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Friday, March 11
Becoming a cost-conscious organisation
Extract . . .
A pound of new sales generates a few pence of profit. A pound saved goes straight to the bottom line. Ray Tammam, associate at Expense Reduction Analysts (www.erauk.net) explains how to develop a cost-conscious culture.
Read more here:
http://www.enforbusiness.com/smetoolkit/becoming-cost-conscious-organisation
A pound of new sales generates a few pence of profit. A pound saved goes straight to the bottom line. Ray Tammam, associate at Expense Reduction Analysts (www.erauk.net) explains how to develop a cost-conscious culture.
Read more here:
http://www.enforbusiness.com/smetoolkit/becoming-cost-conscious-organisation
Women told to start own businesses if talents overlooked
Extract . . .
One of Australia's leading female executives has urged women to throw in their corporate jobs and start their own businesses if their talents are not being recognised. Deena Shiff, the group managing director of Telstra Business, said women already ran one-third of the nation's small and medium enterprises, and the proportion rose to half when home-based businesses were included.
Read more here:
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/startup/women-told-to-start-own-businesses-if-talents-overlooked-20110302-1begn.html
One of Australia's leading female executives has urged women to throw in their corporate jobs and start their own businesses if their talents are not being recognised. Deena Shiff, the group managing director of Telstra Business, said women already ran one-third of the nation's small and medium enterprises, and the proportion rose to half when home-based businesses were included.
Read more here:
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/startup/women-told-to-start-own-businesses-if-talents-overlooked-20110302-1begn.html
The Negotiation Book, by Steve Gates
Extract . . .
As you might expect from someone selling a book on negotiation, who runs a negotiation consultancy, Steve Gates says that improving the way we handle ourselves when doing a deal is essential to success. He claims to offer a "philosophy on negotiation" that will help readers secure better deals. This requires realising you are responsible for "making decisions based on your own judgement".
Read more here:
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2011/3_march/books-the-negotiation-book_64_07.html
As you might expect from someone selling a book on negotiation, who runs a negotiation consultancy, Steve Gates says that improving the way we handle ourselves when doing a deal is essential to success. He claims to offer a "philosophy on negotiation" that will help readers secure better deals. This requires realising you are responsible for "making decisions based on your own judgement".
Read more here:
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2011/3_march/books-the-negotiation-book_64_07.html
'Know your Customer' Week, Part Five (Includes video clip)
Extract . . .
It's time for the final episode of Know Your Customer, Grow Your business week here on MT. Today we tackle technology, which in the arena of customer insight really has made some enormous strides in the past few years.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1058348/mt-special-know-customer-week-part-five/
It's time for the final episode of Know Your Customer, Grow Your business week here on MT. Today we tackle technology, which in the arena of customer insight really has made some enormous strides in the past few years.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1058348/mt-special-know-customer-week-part-five/
Thursday, March 10
Britain's Top 100 Entrepreneurs 2011
Extract . . .
MT reveals the cream of the UK's entrepreneurial talent - those who have proven it's possible to achieve growth, against all the odds.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1055789/britains-top-100-entrepreneurs-2011/
MT reveals the cream of the UK's entrepreneurial talent - those who have proven it's possible to achieve growth, against all the odds.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1055789/britains-top-100-entrepreneurs-2011/
What does the digital future hold?
Extract . . .
Apple has certainly injected some much needed sexiness into the world of technology, especially if the hype around the launch of the iPad 2 is anything to go by, writes Emma Barnett.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8360842/What-does-the-digital-future-hold.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d709c122d8a63c0%2C0
Apple has certainly injected some much needed sexiness into the world of technology, especially if the hype around the launch of the iPad 2 is anything to go by, writes Emma Barnett.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8360842/What-does-the-digital-future-hold.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d709c122d8a63c0%2C0
Smartphone grip of death is real
Extract . . .
While many smartphone users may feel like no proof was necessary, researchers at the University of Bristol have proved that grip of death is a real problem. Brought to public attention after the launch of the iPhone 4, the grip of death is where holding a phone dramatically drops the signal strength of the wireless network.
Read more here:
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/mobile-phones/1283197/smartphone-grip-of-death-is-real
While many smartphone users may feel like no proof was necessary, researchers at the University of Bristol have proved that grip of death is a real problem. Brought to public attention after the launch of the iPhone 4, the grip of death is where holding a phone dramatically drops the signal strength of the wireless network.
Read more here:
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/mobile-phones/1283197/smartphone-grip-of-death-is-real
Young entrepreneur's prize-winning wallet keeps fraudsters at bay
Extract . . .
The long hours, sleepless nights and personal sacrifices required to get new ventures off the ground can mean that entrepreneurs fail to recognise the moment they should realise that all their efforts will not reap the reward they are looking for. It seems to me the ability to pause, take a step back and make a dispassionate assessment of progress is a key skill.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/brightideas/7601591/Young-entrepreneurs-prize-winning-wallet-keeps-fraudsters-at-bay.html
The long hours, sleepless nights and personal sacrifices required to get new ventures off the ground can mean that entrepreneurs fail to recognise the moment they should realise that all their efforts will not reap the reward they are looking for. It seems to me the ability to pause, take a step back and make a dispassionate assessment of progress is a key skill.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/brightideas/7601591/Young-entrepreneurs-prize-winning-wallet-keeps-fraudsters-at-bay.html
'Know your Customer' Week, Part Three (includes video clip)
Extract . . .
Time for part three of our video guide on knowing your customers and growing your business. Today's lesson? Generating truly effective customer insight.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057872/mt-special-know-customer-week-part-three/
Time for part three of our video guide on knowing your customers and growing your business. Today's lesson? Generating truly effective customer insight.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057872/mt-special-know-customer-week-part-three/
Large companies pay less tax than small companies?
