Getting festive, start-up style

As 2011 draws to a close, Weekend Reads is in a jovial mood and keen to spread some much-needed Christmas cheer.

If you’ve started a business this year, you will need a much-deserved break. But don’t forget your staff – here’s why you need to provide them with a festive reward. 

Christmas also brings around plenty of entrepreneurial opportunities. For instance, the introduction of Free Shipping Day in the US has been a huge hit. Could it work here?

Less, ambitiously, this festive season has seen the launch of a 2012 start-up themed calendar, while some business builders are taking a more direct approach to helping others celebrate Christmas.

Want to know the 10 favourite Christmas songs of leading entrepreneurs? No, you probably don’t, but here they are anyway.

Need a last-minute gift for a member of staff/supplier/mentor? Here are 22 gifts you can send via email.

Finally, 2012 is set to be a tough one in the investment market, but talent shortages are also set to bite. Here are the top five hardest jobs to fill next year.