Extract . . .
People spend nearly half of their waking hours not thinking about what they are actually doing, according to a US study conducted via the iPhone.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11741350
Tuesday, November 30
Best Twitter Client for IPhone and iPad
Extract . . .
“After searching for months, I’ve come to the conclusion that Twitbird is the best iPhone and iPad Twitter client.
Read more here
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2010/08/best-twitter-client-for-iphone-and-ipad.html#axzz15LwGQeBK
“After searching for months, I’ve come to the conclusion that Twitbird is the best iPhone and iPad Twitter client.
Read more here
http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2010/08/best-twitter-client-for-iphone-and-ipad.html#axzz15LwGQeBK
Give your charity donation a tax boost
Extract . . .
It's important to make the most of the money you are giving to charity. If you want to maximise the cash you are giving you need to be canny. Tax rules might seem a world away from helping poverty stricken children, but by knowing what is what, your donation could help more people. For a start, there's Gift Aid, from which charities are able to claim an additional 25p from every £1 donated by UK taxpayers. Those in the 40p tax bracket can claim the rest of the tax on their donations back through their tax returns.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/8146054/Give-your-charity-donation-a-tax-boost.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce6adba06a9a7cc,0
It's important to make the most of the money you are giving to charity. If you want to maximise the cash you are giving you need to be canny. Tax rules might seem a world away from helping poverty stricken children, but by knowing what is what, your donation could help more people. For a start, there's Gift Aid, from which charities are able to claim an additional 25p from every £1 donated by UK taxpayers. Those in the 40p tax bracket can claim the rest of the tax on their donations back through their tax returns.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/8146054/Give-your-charity-donation-a-tax-boost.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce6adba06a9a7cc,0
Small businesses target £1.68bn in supplier savings
Extract . . .
Business owners target energy, telecommunications and other utility services in the search for savings as they anticipate a trickle down effect from the Government's drive to pressure its biggest suppliers to produce cash rebates.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8134219/Small-businesses-target-1.68bn-in-supplier-savings.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce1420477b81264,0
Business owners target energy, telecommunications and other utility services in the search for savings as they anticipate a trickle down effect from the Government's drive to pressure its biggest suppliers to produce cash rebates.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8134219/Small-businesses-target-1.68bn-in-supplier-savings.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce1420477b81264,0
Android 2.3 rumours: what you need to know
Extract . . .
While earlier rumours were suggesting that Gingerbread was the code name for Android 3.0, we now know that Gingerbread is Android 2.3, which makes Honeycomb Android 3.0. Android 4.0 is rumoured to be code named Ice Cream. Google CEO Eric Schmidt showed off a phone running Android 2.3 at the Web 2.0 summit on 15 November.
Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-2-3-rumours-what-you-need-to-know-908255
While earlier rumours were suggesting that Gingerbread was the code name for Android 3.0, we now know that Gingerbread is Android 2.3, which makes Honeycomb Android 3.0. Android 4.0 is rumoured to be code named Ice Cream. Google CEO Eric Schmidt showed off a phone running Android 2.3 at the Web 2.0 summit on 15 November.
Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-2-3-rumours-what-you-need-to-know-908255
Bank lending to small business stabilises
Extract . . .
Industry statistics show high street banks extended the same value of loans to small businesses in September as last year, the first time since the credit crunch the year on year figure has not fallen .
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8152273/Bank-lending-to-small-business-stabilises.html
Industry statistics show high street banks extended the same value of loans to small businesses in September as last year, the first time since the credit crunch the year on year figure has not fallen .
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8152273/Bank-lending-to-small-business-stabilises.html
Monday, November 29
Business mentoring scheme stalls at launch
Extract . . .
Vince Cable's mentoring portal was launched with fewer mentors than advertised but is gaining momentum
Government claims to have signed up tens of thousands of people to a ‘Big Society’-style business mentoring scheme have proven off the mark.
Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, launched the “new 40,000-strong network of business mentors” last week as part of the Business Department’s restructuring of business support away from the state-funded Business Link network of advisers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8152155/Business-mentoring-scheme-stalls-at-launch.html
Vince Cable's mentoring portal was launched with fewer mentors than advertised but is gaining momentum
Government claims to have signed up tens of thousands of people to a ‘Big Society’-style business mentoring scheme have proven off the mark.
Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, launched the “new 40,000-strong network of business mentors” last week as part of the Business Department’s restructuring of business support away from the state-funded Business Link network of advisers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8152155/Business-mentoring-scheme-stalls-at-launch.html
Social gets personal as new network limits friends
Extract . . .
A former Facebook executive aims to turn the world of social networking on its head by making it more personal. Dave Morin's new company Path has launched a photo-centric social hub that limits the number of friends you can have to 50. The aim is to enable more effective communications with people who are part of your trusted enclave. It contradicts the ethos of most social networks which includes loose acquaintances and colleagues.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11793847
A former Facebook executive aims to turn the world of social networking on its head by making it more personal. Dave Morin's new company Path has launched a photo-centric social hub that limits the number of friends you can have to 50. The aim is to enable more effective communications with people who are part of your trusted enclave. It contradicts the ethos of most social networks which includes loose acquaintances and colleagues.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11793847
Google vice-president issues stark internet warning
Extract . . .
Europe will run out of capacity for new internet addresses by early next year, potentially cutting the UK off from the rest of the world online, one of the founding fathers of the communications network warned today.
Vint Cerf, vice-president of Google and the man dubbed "the godfather of the net", said the shortage of internet address space represented a "serious boundary" to the growth of the medium.
Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/11/google-vint-cerf-internet
Europe will run out of capacity for new internet addresses by early next year, potentially cutting the UK off from the rest of the world online, one of the founding fathers of the communications network warned today.
Vint Cerf, vice-president of Google and the man dubbed "the godfather of the net", said the shortage of internet address space represented a "serious boundary" to the growth of the medium.
Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/11/google-vint-cerf-internet
Manufacturers can help make Britain a world leader
Extract . . .
Over the past decade manufacturing has demonstrated its diversity, strength and ability to deliver significant productivity and competitiveness gains - but the government must do its bit, says the manufacturers' organisation, EEF.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8149623/Manufacturers-can-help-make-Britain-a-world-leader.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cea3212d5166363,0
Over the past decade manufacturing has demonstrated its diversity, strength and ability to deliver significant productivity and competitiveness gains - but the government must do its bit, says the manufacturers' organisation, EEF.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8149623/Manufacturers-can-help-make-Britain-a-world-leader.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cea3212d5166363,0
Cyberthieves still rely on human foot soldiers
Extract . . .
Sitting at a computer somewhere overseas in January 2009, computer hackers went phishing. Within minutes of casting their electronic bait they caught what they were looking for: A small Michigan company where an employee unwittingly clicked on an official-looking e-mail that secretly gave cyberthieves the keys to the firm's bank account. Before company executives knew what was happening, Experi-Metal Inc., a suburban Detroit manufacturing company, was broke. Its $560,000 bank balance had been electronically scattered into bank accounts in Russia, Estonia, Scotland, Finland and around the U.S.
Read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101122/ap_on_re_us/us_cybercrime_money_mules
Sitting at a computer somewhere overseas in January 2009, computer hackers went phishing. Within minutes of casting their electronic bait they caught what they were looking for: A small Michigan company where an employee unwittingly clicked on an official-looking e-mail that secretly gave cyberthieves the keys to the firm's bank account. Before company executives knew what was happening, Experi-Metal Inc., a suburban Detroit manufacturing company, was broke. Its $560,000 bank balance had been electronically scattered into bank accounts in Russia, Estonia, Scotland, Finland and around the U.S.
Read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101122/ap_on_re_us/us_cybercrime_money_mules
Would you lend your money to a complete stranger?
Extract . . .
Peer-to-peer lenders such as Zopa are on the rise as banks tighten the screws. We look at some of the providers – and the risks involved.
There has been a huge boom in so-called peer-to-peer lending sites, which bring together those with money to lend and those that need to borrow – effectively cutting out the banks altogether.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/savings/8150869/Would-you-lend-your-money-to-a-complete-stranger.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cea82315741c0b3,0
Peer-to-peer lenders such as Zopa are on the rise as banks tighten the screws. We look at some of the providers – and the risks involved.
There has been a huge boom in so-called peer-to-peer lending sites, which bring together those with money to lend and those that need to borrow – effectively cutting out the banks altogether.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/savings/8150869/Would-you-lend-your-money-to-a-complete-stranger.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cea82315741c0b3,0
Friday, November 26
Taking the hit and miss out of hiring
Extract . . .
The quality of the people who work for you is one of the most important factors in the success of your business, but recruiting can be a hit and miss affair. The key to successful hiring is to develop a recruitment plan.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/recruiting-staff/taking-the-hit-and-miss-out-of-hiring.html?u=40c0aE44&m=7736
The quality of the people who work for you is one of the most important factors in the success of your business, but recruiting can be a hit and miss affair. The key to successful hiring is to develop a recruitment plan.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/recruiting-staff/taking-the-hit-and-miss-out-of-hiring.html?u=40c0aE44&m=7736
Small firms bridle at pension strong-arm
Extract . . .
Improving private sector pension provision is a laudable aim. But the new rules will inevitably cost SMEs time and money.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1037672/small-firms-bridle-pension-strong-arm/
Improving private sector pension provision is a laudable aim. But the new rules will inevitably cost SMEs time and money.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1037672/small-firms-bridle-pension-strong-arm/
Women work for free from today, say campaigners
Extract . . .
Because they earn less than men, women will effectively stop earning today, says the Fawcett society. But in these straitened times, is anything likely to change?
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038672/women-work-free-today-say-campaigners/
Because they earn less than men, women will effectively stop earning today, says the Fawcett society. But in these straitened times, is anything likely to change?
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038672/women-work-free-today-say-campaigners/
Internet business adds billions to the economy
Extract . . .
Internet business is worth £100 billion to the UK economy, a new study has estimated..
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33642&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Internet business is worth £100 billion to the UK economy, a new study has estimated..
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33642&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Smaller manufacturers offer upbeat forecast
Extract . . .
Smaller manufacturers expect demand to rise over the coming months, a new survey has revealed.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33668&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Smaller manufacturers expect demand to rise over the coming months, a new survey has revealed.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33668&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Thursday, November 25
Make the most of staff appraisals.
