It probably never occurred to you that thieves might target the catalytic converters on your company vehicles - but with scrap metal prices rising, this type of theft is becoming more common.

Marketers are being slow to pick up on the potential advantages of using online DIY marketing tools to access and engage with customers across the globe.

In a recent survey, only 4% of UK employees rated 'promotion' as the most important factor in their work. 

Do you believe all those glowing testimonials you read on company websites? No, of course you don't, because you know that a lot are fakes - and you don't know which.

BSI offers five tips that will help businesses ensure they have an effective continuity management strategy.

Businesses can increase cost-efficiency by outsourcing key functions to freelance providers and consultants.

Vouchers codes and coupons are being used increasingly by UK shoppers, with some parts of the country being keener to save money than others.

Inventing an eye-catching job title for your LinkedIn profile can be a double-edged sword - it can grab people's attention for the wrong reasons.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW) takes a look at measures announced by the government, aimed at reducing red tape for businesses.

O2 and Costa Coffee have announced a deal that will enable you to check your emails over a cup of coffee.

Advice from Enterasys on best practice to follow to avoid the BYOD phenomenon causing chaos in your workplace.

The National Museum of Computing has begun a project that will tell future generations the story of the groundbreaking Colossus computer, used by code-breakers during the war.

The second quarter of 2012 may see UK retail in its worst state of health on record since the RTT Retail Health Index was established.

The latest GFI Survey reveals that over two-thirds of IT administrators have considered switching careers on account of job stress.

In a challenging economic climate, adding value to the customer relationship should be a priority - and yet 73 per cent of UK firms do not have document management integrated into CRM.

A purpose-built Mobile IAM solution developed by Enterasys will enable companies to fully embrace the new BYOD workplace culture.

Businesses are complaining that they are being plagued by energy companies who use 'hard sell' tactics, with some firms receiving up to 30 sales calls a day.

Steve Turner, of Intergence, has predicted that by 2020, around 80 per cent of employees may be working outside their organisation.

Backing up data effectively is becoming more complex as companies use an ever-increasing range of different devices.

The EU Cookie law, which comes into force in May, is causing some controversy on the internet.

Setting aside five minutes a day for quiet and constructive reflection and pre-planning can help you remain calm.

This report on the current state of e-commerce in France will be of interest to UK companies looking to extend their market over the Channel.

What are employers really looking for? This study gives an insight into the questions a candidate might be asked, and what signs the interviewer is looking for.

A survey reveals that customer satisfaction with tablet PCs is very positive, with Amazon hard on Apple's heels.

If your organisation works with volunteers, you must ensure that all contracts, working practices and expectations make a clear differentiation between volunteers and employees.

The UK's total annual spend on online display advertising topped £1m in 2011, a 5.2% increase over the previous year - as compared to an estimated growth of under 2% across all media.

Research by SiriusDecisions indicates that B2B procurement cycles have lengthened by a worrying 22% over the past 5 years. This is an issue that must be addressed.

Many publishers are failing to make effective use of website analytics, and are missing out on opportunities to convert website visitors into customers.

Figures from the end of 2011 indicates that job opportunities and salaries in the IT sector should show a good recovery in 2012.

From February 2012, the HSE has begun carrying out inspections at construction sites to ensure that safety regulations relating to asbestos are being followed.

Following its successful introduction in 2011, the UK's Technology4Good awards scheme is being repeated this year to broaden access to technology throughout the community.

Non-domestic buildings account for 18% of the UK's total carbon emissions. Committed to 80% reduction by 2050, the UK needs more buildings like The Billings...

Graduates, school leavers, disillusioned private sector professionals - people from all walks of life are discovering that charity work, whether paid or unpaid, can be very rewarding.

Do you know what the current NMW is? This article explains who is covered by the legislation, and looks at related issues.

A survey discovers to what extent HR managers' perception of a person is likely to be affected by the neatness of that person's desk.

A new survey found that slightly more than half the UK's broadband subscribers are happy with their ISP, despite problem areas.

A whitepaper on business continuity says that resellers and SMBs need to ask tougher questions about the cloud.

Inbox Insight has conducted a survey of 175 directors, MDs and marketing decision makers on their organisation's current and future lead generation strategies.

Anxiety over car crime remains high, although the drop in insurance claims suggest crime is falling. BMW, Audi and Nissan drivers beware ...

