People are talking about the Guide
We've had lots of interest in our unique 'red book for businesses'. Business editors have seen it and written about it; people who have bought it have emailed us and called us to say how much they like it and how useful it is. Why not read what people who've seen the Guide actually think about it?
Choose from:
- Comments and testimonials from happy customers »
- The latest magazine and online reviews »
- People who know about business »
Comments and testimonials from happy customers
Duane Jackson, Director, KeyOne
"There are three permanent fixtures on my desk — a telephone, a PC and a copy of The Essential Business Guide. It contains lots of really useful information on all aspects of running a small business. They layout of the book makes it very easy to dip in and find the section you are looking for. Easily the best £20 I've spent all year.''
Jeremy Spiller, Managing Director, White Hat Media
''We think your guide is a superb idea. I have rarely come across such a readable and attractive business book. Somehow, Julie, you and your team have managed to make even the driest information really quite palatable!'
Trevor (Full name and company supplied)
''I just wanted to say thanks for your Essential Business Guide. After reading the pages about networking I was inspired to visit three different groups and have picked up four possible leads and one definite offer of work and made some very good new business 'friends' even though I find it difficult to speak to large groups of people.''
Emma Nicol, Managing Director, Door 22 Design Collective
''Your Guide is such a great reference book to have around. Especially for those silly little questions you have about things and those that you feel you should already know and perhaps a little too shy to ask about. Everytime I dip into it I find out something new, whether it's gem of business knowledge or about a particular resource. It's a book that makes you feel a bit a more more confident about stepping out into the very big world of business.''
Gina & James Parsons, Owners, Baby Stuff UK Ltd
''Absolutely excellent!! An absolute must for those starting out on their own, or running their own business. We only wish it was around when we first started out as it would have helped us a great deal. Very informative, well organised, well done!''
Jon Gregory, Director, Firewalk Technology Ltd
''I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know how useful I've found the Guide as it really hits the spot! Not only did it give me a great overview of a lot of things that I would have otherwise forgotten about (or didn't even know), but perhaps more importantly, I've also found it to be an excellent ongoing reference that I can just pick up and use to solve problems with.
Thank you so much for producing it and keep up the good work.''
Anne O'Rourke, Director, Fluid-Inc
''As soon as I saw it and began reading it, I realised what an invaluable resource this guide is — whether you are starting a business, running a business or managing someone else's.''
Susie Turner, Director, Pack-of-cards
''Having been recommended The Essential Business Guide to help with establishing my business, I have found it very informative and full of very good advice. Money well spent.''
David Waddell, Director, Harvey John Limited
"There are three employees in Harvey John Limited: David, Stephen and The Essential Business Guide. Each one offering a very different but priceless contribution in establishing the business!! Thanks for all your help.''
R W Cooley, General Manager, Newmetrics Ltd
"When you want to see the salient points of a topic, The Essential Business Guide provides just that. When a contributor is told to provide a bulleted list of the most important things to do or avoid, even complex topics look achievable. An essential reference book for any business in the area.''
Andrew Lacey, Aware Communications
''The Essential Business Guide is jam-packed with useful advice, information, tips and contacts for anyone running a business. In an handy-to-use and accessible format with colour-coded sections, the guide is anything but stuffy — an essential part of any business person's toolkit.''
Christopher, Owner, GUMPTION Team Wear
''Thank you so much for that red business book, its invaluable. I read it from cover to cover in one go!''
Read the latest reviews
'Business Edge' magazine
"The Essential Business Guide may well be the book that turns the average day-dreamer into the exceptional businessperson. The uncluttered, easy-to-read copy is peppered with pertinent advice and measured comment – adopting the tone of a kindly mentor."
"The business spotlight pages in each section provide priceless insights into what it is like to actually set up a business, calling on the real-life experiences of such business talents as Elizabeth Galton of Dragons' Den fame and Hotel Chocolat's marketing manager."
'Start Your Business' magazine
"Within the stack of books that are normally sent to me, one in particular clearly stood out from the rest ... The Essential Business Guide from its very outer cover, represents branding at its best. The Essential Business Guide is comparable to the Bible, where a business owner should religiously read each section and refer to it on a regular basis when troubled."
(We've just found out that we've been awarded 'Best Business Book 2005' by Start Your Business magazine. How's that for a testimonial?!)
'The Marketer' magazine
"This book is a welcome title in an area that has been poorly served by business books. Written by a team of people with an intimate knowledge of small business, this book is attractively designed and full-colour throughout. It is a reassuring, trustworthy resource full of practical advice."
