All articles by Roger Knowles
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CommentKnowles' knowledge: Downing tools and getting paid
Contractors and subbies are entitled to walk off site if they haven’t been paid, but they have to stick to the rules…
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CommentKnowles' knowledge: Improving your payment terms
In order to clinch a deal its easy to overlook poor payment terms, but you may be in a better negotiating position than you think…
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Archive TitlesKnowles' knowledge: How to price variations
Our expert QS kicks off a new series by looking at variations and how to make them boost your bottom line
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NewsStarting your own business, part 17: Taking on a permament employee
Becoming an employer as opposed to using freelance staff is a big responsility, so weigh up the pros and cons carefully
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NewsStarting your own business, part 16: The cashflow challenge
As your firm grows you need more capital to sustain it, which may mean having to be in debt to the bank for a time
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NewsStarting your own business, part 15: An office of your own
It’s time to put down permanent roots – but what sort of premises will you choose?
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NewsStarting Your Own Business, part 14: Finding your niche
Our industry as a whole may be suffering in recession, but there are still growth areas that need your professional skills
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NewsStarting your own business, part 13: Planning the next six months
At the end of year two, things seem to be going well – but you'll need to do some hard thinking if you want them to stay that way
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NewsStarting Your Own Business, part 12: Making the selection
Hiring the right person is crucial, as is making sure the client is happy for you to delegate his commission to your new recruit
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NewsStarting your own business, part 11: Adding to the team
Work is coming in - too much, in fact - and it's time to face the facts: you need help
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NewsStarting your own business, part 10: Dealing with your first bad debt
Late payments are bound to occur, especially in a recession, but you must keep a tight rein or it could leave a large hole in your profits
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NewsStarting up your own business, part nine: Is the time right to grow the business?
At first you won work through your original contacts list, but as your ambitions increase you need to find ways to up your profile to reach more potential clients
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NewsStarting up your own business, part eight: Satisfying the customer
So, the first job's in the bag (pretty much), but how's the best way to begin?
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NewsStarting up your own business, part seven: A job at last?
Just as you run out of ideas and even the dog's in a sulk, a promising email arrives
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NewsStarting up your own business, part six: The elusive first commission
Time flies at the speed of a jet aircraft when the money is running out…
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NewsStarting up your own business, part five: Up and running
Now you have your own firm, how do you go about getting that first job?
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NewsStarting up your own business, part four: Cost control
Keeping set-up expenditure within budget is crucial, so watch out for unexpectedly costly items like indemnity insurance
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NewsStarting up your own business, part three: First priorities
Before your business can start earning money you have to get the basics right, such as choosing a trading name...
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NewsStarting up your own business, part two: Money matters
You've made the mental leap from life as an employee to being your own boss, but now you need to work out the finances carefully...
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NewsStarting up your own business, part one: Life after redundancy
You've had the leaving drinks and the redundancy cash, now what? You could try setting up your own business, but you'll need to ask yourself some searching questions first...