Extract . . .
It is important to hold regular staff appraisals even if you have just one employee.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/make-the-most-of-staff-appraisals.html?u=40c38F45&m=7834
It is important to hold regular staff appraisals even if you have just one employee.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/make-the-most-of-staff-appraisals.html?u=40c38F45&m=7834
Ten Top Tips: How to make work more interesting
Extract . . .
These days, people are working for longer than ever. Here's how to get the most out of those extra years.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038131/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-work-interesting/
These days, people are working for longer than ever. Here's how to get the most out of those extra years.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038131/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-work-interesting/
Lloyds success could be a boon for the rest of us
Extract . . .
Lloyds Banking Group is on track for profit in 2010. And it's even been lending businesses money . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038490/lloyds-success-boon-rest-us/
Lloyds Banking Group is on track for profit in 2010. And it's even been lending businesses money . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038490/lloyds-success-boon-rest-us/
Effective time management
Extract . . .
Optimising your work time begins with identifying the causes of wasted time and learning to avoid them. Here are some suggestions.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/effective-time-management.html?u=40c38F45&m=7856
Optimising your work time begins with identifying the causes of wasted time and learning to avoid them. Here are some suggestions.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/effective-time-management.html?u=40c38F45&m=7856
Government sets out plans to help small businesses
Extract . . .
The government has laid out its plans for boosting small business activity.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33661&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
The government has laid out its plans for boosting small business activity.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33661&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Cameron launches new 'enterprise visa' for overseas entrepreneurs
Extract . . .
The PM says those with good ideas - and, importantly, cash - will be welcomed into the UK with open
arms. Particularly in the East End . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039129/cameron-launches-new-enterprise-visa-overseas-entrepreneurs/
The PM says those with good ideas - and, importantly, cash - will be welcomed into the UK with open
arms. Particularly in the East End . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039129/cameron-launches-new-enterprise-visa-overseas-entrepreneurs/
Wednesday, November 24
Are you one of Britain's Business Heroes?
Extract . . .
Who are the UK's most exciting, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies? That's the question MT
and Cisco intend to answer with their new Business Heroes awards. They’re big believers that Britain is
home to some world-class small and medium sized firms, and they want to reward those that have not
only survived but thrived in these tough economic times.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039165/are-one-britains-business-heroes/
Who are the UK's most exciting, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies? That's the question MT
and Cisco intend to answer with their new Business Heroes awards. They’re big believers that Britain is
home to some world-class small and medium sized firms, and they want to reward those that have not
only survived but thrived in these tough economic times.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039165/are-one-britains-business-heroes/
SVB comes to the UK to give entrepreneurs a boost
Extract . . .
With entrepreneurs on the lookout for new sources of lending, Californian bank SVB is on hand to help.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039456/mt-special-svb-comes-uk-give-entrepreneurs-boost/
With entrepreneurs on the lookout for new sources of lending, Californian bank SVB is on hand to help.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039456/mt-special-svb-comes-uk-give-entrepreneurs-boost/
Insolvencies drop, but the pain isn't over
Extract . . .
The number of companies going out of business fell in the three months to September - but that doesn't
mean it's going to carry on like this.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039469/insolvencies-drop-pain-isnt-over/
The number of companies going out of business fell in the three months to September - but that doesn't
mean it's going to carry on like this.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039469/insolvencies-drop-pain-isnt-over/
Is recovery tougher than recession?
Extract . . .
With all the ‘will it, won’t it’ tension surrounding our economic recovery, today’s business pages tend to read a bit like an EastEnders script. But it’s no surprise that those tasked with running businesses aren’t exactly enjoying the drama: in fact, a new survey has shown that for more than eight out of 10 business leaders, the uncertain business climate means conditions are tougher than they were during the recession – a damning indication of the state of business confidence at the moment.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1026939/is-recovery-tougher-recession/
With all the ‘will it, won’t it’ tension surrounding our economic recovery, today’s business pages tend to read a bit like an EastEnders script. But it’s no surprise that those tasked with running businesses aren’t exactly enjoying the drama: in fact, a new survey has shown that for more than eight out of 10 business leaders, the uncertain business climate means conditions are tougher than they were during the recession – a damning indication of the state of business confidence at the moment.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1026939/is-recovery-tougher-recession/
Easyjet plans to target business travellers
Extract . . .
As part of new chief executive Carolyn McCall's plan to improve profitability, the budget airline hopes to attract more business passengers by offering the option to change a flight time, board ahead of other passengers and put luggage in the hold, for a slightly higher price than a normal ticket.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8136261/Easyjet-plans-to-target-business-travellers.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce2617b134176c6,0
As part of new chief executive Carolyn McCall's plan to improve profitability, the budget airline hopes to attract more business passengers by offering the option to change a flight time, board ahead of other passengers and put luggage in the hold, for a slightly higher price than a normal ticket.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/8136261/Easyjet-plans-to-target-business-travellers.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce2617b134176c6,0
Profit sharing is investing in your bottom line
Extract . . .
One of the best ways to motivate your workforce is to involve them in increasing profits and sharing in the results.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/improving-profitability/profit-sharing-is-investing-in-your-bottom-line.html?u=40c38A45&m=7683
One of the best ways to motivate your workforce is to involve them in increasing profits and sharing in the results.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/improving-profitability/profit-sharing-is-investing-in-your-bottom-line.html?u=40c38A45&m=7683
Tuesday, November 23
Small firms warned ahead of VAT hike
Extract . . .
INSOLVENCY practitioners have warned that the impending VAT hike will be
one of the biggest obstacles facing small businesses next year as it
emerged that many companies have yet to plan their strategy for the 2.5pc
increase, which comes into force in January.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8133970/Small-businesses-warned-ahead-of-VAT-hike.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce133a93b40a5e4,0
INSOLVENCY practitioners have warned that the impending VAT hike will be
one of the biggest obstacles facing small businesses next year as it
emerged that many companies have yet to plan their strategy for the 2.5pc
increase, which comes into force in January.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8133970/Small-businesses-warned-ahead-of-VAT-hike.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce133a93b40a5e4,0
Row over ID theft insurance
Extract . . .
Bank customers have complained they are being signed up for ID theft
protection insurance that they do not want. Customers of banks including
Santander, Barclaycard and NatWest/RBS say it happens when they phone to
activate a new credit or debit card.
Read more here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11747016
Bank customers have complained they are being signed up for ID theft
protection insurance that they do not want. Customers of banks including
Santander, Barclaycard and NatWest/RBS say it happens when they phone to
activate a new credit or debit card.
Read more here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11747016
Every cloud . . . Recession boosts UK entrepreneurs
Extract . . .
The number of new start-ups in the UK has more than doubled since 2005. Proof that necessity is the mother of invention?
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1028880/every-cloud-recession-boosts-uk-entrepreneurs/
The number of new start-ups in the UK has more than doubled since 2005. Proof that necessity is the mother of invention?
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1028880/every-cloud-recession-boosts-uk-entrepreneurs/
How to stay competitive
Extract . . .
Most businesses come into being because an entrepreneur has identified a niche in the marketplace. But your very presence invites competition, and before long you find yourself in a tightening market with competitors, large and small, snapping at your heels. How do you stay ahead of them?
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/staying-competitive/how-to-stay-competitive.html?u=40c38F45&m=7695
Most businesses come into being because an entrepreneur has identified a niche in the marketplace. But your very presence invites competition, and before long you find yourself in a tightening market with competitors, large and small, snapping at your heels. How do you stay ahead of them?
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/staying-competitive/how-to-stay-competitive.html?u=40c38F45&m=7695
Angels, Dragons & Vultures: How to tame your investors... and not lose your company
Extract . . .
With a title that sounds like a Dan Brown novel, it's only right that Simon Acland here seeks to burst a few myths. Despite – or maybe because of – his successful career in venture capital.
Read more here http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/10_November/books-angels-dragons-vultures_64_03.html
With a title that sounds like a Dan Brown novel, it's only right that Simon Acland here seeks to burst a few myths. Despite – or maybe because of – his successful career in venture capital.
Read more here http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/10_November/books-angels-dragons-vultures_64_03.html
Remunerating for profitability
Extract . . .
To ensure that wages and salaries are a profit-centre, not a cost-centre, for your business, it helps to tie them into profitability. Here are some ways you can do this.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/improving-profitability/remunerating-for-profitability.html?u=40c38F45&m=7695
To ensure that wages and salaries are a profit-centre, not a cost-centre, for your business, it helps to tie them into profitability. Here are some ways you can do this.
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/improving-profitability/remunerating-for-profitability.html?u=40c38F45&m=7695
Monday, November 22
Ten Top Tips: Networking for people who hate networking
Extract . . .
The ability to mingle doesn't come naturally to us all. Here's how to muddle through . . ..
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1030811/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-networking-people-hate-networking/
The ability to mingle doesn't come naturally to us all. Here's how to muddle through . . ..
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1030811/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-networking-people-hate-networking/
Innovative small firms ignored by Whitehall
Extract . . .
One small company's attempts to cut the £35m a year cost of running the
Businesslink.gov.uk advice website have been rebuffed by HM Revenue &
Customs. Fubra, a website developer and hosting company, had spotted that
Businesslink was costing the Government £4.7m a year alone in "hosting and
infrastructure" – a sum that it could slash significantly.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8134823/Innovative-small-firms-ignored-by-Whitehall.html
One small company's attempts to cut the £35m a year cost of running the
Businesslink.gov.uk advice website have been rebuffed by HM Revenue &
Customs. Fubra, a website developer and hosting company, had spotted that
Businesslink was costing the Government £4.7m a year alone in "hosting and
infrastructure" – a sum that it could slash significantly.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8134823/Innovative-small-firms-ignored-by-Whitehall.html
David Cameron backs entrepreneurs as self employment rises
Extract . . .