Research has revealed that misleading directions from Sat Navs are a frequent cause of accidents.

Shows such as the Great British Bake Off have inspired a new generation of 'cake-preneurs', according to data from Simply Business, the UK's largest online business insurance broker.

Enterasys Networks' OneFabric Edge architecture offers business a simpler and more cost-effective way to deliver high quality mobile applications. 

BYOD may be inevitable for many organisations, but allowing employees to use their own devices can pose security risks

Siemens Enterprise Communications has revealed the results of its State of Enterprise Comminications 2012 Study. The findings make interesting reading.

TWITTER experts have built a list of the top twenty tactics to win new business on the social media network.

Chris Hummel, of Siemens Enterprise Communications, outlines the six key megatrends that are shaping the future of business communications.

Report shows that CIO's concerns over consumerisation of workplace devices have been overblown.

Research by Siemens shows the public sector is working smarter than the private sector.

In a survey, almost two-thirds of doctors in England believe that IT improves patient care.

Around 411,000 mobile computing devices were sold to UK schools last year - and it is predicted that by 2015, 22 per cent of all pupils will be using a mobile computing device in the classroom.

The BroadSoft survey, published at the end of 2011, shows that business is abandoning its traditional fixed-line telecoms providers in favour of mobile-only communications faster than expected.

Customers and employees are demanding wireless connectivity to get the best from their handheld devices. Here are some issues to consider before setting up a wireless LAN.  

Why supporting local events can be as rewarding for the sponsor as it is for the community. 

When it comes to matching a sponsor with an event, this five-point plan is the essential guide to getting it right. 

Workers commuting to call centres every day are contributing to a huge annual carbon footprint. We investigate how service companies can encourage their staff to work smarter and greener.

Many people want to work from home these days, but while remote working may suit you, will you suit remote working? We look at whether you have the qualities needed to make a success of it.

Few cyber cafes or communal wi-fi providers are able to adequately secure the connection they offer. We report on the safety implications and what it means for users and businesses.

A lack of jobs with flexible hours prevents many single parents from returning to work. We look at why it's in the interest of businesses to offer better flexibility in working hours.

Research has confirmed that people are more productive when they work from home. So why are firms still reluctant to allow it? We report on why businesses are stalling - and harming their output.

Despite constantly being reminded about healthy work/life balance, it seems some of us don't mind being contacted by the office while on holiday.We report on why it may be good to be a workaholic.

The recruitment industry has gone to great lengths to improve its image, but a recent poll showed 73% felt they'd been lied to when signing up. We report on the damage that little white lies can do.

Research shows that workers' fear of making presentations is costing millions of pounds in lost business opportunities. We report on why public speaking is such a problem, and what can be done.

It's been shown that managers' behaviour can influence staff to either do their best work, or copy bad practice to the company's detriment. We look at the reality of British managers as role models.

The telecoms revolution has led to a boom in the number of people who work from home. They may have more flexible hours and never have to commute again, but it's not all rosy, as we explain.

So you have a business idea that would have Dragon's Den lining up to throw cash at you, but no idea how to pursue it? We take a look at the ways to kick-start an entrepreneurial career.

Many start-ups feel that calling in the PR pros is something for when the business is bigger and more successful. But they need to be there at the start to make that success, as we explain.

Mapping out work processes for a busy start-up might be time consuming and dull, but it's essential for success. Here are the top 10 tips from a process solutions expert.

Running a start-up from home  is the ideal way to get it off the ground, but what happens when it gets too big for the house? We look at ways to expand in the comfort of your own home.

When launching a business the line between success and failure is a fine one. But following a few basic rules can make life much easier. Here's the essential guide to going it alone.

Most ventures, no matter what their size, face the same survival issues and failure tends not to be down to finance. We report on the issues that really make or break most start-ups.

A comprehensive business plan is vital for any start-up firm and will help keep it on track for profitability later. We explain what's involved.

Mentoring - experienced people handing on skills to novices - has long been a valuable training tool, and now it's available for small businesses. We report on one such scheme.

For many growing SMEs, moving to larger premises can be arduous - and expensive. One leading office broker explains why avoiding the postcode snobbery trap could help your business prosper.

A study shows that workers in small firms are the most resilient when it comes to illness, averaging only 1.8 sick days a year. We report on why these workers are so committed.

