Flexibility and productivity are the key words central to these two business models. As our commercial environment evolves, especially in the world of small business, it is likely that working with cloud computing and at home will develop as well.

What is cloud computing? “The cloud is just the internet — it should really be called internet computing,” says Jonathan Edwards, managing director of Integral IT, a Harrogate-based IT support company. “With cloud computing, you don’t run software or store data on computers in your business. Instead, you log in to a service on the internet.”

With cloud computing, you log in to a centralised place where you can do almost anything. You have to pay on a monthly basis (including upgrades), but for businesses there is a huge advantage in that it can allow you to manage your cashflow better. Cloud computing also makes remote working easier because you can access data no matter where you are and regardless of what computer you’re on.

Home business is becoming a big trend, with up to 75% of UK start ups being run from the business owner’s home. Emma Jones, start-up author, home-based business expert, founder of Enterprise Nation and co-founder of StartUp Britain, gives some tips about working from home. First, it is important to have a dedicated clutter-free workspace, that you can escape from at the end of your working day. Then, those you live with should know not to disturb you when you’re working (unless it’s important). If you want to take a rest, social media tools such as Twitter and LinkedIn offer light relief and ‘water cooler’ moments. Besides their primary function as powerful business tools, making the most of time-saving tech tools is another very important way in which you can make your home business grow. Finally, you can talk to an accountant to find out how much you can claim in terms of tax allowances.

“Working from home means no commute, so you save money and time. Cutting out a daily commute of 60 minutes each way frees up one whole extra day each week. That day can be spent earning money, with family/friends or enjoying leisure time”, Emma Jones says. Not only do you save time by not having to commute, she also argues that you’re not faced with the same distractions you frequently get in more traditional working environments such as colleagues talking or ringing telephones.

Whatever plans of growth you have for your business, at SanTranslate we are experts in honing and enhancing your website to optimise its success in the search engines and social networking sites in your target country. To know more, visit our Website Translation page.