When you are busy running a business, it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture, but it is vital that time is spent on the strategic direction of your company, setting clear goals and objectives.

As part of your strategic plan, you need to understand the challenges and opportunities your business faces and the best ways to address them.

We can give you information on economic trends, environmental issues and risks that may affect your business, as well as guidance on buying and selling your business, outsourcing and applying for contracts.

Hot topic: What does 2012 hold for small businesses?

The global economic outlook for 2012 presents challenges and uncertainties for small businesses. With help from various experts, we gaze into our crystal ball and foresee a year of localised marketing, regulation and the increasing power of the consumer.
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Typical questions

• What can I do to minimise the risks my company faces?
• How do I go about tendering for new business?
• How do I sell my business?
• Where can I find information about the UK economy?
• How can I assess our environmental performance?

Did you know?

Did you know that, as an IoD member, you can seek free and impartial advice from a number of channels:

• contact the Directors' Advisory Service, for advice on buying and selling a business, mergers and takeovers, management buy outs and joint ventures
• call our legal helpline Directors' Law Express, with a quick query about company, commercial or employment law in the UK or Europe
• call our tax helpline Directors' Tax Line, for prompt advice on business tax issues such as VAT and Corporation Tax

You will also find valuable material through Directors' Information Gateway (DIG). Please log in with your IoD membership number and password for full access, or contact us for further assistance