The Prime Minister has urged "more people to make a job rather than take a
job" at the launch of a week of events across the country to encourage
people to set up businesses. Business Secretary Vince Cable backed David
Cameron's focus on self-employment and small business creation during
Global Entrepreneurship Week UK (GEW), pledging to tackle "onerous
regulations and taxes" to encourage entrepreneurial activity that he said
generates economic growth and jobs. "Self employment grows into small
companies, small companies grow into large companies. Entrepreneurship
Week is about how we get that pipeline working," he said.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8134308/David-Cameron-backs-entrepreneurs-as-self-employment-rises.html
The Prime Minister has urged "more people to make a job rather than take a
job" at the launch of a week of events across the country to encourage
people to set up businesses. Business Secretary Vince Cable backed David
Cameron's focus on self-employment and small business creation during
Global Entrepreneurship Week UK (GEW), pledging to tackle "onerous
regulations and taxes" to encourage entrepreneurial activity that he said
generates economic growth and jobs. "Self employment grows into small
companies, small companies grow into large companies. Entrepreneurship
Week is about how we get that pipeline working," he said.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8134308/David-Cameron-backs-entrepreneurs-as-self-employment-rises.html
How to build a strong brand and a successful business
Extract . . .
A key element of strategy planning should involve the development of your
brand and how you would like to be perceived.
Read more here
http://www.marketing-made-simple.com/articles/brand-building.htm
A key element of strategy planning should involve the development of your
brand and how you would like to be perceived.
Read more here
http://www.marketing-made-simple.com/articles/brand-building.htm
The law must learn to keep up with technology
Extract . . .
A widening gap between technological advances and the justice system is
giving rise to absurdities, says Milo Yiannopoulos. There is a disconnect,
rapidly widening, between the speed of technological innovation and the
laws set up to govern what goes on in cyberspace. Worse, there's an
enormous cultural gulf between the general public and the judiciary, whose
job it is to interpret and apply those laws.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8128252/The-law-must-learn-to-keep-up-with-technology.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce044127c51f91b,0
A widening gap between technological advances and the justice system is
giving rise to absurdities, says Milo Yiannopoulos. There is a disconnect,
rapidly widening, between the speed of technological innovation and the
laws set up to govern what goes on in cyberspace. Worse, there's an
enormous cultural gulf between the general public and the judiciary, whose
job it is to interpret and apply those laws.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8128252/The-law-must-learn-to-keep-up-with-technology.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce044127c51f91b,0
Warning over anti-virus cold calls to UK internet users
Extract . . .
Internet users are being warned about cold callers who offer to fix
viruses but then install software to steal personal information.
Campaign group Get Safe Online said a quarter of the people it had questioned
had received such calls, many suspected to have been from organised crime
gangs.
Read more here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11754487
Internet users are being warned about cold callers who offer to fix
viruses but then install software to steal personal information.
Campaign group Get Safe Online said a quarter of the people it had questioned
had received such calls, many suspected to have been from organised crime
gangs.
Read more here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11754487
Friday, November 19
John Timpson: Company cars can drive ambition
Extract . . .
Is a company car still a justifiable part of a remuneration package? In
the past, it was a means of avoiding pay freezes and tax. Now it can be
seen as discriminatory, environmentally-unfriendly and costly.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/john-timpson/8132395/John-Timpson-Company-cars-can-drive-ambition.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce0414dcc59a5f3,0
Is a company car still a justifiable part of a remuneration package? In
the past, it was a means of avoiding pay freezes and tax. Now it can be
seen as discriminatory, environmentally-unfriendly and costly.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/john-timpson/8132395/John-Timpson-Company-cars-can-drive-ambition.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce0414dcc59a5f3,0
Think tank: How the Owl and the Pussycat went to sea and found export success with Starbucks
Extract . . .
The story, a lesson for many businesses, involves two intrepid Bath-based
foodies, the acquisition of Derbyshire bakery Artisan Biscuits and a
chance encounter with Starbucks American buyers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8129211/Think-tank-How-the-Owl-and-the-Pussycat-went-to-sea-and-found-export-success-with-Starbucks.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce044caf55ba684,0
The story, a lesson for many businesses, involves two intrepid Bath-based
foodies, the acquisition of Derbyshire bakery Artisan Biscuits and a
chance encounter with Starbucks American buyers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8129211/Think-tank-How-the-Owl-and-the-Pussycat-went-to-sea-and-found-export-success-with-Starbucks.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce044caf55ba684,0
Barclays' small business customers 'least satisfied'
Extract . . .
Levels of business lending by the major banks was under fresh scrutiny
last night after a new report revealed that nearly 60pc of small
businesses blame banks for an inability to borrow and invest. A survey of
more than 600 online businesses by eBay, which has 160,000 UK business
customers, also found that small firms banking with Barclays are the least
content with customer service levels.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8131171/Barclays-small-business-customers-least-satisfied.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce044727658bfc6,0
Levels of business lending by the major banks was under fresh scrutiny
last night after a new report revealed that nearly 60pc of small
businesses blame banks for an inability to borrow and invest. A survey of
more than 600 online businesses by eBay, which has 160,000 UK business
customers, also found that small firms banking with Barclays are the least
content with customer service levels.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8131171/Barclays-small-business-customers-least-satisfied.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce044727658bfc6,0
Sir Clive Sinclair: Down but never out, the eternal optimist is back
Extract . . .
It's been 25 years since the Sinclair C5 was launched and flopped. But its
inventor refuses to let these knocks get in the way of his ideas. Jonathan
Owen meets Sir Clive Sinclair. Some people don't know when to quit. This
is common among people who are unusually stupid or preternaturally clever.
Sir Clive Sinclair is not stupid. Indeed at one time, he was expected to
take over the computer world. He pioneered personal computers in the early
1980s, running a company which employed hundreds and made millions.
Read more here http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/sir-clive-sinclair-down-but-never-out-the-eternal-optimist-is-back-1863277.html
It's been 25 years since the Sinclair C5 was launched and flopped. But its
inventor refuses to let these knocks get in the way of his ideas. Jonathan
Owen meets Sir Clive Sinclair. Some people don't know when to quit. This
is common among people who are unusually stupid or preternaturally clever.
Sir Clive Sinclair is not stupid. Indeed at one time, he was expected to
take over the computer world. He pioneered personal computers in the early
1980s, running a company which employed hundreds and made millions.
Read more here http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/sir-clive-sinclair-down-but-never-out-the-eternal-optimist-is-back-1863277.html
Drivers face soaring car insurance costs
Extract . . .
Motorists could face double digit price hikes in car insurance costs for
the foreseeable future, experts have warned. The average price of
comprehensive motor insurance has soared by 40% during the past 12 months,
with younger drivers seeing increases of 51%
Read more here
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/insurance/2010/11/drivers-face-soaring-car-insurance-costs
Motorists could face double digit price hikes in car insurance costs for
the foreseeable future, experts have warned. The average price of
comprehensive motor insurance has soared by 40% during the past 12 months,
with younger drivers seeing increases of 51%
Read more here
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/insurance/2010/11/drivers-face-soaring-car-insurance-costs
The green, green shoots of recovery
Extract . . .
As a former Royal Navy submariner who worked for the investment bank
Goldman Sachs before joining his wife’s family’s garden centre business,
Shaun Lewis probably has a wider perspective then most.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/business-analysis-the-green-green-shoots-of-recovery-2122947.html
As a former Royal Navy submariner who worked for the investment bank
Goldman Sachs before joining his wife’s family’s garden centre business,
Shaun Lewis probably has a wider perspective then most.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/business-analysis-the-green-green-shoots-of-recovery-2122947.html
Thursday, November 18
The future of start-up funding
Extract . . .
Two years ago I wrote about what I called "a huge, unexploited opportunity in startup funding:" the growing disconnect between VCs, whose current business model requires them to invest large amounts, and a large class of startups that need less than they used to. Increasingly, startups want a couple hundred thousand dollars, not a couple million.
Read more here
http://www.paulgraham.com/future.html
Two years ago I wrote about what I called "a huge, unexploited opportunity in startup funding:" the growing disconnect between VCs, whose current business model requires them to invest large amounts, and a large class of startups that need less than they used to. Increasingly, startups want a couple hundred thousand dollars, not a couple million.
Read more here
http://www.paulgraham.com/future.html
What You See Is What You Get: My autobiography, by Alan Sugar
Extract . . .
Lord Sugar is something of a conundrum. In some ways, despite all the "It does what it says on the tin", no-nonsense swagger of his autobiography, he is the ultimate Marmite leader. Loved by millions as the bullying, lecturing front man on The Apprentice, he is loathed by others for the same thing.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/10_November/books-alan-sugar-autobiography_64_03.html
Lord Sugar is something of a conundrum. In some ways, despite all the "It does what it says on the tin", no-nonsense swagger of his autobiography, he is the ultimate Marmite leader. Loved by millions as the bullying, lecturing front man on The Apprentice, he is loathed by others for the same thing.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/10_November/books-alan-sugar-autobiography_64_03.html
Enterprise becomes a family affair
Extract . . .
It is never too late to become a serial entrepreneur. Thirty years ago Christine Roberts founded Roberts Warr Electronics with her husband Ron, supplying electronic components to customers including Acorn Computers and achieving a turnover of £2m. When Ron died in 2003 she continued to run the company, but by 2007 the business was suffering from the downturn in the electronics market
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/startingout/6522700/Enterprise-becomes-a-family-affair.html
It is never too late to become a serial entrepreneur. Thirty years ago Christine Roberts founded Roberts Warr Electronics with her husband Ron, supplying electronic components to customers including Acorn Computers and achieving a turnover of £2m. When Ron died in 2003 she continued to run the company, but by 2007 the business was suffering from the downturn in the electronics market
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/startingout/6522700/Enterprise-becomes-a-family-affair.html
Delivering results in the face of adversity
Extract . . .
After the collapse of his call centre business because of a change in the way his clients operated, the last thing on Mark Livsey's mind was setting up another company. As a director of the failed firm he received a redundancy payout and then set about looking for a regular job. But over a 10-month period, he had little luck in the job market and began to realise that working for himself was his best chance of making a success of his future.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/startingout/7728982/Delivering-results-in-the-face-of-adversity.html
After the collapse of his call centre business because of a change in the way his clients operated, the last thing on Mark Livsey's mind was setting up another company. As a director of the failed firm he received a redundancy payout and then set about looking for a regular job. But over a 10-month period, he had little luck in the job market and began to realise that working for himself was his best chance of making a success of his future.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/startingout/7728982/Delivering-results-in-the-face-of-adversity.html
A criminal record should not close the door on a career
Extract . . .
