Juggling act: growing a family and a business

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Women who run entrepreneurial businesses are often faced with more challenging business and life choices than their male counterparts. Females often combine a primary care role raising a family with running their business, and have to balance the growth of their enterprise with the growth of their family.

Read more here
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/growing/juggling-act-growing-a-family-and-a-business-20101221-193kf.html

Top business opportunities for 2011

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We’ve got a great feeling about 2011. Having fought through the deepest financial crisis in post-war history, last January marked the official end of the recession. Despite lingering turbulence last year, British small businesses are leading the way to recovery and are increasingly being recognised as the key to economic growth.

Read more here
http://www.startups.co.uk/top-business-opportunities-for-2011.html

Changes to government procurement gives small firms a new competitive edge

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The government’s announced changes to public-sector procurement rules will lead to more small and medium businesses bidding for public sector work, according to EMW law firm.

Read more here
http://www.startups.co.uk/changes-to-government-procurement-gives-small-firms-a-new-competitive-edge.html

5 Ways to Tune up Your Content for 2011

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It’s that time of year. The time where you start looking at your website and tilt your head wondering if it’s starting to sound a little stale to readers.

Read more here
http://smallbiztrends.com/2010/12/5-ways-tune-up-content-2011.html

Ten tips to help you enjoy your flight

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Flying used to be such fun. Now the sense of wonder and pleasure of air travel is often lost with the baggage at airport check-in. Here are ten suggestions for making your flight more enjoyable.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/839344/Ten-tips-to-help-you-enjoy-your-flight.html

Public relations It’s free advertising innit? Wrong.

EN presents its guide to media relations.

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There are, though, no shortage of people out there trying to make it more complicated than it is.Of course, as journalists, we would say this – but it’s not just a case of lulling potential sources into a false sense of security.Some companies, doubtless, need a meticulously constructed marketing plan within which a tightly-structured PR campaign plays a role but, for most, it’s just a case of bunging out a press release when you have something significant to report and getting yourself quoted in relevant features.

Read more here
http://www.enforbusiness.com/smetoolkit/public-relations

Small business roasting for energy suppliers

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Small businesses have blasted the levels of customer service provided by utilities companies, new research from the Forum of Private Business has revealed.

A third (33 per cent) of business owners surveyed by the FPB described standards of customer service as 'poor' or 'very poor'. Many cited contractual issues – including the practice of rolling businesses over onto often more expensive contracts with little warning.

Read more here
http://www.enforbusiness.com/news/small-business-roasting-energy-suppliers-20104627

Are we falling out of love with price comparison sites?

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Most of us use price comparison sites these days - but not many of us actually seem to trust them very much.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1047607/are-falling-love-price-comparison-sites/

Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones

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From farmer to fashion retailer via a campaign to become a Tory MP... Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones enjoys challenging convention. Here the maverick entrepreneur talks about sausages, suits and sticking up for small business.

Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/11_December/wilfred-emmanuel-jones-profile_64_04.html

The Smarta Way to do Business:

. . . by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, by Matt Thomas and Sháá Wasmund

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Heavily involved in all sorts of social media, Sháá Wasmund founded Smarta.com, an online network that aims to allow entrepreneurs to help other entrepreneurs. This book is partly an old-world, and offline, plug for the network. But it's also more than that.

Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/11_December/books-the-smarta-way_64_04.html

Starting a business is 'viable' career path

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Setting up a company in the current economic climate is a viable career path, says Duncan Bannatyne. The coalition Government’s austerity drive will lead to a huge number of redundancies in the public sector, but politicians should make no mistake that the private sector will be able to pick up this slack overnight. What we need to do is offer more support to small and medium sized enterprises and entrepreneurs so that their businesses can grow and create more jobs.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/duncan-bannatyne/7910237/Starting-a-business-is-viable-career-path.html

Free business banking for startups - what to look out for

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One of the first things you will do when you set up a new business is to apply for a business bank account. Free business banking is something all business owners strive for, but what does "free" actually mean, and what should you look out for when opening a business account?

