Thursday 3 November

Today on StartupSmart, we focus on an area that most budding entrepreneurs realise is important but many overlook – benchmarking.

For start-ups, the best way you can ascertain how you are performing is to see how you compare to others on key criteria such as pricing, turnaround times and staff turnover.

Business advisory expert Marc Peskett explains why benchmarking is important and provides some vital tips on how to see how your business measures up to your rivals.

Elsewhere, Polly McGee looks at whether paying a consultant is ever worthwhile, we profile up-and-coming baby products retailer Bambino Brands and mentor Paul Clements outlines how to put payment terms to clients.