One of the toughest challenges for business leaders is to recognise potential and identify the best talent to improve their companies. Of course, it is the employer's prerogative to choose people that suit their organisation but, whenever I'm asked what I look for personally, I always say passion, talent and potential – regardless of what candidates have done before in their lives.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/duncan-bannatyne/7640039/A-criminal-record-should-not-close-the-door-on-a-career.html
One of the toughest challenges for business leaders is to recognise potential and identify the best talent to improve their companies. Of course, it is the employer's prerogative to choose people that suit their organisation but, whenever I'm asked what I look for personally, I always say passion, talent and potential – regardless of what candidates have done before in their lives.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/duncan-bannatyne/7640039/A-criminal-record-should-not-close-the-door-on-a-career.html
Google announces 'Instant Previews' search feature
Extract . . .
People searching on Google will soon be able to see previews of websites before clicking on them. The 'Instant Previews' feature announced Tuesday is meant to help people bypass websites that are either irrelevant or simply too visually cluttered for their tastes. It works for Google Web searches, as well as searches for news, video and local businesses.
Read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101109/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_google_instant_previews
People searching on Google will soon be able to see previews of websites before clicking on them. The 'Instant Previews' feature announced Tuesday is meant to help people bypass websites that are either irrelevant or simply too visually cluttered for their tastes. It works for Google Web searches, as well as searches for news, video and local businesses.
Read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101109/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_google_instant_previews
Wednesday, November 17
Small business owner bricks up wrong bank for not lending
Extract . . .
One of today’s oddest stories comes from Dorset, where a disgruntled property developer bricked up the door of a branch of Barclays in protest at not being granted a loan – despite the fact that it wasn’t his bank.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1031158/small-business-owner-bricks-wrong-bank-not-lending/
One of today’s oddest stories comes from Dorset, where a disgruntled property developer bricked up the door of a branch of Barclays in protest at not being granted a loan – despite the fact that it wasn’t his bank.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1031158/small-business-owner-bricks-wrong-bank-not-lending/
Improve your debt collections
Extract . . .
Many business owners find that continual late payments can contribute to negative cash flow. We look at ways to improve your debt collections.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/managing-costs/improve-your-debt-collections.html?u=40c0aE44&m=7736
Many business owners find that continual late payments can contribute to negative cash flow. We look at ways to improve your debt collections.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/managing-costs/improve-your-debt-collections.html?u=40c0aE44&m=7736
Taking the hit and miss out of hiring
Extract . . .
The quality of the people who work for you is one of the most important factors in the success of your business, but recruiting can be a hit and miss affair. The key to successful hiring is to develop a recruitment plan.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/recruiting-staff/taking-the-hit-and-miss-out-of-hiring.html?u=40c0aE44&m=7736
The quality of the people who work for you is one of the most important factors in the success of your business, but recruiting can be a hit and miss affair. The key to successful hiring is to develop a recruitment plan.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/recruiting-staff/taking-the-hit-and-miss-out-of-hiring.html?u=40c0aE44&m=7736
78% of entrepreneurs 'wouldn't work with Suralan'
Extract . . .
Apparently, most entrepreneurs wouldn't accept a job with Alan Sugar, even with the £100k salary. Then again, would most entrepreneurs accept any job?
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1037525/78-entrepreneurs-wouldnt-work-suralan/
Apparently, most entrepreneurs wouldn't accept a job with Alan Sugar, even with the £100k salary. Then again, would most entrepreneurs accept any job?
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1037525/78-entrepreneurs-wouldnt-work-suralan/
Small firms bridle at pension strong-arm
Extract . . .
Improving private sector pension provision is a laudable aim. But the new rules will inevitably cost SMEs time and money.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1037672/small-firms-bridle-pension-strong-arm/
Improving private sector pension provision is a laudable aim. But the new rules will inevitably cost SMEs time and money.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1037672/small-firms-bridle-pension-strong-arm/
Make the most of staff appraisals
Extract . . .
It is important to hold regular staff appraisals even if you have just one employee.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/make-the-most-of-staff-appraisals.html?u=40c38F45&m=7834
It is important to hold regular staff appraisals even if you have just one employee.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/make-the-most-of-staff-appraisals.html?u=40c38F45&m=7834
Tuesday, November 16
Ten Top Tips: How to make work more interesting
Extract . . .
These days, people are working for longer than ever. Here's how to get the most out of those extra years.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038131/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-work-interesting/
These days, people are working for longer than ever. Here's how to get the most out of those extra years.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038131/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-work-interesting/
Lloyds success could be a boon for the rest of us
Extract . . .
Lloyds Banking Group is on track for profit in 2010. And it's even been lending businesses money....
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038490/lloyds-success-boon-rest-us/
Lloyds Banking Group is on track for profit in 2010. And it's even been lending businesses money....
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038490/lloyds-success-boon-rest-us/
Women work for free from today, say campaigners
Extract . . .
Because they earn less than men, women will effectively stop earning today, says the Fawcett society. But in these straitened times, is anything likely to change?
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038672/women-work-free-today-say-campaigners/
Because they earn less than men, women will effectively stop earning today, says the Fawcett society. But in these straitened times, is anything likely to change?
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1038672/women-work-free-today-say-campaigners/
Effective time management
Extract . . .
Optimising your work time begins with identifying the causes of wasted time and learning to avoid them. Here are some suggestions.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/effective-time-management.html?u=40c38F45&m=7856
Optimising your work time begins with identifying the causes of wasted time and learning to avoid them. Here are some suggestions.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/effective-time-management.html?u=40c38F45&m=7856
Internet business adds billions to the economy
Extract . . .
Internet business is worth £100 billion to the UK economy, a new study has estimated.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33642&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Internet business is worth £100 billion to the UK economy, a new study has estimated.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33642&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Smaller manufacturers offer upbeat forecast
Extract . . .
Smaller manufacturers expect demand to rise over the coming months, a new survey has revealed.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33668&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Smaller manufacturers expect demand to rise over the coming months, a new survey has revealed.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33668&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Monday, November 15
Government sets out plans to help small businesses
Extract . . .
The government has laid out its plans for boosting small business activity.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33661&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
The government has laid out its plans for boosting small business activity.
Read more herehttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33661&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38F45&m=7856
Cameron launches new 'enterprise visa' for overseas entrepreneurs
Extract . . .
The PM says those with good ideas - and, importantly, cash - will be welcomed into the UK with open arms. Particularly in the East End.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039129/cameron-launches-new-enterprise-visa-overseas-entrepreneurs/
The PM says those with good ideas - and, importantly, cash - will be welcomed into the UK with open arms. Particularly in the East End.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039129/cameron-launches-new-enterprise-visa-overseas-entrepreneurs/
Are you one of Britain's Business Heroes?
Extract . . .
Who are the UK's most exciting, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies? That's the question MT and Cisco intend to answer with their new Business Heroes awards. They’re big believers that Britain is home to some world-class small and medium sized firms, and they want to reward those that have not only survived but thrived in these tough economic times.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039165/are-one-britains-business-heroes/
Who are the UK's most exciting, inspiring and ground-breaking new companies? That's the question MT and Cisco intend to answer with their new Business Heroes awards. They’re big believers that Britain is home to some world-class small and medium sized firms, and they want to reward those that have not only survived but thrived in these tough economic times.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039165/are-one-britains-business-heroes/
SVB comes to the UK to give entrepreneurs a boost
Extract . . .
With entrepreneurs on the lookout for new sources of lending, Californian bank SVB is on hand to help.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039456/mt-special-svb-comes-uk-give-entrepreneurs-boost/
With entrepreneurs on the lookout for new sources of lending, Californian bank SVB is on hand to help.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039456/mt-special-svb-comes-uk-give-entrepreneurs-boost/
Insolvencies drop, but the pain isn't over
Extract . . .
The number of companies going out of business fell in the three months to September - but that doesn't mean it's going to carry on like this.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039469/insolvencies-drop-pain-isnt-over/
The number of companies going out of business fell in the three months to September - but that doesn't mean it's going to carry on like this.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039469/insolvencies-drop-pain-isnt-over/
Secret Diary of an Entrepreneur: First impressions
Extract . . .
As someone who believes very strongly in the value of first impressions, I’m always fascinated to hear what new people make of this place after their initial week or so. (Admittedly, the only problem is that the more interesting their observation, the less likely they are to share it with me, particularly when they’re new. But still.)
There are three main reasons why I like doing this. One, when you’ve been in the middle of something for so long and know all the people so well, it’s hard to think about them objectively – so it’s nice to see everything through a fresh pair of eyes. Two, if the newbie concerned has already spotted something that it took me ages to work out, the chances are that their judgement is going to come in handy to me. And three, I’m nosy.
Read more here
http://secretdiaryentrepreneur.managementtoday.co.uk/2010/09/03/secret-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-first-impressions/
As someone who believes very strongly in the value of first impressions, I’m always fascinated to hear what new people make of this place after their initial week or so. (Admittedly, the only problem is that the more interesting their observation, the less likely they are to share it with me, particularly when they’re new. But still.)
There are three main reasons why I like doing this. One, when you’ve been in the middle of something for so long and know all the people so well, it’s hard to think about them objectively – so it’s nice to see everything through a fresh pair of eyes. Two, if the newbie concerned has already spotted something that it took me ages to work out, the chances are that their judgement is going to come in handy to me. And three, I’m nosy.
Read more here
http://secretdiaryentrepreneur.managementtoday.co.uk/2010/09/03/secret-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-first-impressions/
Friday, November 12
Will Treasury cuts drive hi-tech entrepreneurs overseas?
Extract . . .