Read more here
http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/business-banking/business-banking-guides/free-business-banking.shtml

An innovative and social way to get the goods delivered

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Two problems: one solution. First, you can never remember your friends' addresses; second, even if you did you can't rely on Royal Mail to deliver. Enter stage left a group of young British entrepreneurs. They have devised a way of sending parcels that only requires you to know the email address or social media user name of your intended target.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/brightideas/6622810/An-innovative-and-social-way-to-get-the-goods-delivered.html

Search light rescues insomniacs

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Two sons under the age of four guarantee that, for me at least, passing out immediately after lying down in bed is never a problem. But I can still see the potential for the sleeping device conceived and developed by 25 year-old Kate Evans. The product designer from the Wirral has come up with the LightSleeper, an egg-shaped unit that projects a beam of light onto the bedroom ceiling to help insomniacs fall asleep.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/brightideas/6752578/Search-light-rescues-insomniacs.html

Staying on course

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Just because your company is small does not mean it is exempt from good corporate governance and in fact having the correct structures in place can protect your firm from a whole host of issues further down the line. Sorcha Corcoran reports

Read more here
http://www.businessandleadership.com/leadership/item/26913-staying-on-course/

Journalists can ‘tweet’ from UK courts

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The British legal system may be changed dramatically following a judge’s ruling that will allow journalists to ‘tweet’ from court.

A top judge in the UK today said the use of unobtrusive, silent equipment for live text updates is unlikely to interfere with the proper administration of justice.

Read more here
http://www.businessandleadership.com/technology/item/27465-journalists-can-tweet/

Branson says Brits don't need no education

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Richard Branson apparently reckons British entrepreneurs are 'over-educated'. We may soon found out whether he's right . . .

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1047382/branson-says-brits-dont-need-no-education/

‘Big App’ is watching you, with iPhone worse offender than Android

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Your smartphone may be secretly transmitting to 'outsiders', such as ad networks, your name, your location, your age, your gender, your phone number, your unique device number and other personal data without your knowledge or consent.

Read more here
http://www.appolicious.com/tech/articles/4425-big-app-is-watching-you-with-iphone-worse-offender-than-android

EU could turn to 'crowd sourcing' in cyber crime fight

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Millions of internet users across the EU could be encouraged to join the fight against cyber crime if a ground breaking experiment in "crowd sourcing" goes ahead.
 
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12004134

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Venture Link would like to wish everyone, both investors, entrepreneurs and all ports in between, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and extremely Prosperous New Year.

Keep watching this space for some exciting new developments in the New Year.

The Editor

UBS dress code scrutinises staff underwear

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Swiss banking giant UBS has issued its staff with a 44-page dress code, covering everything from the colour and size of suits to dietary tips and the length of toenails.

Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12023033

Tech Weekly: Review of 2010 (Podcast)

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An up and down year for both Google and Apple, 2010's big games and significant political developments in the tech world all feature in our annual review.

Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/audio/2010/dec/21/tech-weekly-review-2010-audio

Kodaks' patent spat threatens photo web sites

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The fallout from a patent dispute between Kodak and web photo site Shutterfly could embroil many online image sites, says patent experts.

Read more herehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12050694

Stress hits middle managers the hardest

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14% of middle managers have been signed off sick with stress - compared to just 7% of their bosses.

Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1047328/stress-hits-middle-managers-hardest/

25% of employees admit to fiddling expenses

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Expense-fiddling appears to be on the up within UK business - but are firms doing enough to help themselves?

Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1047202/25-employees-admit-fiddling-expenses/

Internet accounts for 10.5pc of all UK retail sales in November - ONS

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Online accounted for a record 10.5pc of all retail sales in the UK in November 2010, up from 7.9pc in November 2009.
According to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the average weekly value of internet retail sales was £660m last month out of total weekly retail sales of £6.3bn.

Read more herehttp://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/27433-internet-accounts-for/

Open innovation: How to create the right new products, the right way

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The communications industry does not always get much bang for its R&D buck. But new research shows a correlation between companies that meet or exceed their new-product launch plans and those that are more effective at open innovation - establishing relationships with third parties and specialised providers in an open development environment.

Read more herehttp://www.businessandleadership.com/reports/partner/25-accenture/report/108-open-innovation-how-to-cre

10 gadgets to look forward to in 2011

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While many people are waiting until Christmas to receive some of 2010's best gadgets and technology, we're already looking forward to 2011.

Read more herehttp://www.techradar.com/news/world-of-tech/10-gadgets-to-look-forward-to-in-2011-914746

Own up, workers urge bosses

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The UK's workers want their managers to admit their mistakes more readily. But it seems they're not very good at that.

Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1046950/own-up-workers-urge-bosses/

Big screen hero

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After developing one of the world’s most disruptive websites – and the second biggest search engine in the world – YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley believes we’re only scratching the surface of what the internet can do. He talks to John Kennedy . . .

