Small Business Journey

Small Business Journey- The Route Map To Business Value










		Business Principles

		Be clear how you do things around here

		Defining your purpose

		Innovation

		Know the Law

		Managing risk

		Measuring success

		Sharing good practice



	Be clear how you do things around here

How to get started in a small way

This is one where the signs point back to you. You know your business best.

Define your principles and values - get directors, managers and staff to describe what are the most important things about doing business - have employees identify just the one word you would most like people to use to describe your business.

Get your customers and staff to tell you what can be improved about the company - it may tell you where your values are not up to scratch.

Find a champion at the top to drive your principles and values.
Communicate them to everyone that matters.
Stick to your principles and values or your reputation will suffer.

Who can help you go further?

Strengthening the performance of your business in this way is really just a matter of common sense. But if you are committed to achieving major business benefits, then it often helps to get help.

National Help
The Institute of Business Ethics (IBE) encourages high standards of corporate and business behaviour and the sharing of best practice. They offer companies practical help and advice on business ethics and training and show how doing business with integrity and fairness is worthwhile. www.ibe.org.uk.

SME key. Especially for smaller businesses, this easy to use website contains downloadable software 'The Guide' which helps you develop a sustainability strategy. This includes a section on 'Identity, mission and values' which is designed to help you define your company's individual stance on social responsibility.
www.smekey.org/english_lan/theguide_page135.aspx

Business Link is a first port of call for UK small businesses looking for business advice. Their website provides information on a range of issues related to improving your business performance. http://www.businesslink.gov.uk

Foundation for Values Based Business. A non-commercial organisation which aims to promote values-based principles in business. This site is full of resources to help you plan and manage your business.
www.valuesbasedbusiness.org.

If you're in Scotland, Scottish Business in the Community will help you think through the principles underlying your business. Contact them on mailto:info@sbcscot.com.

It's Common Sense

This briefing paper is one in a series of +points that make up The Journey - a route map designed to help you build a business that people value. You need only do one if you like. It's your journey. It doesn't have to be time consuming or complicated. It's basically common sense.

Each 'How-To' briefing is available in pdf or word formats. To read the PDF document with a screen reader please link to the Access Adobe website which provides useful tools and resources. Adobe also has a free online conversion tool for PDFs.

PDF file Be clear how you do things around here.pdf
size 99kb

Word file Be clear how you do things round here.doc
size 33kb