Experts recommend that SMEs use social media as not just a marketing tool but also as a medium of communication and interaction with their target audience. Instead of merely posting a business marketing message on a site, one can use social media to do market research. This would help a business develop more effective marketing strategies. It is predicted that over the next two years business managers would begin to use social media as their primary marketing tool. Entrepreneurs who prefer to use traditional techniques need to keep an open mind and use social media to the benefit of their businesses.

According to a survey conducted by Barclays Business, UK small businesses are looking forward to growing in 2011. Businesses are hoping to get the finances they need to execute their growth and business plans. 20% of the enterprises with a turnover of £500,000 intend to take a bank loan this year. Businesses intend to buy new equipment and also plan to increase their presence in new markets. Some time ago the Forum of Private Businesses had reported that the fact that many SMEs have credible credit applications is making it easier for banks to lend them the funds they want.

The Federation of Small Businesses, FSB, will hold a Question Time debate on March 17^th to the 19^th at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool. The event will be attended by many politicians and Peter Sissons, the former BBC news anchor will chair the debate. Small business owners are welcome to attend the debate and raise their questions. Experts say that 2011 will be a difficult year for SMEs as they struggle to hold on to their business and try to grow under difficult circumstances. It is important for the government to take into account the needs of SMEs, and the role they can play in the economic growth of the country.

According to the Trades Union Congress, TUC, government sickness review should not lead to workers losing out on their sick pay. Workers are worried that such a review may affect their benefits or pay. Experts recommend that the government focus on rehabilitating the employees who are returning after a long period of sickness. It is important to motivate them and make them feel confident about themselves. It is also important to bring down the rate of sickness in employees. Doctors would play a central role to this end. They are in fact now issuing fitness notes rather than sick notes.