Read more herehttp://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/27040-big-screen-hero/

America unveils first ATM for gold

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America has unveiled its first ATM that dispenses 24-carat gold bars and coins instead of cash.
Thomas Geissler, chief executive of Ex Oriente Lux and inventor of the Gold To Go machines, said the majority of users in Boca Raton, South Florida, will be people who are interested by the novelty

Read more herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8210192/America-unveils-first-ATM-for-gold.html

When computers go wrong

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In most cases, catastrophic failures are blamed on “computer bugs”, although human error is normally the root cause for embarrassing failures.

Read more herehttp://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/363580/when-computers-go-wrong

The power of two

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Teaming up with a partner can have huge implications for your marketing strategy, says Australian author and sales guru Kerwin Rae. Grainne Rothery finds out what the benefits are

Read more herehttp://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/26914-the-power-of-two/

A special calling card

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Nicola Byrne, founder of call 11890 has made directory enquiries recession-proof. This unstoppable businesswoman talks to Sorcha Corcoran
It may be subliminal advertising on her part, but when talking about her approach to business, Nicola Byrne, founder of Call 11890, says she believes in “picking up the phone and asking” if she wants to make something happen.

Read more herehttp://www.businessandleadership.com/business/item/26883-a-special-calling-card/

Small business 'friend' Banking on Essex needs to improve

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Two years after the first council-branded bank to be set up in more than 30 years was announced, it has lent £530,000 – just £150,000 more than its set-up costs. Banking on Essex, a joint venture between Essex County Council and Santander, was backed with £100m – half of it public money – in an effort to help small companies struggling to win investment because of the financial crisis.

Read more herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8199791/Small-business-friend-Banking-on-Essex-needs-to-improve.html

Ex-Polaroid staff sells over 500,000 films

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A group of ex-Polaroid staff who came together to re-launch the discontinued instant film have sold more than 500,000 packs in their first year of production.

Read more here
http://www.businessandleadership.com/business/item/27295-ex-polaroid-staff-sells/

Gawker hack triggers password resets at major sites

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Millions of web users are being asked to reset their passwords as concerns spread over a major hacking attack. Yahoo, Twitter and LinkedIn have asked users to change their details, days after gossip site Gawker was hacked.

Online game World of Warcraft, which has more than 12 million subscribers, has also asked some users to reset their passwords.

Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11998648

Micro finance boost as access increased for enterprise loans

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Community development firms that issue loans will gain more access to the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme, the Government has confirmed, as part of a series of measures to encourage micro finance.
Business minister Mark Prisk said more community development finance institutions should access a “little-used” element of the scheme, which exempts community lenders from the usual 2pc point premium charged by the Government for its guarantee.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8199837/Micro-finance-boost-as-access-increased-for-enterprise-loans.html

High-voltage discount for charged cars

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The Government has revved up its subsidies program for electric cars, announcing details of the first nine models eligible for grants. But don't expect a surge . . .

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1046483/high-voltage-discount-charged-cars/

Techbyte Christmas Stocking

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Christmas presents needn’t be socks you never wear or book tokens you forget to spend. Here’s the Techbyte guide to the business technology that I want to see stuffed in my stocking

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8199869/Techbyte-Christmas-Stocking.html

MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: How to make work more exciting for your team

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We all know that when work is exciting, we’re much more likely to be motivated. New research has shown that line managers have an opportunity to boost productivity, revenues and shareholder value by making the work of their teams more exciting.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1046250/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-work-exciting-team/

Books Special: RARE Business, by Adrian Swinscoe

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What's the best way to grow your business and get new customers through the door? To many people, this probably sounds like an advertising or marketing question - but to Adrian Swinscoe, an economist and strategy consultant, it's actually about the way you treat the customers you've already got. In his new book, Rare Business (that's rare in the sense of unusually good, not lesser-spotted), Swinscoe argues that SMEs can make huge improvements to their customer service by doing some relatively simple things - and that doing so would have a huge impact on their growth. He even has some examples of firms that have managed it...

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1046256/books-special-rare-business-adrian-swinscoe/

Banks putting economic recovery at risk, Bank of England warns

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Banks are jeopardising the country’s economic recovery by restricting lending to households and businesses, a study by the Bank of England warns today. Since the credit crisis began, high street banks have lent less to customers, blaming a fall in demand for new loans, mortgages and other types of credit.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/8198049/Banks-putting-economic-recovery-at-risk-Bank-of-England-warns.html

Easy-roll loo roll:the sweet smell of success?