At a time when businesses seem keen to promote their commitment to the environment, it's a surprise that many SMEs do not see the concerns as a key challenge to their business. We report on the impact.

SME owners are open to new technology, but frequently have no idea how to use it to shape the future of the business. We look at how to remedy the most common mistakes. 

Many small business owners admit to knowing nothing about corporate and social responsibility, but those who do are reaping the rewards. We report on SME attitudes to CSR.

IT problems can leave even the mildest person spitting chips, and for small businesses, IT problems can be one of the biggest daily challenges. We find out how to stop being so hacked off.

Small firms are missing out on business simply by not answering their phones.We report on the solutions to some damning call statistics that could just save your company.

It seems small businesses often fail to do enough to protect their customers' personal data. We offer some pointers on staying within the law.

Today's customers expect the same service from small businesses as they do from large ones so it takes something special to make an SME effective in a crowded marketplace.

Getting the finance right is crucial to any business. We look at the issues that need to be considered and give advice on the financial systems to put in place.

For a small business in a tough market, it's essential to be differentiated from the competition. We reveal how to properly communicate a unique selling point.

Many small business owners are unable to afford specialist help in every area, but our report tells you how it's possible to gain access to that help without losing control.

Today's customers are fickle, fastidious and not easily forgiving, meaning a salesperson has one shot at making a good impression. Here's a quick guide to getting it right the first time.

They're both about gaining customers and business and are highly dependent on each other, but sales and marketing functions are very different jobs within an organisation's structure. We look at the contribution made by each.

To achieve success, members of an effective sales team need to work at communicating with each other while pulling in the same direction. All this hangs on having a proper structure, as we explain.

It may seem obvious that customers are needed in order for a business to flourish. But many enterprises don't have procedures in place to ensure customers are found and kept, as we report.

Those in sales jobs may report high levels of job satisfaction, but also high levels of frustration to go alongside them. We look at the obstacles to effective selling and some possible solutions.< Read more

Sales people need attributes not found in other employees in order to bring in the business that sustains the company. We look at how the best sales managers operate.

Many companies either don't have a clear idea of who will buy from them, or assume that everyone will. Such assumptions can spell financial catastrophe. We explain the questions they need to ask ab Read more

Corporate values - what a company believes it's all about - are important. As well as assisting with recruitment, retention and employee satisfaction, they can improve sales. We find out why.

We report on how consumer psychology can help organisations improve their sales strategies by understanding how consumers think about the products and services they buy.

Businesses are realising the sales potential in huge emerging markets such as India and China, but success is far from guaranteed and needs a well-planned approach.

Sales success will often come down to timing, and, in some cases, luck. But as we report, the best salespeople can do quite a bit to engineer their own opportunities.

A successful company's sales promotion strategy must constantly evolve to mirror the needs of the business. But without careful planning, any strategy can backfire, as we explain.

Most business ventures into foreign markets fail not because of the product, but the attitudes and actions of individuals. We explain why acknowledging cultural differences in business is crucial to success.

It's widely believed that great salespeople are born, not made. But for those less gifted, well-thought-out training can go a long way to turn them into highly effective professionals, as we explain.

Consultants - outside experts ready to give advice to any part of a business - are everywhere these days. But is it management buck-passing, or something of real benefit? We investigate.

Effective project management has become an art form in which organising and planning are everything and success or failure is measured in a company's bottom line. We find out more.

We take a look at the crucial role of the manager in charge of outsourcing projects, and how managing timelines, resources and deliverables requires a very diverse range of skills.

Assuming that all sized projects can be managed the same way is one of the biggest reasons for their failure. We look at the appropriate tools for planning any sized project.

A new concept known as value management, aimed at confirming consensuses about project objectives, is creeping into the vocabulary of project managers. We look at its principles and benefits.

Office image is all important for business these days, but the correct furniture can also promote a healthier and happier workforce. We look at the options available for your office makeover.

Business people spend a lot of time in meetings. But Bob Selden, MD of Australia's National Learning Institute, believes there are better things we can do with our business time.

With up to 80% of jobs being filled by word of mouth, networking is an essential tool in your job hunt. But how do you get to know about this world of secret positions?

How do you make sure you leave a networking event with a bunch of new contacts and not just memories of awkward encounters? Follow our top ten tips to making an impact.