'Your Entrepreneur' magazine
"The book is easy to read, easy to handle and is packed with all of the information you could possibly want."
'EN' magazine
"The book's strength is that it is easy to navigate, letting you find the information you need quickly. It's also very practical, providing checklists to make sure you've met obligations as well as details for virtually any organisation a small business might need to contact."
'New Business' magazine
"The Essential Business Guide ... provides information from a host of subjects, while the tales and case studies from successful entrepreneurs will inspire and help you succeed in setting up your own business. [The Guide] is ring-bound for easy access and has eight colourful sections, which makes navigating a breeze. This Guide perfectly suits our chaotic age and is one book you are likely to refer to again and again."
"A unique book with information on what is really needed to start and run a business. Very different to other books on this subject due to its practical nature. This book talks about what really goes on in a business and all the issues that need to be covered. There is page upon page of useful articles, real life examples and countless resources about issues that many business owners would never have know about. This is the only book I know of its kind. It is presented in an effective manner and broken up into easy to read topics. This is a book that will stay next to my desk as its clear sections mean it is a reference that will always be there for me. It is a must for anyone thinking of starting or running a business.''
People who know about business are also talking:
Sir Digby Jones Director-General, CBI
"Written by successful business owners in their own right, the Guide is an excellent reference tool on a range of diverse topics that the small business owners simply has to know about. It is easy to read, provides invaluable advice and practical tips, and most importantly, provides information on complicated issues in an easy to understand format, taking up the minimum amount of valuable time."
Charles Morton, Partnership Manager, InBiz London
"What a great publication. I thought I had seen it all. This is a very good workbook but more importantly it is a user-friendly tool. Unfortunately, if I leave it on my desk, it goes missing too often...!''
Sylvia Tidy-Harris in 'Your Business', Daily Telegraph, 29 Nov 2005
"... I would urge every business adviser in the land to read two incredibly useful, well-written and informative books – The Small Business Start-Up Book and The Essential Business Guide.''
Councillor Ken Bodfish OBE, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council
"Written by successful business owners in their own right, The Essential Business Guide is just that: essential. It's one of the best guides to starting and running a small business, certainly the best locally.''
Nick Stubbs, Health & Safety Adviser
''I have referred several small businesses to the Guide for help and advice in
negotiating the minefield of employment legislation and have used the Guide
myself on numerous occasions, usually to clarify points that have arisen during my meetings with employers regarding health and safety.
''Being aware of one's own limitations, but knowing where to go for help and advice is something we all have to own up to from time to time. The Guide must surely be the emerging business person's Bible!''
Mark Beecham, NCP
''The Essential Business Guide is a comprehensive information base that tells you just about everything you would need to know about business.
''It gives the details of so many groups and agencies ... which is extremely useful and saves a lot of time researching various sources. It is all in this one compact easy-to-follow book.
''Good luck with your planned UK edition, Julie, I am sure they will benefit the same as I know Brighton and Hove has!''
Melanie Page, Marketing Manager, Sussex Innovation Centre, University of Sussex
''The Essential Business Guide does exactly what the title suggests. Many of our start up and 'young' companies have thumbed through its pages and sung its praises over the year. Also, I am extremely impressed with the quality of the Guide in terms of design and printing. It is amazing to find a company delivering on price, quality and service - what a powerhouse combination!''
Bunty Dann, Director, BroughDann
''The Essential Business Guide is now a part of my business tool kit, as an
advisor and mentor, it has been invaluable in terms of being able to respond
with speed and accuracy to my clients needs. The relevancy of business
information, guides and tips to help those starting up as well as the more
established has been priceless.
''I have also handed out many copies to the delight of recipients who are
impressed with the quality both in content, style and function....people's
faces literally light up!
''And last but definitely not least is that the Guide is a beautiful object in
itself."
Thea Allison, Director
Brighton and Hove Business Community Partnership
''I have found The Essential Business Guide to be an invaluable tool, particularly in the information, tips and guidance it contains. It is one of the few things that has prime position, within easy reach, on my desk and has, on more than one occasion, really helped me move through a problem or new activity. I would highly recommend the Guide to people working in small and medium enterprises and have recommended it to numerous colleagues who are all similarly impressed.''
Emily Aitken, ex-Executive Director, Wired Sussex
''I just wanted to say what a fantastic resource The Essential Business Guide is to anyone who wants to get on in business. Actually, I would say it is 100% invaluable! I recommend it wholeheartedly.''