As part of its cost-cutting drive, the Coalition is apparently threatening to slash science funding by between 15% and 30% - and naturally, the scientific community is well and truly up in arms about it. They argue that this would have a devastating impact on R&D - potentially forcing science-based and hi-tech companies to seek out a home more sympathetic to their needs. Since we're actually pretty good at science here in the UK, and since the Coalition supposedly wants private enterprise to step up and fill the gap left by the shrinking private sector, this could be rather a false economy.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1025984/will-treasury-cuts-drive-hi-tech-entrepreneurs-overseas/
As part of its cost-cutting drive, the Coalition is apparently threatening to slash science funding by between 15% and 30% - and naturally, the scientific community is well and truly up in arms about it. They argue that this would have a devastating impact on R&D - potentially forcing science-based and hi-tech companies to seek out a home more sympathetic to their needs. Since we're actually pretty good at science here in the UK, and since the Coalition supposedly wants private enterprise to step up and fill the gap left by the shrinking private sector, this could be rather a false economy.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1025984/will-treasury-cuts-drive-hi-tech-entrepreneurs-overseas/
Dixons boss: Don't worry about a double-dip
Extract . . .
Lots of doom-mongers have been warning lately about the possibility of the UK slipping back into recession - the dreaded double-dip. So it's both refreshing and reassuring to hear a contrary view from a big retailer: John Browett, the boss of Currys and PC World owner DSG, says that he's 'not in the double-dip school', after reporting solid sales from the high street. On the other hand, he also said the company was 'not seeing the demand you'd see in a normal economy' either - so we shouldn't get too excited...
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1026115/dixons-boss-dont-worry-double-dip/
Lots of doom-mongers have been warning lately about the possibility of the UK slipping back into recession - the dreaded double-dip. So it's both refreshing and reassuring to hear a contrary view from a big retailer: John Browett, the boss of Currys and PC World owner DSG, says that he's 'not in the double-dip school', after reporting solid sales from the high street. On the other hand, he also said the company was 'not seeing the demand you'd see in a normal economy' either - so we shouldn't get too excited...
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1026115/dixons-boss-dont-worry-double-dip/
Manufacturing growth beats forecasts
Extract . . .
Britain's manufacturing sector grew faster than expected last month, easing fears that the economic recovery is stumbling. Export orders rose sharply in October, following a worrying slowdown the previous month, data released by Markit/CIPS showed. This helped manufacturing output to hit a seven-month high. There was also encouraging news on the employment front, with manufacturers creating new jobs at their fastest rate since June.
Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/nov/01/manufacturing-growth-beats-forecasts
Britain's manufacturing sector grew faster than expected last month, easing fears that the economic recovery is stumbling. Export orders rose sharply in October, following a worrying slowdown the previous month, data released by Markit/CIPS showed. This helped manufacturing output to hit a seven-month high. There was also encouraging news on the employment front, with manufacturers creating new jobs at their fastest rate since June.
Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/nov/01/manufacturing-growth-beats-forecasts
Small Business Profile: Tracey Jefferies
Extract . . .
“It’s a bit of a cliché”, says Tracey Jefferies, “but turning 40 back in 2004 really is what prompted me to start my own business. However, my first problem was in deciding what I could sell that customers would want to buy.” In business, there are only two things that you can sell: a product or a service. And as Jefferies had no product to sell it became a matter of deciding what would be her service and who would be her customers. But this could be no ‘lifestyle’ or ‘hobby’ business – the mortgage had to be paid every month which meant that income had to be regular from the outset.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/small-business-profile-tracey-jefferies-2054209.html
“It’s a bit of a cliché”, says Tracey Jefferies, “but turning 40 back in 2004 really is what prompted me to start my own business. However, my first problem was in deciding what I could sell that customers would want to buy.” In business, there are only two things that you can sell: a product or a service. And as Jefferies had no product to sell it became a matter of deciding what would be her service and who would be her customers. But this could be no ‘lifestyle’ or ‘hobby’ business – the mortgage had to be paid every month which meant that income had to be regular from the outset.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/small-business-profile-tracey-jefferies-2054209.html
Business analysis: David Levin and the virtues of a hands-on approach
Extract . . .
Many people in business talk about their passion for what they are doing. Few exhibit it - in words or deeds - to the extent that David Levin does.
Born in Glasgow in 1935, Levin retains a boyish enthusiasm for his work at an age when most of his contemporaries are probably getting their kicks on the golf course or in other pursuits of the comfortably off. Sitting in the bar of The Capital, the discreet hotel that was widely regarded as London’s first boutique hotel when he opened it in 1969, he points to the individual flowers on the tables and the elegant silver-framed photographs on the walls as evidence of the attention to detail that he believes has been vital to his success.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/business-analysis-david-levin-and-the-virtues-of-a-handson-approach-2090844.html
Many people in business talk about their passion for what they are doing. Few exhibit it - in words or deeds - to the extent that David Levin does.
Born in Glasgow in 1935, Levin retains a boyish enthusiasm for his work at an age when most of his contemporaries are probably getting their kicks on the golf course or in other pursuits of the comfortably off. Sitting in the bar of The Capital, the discreet hotel that was widely regarded as London’s first boutique hotel when he opened it in 1969, he points to the individual flowers on the tables and the elegant silver-framed photographs on the walls as evidence of the attention to detail that he believes has been vital to his success.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/business-analysis-david-levin-and-the-virtues-of-a-handson-approach-2090844.html
Manufacturing set to rise on domestic demand
Extract . . .
Smaller manufacturers are set to ramp production over the next three months as the recovery boosts domestic demand, the CBI will say today.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/manufacturing-set-to-rise-on-domestic-demand-2121993.html
Smaller manufacturers are set to ramp production over the next three months as the recovery boosts domestic demand, the CBI will say today.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/manufacturing-set-to-rise-on-domestic-demand-2121993.html
Thursday, November 11
Online shops demand Royal Mail ups its game
Extract . . .
More than four-fifths of UK online firms are critical of the Royal Mail, and accuse the service of 'stifling' the development of their businesses. Internet companies said they wanted the postal operator to improve its service standards in five crucial areas, including notification of the time or day of delivery and better weekend deliveries, according to a major survey of more than 600 online businesses by eBay, the internet auction giant.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/online-shops-demand-royal-mail-ups-its-game-2121994.html
More than four-fifths of UK online firms are critical of the Royal Mail, and accuse the service of 'stifling' the development of their businesses. Internet companies said they wanted the postal operator to improve its service standards in five crucial areas, including notification of the time or day of delivery and better weekend deliveries, according to a major survey of more than 600 online businesses by eBay, the internet auction giant.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/online-shops-demand-royal-mail-ups-its-game-2121994.html
How to make CCTV hear as well as see
Extract . . .
On CCTV, no-one can hear you scream. But technology from a UK company now means cameras can tell if you're being aggressive or calling for help - and will alert security guards straight away. Cambridge firm Audio Analytic has produced software which it said can analyse the pitch, tone and intonation of noises and work out if they pose a threat.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11654139
On CCTV, no-one can hear you scream. But technology from a UK company now means cameras can tell if you're being aggressive or calling for help - and will alert security guards straight away. Cambridge firm Audio Analytic has produced software which it said can analyse the pitch, tone and intonation of noises and work out if they pose a threat.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11654139
Morrisons to create 1,000 jobs for homeless
Extract . . .
Supermarket group Morrisons has pledged to create 1,000 jobs for homeless people over the next three years. The Bradford-based group, which is the UK's fourth largest food retailer, aims to offer 10% of the jobs it creates at its new stores to "vulnerable" people. It is running the initiative in partnership with the Salvation Army and Leeds-based social enterprise Create.
After three months training, new staff can take up apprenticeships, including as a butcher, baker or fishmonger. The first five people trained under the scheme started their first day at work in the new Morrisons store in Harehills, one of the most deprived areas of Leeds, on Monday.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bradford-west-yorkshire-11664010
Supermarket group Morrisons has pledged to create 1,000 jobs for homeless people over the next three years. The Bradford-based group, which is the UK's fourth largest food retailer, aims to offer 10% of the jobs it creates at its new stores to "vulnerable" people. It is running the initiative in partnership with the Salvation Army and Leeds-based social enterprise Create.
After three months training, new staff can take up apprenticeships, including as a butcher, baker or fishmonger. The first five people trained under the scheme started their first day at work in the new Morrisons store in Harehills, one of the most deprived areas of Leeds, on Monday.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bradford-west-yorkshire-11664010
Staff to have to work for twice as long before lodging unfair dismissal claims
Extract . . .
Staff could have to work twice as long before they can lodge claims for unfair dismissal under plans being considered by David Cameron to slash red tape for small business.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/8100240/Staff-to-have-to-work-for-twice-as-long-before-lodging-unfair-dismissal-claims.html
Staff could have to work twice as long before they can lodge claims for unfair dismissal under plans being considered by David Cameron to slash red tape for small business.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/8100240/Staff-to-have-to-work-for-twice-as-long-before-lodging-unfair-dismissal-claims.html
Conduct your own Dragons' Den with private equity investment.
Extract . . .
Ever watched Dragons' Den and fancied yourself as a Peter Jones or Duncan Bannatyne? A generous anonymous benefactor swooping in to help in-need small companies realise their big dreams? Well, you don't need to be a multi-millionaire to help out fledgling businesses.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/8090484/How-small-investors-can-back-new-ventures.html
Ever watched Dragons' Den and fancied yourself as a Peter Jones or Duncan Bannatyne? A generous anonymous benefactor swooping in to help in-need small companies realise their big dreams? Well, you don't need to be a multi-millionaire to help out fledgling businesses.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/8090484/How-small-investors-can-back-new-ventures.html
UK manufacturing shows surprise growth
Extract . . .
British manufacturing growth picked up pace last month for the first time since March and activity in the sector also accelerated unexpectedly.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8101844/UK-manufacturing-shows-surprise-growth.html
British manufacturing growth picked up pace last month for the first time since March and activity in the sector also accelerated unexpectedly.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8101844/UK-manufacturing-shows-surprise-growth.html
Wednesday, November 10
Real life postage that just needs your e-mail address
Extract . . .
The saying "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer" could be in need of an update.
We already know not to share our pin number, but if you don't know all of your friends that well, would you be happy to give them your home address? With the popularity of social networking sites we now have more friends than ever.
But online social friendships have the same issues as those in real life. For example, most people would not want to share their sort code and account number with just anyone.
Read more here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/9026426.stm
The saying "keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer" could be in need of an update.
We already know not to share our pin number, but if you don't know all of your friends that well, would you be happy to give them your home address? With the popularity of social networking sites we now have more friends than ever.
