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Growing your business

Use our selection of guides, links, books and articles to find more information on growing your business.
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Latest on business growth

Read our latest features and articles on growing your business.
Group of people around a table having a meeting
Industrial Strategy shines spotlight on professional services
  • Article
  • 16 Oct 2024
The government’s Industrial Strategy identifies the sector as having high growth potential, as Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds pledges to give business the confidence to plan for the long term.
A female sitting at her desk with laptop open while writing on a piece of paper
Government seeks firms’ views on high-growth global markets
  • Article
  • 09 Oct 2024
The Department for Business and Trade wants input from businesses in the professional services sector on how to drive growth in international markets.
A team of people at their desks working on their laptops
How should the UK foster a climate for smarter regulation?
  • Article
  • 30 Sep 2024
With global economic challenges mounting, ICAEW’s roundtable event brought together expert views on how the regulatory landscape should adapt to promote sustainable growth.
Counting the cost. How operational consolidation helps DB schemes achieve better outcomes.
  • Article
  • 03 Sep 2024
Keeping control of pension scheme running costs can be challenging for trustees and employers. The amount a defined benefit (DB) scheme pays will vary depending on its design and complexity – with some costs more obvious than others – so understanding what you are paying is the first step in keeping costs down. Trustees and their advisers, working together, can enable the schemes in their care to achieve better outcomes at lower costs.
The CFO Agenda: Unlocking growth without compromise
  • Article
  • 14 Aug 2024
Finance professionals must strike a delicate balance between maintaining a competitive edge and implementing cost-saving measures that don't negatively impact customer satisfaction or service quality. So, how can they help their businesses tackle these complex demands? Read the recent report by Payhawk and Raconteur to learn more.
Two people looking at the laptop having a conversation
What’s next for LEPs and growth hubs?
  • Article
  • 05 Aug 2024
Local enterprise partnerships’ functions were transferred to local authorities in April 2024. What role will they play now?
A hand holding a magnifying glass looking at some papers
FRC points to improved standards to drive UK growth
  • Article
  • 25 Jul 2024
The FRC’s Annual Report focuses on continued progress in the improvement of the standards of audit, financial and corporate reporting as an enabler of corporate growth.
National Wealth Fund to unlock green and growth investment
  • Article
  • 15 Jul 2024
Fund will bring together UK Infrastructure Bank and the British Business Bank to unlock billions of pounds of investment in the UK’s green and growth industries, government says.
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Advice and reports

ICAEW BAS
ICAEW’s Business Advice Service puts small and medium business owners in touch with both ICAEW members or regulated ICAEW member firms who can provide a free initial consultation, without obligation, to discuss any business issues the owners are facing.
Exclusive Special report - Growing your business
This report is primarily aimed at smaller businesses seeking to grow and develop and to achieve their full potential through practical guidance and advice.
More reports

Webinars

Marta Pacheco
Scale-up series: Financial planning and raising finance
  • Webinar
  • 03 Dec 2024
Understand the importance of financial planning and the options available to raise finance.
Marta Pacheco
Scale-up series: Building solid foundations to drive performance
  • Webinar
  • 21 Nov 2024
Understand the importance of solid foundations across your business to drive performance.
Marta Pacheco
Exclusive Scale-up series: An introduction to scaling up
  • Webinar
  • 25 Sep 2024
Understand what scaling up means, how to identify when a business is ready and first steps to take.
Factory
How a board should maintain the right culture during periods of fast growth
  • Podcast
  • 21 Nov 2022
  • ICAEW Insights
In the first of two Insights In Focus special episodes an experienced panel discuss a dilemma facing a fictional software company.
Exclusive Top tips on growing a business
  • Webinar
  • 21 Sep 2022
Hear from our speakers about the different financing options available as you grow, what investors look for in a business and what should be included in your pitch deck. A ICAEW Small and Micro Business Community webinar.
How to network your way to success
  • Webinar
  • 13 May 2020
  • Paul Ryan
Key insights and techniques to aid those who want to thrive and grow through the simple art of talking to people.
More webinars

eBooks

The ICAEW Library & Information Service provides full text access to a selection of key business and reference eBooks from leading publishers. eBooks are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users. If you are unable to access an eBook, please see our Help and support advice or contact library@icaew.com.

