Employees will soon be entitled to four extra days annual leave following a change in the law. From April 1, 2009, the minimum statutory entitlement increases from 4.8 to 5.6 weeks a year and businesses need to be aware of how these changes will affect them.

Marketing your business online is a cost effective way of communicating with potential new customers on a global scale. Developing an effective online brand involves so much more than launching a quirky website with flashing images. An effective e-marketing strategy should represent your business objectives and ultimately boost sales by complementing your existing communications.

As the impact of the economic downturn becomes an increasing concern for business, there's never been a better time to review your working practices and pinpoint areas where efficiency savings can be made. Being smarter in your use of energy is a practical way of starting to make those all important savings.

With 30 million days lost to work-related ill health last year alone, businesses that adjust working patterns to promote greater work-life balance will stand to reap the rewards.

A recent survey has revealed that a third of small businesses in the North East do not have business insurance. Adequate business insurance can protect you against damage to, or the loss of, physical assets. There are many types of insurance available and it can be difficult establishing exactly which ones are vital, advisable and which are unnecessary.

While health checks are an important aspect of many people's lives, assessing the health of a business is often forgotten. As with physical health, identifying and tackling symptoms early is the best medicine.

Winning public sector contracts can be vital in helping businesses to develop and grow.