Networking needn't be a minefield of etiquette blunders and awkward silences. Find out how to get more out of your networking events with our top tips.

Social networking is growing daily as many people aim to connect with others. But what doesit mean for business and where is it heading?

High-flyers are taking control of their career paths, particularly in the current climate, by applying a proactive approach to gaining a secure position.

Booze-fuelled lunchtime meetings are no longer the norm as successful business people are looking at a more effective way of socialising with contacts.

Personal blogs may be easing out of fashion, but new research suggests that there are many benefits to be gained from a good company blog. We investigate what they may be able to offer a business.< Read more

From diet pills to Viagra to shares in companies, spam is the scourge of many a work inbox. We provide some tips for businesess to keep these intrusions to a minimum.

Voice recognition software from payment service WorldPay could be a revolutionary step in preventing fraud associated with remote credit and debit card transactions.

As internet sales become more significant, many small firms are looking for the best way to process payments. A new product could provide all the necessary security for those on a tight budget.

Our wallets bulge with cards that prove loyalty schemes work, and websites are now picking up on the benefits of rewarding customers.

Online firms are kissing goodbye to a small fortune by letting up to 30% of customers walk away before making the final click to complete a purchase. We report on how to close the deal.

The internet gives businesses access to a global market, but how can firms ensure their websites are accessible in other languages? A translation program could help.

A huge number of commercial websites ignore 'invisible errors' - ones that IT departments can't reproduce - but they can frustrate customers and have a significant impact on sales. We investigate what can be done.

As businesses become more eco-aware and cut the number of staff journeys in favour of video-conferencing, we look at how far the technology has come and the benefits to be enjoyed from it.

The daily newspaper is a British tradition, but with the rise in free online access to news, times are changing. We report on the way ahead for readers, editors and advertisers.

We all have a rough idea what franchising is, but there are many different business models. We report on the different types and how they work, so you can choose the right one for you.

If you want to be your own boss, earn lots of money and minimise risks, there are plenty of positives to be gained from investing in a franchise. We examine the top five reasons why it could be right for you.

Is it possible to be all three? We report on how one woman took her franchise from strength to strength helping people to stay healthy, and it's done wonders for her own work/life balance too.

If you're considering a franchise, you may need some tips on how to sort the golden opportunities from the lead balloons. Here are the questions to ask before signing on the dotted line.

Turning your passion into a successful business is the dream of many people. We report how one man turned his experience in the IT industry into an exciting franchise business.

If your business is ready to expand but you're anxious about potentially spiralling costs, franchising could be a profitable and practical way to grow. We report on why it could be a viable option for you.

With so many franchising opportunities up for grabs, how do you know which one will suit you best? We give you some tips on making the right choice, and point out the questions you should be asking yourself.

For a franchiser, complacency could be the worst enemy, and letting a franchisee get on with it alone is not an option. We explain how to stay involved, and get the best of of a network of franchisees.

Many couples are putting their love to the test by running franchises together. We look at one pair who claim it's the best move they ever made, and offer tips to avoid the divorce courts while you're doing it.

Franchising could be the route to being your own boss, but there's a lot of legwork involved in finding the right business opportunity for you. Here are the factors to weigh up and what to look for in a franchise agreement.

There are many reasons a business may choose to promote its products and services via a franchise model and in some cases it can have big advantages. Here's some advice on this route to expansion.< Read more

While a direct franchise can bring the benefits of a commute-free job and excellent earning potential, it requires excellent people skills and not a 'foot in the door' mentality. We explain why.

When deciding whether to take on a franchise, a whole range of questions need to be asked to ensure it's is the right thing for you. We look at what you should be asking yourself before you take the plunge.

Despite the hype, a report suggests that many smaller companies don't view energy saving as a priority. We look at ways for firms to clean up their acts, and some incentives to help them.

After major surgery, Steve Hardin reassessed his career, turning his passion for trains into what is now a thriving Thomas the Tank Engine web retail business. We find out how he did it.

Daydreamers take note: Being away with the fairies at work is not a waste of time. Research shows that daydreamers often make the best entrepreneurs. 

Ever wondered if you have the right type of personality to become an entrepreneur? We take a look at what makes high-flying business people tick, and who they look to for advice.

New research shows that entrepreneurial bosses need to watch their backs: a new generation could be learning how to beat them at their own game.