Exclusive Essential business finance: a complete guide to starting, expanding and selling your business
  • eBook
  • 2009
  • Paul Barrow
  • Kogan Page
An introduction to finance aimed at the average business manager.
Exclusive Good small business guide: how to start and grow your own business
  • eBook
  • 2006
  • Meredith Belbin
  • Bloomsbury
A practical guide for anyone interested in starting a business.
Exclusive Grow by focusing on what matters: competitive strategy in 3 circles
  • eBook
  • 2011
  • James H. Davis, Joel E. Urbany
  • Business Expert Press
Guide to business growth from a US perspective.
Exclusive Growing business handbook: inspiration and advice from successful entrepreneurs and fast growing UK companies, The
  • eBook
  • 2009
  • Adam Jolly
  • Kogan Page
A guide to maximising growth and controlling risk.
Exclusive Winning with partners: a practical guide to international expansion for SMEs
  • eBook
  • 2013
  • David Sellings, Viveka Odlen Persson
  • Me4U
Aimed at managers of small-to-medium size companies (SMEs) interested in establishing a partner-based export business.
Terms of use

You are permitted to access, download, copy, or print out content from eBooks for your own research or study only, subject to the terms of use set by our suppliers and any restrictions imposed by individual publishers. Please see individual supplier pages for full terms of use.

More eBooks

Business press

The ICAEW Library & Information Service provides access to leading business, finance and management journals. These journals are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users subject to suppliers' terms of use.
Exclusive Budget 2024: A bold agenda to simplify India's tax framework
  • Article
  • 26 Aug 2024
  • Ritu Shaktawat and Viraj Doshi
The policies unveiled in India's recent budget announcement should stimulate both domestic growth and foreign investment, write Ritu Shaktawat and Viraj Doshi of Khaitan & Co.
Exclusive Employee ownership trusts: An emerging strategy for HR leaders
  • Article
  • 29 Jul 2024
  • Derek Razo
Employee ownership has emerged as an effective strategy for attracting, engaging and retaining top talent. The author discusses the use of employee ownership trusts in the US and how they can provide opportunities to increase employee satisfaction, foster collaborative cultures and drive consistent business growth.
Exclusive Changing with the times
  • Article
  • 01 Mar 2024
  • Daniel Hood
A look at the growth strategies of the Top 100 US accounting firms for the coming year. These firms are adjusting their plans to adapt to changing circumstances, both internally and externally. They are exploring new ownership and management models, such as selling stakes to private equity firms or adopting employee stock ownership plans. Additionally, they are prioritizing advisory services, mergers and acquisitions, and finding ideal clients. Technology and innovation, particularly AI, are central to their growth strategies.
Exclusive Companies that are built for growth, even in uncertain times
  • Article
  • 01 Dec 2023
  • Adam Job, Martin Reeves
The article discusses Fortune International's Future 50 ranking, which assesses the long-term revenue growth prospects of over 1,700 of the world's largest public companies. The ranking is based on a measure called vitality, which considers factors such as a company's growth potential, financial and nonfinancial metrics, and long-term strategic orientation. The article states that the tech sector dominates the ranking - and also highlights the higher representation of female executives and board members in Future 50 companies compared to other companies.
Exclusive New research finds that industries have different growth rates
  • Article
  • 01 Nov 2023
Many business valuation analysts use the same long-term real GDP growth plus expected inflation in their terminal values for all industries. But that is incorrect, says Roger Grabowski (Kroll), based on new research he is doing with Dr. Ashok Abbott (West Virginia University). Their findings also point to it often being preferable to use the three-stage discounted cash flow (DCF) model, not the typical two-stage model.
Exclusive Investing in growth through uncertainty
  • Article
  • 01 Jul 2023
  • Ranjay Gulati
When faced with industry disruptions or recessions, many companies instinctively focus on cutting costs to maintain profitability. But that is short-sighted, says Ranjay Gulati, Professor at Harvard Business School. Instead companies should make smart reductions in certain areas while also investing in new capabilities that allow them to emerge stronger. He provides examples of this from Alaska Airlines, financial services firm Edward Jones, digital media company Firefly and dining chain Panera Bread.
Read more

Articles and books in the ICAEW Library collection

The collection of the ICAEW Library & Information Service includes a range of articles, books and reports on business growth. Use the links below to see what we have available to request in our Library catalogue (Libcat).
Growing by numbers: how to scale up your small business with confidence
  • Library book
  • 2020
  • D. Hudson
  • SRA Books
This authoritative, motivating and highly practical guide will take you step-by-step through everything you need to think about, know and do to get your business into the best possible shape for growth.
Financial management for technology start-ups: a handbook for growth
  • Library book
  • 2017
  • A.Bhimani
  • Kogan Page
A book to help you with the specific know-how required to successfully manage costs, track profit opportunities and monetize your tech start-up.
Leading digital strategy: driving business growth through effective e-commerce
  • Library book
  • 2015
  • C. Bones, J. Hammersley
  • Kogan Page
A practical guide to building an effective e-commerce channel, in order to open up new markets and opportunities. The authors aim to help readers drive forward effective digital initiatives and realise rewarding opportunities for change.
Advising new businesses: a practical guide
  • Library book
  • 2003
  • A.Gutterman
  • Sweet & Maxwell
A book on starting and building successful new businesses, with particular emphasis on issues that arise with firms that are formed to exploit new technologies. Contains a sample ‘Manufacturing License and Product Purchase Agreement’.