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'Consumer tissue' just got tough – while giving off a distinctly geranium-like aroma. Harry Wallop sees a revolootion unfold .

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalists/harry-wallop/7905324/Easy-roll-loo-rollthe-sweet-smell-of-success.html

Microsoft makes a compelling case for updating IT

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A Devon sausage-maker took the £10,000 Microsoft Windows 7 upgrade challenge and not only survived but made friends with his printer .

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8184719/Microsoft-makes-a-compelling-case-for-updating-IT.html

My Bottom Line:

. . . Andrew Horton, chief executive, Beazley (Video clip)

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Beazley chief executive Andrew Horton believes businesses flourish when the lines of communication between staff are kept open.

Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11788594

Crumbs! Bakery spat turns up the heat

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An entrepreneur has launched a lawsuit against his former business partner after the two set up rival artisan bakeries. The moral: when there's bread involved, beware verbal contracts...

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1045560/crumbs-bakery-spat-turns-heat/

Credit scoring doesn't add up

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Various credit agencies have been found to give wildly different ratings for the same SMEs. But maybe it's not their fault... A survey has found huge disparities in how three credit agencies – Dun & Bradstreet, Experian and Creditsafe – returned credit ratings and suggested credit limits for the same businesses.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1043944/credit-scoring-doesnt-add-up/

Central and eastern Europe: the region’s factory

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From his office with sweeping views of Warsaw, Lee Tai-sik, chairman of the Korea Business Centre, which promotes South Korean trade and investment in Poland, has a clear perspective on the “new” Europe.

Read more here
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/44c031be-f967-11df-a4a500144feab49a,dwp_uuid=a9d2dafc-fbd8-11df-b7e900144feab49a.html#axzz17jY24sme

Chrome OS: what's the point?

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There's an old saying in marketing: sell the sizzle, not the sausage. Google's Chrome OS presentation reminded me of that.

Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/chrome-os-what-s-the-point--914002

Tools & Calculators

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Work out every aspect of your wealth from mortgage payments to savings.

Read more here
http://www.ft.com/personal-finance/tools

SMEs: 'Government doesn't understand us'

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A survey has shown almost three quarters of businesses feel misunderstood by the Government. Nothing's changed, then

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1043494/smes-government-doesnt-understand-us/

Facebook faces face-offs after it trademarks 'face'

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The social network has planted its flag in the word 'face'. Which could leave other businesses facing dire consequences.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1042963/facebook-faces-face-offs-trademarks-face/

Growing an online gardening service

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Like many people who own a garden, allotment or even window box, Nicola Gammon had problems with plants. She'd buy an attractive plant in the local garden centre, bring it home and then it died because she put it in the wrong place or gave it the wrong treatment. "It was very expensive, and also heartbreaking to lose a beautiful plant I'd fallen for."

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/7663080/Growing-an-online-gardening-service.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cf522770a58243e,0

Apple launches iAds mobile advertising in Europe

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Apple's mobile advertising platform iAds is to launch in Europe, with the tech giant announcing European launch partners including Absolute Radio, Louis Vuitton and Renault.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/digital-media/8142397/Apple-launches-iAds-mobile-advertising-in-Europe.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce5148ccbd57d19,0

iPad 2 rumours: what you need to know

. . . The second generation iPad is nearly here

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The internet loves Apple and it loves ill-founded speculation, so it's hardly surprising that iPad 2 rumours were flying before the first iPad even reached the UK.

With only weeks to go before its expected unveiling the iPad 2 release date, specs and price are still closely guarded secrets, but that doesn't mean there aren't some juicy rumours, inspired guesses and possibly even Apple leaks to consider.

Here's our pick of the latest iPad 2G rumours.

Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/computing/apple/ipad-2-rumours-what-you-need-to-know-900232

MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Tighten your belt

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Feeling the squeeze? Keeping those costs down doesn't need to be hard. The business of business has changed now that we have entered a world of Greek and Irish bailouts in this new era of austerity. We won’t be returning to ‘business as usual’ anytime soon and the future holds the likely prospect of less growth, less certainty, fewer resources, less access to capital, and an ageing workforce.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1045061/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-tighten-belt/

Be honest, dear - entrepreneurs turn to partners for frank feedback

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A survey has found more than half of entrepreneurs would rather get business advice from their partner than their bank manager. We're not surprised.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1045060/be-honest-dear-entrepreneurs-turn-partners-frank-feedback/

Family firms rocked by divorces

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A rapid rise in contested divorces involving business assets has prompted lawyers to warn of the damage being done to family businesses. Family members are contesting ownership and petitioning courts to transfer shares or order a sale as part of their pleadings.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8184597/Family-firms-rocked-by-divorces.html

Cloud computing 'could give EU 763bn-euro boost'

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Widespread adoption of cloud computing could give the top five EU economies a 763bn-euro (£645bn; $1tn) boost over five years, a report has said.The CEBR said it could also create 2.4m jobs. The technology gives software and computing power on demand over the net.

Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11931841

How to avoid online fraud

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As Britons shop online in record numbers, we explain how to protect your money from internet fraud.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/banking/8174330/How-to-avoid-online-fraud.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cf7656d8e32c7fd,0

New chapter for independent book seller

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Three independent bookshops are closing every week, according to the latest figures from the Booksellers Association, apparently hit by the recession and the growing use of new technology. However, anyone who claims digital books herald the end of more conventional paper ones should visit Jaffe and Neale in Chipping Norton, a winner of the Best UK Independent Bookshop Award and the hub of the Cotswold town's social life.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/startingout/7489107/New-chapter-for-independent-book-seller.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4cf522a34c9efd63,0

Women failing to make strides in the boardroom

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The latest Cranfield report shows the proportion of female directors appears to have plateaued around the 12% mark.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1044668/women-failing-strides-boardroom/

MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Measuring happiness at work

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How we feel about work will be a massive component of the PM's new wellbeing index. But how do you go about measuring that?

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1043700/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-measuring-happiness-work/

Why can no one make an iPad killer?

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If you've ever seen a tribute band you'll know that no matter how accurate the impression, there's something missing. You can buy the same guitars as your idols, wear the same skinny jeans and get your hair cut just so, but that doesn't make you Led Zeppelin, or U2, or even Dumpy's Rusty Nuts. It's a bit like that with so-called iPad killers.

Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/why-can-no-one-make-an-ipad-killer--910579

Claranet boss hails end to 'decision paralysis'

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The "decision-making paralysis" that afflicted businesses during the recession has passed, offering significant growth opportunities for companies that sell products which offer cost savings to public and private sector clients, according to Charles Nasser, chief executive of £89m turnover IT network and hosting business Claranet.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8080689/Claranet-boss-hails-end-to-decision-paralysis.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce7b642e926d03c,0

Britain slips five places in league table of best tax systems in the world

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Britain is sliding down the global ranking of the best tax systems in the world, according to the latest "flowerpot" survey by the World Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/8144260/Britain-slips-five-places-in-league-table-of-best-tax-systems-in-the-world.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4ce6c26cc8d04f91,0

A New Formula for Measuring PR Success

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Isn’t there a better way to measure PR effectiveness? Experienced digital marketers know that “conversion rate” is the holy grail of online success metrics. Conversion rate is the percentage of visitors to a Web site that accomplish an objective. If 100 people visit your Web site, and 7 of them fill out your lead form, your conversion rate is 7%. Conversion rate is so integral to digital marketing it forms the basis for the name of this blog.

Read more herehttp://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-marketing/a-new-formula-for-measuring-pr-success/

Workplace stress is costing employers dear

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A new report has called on employers to devote more resources to combating stress and anxiety at work. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has estimated that the cost to UK business of work-related depression comes to £28 billion a year, the equivalent to 25 per cent of total sick leave or 13 million working days.

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=29138&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c0aF44&m=6415

Are you delegating correctly?

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Delegation does not just mean passing on a job that you are unwilling to do yourself. Consider the following questions:

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/are-you-delegating-correctly.html?u=40c38A45&m=6781

Measuring employee effectiveness

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If you want to improve your profitability you need to measure employee performance regularly, using effective standards of measurement. Some activity, such as production work, is relatively easy to measure, but other activities are not. How do you measure the effectiveness of your secretarial or accounting staff, your graphic designer, or your IT manager? One way is to agree performance standards or quality of service criteria with them and review these on a regular basis. When setting such standards, however, bear in mind that inefficiencies in these areas often arise from not working smartly rather than not working hard.