Forget the scary TV persona of money grabbers who'd double cross you at the drop of a hat. Many entrepreneurs are wearing their social conscience on their sleeves and aiming to make the world a better place.

Are real life high flyers watching shows like The Apprentice and shouting at the TV? Or do they love them? We report the views of those qualified to voice their opinions.

When it comes to pitching for investment, it seems entrepreneurs are frequently misunderstood.  But could venture capitalists improve their skills to accurately assess opportunities?

Experts say there are patterns of buying that can help those taking payments to weed out con artists. We report on some of the most common giveaways that you're about to be ripped off.

Fraud specialists need to stay one step ahead of criminals to keep our money safe, but are banks becoming too clever for their own good and alienating customers? We hear from the critics of the pro Read more

82% of business will use a temp at some point. But many companies are not carrying out necessary basic background checks and opening themselves up to risk. We explain how to know who you're hiring. Read more

SmartWater, an almost invisible solution containing unique identifiers, is developing fast as an anti-theft property marking system, and has evolved so it can be incorporated into parts during manufacture. 

A massive 80% of corporate fraud involves an employee of the firm. We look at recommendations on how to prevent it, and see how one business nearly went bust due to the misdeeds of a trusted staff Read more

A new system claims to be 95% effective in preventing credit card fraud and many leading retailers have jumped at the chance to adopt it. We explain why it's just like neighbourhood watch.

Are you in IT rogue, bypassing download guidelines and tinkering with your work computer? We report on the fears of IT departments and their attempts to keep a check on potentially damaging activity.

Our eagerness to get away from it all could leave us open to becoming victims of identity fraud. We report on some alarming statistics and tell you how to keep safe during your annual overseas escape.

Online shopping has taken off in a way that no one could have predicted, but many of us are clueless about how to check a site's security or protect our personal and financial details.

Two-thirds of UK consumers would walk away from a company that has poor data security measures. With this fast becoming a factor in who gets the business, we look at how firms can tackle this issue.

Even with a recent spate of high-profile data breaches, CIFAS, the UK's fraud prevention agency, says identity theft figures are declining. But staying ahead of fraudsters needs constant vigilance, as we report.

British companies spend over £750 million a year on corporate hospitality. But it shouldn't be dismissed as a luxury perk. We look at ways any business can give clients a memorable day without breaking the bank.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has taken businesses by storm with companies zealously telling us how much they give back to the world. We explore the real motives behind CSR.

Three-quarters of organisations say they would consider employing ex-offenders if they had the relevant skills and recent research shows ex-cons can make the best employees. We report on the findin Read more

Many of the vans on Britain's roads have been described as time bombs primed to go off because of unsafely secured loads. And racking firm Sortimo has the crash test evidence to prove it.

Managing a fleet of vehicles is no mean feat and is recognised as a profession in its own right. And it's not getting any easier, with ever-increasing financial, tax and legal responsibilities.

The duty of care a company must extend to its workers when using company vehicles is complex. We report on some of the grey areas of the law that could prove disastrous if not followed.Read more

Trafficmaster's 'intelligent' fleet management and tracking service promises to improve business performance by saving companies and their drivers time and money - and reduce their environmental impact.

Business travel is a routine part of the job for many, and when that means going overseas, companies need to know that proper health advice is given to travellers and adequate cover is in place. We Read more

In this economy, employees can find themselves in any far-flung corner of the globe on business, and their safety and security should be of huge importance to companies. Specialist advice is often invaluable, as we report.

With hectic meetings ahead, the actual journey leg of a business trip should be the ideal time for a little relaxation and reflection, but in reality it's usually filled with stress. Here are some ways to ease it.

Business meetings have long been seen as essential but more and more companies are looking at whether business travellers gain any more than could be achieved by other methods. We report on the questions being asked.

Jumping through security hoops, poor information and reclining seats are among the most serious irritants reported by business travellers. We look at what travel operators can do to change things.

Tough economic conditions are one reason businesses are looking to reduce the cost of employee travel, frequently by using low-cost flight and accommodation options. But there are other ways of doing it.

Organising business trips can be a headache, but our report will show how planning is key when facing the challenges of managing travel arrangements while keeping to a budget.

One way of raising start-up cash for your business is to find an individual who is prepared to back you financially and offer their experience. But these 'business angels' aren't always heaven sent, as we report.

