About

Nick was the Managing Editor for growthbusiness.co.uk when it was owned by Vitesse Media, before moving on to become Head of Investment Group and Editor at What Investment and thence to Head of Intermediary Communications at The Association of Investment Companies (AIC).

Human Resources

Getting the most out of Staff Appraisals

The key to staff appraisal meetings is that there should be no surprises. For instance, if an employee tells a manager that the six months since the last review have gone really badly, it should not be the first they've heard of it.

Financial Management

Q&A: Opening a US dollar bank account

I was wondering how I would go about opening up a bank account in American dollars that would let me write US dollar cheques and deposit cheques in that currency? We have a UK operating address but a lot of American customers.

Growth Planning

Taking the hard road to China

Instinct told Doug Currie that expanding into China was the next logical step for Genesis Forwarding Services, the business he co-founded in 1986.

News

AIM’s best advisers

For companies eyeing flotation, perhaps the greatest headache is securing a team of advisers to guide you through the IPO process. Fortunately, the level of expertise available remains reassuringly high, as this year’s Growth Company Awards prove.

Exit Strategies

Successful exit strategies

While over 50 per cent of owners believe that management is the single most difficult issue to address when selling their business, over 33 per cent have no succession strategy in place. GrowthBusiness reveals the results of Business XL's unique exit survey.

PR and Marketing Strategy

Revolutionary relationship marketing

It is a truism that loyal customers will buy more of your products more regularly and the chances are that they will probably recommend your business to others.

Entrepreneurs

Wiping out the competition

Taking on your competitors and winning needs more than just energy and commitment. Clever thinking, creative ideas and the time to think strategies through with clarity are all on the menu too.

Venture Capital Funding

8 cracking VC deals

From a £40 million deal to fund acquisitions in the music publishing business to a £900,000 investment in the advertising sector, the Business XL team highlight eight brilliant venture capital fundraisings.

News

Twenty-first century stars – 50 of the best companies in the UK today

Phenomenal sales growth, a healthy increase in profits, product innovation and loyal staff — the Growth Business team identifies the 50 best companies in the UK today.

Growth Planning

The art of pricing strategy – Pitching your price

Nothing is more crucial than pricing strategy. Over-price and you will bleed customers. Under-price and you'll rack up losses. The key to getting it right is knowing the value of your product and your clients.