But online social friendships have the same issues as those in real life. For example, most people would not want to share their sort code and account number with just anyone.
Read more here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/9026426.stm
Crowdsourcing: Turning customers into creative directors
Extract . . .
"The office building doesn't look so good from the outside, we don't need it to, so the rent is lower, but inside it's really nice." Ning Li is Made.com's 28-year-old CEO, and we are at the company's London office, on the 11th floor of an unremarkable Notting Hill office block.
Made.com is an online-only furniture retailer, so there's no danger that customers will drop by. The company is six months old and already approaching profitability, with revenue doubling month on month, despite relying on word of mouth rather than marketing.
But this is a furniture business with no warehouse - and no inventory. Instead, products are ‘crowdsourced’.
This is how it works. Visitors to the website are encouraged to submit their designs. The best of these are worked up into prototypes, and posted on the website.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11437839
"The office building doesn't look so good from the outside, we don't need it to, so the rent is lower, but inside it's really nice." Ning Li is Made.com's 28-year-old CEO, and we are at the company's London office, on the 11th floor of an unremarkable Notting Hill office block.
Made.com is an online-only furniture retailer, so there's no danger that customers will drop by. The company is six months old and already approaching profitability, with revenue doubling month on month, despite relying on word of mouth rather than marketing.
But this is a furniture business with no warehouse - and no inventory. Instead, products are ‘crowdsourced’.
This is how it works. Visitors to the website are encouraged to submit their designs. The best of these are worked up into prototypes, and posted on the website.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11437839
Why companies watch your every Facebook, YouTube, Twitter move
Extract . . .
Once upon a time companies could afford to be rude. Unhappy customers would grumble to a few friends, withdraw their custom, but there was little else they could do. Today, they still tell their friends, but they do it online, using social media websites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Take the Canadian folk singer, Dave Carroll. After nine months of complaining he had had enough. United Airlines baggage handlers had damaged his $3,500 guitar, but the airline refused to pay compensation and its customer service agents were less than courteous.
So he made a music video about the experience and on 6 July 2009 posted it on YouTube. Within three days it had been watched half a million times; by mid-August it had reached five million.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11450923
Once upon a time companies could afford to be rude. Unhappy customers would grumble to a few friends, withdraw their custom, but there was little else they could do. Today, they still tell their friends, but they do it online, using social media websites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
Take the Canadian folk singer, Dave Carroll. After nine months of complaining he had had enough. United Airlines baggage handlers had damaged his $3,500 guitar, but the airline refused to pay compensation and its customer service agents were less than courteous.
So he made a music video about the experience and on 6 July 2009 posted it on YouTube. Within three days it had been watched half a million times; by mid-August it had reached five million.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11450923
Can avatars and hyper-real video conferencing replace business meetings?
Extract . . .
With eery, childlike eyes staring out of a blank plastic face, the Telenoid R1 does not look like a serious tool for business. Its movements are jerky. Limbs are conspicuously absent. And in terms of function, it is essentially just a $3000 video conferencing system, doing what Skype does for free. But Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University believes his invention meets a real business demand, for hyper-realistic, face-to-face communication over long distances.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11493961
With eery, childlike eyes staring out of a blank plastic face, the Telenoid R1 does not look like a serious tool for business. Its movements are jerky. Limbs are conspicuously absent. And in terms of function, it is essentially just a $3000 video conferencing system, doing what Skype does for free. But Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro of Osaka University believes his invention meets a real business demand, for hyper-realistic, face-to-face communication over long distances.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11493961
Low-power computing promises to boost companies' profits
Extract . . .
The IMEC laboratory in Belgium is a surprising place. Nestled in the sleepy university town of Leuven, its low-key entrance gives little clue to the high-tech facility within. The heart of the complex is a massive, dust-free 'clean room', staffed by carefully-wrapped technicians. Here, microchips are developed based on sophisticated and carefully guarded designs. But unlike consumer chips from Intel or AMD, IMEC's microchips are not meant to be powerful - they are the exact opposite.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11609667
The IMEC laboratory in Belgium is a surprising place. Nestled in the sleepy university town of Leuven, its low-key entrance gives little clue to the high-tech facility within. The heart of the complex is a massive, dust-free 'clean room', staffed by carefully-wrapped technicians. Here, microchips are developed based on sophisticated and carefully guarded designs. But unlike consumer chips from Intel or AMD, IMEC's microchips are not meant to be powerful - they are the exact opposite.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11609667
Viral ticketing: Catching a bigger audience on Facebook
Extract . . .
The opening match of the 2006 football World Cup is remembered by most Germans for the national side's 4-2 victory over Costa Rica. It was the highest-scoring opener in World Cup history. Jurgen Klinsmann's innovative, holistic coaching is credited with taking the team to the semi-finals that year. But for five friends from Munich, it was the catalyst for innovation on the business playing field.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11643405
The opening match of the 2006 football World Cup is remembered by most Germans for the national side's 4-2 victory over Costa Rica. It was the highest-scoring opener in World Cup history. Jurgen Klinsmann's innovative, holistic coaching is credited with taking the team to the semi-finals that year. But for five friends from Munich, it was the catalyst for innovation on the business playing field.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11643405
Tuesday, November 9
Should employers be able to sack people more easily?
Extract . . .
Just asking the question is stepping into territory that is both deeply personal and extremely political. It is likely to become more political, because a commitment to review how employment law is working has been largely unnoticed in the government's coalition agreement. It also raises very strong opinions.
Some believe that the law is now so complicated and slanted towards employees that employers end up paying off people they should be sacking.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11652824
Just asking the question is stepping into territory that is both deeply personal and extremely political. It is likely to become more political, because a commitment to review how employment law is working has been largely unnoticed in the government's coalition agreement. It also raises very strong opinions.
Some believe that the law is now so complicated and slanted towards employees that employers end up paying off people they should be sacking.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11652824
Small manufacturers 'expect to raise output'
Extract . . .
A growing number of small manufacturers are now expecting to increase production to meet rising demand, according to the CBI business group. Its latest SME Trends Survey found that 31% of such firms expect to boost output in November-January, while only 12% are predicting a fall. This gives a balance of +19%, better that the +9% figure recorded for the past three months.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11663630
A growing number of small manufacturers are now expecting to increase production to meet rising demand, according to the CBI business group. Its latest SME Trends Survey found that 31% of such firms expect to boost output in November-January, while only 12% are predicting a fall. This gives a balance of +19%, better that the +9% figure recorded for the past three months.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11663630
Lord Young replaces Lord Sugar as enterprise tsar
Extract . . .
David Cameron has appointed former Cabinet minister Lord Young as his enterprise tsar with a remit to cut red tape for small business. Downing Street says the Conservative peer will carry out a 'brutally honest' review of strategies designed to encourage new start-ups. Mr Cameron said he wanted "nothing less than a wholesale change in attitude" from government towards small business.
Lord Young replaces Lord Sugar, who was named enterprise tsar by Gordon Brown. The Apprentice star was fired by Mr Cameron when the coalition government took office in May.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11663262
David Cameron has appointed former Cabinet minister Lord Young as his enterprise tsar with a remit to cut red tape for small business. Downing Street says the Conservative peer will carry out a 'brutally honest' review of strategies designed to encourage new start-ups. Mr Cameron said he wanted "nothing less than a wholesale change in attitude" from government towards small business.
Lord Young replaces Lord Sugar, who was named enterprise tsar by Gordon Brown. The Apprentice star was fired by Mr Cameron when the coalition government took office in May.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11663262
UK's 'brightest and best' migrants take unskilled jobs
Extract . . .
Unfortunately, I'm not getting the chance that I was expecting, that's why I'm here in a fast food restaurant. "I want a desk job but unfortunately it's highly impossible for me. "Most of my friends work in fast food restaurants because they are not getting [a job] they deserve from what they studied.
"That's why they are working as night-time security and sometimes they are working in food restaurants." In between serving customers at a busy sandwich shop in London's West End, Sultana explains why she and her friends who came to Britain seeking to build a professional career have ended up with low-skilled work.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11647258
Unfortunately, I'm not getting the chance that I was expecting, that's why I'm here in a fast food restaurant. "I want a desk job but unfortunately it's highly impossible for me. "Most of my friends work in fast food restaurants because they are not getting [a job] they deserve from what they studied.
"That's why they are working as night-time security and sometimes they are working in food restaurants." In between serving customers at a busy sandwich shop in London's West End, Sultana explains why she and her friends who came to Britain seeking to build a professional career have ended up with low-skilled work.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11647258
Royal Mail launches evening delivery trial in M25 area
Extract . . .
The Royal Mail is launching a trial of evening deliveries for customers in south-east England. The six-month pilot will apply to anyone living within the M25 motorway who shops with House of Fraser or beauty chain L'Occitane. They will be able to ask for items to be delivered between 6pm and 10pm. A recent study by Royal Mail found that 58% of people would do more of their shopping online if they could choose more flexible delivery options.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11663269
The Royal Mail is launching a trial of evening deliveries for customers in south-east England. The six-month pilot will apply to anyone living within the M25 motorway who shops with House of Fraser or beauty chain L'Occitane. They will be able to ask for items to be delivered between 6pm and 10pm. A recent study by Royal Mail found that 58% of people would do more of their shopping online if they could choose more flexible delivery options.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11663269
Graduate unemployment 'at a 17-year high'
Extract . . .
Graduate unemployment has risen to its highest level for 17 years, research suggests. A study of the graduate class of 2009 found that 8.9% were out of work in January 2010, the Higher Education Careers Services Unit said. The last time graduate unemployment hit this level was in 1993, it added.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11652845
Graduate unemployment has risen to its highest level for 17 years, research suggests. A study of the graduate class of 2009 found that 8.9% were out of work in January 2010, the Higher Education Careers Services Unit said. The last time graduate unemployment hit this level was in 1993, it added.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-11652845
Employment
Extract . . .