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/staff-incentives/measuring-employee-effectiveness.html?u=40c38C45&m=7492

Make the most of staff appraisals

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It is important to hold regular staff appraisals even if you have just one employee. They do not have to be intimidating or formal affairs, but they do have to be clear and well thought out. Ideally, staff should be appraised every six months. From your point of view, you can use appraisals to tell your staff how you think they are doing. If you are pleased with their performance you can use the opportunity to reinforce their behaviour through encouragement and reward.

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/make-the-most-of-staff-appraisals.html?u=40c38A45&m=7632

Firms recruiting overseas to close the skills gap

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A significant proportion of UK firms are looking abroad to find skilled workers in the absence of suitable job candidates at home. The latest Labour Market Outlook survey from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that many employers are experiencing difficulties in recruiting appropriately skilled workers from the domestic work pool.

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ttp://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=32890&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38A45&m=7632

Luke Johnson: My ingredients for success

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Often I think I should be more imaginative in diversifying my investments and seek out industries beyond hospitality. But the British eating-out market is still worth a massive £40bn annually and will expand this year, despite the recession. Moreover, I tend to spot the deals in the sector. I like to think I know what I'm doing - although I still make mistakes, such as Fishworks. But, overall, possessing a degree of domain knowledge will always improve the odds of your analysing a proposition more rigorously and help you make better returns.

Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1023460/luke-johnson-ingredients-success/

Entrepreneurs Refuse the Big Big Payouts

. . .  by Robert Craven

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The first or second question discussed with any half-decent bankers, advisors, potential investors or board members is "What is the exit strategy?"

The assumption behind the whole growing business ethos is about incremental stages of growth:

• Have an idea (that you're passionate about)
• Make and sell stuff (from your dining room)
• Employ some people
• Get some premises
• Create a model that works
• Scale it up (probably with someone else's money)
• Sell the whole thing on to someone who has the pockets to take it even further and make a load of money in the process.

Read more here
http://www.thecorporatetoolbox.com/articles/entrepreneurs_refuse_the_big_big_payouts

Women make more trusted bosses

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MT's exclusive poll of 5,000 UK employees reveals that female CEOs are more trusted than their male peers.

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http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1025520/women-trusted-bosses/

Cold calling should be banned, says survey

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The majority of consumers would like to see the practice of cold calling outlawed, a survey has revealed. According to consumer group Which?, of the 2,000 people polled in the survey, three-quarters want an end to cold calling. A quarter of those questioned had felt intimidated by the marketing tactic. On average consumers receive six cold calls each month, while for businesses the rate is higher.

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=32957&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38B45&m=7659

Insolvencies drop, but the pain isn't over

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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.

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http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039469/insolvencies-drop-pain-isnt-over/

MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: How to incentivise staff

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Giving staff perks and incentives can actually boost your bottom line - and it's nice to say thanks sometimes too.

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http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039549/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-incentivise-staff/

Low-skilled youths bear brunt of job crunch

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Ahead of the latest unemployment figures, some grim statistics about the recession's impact on the young.

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http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039799/low-skilled-youths-bear-brunt-job-crunch/

Red tape is set to stick, says small business

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SME owners fear the Government's drive to cut red tape is doomed to fail. And that's before Nick Clegg dropped the scissors.

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http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1039750/red-tape-set-stick-says-small-business/

Are you delegating correctly?

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Delegation does not just mean passing on a job that you are unwilling to do yourself. Consider the following questions:

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/content/business/your-employees/managing-your-staff/are-you-delegating-correctly.html?u=40c38B45&m=7867

Plans to improve intellectual property system

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The government has launched a review aimed at improving the way the current intellectual property system can help support business growth. The review was announced by the Prime Minister, David Cameron in a speech delivered to high tech businesses in east London. Mr Cameron said: "We are reviewing our intellectual property laws to see if we can make them fit for the internet age."

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http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33708&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38B45&m=7867

Business regulation resistant to change

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Many businesses think that government efforts to reduce business regulation will be ineffectual. That is the finding of a new survey by the Forum of Private Business (FPB). According to the poll, some 28 per cent of respondents believe that the coalition government will make a noticeable difference to the rules and regulations that businesses face. However, four out of ten said they did not think the coalition will significantly reduce the amount of business legislation.

Read more here
http://www.eaassociates.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=33728&d=601&h=160&f=260&u=40c38B45&m=7867

Economy depends on entrepreneurs, says Prime Minister

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David Cameron says Global Entrepreneurship Week is a 'fantastic opportunity' to promote growth. But businesses may prefer something more concrete.

Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1040768/economy-depends-entrepreneurs-says-prime-minister/