What do the majority of successful UK entrepreneurs think the future has in store for their businesses? Increased profits and bumper growth! On this sunny Monday, we bring you a few reasons to be cheerful. The Investec Entrepreneur Confidence Index reveals that things really aren't as bad as you might think.

Are you sitting on a tatty old seat? Is your stall stalling? It's time to treat yourself to a stylish, comfortable new chair. We have an EXCLUSIVE discount for Smarta readers: Up to 20% off the Funky Seating range of office chairs.

As part of government's commitment to small businesses, StartUp Britain is running a FREE week-long conference from 4th - 8th July. Marketing 4 StartUp Britain will see some of the UK's most famous agencies open their doors to share tips on every aspect of marketing, from traditional advertising to digital marketing and social media. There will also be keynote speeches from Shortlist boss Mike Soutar and Bobelle founder Claire Watt-Smith.

Joseph Wan has been at the helm of luxury brand Harvey Nichols since 1992. Under his stewardship, the business has grown from a single Knightsbridge store to a global brand, boasting a portfolio of restaurants and licensed Harvey Nichols stores across the world. While other luxury brands sweated through the recession, Wan's reaction to the downturn was bullish. He shares the four 'Pillars of Growth' that he devised to survive, and tells Smarta the secrets of protecting a luxury proposition while building a world-beating brand.

On last night's Apprentice task, Willy Wonka met the Pillsbury Dough Boy as the candidates battled to create the ultimate biscuit. Zoe and Helen assumed the captaincy, having both worked in the food and drink industry. To a soundtrack of endless chomping, the two teams bungled their way to a final product. Have they learned nothing from The Apprentice thus far?

Only six candidates remain as the tenth Apprentice hopeful sped off into the night at the close of last night's episode. Simon Duffy, Bulldog Natural Grooming founder, pitching veteran (and biscuit fan), reviews the latest Apprentice task. Who bit off more than they could chew? And who made a meal of the task? Find out below...

Be still my beating <3. Google+ (or Google Plus for you analogue folk) has quietly launched this week, posing the first real threat to Facebook's dominance since Myspace and Bebo staggered down the social rankings. But will this new social platform go the way of Orkut, Wave and Buzz, damp squibs against the azure blue Facebook sky?

Lord Sugar recently said on the BBC's The Apprentice that anyone with a half decent idea can make a profit from apps because they cost nothing to make. Not true. You're fired. Oli Christie, CEO of mobile games firm Neon Play, has these tips for creating - and making money from - applications (without going on The Apprentice).

So this is how iPhones are cobbl(er)ed together over at the Apple factory! Doesn't the iPhone 5 just look good enough to eat? Seriously though, the marketing whizzes over at TopFruit.com have made this snazzy viral: "Exclusive iPhone 5 video is revealed".

The Bribery Act comes into force in three short days. Professional services firm Ernst & Young warns companies that the time to put measures in place in now. Here are five ways to be compliant for when the legislation lands.