The UK's largest recruitment company has said that although businesses are replacing employees who have left, they are not creating new jobs. Alistair Cox, chief executive of Hays, told the BBC the current job market was about 'job churn'. His comments came as Hays reported an 80% drop in annual profit to £29.7m.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tft2r/Dragons_Den_Series_8_Episode_5/
The UK's largest recruitment company has said that although businesses are replacing employees who have left, they are not creating new jobs. Alistair Cox, chief executive of Hays, told the BBC the current job market was about 'job churn'. His comments came as Hays reported an 80% drop in annual profit to £29.7m.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tft2r/Dragons_Den_Series_8_Episode_5/
Monday, November 8
ECB raises eurozone growth forecasts
Extract . . .
The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its forecast for eurozone growth for this year and next year. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said the upgrade reflected the "stronger-than-expected rebound" in the zone's economy. He forecast GDP growth of between 1.4% and 1.8% for this year, and between 0.5% and 2.3% next year.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11166680
The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its forecast for eurozone growth for this year and next year. ECB President Jean-Claude Trichet said the upgrade reflected the "stronger-than-expected rebound" in the zone's economy. He forecast GDP growth of between 1.4% and 1.8% for this year, and between 0.5% and 2.3% next year.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11166680
A summer of stock market gloom
Extract . . .
August was hard work in the equity markets by anyone's standards: light volumes and bad economic figures piling up one after another like a student's heap of dirty washing - increasingly depressing as each day passes and no one willing or able to do anything about it.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11175327
August was hard work in the equity markets by anyone's standards: light volumes and bad economic figures piling up one after another like a student's heap of dirty washing - increasingly depressing as each day passes and no one willing or able to do anything about it.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11175327
Big Idea: Marketing using Foursquare
Extract . . .
‘Geotagging is the future’, predicted one of MT’s geekier (but strangely psychic) colleagues late last year. And so it has transpired – location-based apps like Foursquare, Yelp, Gowalla and, latterly, Facebook Places are everywhere. They’re all subtly different, but the one thing they have in common is that users can broadcast their location to friends by ‘checking in’ to a place (be it shop, café, office, bar – whatever), which then lets people know where they are. Users then accumulate rewards – like ‘badges’ on Foursquare – which turns leaving the house into a sort of game. Good for burglars? Probably. Good for business? Definitely.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/features/1032882/big-idea-marketing-using-foursquare/
‘Geotagging is the future’, predicted one of MT’s geekier (but strangely psychic) colleagues late last year. And so it has transpired – location-based apps like Foursquare, Yelp, Gowalla and, latterly, Facebook Places are everywhere. They’re all subtly different, but the one thing they have in common is that users can broadcast their location to friends by ‘checking in’ to a place (be it shop, café, office, bar – whatever), which then lets people know where they are. Users then accumulate rewards – like ‘badges’ on Foursquare – which turns leaving the house into a sort of game. Good for burglars? Probably. Good for business? Definitely.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/features/1032882/big-idea-marketing-using-foursquare/
MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Innovate when times are tough
Extract . . .
George Osborne’s Comprehensive Spending Review certainly was tough, and his call for ‘reform’ demands an innovative approach to shaping the future. With finances so tight, we need to rely on fresh thinking. Fortunately, great ideas don’t always need massive investment – rather, leaders need to create the right context for them to come out. Sound too simple? We asked Simon Hayward, executive leader at leadership and employee engagement specialist Cirrus, for his ten top tips – so you can encourage new ideas and foster invention without breaking the bank.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/1036686/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-innovate-when-times-tough/
George Osborne’s Comprehensive Spending Review certainly was tough, and his call for ‘reform’ demands an innovative approach to shaping the future. With finances so tight, we need to rely on fresh thinking. Fortunately, great ideas don’t always need massive investment – rather, leaders need to create the right context for them to come out. Sound too simple? We asked Simon Hayward, executive leader at leadership and employee engagement specialist Cirrus, for his ten top tips – so you can encourage new ideas and foster invention without breaking the bank.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/news/1036686/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-innovate-when-times-tough/
Government signals end of 'grantpreneurs'
Extract . . .
One of the key grant schemes aimed at businesses in deprived areas is to end in 2012 but businesses warn that investment could be hit businesses across the UK have questioned the wisdom of the Government's decision to scrap a £470m grant scheme that has backed £4.2bn of business investment in deprived areas.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8103446/Government-signals-end-of-grantpreneurs.html
One of the key grant schemes aimed at businesses in deprived areas is to end in 2012 but businesses warn that investment could be hit businesses across the UK have questioned the wisdom of the Government's decision to scrap a £470m grant scheme that has backed £4.2bn of business investment in deprived areas.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8103446/Government-signals-end-of-grantpreneurs.html
Business Extra: SMEs after the budget cuts
Extract . . .
Small and medium-sized businesses can rarely have enjoyed so much attention as they are gaining at the moment. It seems that hardly a day goes by without a minister or other opinion former marking them out for playing a key role in the shake-up of society that is expected to be part and parcel of the Coalition’s attempt to bring down the national deficit.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/business-extra-smes-after-the-budget-cuts-2123247.html
Small and medium-sized businesses can rarely have enjoyed so much attention as they are gaining at the moment. It seems that hardly a day goes by without a minister or other opinion former marking them out for playing a key role in the shake-up of society that is expected to be part and parcel of the Coalition’s attempt to bring down the national deficit.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/business-extra-smes-after-the-budget-cuts-2123247.html
UK banks propose £1.5bn fund for small businesses
Extract . . .
UK banks have proposed creating a £1.5bn ($2.4bn) fund to invest in small businesses, following government criticism of weak lending. The "business growth fund" is a key proposal in a report to the Treasury
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11532614
UK banks have proposed creating a £1.5bn ($2.4bn) fund to invest in small businesses, following government criticism of weak lending. The "business growth fund" is a key proposal in a report to the Treasury
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11532614
Cameron reveals Silicon Valley vision for east London
Extract . . .
Prime Minister David Cameron is set to unveil plans to transform London's East End into one of the "world's great technology centres". Firms including Google and Facebook are to invest in the East London Tech City, he will say in a speech later.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11689437
Prime Minister David Cameron is set to unveil plans to transform London's East End into one of the "world's great technology centres". Firms including Google and Facebook are to invest in the East London Tech City, he will say in a speech later.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11689437
My rules for being an angel investor
Extract . . .
Making investments in private companies is like panning for gold. You are forever searching for that elusive nugget among all the shiny pebbles. There are no immutable laws for achieving high returns, but there are plenty of rules of thumb that may help. As well as assembling my own tips, I asked my colleagues at Beer & Partners, an investing network, for their advice for those beginners thinking of making an angel investment or two.
Read more here
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/eeb24756-d0aa-11df-8667-00144feabdc0.html
Making investments in private companies is like panning for gold. You are forever searching for that elusive nugget among all the shiny pebbles. There are no immutable laws for achieving high returns, but there are plenty of rules of thumb that may help. As well as assembling my own tips, I asked my colleagues at Beer & Partners, an investing network, for their advice for those beginners thinking of making an angel investment or two.
Read more here
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/eeb24756-d0aa-11df-8667-00144feabdc0.html
Thursday, November 4
How to grow your business without borrowing
Extract . . .
Those who’ve attempted to get new lending or renew an existing loan will know how hard it is right now, so how do you grow your business without borrowing? As a result of the credit crunch, banks have pretty much shut up shop in terms of business lending to both small and medium sized businesses. Lack of lending can mean you’re unable to grow your business as quickly as you would like.
Read more herehttp://www.flyingsolo.com.au/finance/financial-management/how-to-grow-your-business-without-borrowing
Those who’ve attempted to get new lending or renew an existing loan will know how hard it is right now, so how do you grow your business without borrowing? As a result of the credit crunch, banks have pretty much shut up shop in terms of business lending to both small and medium sized businesses. Lack of lending can mean you’re unable to grow your business as quickly as you would like.
Read more herehttp://www.flyingsolo.com.au/finance/financial-management/how-to-grow-your-business-without-borrowing
Angel delight
Extract . . .
Angel investors are fast becoming the only funding option for early-stage companies.
SmallBusiness.co.uk investigates. A stoney-faced bank manager wasn’t quite what Sally Chamley was expecting to find when she tried to obtain some expansion capital. Her online furniture retailer, Black Orchid Interiors, had enjoyed continuous growth over the past six years but it no longer ticked the right boxes for the bank, which ignored her burgeoning reputation in the national press and a cabal of rich clients in affluent West London and the home counties.
Read more herehttp://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/small-business-finance/raising-money/guides-and-tips/1290873/angel-delight-.thtml
Angel investors are fast becoming the only funding option for early-stage companies.
SmallBusiness.co.uk investigates. A stoney-faced bank manager wasn’t quite what Sally Chamley was expecting to find when she tried to obtain some expansion capital. Her online furniture retailer, Black Orchid Interiors, had enjoyed continuous growth over the past six years but it no longer ticked the right boxes for the bank, which ignored her burgeoning reputation in the national press and a cabal of rich clients in affluent West London and the home counties.
Read more herehttp://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/small-business-finance/raising-money/guides-and-tips/1290873/angel-delight-.thtml
Tim Levene
Extract . . .
From juice bars to online betting, Tim Levene has always thrived on entrepreneurship. Now, as head of private equity fund Augmentum Capital, he is targeting technology deals-with a blast of financial firepower from the Rothschilds.
Read more herehttp://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/9_October/tim-levene_64_02.html
From juice bars to online betting, Tim Levene has always thrived on entrepreneurship. Now, as head of private equity fund Augmentum Capital, he is targeting technology deals-with a blast of financial firepower from the Rothschilds.
Read more herehttp://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/9_October/tim-levene_64_02.html
Pension reforms catch small employers
Extract . . .
The Government has decided to require all businesses to automatically provide pensions to staff despite concerns the reforms will discourage small firms from employing more people. Business groups said they were "extremely disappointed" that the Government will not make firms with fewer than 10 staff exempt from automatic enrolment.
Read more herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8089690/Pension-reforms-catch-small-employers.html
The Government has decided to require all businesses to automatically provide pensions to staff despite concerns the reforms will discourage small firms from employing more people. Business groups said they were "extremely disappointed" that the Government will not make firms with fewer than 10 staff exempt from automatic enrolment.
Read more herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8089690/Pension-reforms-catch-small-employers.html
'Big rise' in number of new UK start-up companies
Extract . . .
