Friday 3 December

The GFC gloom has failed to entirely lift from the retail sector and consumer caution will inevitably spark plenty of discounts from the large stores in the lead-up to Christmas.

While start-ups should never get into a price war with the big beasts of the retail world, there are a number of promotions that small firms can turn to. Today, we outline 10 top tips to generate sales over the festive period.

Elsewhere, mentor Vicki Crowe tackles the thorny issue of staff theft and Ms Manners explains what to do when confronted by the horrors of unwanted food at a business lunch.  

Oliver Milman, editor