When starting up a business, unless it's part of the core ethos of that company, it's very possible that environmental considerations do not rank very high when it comes to getting your business up and running. This, of course, is very understandable given the amount of time, money and effort that goes into launching a business. However, it's worth thinking about some of these stats, which will actually help you save money as well as helping your business to be at least a little but green.

Work Christmas Party - It might sound quite a light-hearted topic, but the reality for small businesses can be very different. Not only is there the cost of the evening to think about, but, assuming a good night was had by all, there's the potential lost work hours the following day (unless you can afford a Friday night party of course). For small businesses already struggling the party can be a real burden, although bosses are only too aware that not having a party can equally create problems through negativity in the office and employees not feeling valued.

I've been involved in large and small parties, and helped organise one at a Birmingham hotel some years ago. With a casino, disco and meal it was definitely the top end of parties, and there's no denying it was a good night, but that was because of who I was with as much as the setting. I've also been to parties that are basically a night at the pub, which have been loads of fun too.

You might think it's not all that important to have a good understanding of how much money is being paid out each month in expenses, but this knowledge actually allows businesses to keep their taxes in good order, identify trends and, where needed, put new policies in place.

A study by opinionmatters.co.uk has found that around 20% of small businesses don't know how much they are paying out in expenses, with 40% saying that only their accountant knows the monthly expenses costs. Relying on an accountant only isn't an ideal situation as they don't have as full an understanding of your business as you and it's important for business owners to see what the outgoings in their business are. How else can an efficient business be operated?

Do you agree? Do you know how much is paid out in expenses by your business every month? Let us know.