FAQs

What is the idea behind the Donut sites?
How many Donut sites are there?
Why are there different versions of these sites?
Who produces the Donut sites?
Why sponsors instead of advertising?
Why should I register?
What about my privacy?
How do I become a Donut expert?
How do I become a Donut sponsor?
Do you offer more than just a website?
Why ‘Donut’?

What is the idea behind the Donut sites?

To help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to become more successful by giving them access to free, reliable, independent advice about a range of key business tasks and issues, as well as money-saving opportunities through the websites’ sponsors.

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How many Donut sites are there?

There are currently five sites – Law Donut, Marketing Donut, Start Up Donut, IT Donut and Tax Donut. The first, Marketing Donut, was launched in April 2009, with Google and Royal Mail as founding partners. Three months later we launched Start Up Donut, with its founding partners Google and Sage. The Law Donut was launched in August 2009 (founding partner also Google), the IT Donut in August 2010 (with Microsoft as founding partner) and the Tax Donut followed another 12 months later (with Sage as the founding partner). Each site took about one year to plan, write and build. We plan to add more Donut sites in the future.

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Why are there different versions of these sites?

Our local partners – chambers of commerce, law firms, accountancy firms and enterprise agencies – have their own customised version of one or more of the Donut websites. Local partnership is key to the Donut business model – businesses want to deal with local organisations. Our target is to have 400 local partners using the Donut websites. For more information, see our local partner page.

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Who produces the Donut sites?

BHP Information Solutions – the market-leading SME communication specialist. We have offices in Bristol and London and we’ve been providing practical and reliable advice to SMEs for almost 20 years. Our clients include a long list of leading private and public sector organisations. You can find out more about us by visiting our website.

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Why sponsors instead of advertising?

While researching the Donut project we spoke to many small-business owners. As well as all the free resources and reliable practical information, they said they wanted discounts and offers from reputable suppliers, but they didn’t want any advertisements – especially annoying pop-up display ads. That’s why we’ve carefully selected sponsors whose expertise and offers bring additional value to the Donut sites.

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Why should I register?

Because it’s free, takes just a few moments and you’ll be able to access even more information, tools and resources. You’ll also get our free monthly e-newsletter, Donut, which is packed with news, features and tips to help you become more successful. You only need register once to access all Donut sites. Would you like to register now?

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What about my privacy?

We take the privacy of our site users extremely seriously, which is why you can be certain we will not pass your contact details or any other personal information to anyone else. You’ll find full details in our privacy policy.

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How do I become a Donut expert?

We're constantly on the look out for experienced, knowledgeable yet practically minded professionals to help with the sites. Becoming a registered Donut expert involves no charge or major time commitment on your part, yet it enables you to raise your profile within the SME market. Contact us to find out more.

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How do I become a Donut sponsor?

Becoming a Donut sponsor offers a cost-effective route to reaching the notoriously fragmented small-business market. With leading brands such as Google, Microsoft, Sage, Vodafone, Royal Mail, Yell and others, you’ll certainly be in good company. Sponsors also get the chance to provide special offers to site users. For further information email Christoff Lewis or call 0117 904 2224.

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Do you offer more than just a website?

Yes, we have thriving communities on Twitter and on Facebook, where we post links to small business news and information, answer questions and engage in discussions with business owners and experts. We also have a free monthly e-newsletter.

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Why ‘Donut’?

Good question. At BHP, often we draw ‘donut diagrams’ to map out projects. We considered more than 60 other names, but Donut was the one we all liked, so it stuck. Read Donut founder, Rory MccGwire’s, blog for more on the story behind the name.