otherwise wouldn't have been open to them. It also revealed a deep sense of pride within this community, with almost all (94%) respondents believing that the contribution entrepreneurs make to the UK economy is important.

Written by Rachel Miller.

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