External resources - Information and guidance

British Library Business & IP Centre
  • British Library
The British Library's Business and Intellectual Property (IP) Centre incorporates services and information aimed at entrepreneurs and small business owners, including expert advisers to talk through your ideas and a wide range of essential information to help you research your market and start your own business.
Business Growth Fund
  • BGF
BGF is an investment partner for growing companies in every sector of the economy, providing tools businesses need to grow, from funding to expertise.
Growing your business
  • GOV.UK
This guide can help you think about how to grow your business. It covers getting extra funding, increasing sales to existing customers, attracting new customers, improving your products and services, developing new products and services, hiring and training staff and working with a mentor.
Growth Business UK
  • Bonhill Group plc
Practical tips and resources for established businesses undergoing rapid expansion.
Help to Grow
  • GOV.UK
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT)'s new Help to Grow website aims to support the UK’s 5.5 million businesses in upskilling, business growth, and boosting profits. It provides guidance and support to take businesses from start-ups, to scaling-up and then exporting their goods and services globally. The website is targeted at helping businesses of all sizes but especially SMEs.
Startups.
  • Startups.
Online resource for those starting or running a small business. The website includes start-up guides for over 50 different business sectors, business start-up news, success stories and advice on finding finance and recruiting and managing staff.
Terms of use

ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

External resources - Small business organisations

British Chambers of Commerce
  • British Chambers of Commerce
The website of the network of Chambers of Commerce across the UK provides information on their activities and a tool to find your local Chamber of Commerce.
European Commission: Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
  • European Commission
Portal for EC information and resources for SMEs, with business-related links and guides to EU legislation and financing programmes.
Family Business UK
  • Family Business UK
A growing body of family businesses working to support the UK family-owned business sector (formerly named the Institute for Family Business, IFB). The organisation will work to promote the role of the family business model in the UK economy, and also support and advise family businesses to invest, grow and sustain for the long-term.
Family Business United
  • Family Business United
Resources and useful features for family-run businesses, including upcoming events for the sector and The Family Business Top 100, a list showcasing some of the best family businesses across the UK.
Federation of Small Businesses
  • Federation of Small Businesses
The FSB publish the quarterly Voice of Small Business Index which provides a picture of the UK economy from the point of view of the small business owner. The index looks at employment, revenues and the confidence of small firms and provides information on regional businesses with a breakdown by sector across the UK.
Forum of private business
  • Forum of Private Business
Not-for-profit membership organisation which provides guidance and support for SMEs and aims to 'represent small businesses views and be their voice in government'.
Terms of use

ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

External resources - Reports

Equitable equity: Increasing and diversifying finance for high-growth SMEs in the UK's regions
  • 2017
  • Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)
High-growth businesses often struggle to access finance - particularly from investors or crowdfunding. This report investigates how the UK can open up access to all sources of finance for successful SMEs across the country.
The ambitious entrepreneur: Tackling your barriers to growth
  • 2021
  • BDO
A study exploring the various barriers to growth that ambitious businesses in the UK face as they look to build, grow and scale their business. An accompanying hub of articles and resources to support high growth businesses is available.
Understanding the characteristics of high growth companies using non-traditional data sources
  • 2019
  • Data Science Campus
Report exploring how non-traditional data sources and data science methods can be combined with more conventional business data, to help understand the characteristics and behaviours of high growth companies. A follow-up update explores whether firms engaging in certain management practices were more likely to be classed as high-growth.
Terms of use

ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

External resources - Business guides

Creating a valuable business
  • Atom Content Marketing
A LawDonut guide to making strategic decisions that can help create and maintain a valuable business. Running a business often involves reacting to circumstances, making minor decisions that have a limited, short-term impact. In contrast, creating a valuable business is about taking strategic decisions that have a lasting effect.
Decide if running a business is for you
  • Atom Content Marketing
A guide to understanding the implications of running a business. Making sure you have the right skills, finance and practical support reduces the financial stress and the pressure of having to make all the decisions yourself.
Get help setting up and running a business
  • Atom Content Marketing
There is a huge range of help available to help you deal with the challenges of starting your own business and make the most of your opportunities. This StartupDonut guide covers identifying the support you want, using business support organisations, finding financing and financial support, getting the right advisers, building your network and finding practical support.
Increasing productivity
  • Atom Content Marketing
Building long-term profitability allows you to grow your business and your own personal rewards from it. Creating and increasing profitability depends on doing many little things better than the competition.
Strategic acquisitions
  • Atom Content Marketing
An acquisition could increase the size and profitability of your business overnight. But an acquisition can also bring problems, draining financial and management resources from your original business.
Terms of use

ICAEW accepts no responsibility for the content on any site to which a hypertext link from this site exists. The links are provided 'as is' with no warranty, express or implied, for the information provided within them. Please see the full copyright and disclaimer notice.

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