In the firing line

Dismissing an employee is never easy, and inflexible employment legislation has been blamed for making it even harder. Nick Britton asks business owners and employment experts about the rules of engagement when showing someone the door

Expanding into Brazil

Brazil is the world’s fifth most populous country, with a growing middle class, a stable government and world-class companies looking for foreign partners. Toby Danby meets British entrepreneurs operating in Latin America’s largest economy.

Russia: a business enigma

The Russian economy is growing by 7.7 per cent per annum, buoyed by the soaring price of oil. But with lurid stories about government corruption and mobsters, how attractive is the country for the more entrepreneurial-sized business? Marc Barber reports

Family values

Families have been the foundations of some of the world’s greatest businesses. Nick Britton talks to five companies which have drawn strength from family ties while remaining open to fresh ideas

Deals of the year

As the year draws to a close, Nick Britton looks back on 12 deals that have helped make it a memorable one

Growth without compromise

A soaring headcount may be a symptom of success but it can also create some serious problems. Nick Britton asks leaders of fast-growing companies how they have expanded rapidly without sacrificing the culture that made them successful in the first place

VC legends

The Business XL and GP Bullhound Investor AllStars Awards recognised the nous, nerve and acumen of some of the key players on the UK’s thriving venture capital scene. Nick Britton reports

Top 50 Rising Stars

Phenomenal sales growth, healthy profits and service excellence are some of the qualities that make a rising star. Celebrating enterprise and innovation, Business XL’s annual survey brings you the UK’s 50 hottest mid-sized ventures to watch

In it for the long haul

If you want to make your venture more robust, introducing a recurring revenue model could be the answer. Oliver Haill reports

Britain’s leading entrepreneurs

Business XL’s Company of the Year Awards, held at London’s ornate Gibson Hall in the heart of the City, recognised the achievements of the UK’s leading entrepreneurs. James Crux speaks to the winners to learn the secrets of their success

Choosing office space

Moving offices is a major upheaval for a company. Marc Barber speaks to business chiefs who have successfully moved lock, stock and barrel

Home or away?

Overseas expansion reduces your overheads and allows you to drive your business forward. Or does it? Marc Barber examines how a feasibility study can minimise the risks when opting for foreign shores

Stealing a lead

Having a monopoly in business is rare, so chances are you’ve got to jostle for market share with a host of similar businesses. Adam Jolly finds out how six entrepreneurs of growing firms are managing to outwit the competition...

Relocation special: Giant steps forward

Northern Ireland might not be top of your list of attractive business locations, but Elliott Davis discovers that its troubled past hasn’t discouraged growing companies from setting up shop on its shores...

Relocation special: Stuck in the middle

The Midlands suffers from being considered the corridor between North and South, yet plenty of growing companies are moving there and singing the praises of its central location, as Gareth Chadwick explains...

Relocation special: Home of the brave

Scotland has moved beyond its traditional mining and engineering strengths to become a 21st-century haven for high-tech firms in cutting-edge sectors. So, what has attracted so many companies from other countries to expand or relocate there? Gareth Chadwick finds out...