THE DTI's New Year business resolutions urge businesses to look at how they can improve business performance, productivity and ultimately, profitability.

British businesses, large and small, agree there are certain common characteristics that are key to business success. By showing you what approaches have worked well for other businesses, and which haven't, the DTI's Achieving Best Practice in your Business provides ideas and insights into how to improve performance through its wide range of publications.

Follow their top tips to help your company become more efficient, competitive and profitable, whatever the size of your business or level.

Work out where your business needs to be and find a way to get there.

Develop a strong vision that you share with your staff. Continually benchmark your performance against your competitors to help you measure progress.

Monitor and analyse financial information, stock levels and customer orders, and share these findings with your suppliers. Give yourself a financial makeover and better manage your cashflow through financial planning, management and accounting. Order Ideas for business management and QCD measuring manufacturing performance publications from the DTI to help you achieve this.

Look at the operational aspects and get your business working more efficiently. Assess your processes and improve quality.

Improve your fulfilment processes and keep customers better informed. Enhance your supply chain by sharing information with suppliers.

Additional resources, like outsourcing, can help grow your business, while technology, such as the internet banking, can help revolutionise purchasing and orders.

Ensure your stock is always in the right place at the right time. The DTI publication, Technology, customers and suppliers, is an excellent starting point.

Seek new ways to market your products/services. Technology, like e-mail and SMS, can help you break into new markets and expand overseas. Make sure that you hold on to your new and best customers by making customer service a priority.

Successful companies have a culture where ideas flourish and new products and services emerge.

Improve product development, such as involving customers in the process and using technology and consultants to work more effectively.