The number of new businesses set up in the UK during the first six months of 2010 was the highest amount in more than a decade, a report has suggested.
A total of 204,361 new firms were established during the period, said business support group Yoodoo, which analysed Companies House data.
Read more herehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11535932
The number of new businesses set up in the UK during the first six months of 2010 was the highest amount in more than a decade, a report has suggested.
A total of 204,361 new firms were established during the period, said business support group Yoodoo, which analysed Companies House data.
Read more herehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11535932
Wednesday, November 3
Trade credit insurance for small businesses launched
Extract . . .
Cut price trade credit insurance designed specially for small businesses has been launched by a leading insurance broker.
The product costs almost half the typical annual premium and covers up to £350,000 of turnover from the risk that a customer becomes insolvent and cannot pay.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8102185/Trade-credit-insurance-for-small-businesses-launched.html
Cut price trade credit insurance designed specially for small businesses has been launched by a leading insurance broker.
The product costs almost half the typical annual premium and covers up to £350,000 of turnover from the risk that a customer becomes insolvent and cannot pay.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8102185/Trade-credit-insurance-for-small-businesses-launched.html
Does Your Business Hand Out the Good Candy?
Extract . . .
Online marketing can be like Halloween in my old neighbourhood. For entrepreneurs looking to combine e-mail and social media marketing, it can be a little scary, especially if you don't know how to begin. The good news is that if you know your business and you know your customers, you already have "the good candy." Valuable content based on your customers' wants and needs is the good candy of your business.
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217478
Online marketing can be like Halloween in my old neighbourhood. For entrepreneurs looking to combine e-mail and social media marketing, it can be a little scary, especially if you don't know how to begin. The good news is that if you know your business and you know your customers, you already have "the good candy." Valuable content based on your customers' wants and needs is the good candy of your business.
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217478
Weird Companies That Work
Extract . . .
Starting and running a typical small venture is challenging under the best of circumstances. If you're starting a mainstream company, there are plenty of support mechanisms and resources you can rely on for help. But what do entrepreneurs do when they are in unusual or niche businesses?
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217476
Starting and running a typical small venture is challenging under the best of circumstances. If you're starting a mainstream company, there are plenty of support mechanisms and resources you can rely on for help. But what do entrepreneurs do when they are in unusual or niche businesses?
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217476
How to keep your best people happy in the saddle
Extract . . .
Good people are often attracted to work for small businesses because they love the passion of the founders. As these businesses grow, however, this camaraderie can easily break down, as the processes needed to run a bigger operation leave workers feeling removed from their bosses.
Read more here
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0d5affee-daa7-11df-81b0-00144feabdc0.html
Good people are often attracted to work for small businesses because they love the passion of the founders. As these businesses grow, however, this camaraderie can easily break down, as the processes needed to run a bigger operation leave workers feeling removed from their bosses.
Read more here
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0d5affee-daa7-11df-81b0-00144feabdc0.html
The Machine That Makes Pound Coins
Extract . . .
Two brothers from the Isle Of Wight who started their own clothing company with just £400 of savings want other young people to have a “quarter life crisis” so that they too can become entrepreneurs.
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.co.uk/2010/10/03/the-machine-that-makes-pound-coins.html
Two brothers from the Isle Of Wight who started their own clothing company with just £400 of savings want other young people to have a “quarter life crisis” so that they too can become entrepreneurs.
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.co.uk/2010/10/03/the-machine-that-makes-pound-coins.html
Bye bye baby: cash-strapped mums take part-time jobs
Extract . . .
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of full-time mothers has dropped to just 2.07m – the lowest figure since records began in 1994. It’s perhaps no surprise, given that many of those who have lost their jobs in the recession are presumably the husbands/partners of the aforementioned stay-at-home mums. That said, while it may not be ideal for some of the mothers concerned, having more women in the workforce may turn out to be a good thing for all concerned.....
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1035131/bye-bye-baby-cash-strapped-mums-part-time-jobs/
According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of full-time mothers has dropped to just 2.07m – the lowest figure since records began in 1994. It’s perhaps no surprise, given that many of those who have lost their jobs in the recession are presumably the husbands/partners of the aforementioned stay-at-home mums. That said, while it may not be ideal for some of the mothers concerned, having more women in the workforce may turn out to be a good thing for all concerned.....
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1035131/bye-bye-baby-cash-strapped-mums-part-time-jobs/
Tuesday, November 2
EU glossary: Jargon
Extract . . .
The acquis communautaire, Coreper, QMV, Schengen... These are among the many well-used - but often misunderstood - terms in the EU. Use this guide to navigate through the jargon.
Read more here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7908588.stm
The acquis communautaire, Coreper, QMV, Schengen... These are among the many well-used - but often misunderstood - terms in the EU. Use this guide to navigate through the jargon.
Read more here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7908588.stm
Business Link scrapped and replaced by call centre
Extract . . .
Business Link, the publicly funded advice network, is to be scrapped and replaced by a website and call centre, the Government has confirmed.
The Government said the £154m cost of the Business Link network of offices was “high” and the “generalist nature” of the advice often “poorly targeted” towards “lifestyle businesses that have no aspiration to grow”.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8093448/Business-Link-scrapped-and-replaced-by-call-centre.html
Business Link, the publicly funded advice network, is to be scrapped and replaced by a website and call centre, the Government has confirmed.
The Government said the £154m cost of the Business Link network of offices was “high” and the “generalist nature” of the advice often “poorly targeted” towards “lifestyle businesses that have no aspiration to grow”.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8093448/Business-Link-scrapped-and-replaced-by-call-centre.html
Working 5 to 9
How to start a successful business in your spare time, by Emma Jones
Extract . . .
Emma Jones is founder of online community Enterprise Nation, a well-respected resource for anyone running a home business. She is therefore expert at combining the domestic and the entrepreneurial. Here, she provides advice for anyone who likes the idea of starting a home business but who doesn't know where to begin.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/7_July_August/books_working_5-9_63_11.html
Extract . . .
Emma Jones is founder of online community Enterprise Nation, a well-respected resource for anyone running a home business. She is therefore expert at combining the domestic and the entrepreneurial. Here, she provides advice for anyone who likes the idea of starting a home business but who doesn't know where to begin.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/7_July_August/books_working_5-9_63_11.html
Yahoo Mail gets first major revamp in five years
Extract . . .
Yahoo Mail is getting its biggest redesign since 2005 to make it a message hub for its 279 million users.
At the centre of the revamp is a plan to make the communications system much more compatible with social media.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11624822
Yahoo Mail is getting its biggest redesign since 2005 to make it a message hub for its 279 million users.
At the centre of the revamp is a plan to make the communications system much more compatible with social media.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11624822
Improving productivity
Extract . . .
Improving productivity is an objective for many businesses. We thought that we might offer an accountant's view of how to address enhancing company output...
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/managing-costs/improving-productivity.html?u=40c38F45&m=7780
Improving productivity is an objective for many businesses. We thought that we might offer an accountant's view of how to address enhancing company output...
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/managing-costs/improving-productivity.html?u=40c38F45&m=7780
Employee resignations cost £42bn a year
Extract . . .
The UK's flighty employees are costing the economy billions. The bad news is, we're worse than everyone else . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1032883/employee-resignations-cost-42bn-year/
The UK's flighty employees are costing the economy billions. The bad news is, we're worse than everyone else . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1032883/employee-resignations-cost-42bn-year/
Monday, November 1
Ten ways to speed up web surfing
Extract . . .
We run through ten ways to increase the speed of your web browser
Read more here
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/features/2271442/ways-try-speed-web-surfing
We run through ten ways to increase the speed of your web browser
Read more here
http://www.computeractive.co.uk/computeractive/features/2271442/ways-try-speed-web-surfing
Airline guide: baggage allowances and charges
Extract . . .
A guide to airline baggage allowance, rules and charges, featuring information on 35 of the world's biggest carriers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/columnists/7677536/Airline-guide-baggage-allowances-and-charges.html
A guide to airline baggage allowance, rules and charges, featuring information on 35 of the world's biggest carriers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/columnists/7677536/Airline-guide-baggage-allowances-and-charges.html
Should I befriend my boss on Facebook?
Extract . . .
Living online is tricky. How you the internet can get you a job or show your manager those photos that prove you weren't sick at all last week... JV Chamary solves your work web worries with our guide to living in the Information Age.
Read more here
http://www.bbcfocusmagazine.com/feature/tech/befriend-boss-facebook
Living online is tricky. How you the internet can get you a job or show your manager those photos that prove you weren't sick at all last week... JV Chamary solves your work web worries with our guide to living in the Information Age.
Read more here
http://www.bbcfocusmagazine.com/feature/tech/befriend-boss-facebook
UK internet economy 'worth billions'
Extract . . .
The internet is worth £100bn a year to the UK economy, a study has concluded.
The research, which was commissioned by Google, found that the internet accounts for 7.2% of the UK's gross domestic product (GDP). If the internet was an economic sector it would be the UK's fifth largest, said the report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This would make the sector larger than the construction, transport and utilities industries.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11635318
The internet is worth £100bn a year to the UK economy, a study has concluded.
The research, which was commissioned by Google, found that the internet accounts for 7.2% of the UK's gross domestic product (GDP). If the internet was an economic sector it would be the UK's fifth largest, said the report from the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This would make the sector larger than the construction, transport and utilities industries.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11635318
Reduce your utility costs
Extract . . .
Utilities can account for a sizeable chunk of your firm's costs, but you might find that you can make considerable savings in this area. Here are some cost-cutting ideas..
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/managing-costs/reduce-your-utility-costs.html?u=40c38F45&m=7780
Utilities can account for a sizeable chunk of your firm's costs, but you might find that you can make considerable savings in this area. Here are some cost-cutting ideas..
Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/business-finance/managing-costs/reduce-your-utility-costs.html?u=40c38F45&m=7780
Boris and CBI call for extra strike-busting measures
Extract . . .
The argument is that strikes shouldn't be allowed unless a decent proportion of the workforce actually votes for them. . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1032632/boris-cbi-call-extra-strike-busting-measures/
The argument is that strikes shouldn't be allowed unless a decent proportion of the workforce actually votes for them. . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1032632/boris-cbi-call-extra-strike-busting-measures/
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