Unlike most large businesses, small firms tend to buy their company cars outright. But the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association reckons they could be missing out on big cash savings by do Read more

An overwhelming 96% of senior executives think private equity is good for the UK economy, but they also agree that the industry needs to be more transparent with its dealings. We report on how this could be achieved. 

Gathering data about customers can be time consuming and an expensive luxury for many small businesses. But an online system allows firms to identify their potential markets and business opportunities.

More and more women are setting up their own businesses and when it comes to insurance, it seems they like to deal with other women. Insurer More Th>n Business creates policies to meet that desire.

National and local government have declared war on the plastic shopping bags used by so many businesses, and an eventual tax on them seems certain. We look at how such a move is likely to work.

Banking has changed dramatically over the past decade as friendly bank managers give way to call centres and counter service becomes a sales pitch. But this new relationship with customers has created problems, as we report.

Many ask why the Revenue is lumbering companies with onerous duties to prove that employee expenses are legitimate, without proper guidance, but with hefty fines for non-compliance. We report on th Read more

Theft in the workplace is thought to cost UK companies in excess of £16 billion a year as employees take advantage of lax financial controls. We look at this blind spot in business security.

Business managers walk a tightrope between providing seamless service and maintaining competitive costs. The latter can be helped by better understanding the ins and outs of financial services. We explain where help can be found.

Budgets perform a number of basic functions, each critical to the success of a company. How they are created is changing , but the fundamentals remain the same, as we explain.

Many organisations are now trading in places unused to Western business practices, making financial transactions difficult. But it may get easier, as we report.

Big or small, businesses need a development plan to attract customers. It doesn't have to be costly or a creative masterpiece, but must convey strong messages to potential customers, as we explain.

Managing suppliers is crucial to good business development, and it's vital to have a systematic approach to how providers of goods and services are managed. We explain how to achieve this.

A coat of arms and a spot of Latin is the standard marketing approach in the education sector to suggest quality and longevity. But strong, visually stimulating branding can make a real difference Read more

Getting to know, understand nurture your current customers is the key to business success - far more important than throwing millions at new ones. We have some pointers on how to learn about your customers.

Companies spend millions of pounds on customer loyalty schemes, but how successful are they really? If your business is considering setting up a scheme, we offer some suggestions to help make it work effectively.

A financial supply chain strategy is crucial to successful business development. But it requires an approach sensitive to differences between business sectors and geographic reg Read more

There are many ways to develop a business, but few have the results a mailshot generates if approached and analysed in the right way. We look at how to use direct mail effectively to grow a customer base.

It's said that women tend to be more organised and sensitive while men show more dominance, but should businesses' management training programmes focus on these strengths to develop the best managers? The answer may surprise you.

Making a success of a business start-up is no easy task. To provide some much-needed help, a group of experienced global business leaders have got together to support people in the early stages of Read more

Many companies will lose between 10-40% of their customers and never bother to find out why. We report on why it makes excellent business sense to put a lot of effort into getting them back.

How should you address your customers? How formal is too formal? We report on some modern etiquette dos and donts, and find out what the public really thinks about the way businesses speak to them. Read more

Keeping your customers coming back for more makes sound business sense; the cost of keeping an existing client is just 10% of the cost of acquiring a new one. Here are some of the best methods of doing so.

Effective PR is at the heart of every successful business, but to get the most of it you need to understand how the media works. Here's a step-by-step guide on gaining valuable press coverage.

Trade shows are great for old-fashioned communication and networking, but many companies fail to ensure the best returns in terms of clinching orders. We identify the strategy for sales success.

Alex is one of the world's most recognisable cartoon characters - a satire on the financial community and stockbrokers in particular. Even today, he's a barometer of life in the City.

What is the mystery behind Bombay Sapphire London Gin's sophisticated marketing? Is it style without substance, or something more?

It's long been said that employees are a company's best asset, but some market researchers believe they're now taking second place to brands occupying poll position. 

What are the specific techniques that build a market-leading brand - and what constitutes brand success?

How does Molton Brown maintain its reputation for providing world-class products for a discerning international client base?

UK companies fork out an extra £1 billion annually as employees fiddle their expenses claims, landing them in financial strife and inviting tricky questions from the taxman. We look at the effect of fraudulent claims.