Extract . . .
A study suggests that although big companies pay the lion's share of corporation tax, they pay out less of their profits than small companies, relatively speaking...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057900/large-companies-pay-less-tax-small-companies/
A study suggests that although big companies pay the lion's share of corporation tax, they pay out less of their profits than small companies, relatively speaking...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057900/large-companies-pay-less-tax-small-companies/
Wednesday, March 9
Ofcom calls for changes to broadband speed advertising
Extract . . .
Broadband services should be advertised quoting typical speed ranges rather than only 'up-to' maximums, Ofcom has said, as it published its latest study into average UK connectivity speeds. On Wednesday, the regulator said the average UK broadband speed was 6.2Mbps, whereas the average advertised speed is 13.8Mbps. Cable and fibre speeds turned out to be closer to those advertised, when compared with copper-based connections.
Read more here:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2011/03/02/ofcom-calls-for-changes-to-broadband-speed-advertising-40091996/
Broadband services should be advertised quoting typical speed ranges rather than only 'up-to' maximums, Ofcom has said, as it published its latest study into average UK connectivity speeds. On Wednesday, the regulator said the average UK broadband speed was 6.2Mbps, whereas the average advertised speed is 13.8Mbps. Cable and fibre speeds turned out to be closer to those advertised, when compared with copper-based connections.
Read more here:
http://www.zdnet.co.uk/news/networking/2011/03/02/ofcom-calls-for-changes-to-broadband-speed-advertising-40091996/
Britons caught out by booby-trapped web ads
Extract . . .
Tens of thousands of people could have been caught out by cyber criminals who put booby-trapped adverts on popular webpages.
The criminals racked up the victims by compromising the computers used by ad firm Unanimis to display adverts to popular websites
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12608651
Tens of thousands of people could have been caught out by cyber criminals who put booby-trapped adverts on popular webpages.
The criminals racked up the victims by compromising the computers used by ad firm Unanimis to display adverts to popular websites
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12608651
Tax getting more taxing as HMRC feels the squeeze
Extract . . .
A study suggests dealing with the taxman is getting increasingly difficult. But is it really HMRC's fault?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057491/tax-getting-taxing-hmrc-feels-squeeze/
A study suggests dealing with the taxman is getting increasingly difficult. But is it really HMRC's fault?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057491/tax-getting-taxing-hmrc-feels-squeeze/
MT Special: 'Know your Customer' (Includes video clip)
Extract . . .
Our panel of customer experts and business people debate what it really means to know your customers, and how insights into customer behaviour and into what makes your own business tick often go hand in hand.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057510/mt-special-know-customer-week-part-two/
Our panel of customer experts and business people debate what it really means to know your customers, and how insights into customer behaviour and into what makes your own business tick often go hand in hand.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057510/mt-special-know-customer-week-part-two/
Are emerging markets too risky?
Extract . . .
A new survey has found despite their potential for growth, emerging markets are seen as risky by SMEs.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057012/are-emerging-markets-risky/
A new survey has found despite their potential for growth, emerging markets are seen as risky by SMEs.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1057012/are-emerging-markets-risky/
There's No Clear Winner in Google's Search 'War'
Extract . . .
Google has supposedly declared war against "content farms," yet has never come out and said that. In fact, all Google says in a Thursday blog post is that it has launched "a pretty big algorithmic improvement" to how it ranks search results. Google writes that its goal is to improve rankings so that supposed "high-quality" sites will rank higher than "low-quality" content.
Read more here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110227/tc_pcworld/theresnoclearwinneringooglessearchwar
Google has supposedly declared war against "content farms," yet has never come out and said that. In fact, all Google says in a Thursday blog post is that it has launched "a pretty big algorithmic improvement" to how it ranks search results. Google writes that its goal is to improve rankings so that supposed "high-quality" sites will rank higher than "low-quality" content.
Read more here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/pcworld/20110227/tc_pcworld/theresnoclearwinneringooglessearchwar
Tuesday, March 8
Put yourself in the buyer's position to partner up with a major retailer
Extract . . .
John Timpson explains how to spot a candidate who doesn't really want a job, and offers advice for small businesses looking to work with the multiples.
Q: As a new business developing its distribution network, long-term success rests in being able to get an established retail chain on board. What advice do you have for small businesses looking to supply to retail multiples?
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8350656/Put-yourself-in-the-buyers-position-to-partner-up-with-a-major-retailer.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bd072d237eb27%2C0
John Timpson explains how to spot a candidate who doesn't really want a job, and offers advice for small businesses looking to work with the multiples.
Q: As a new business developing its distribution network, long-term success rests in being able to get an established retail chain on board. What advice do you have for small businesses looking to supply to retail multiples?
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8350656/Put-yourself-in-the-buyers-position-to-partner-up-with-a-major-retailer.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bd072d237eb27%2C0
Q&A: How will the ECJ gender ruling affect my insurance?
Extract . . .
The European court of justice (ECJ) has ruled that "gender discrimination" is illegal when it comes to how much people pay for insurance, and the income they receive from their pensions when they retire. Here we answer questions about the ruling.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/mar/01/ecj-gender-ruling-insurance
The European court of justice (ECJ) has ruled that "gender discrimination" is illegal when it comes to how much people pay for insurance, and the income they receive from their pensions when they retire. Here we answer questions about the ruling.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/mar/01/ecj-gender-ruling-insurance
Forget Google – it's Apple that is turning into the evil empire
Extract . . .
Once upon a time, when Apple was mainly a computer manufacturer, people used to liken it to BMW. That was because it made expensive, nicely designed products for a niche market made up of affluent, design-conscious customers who also served as enthusiastic – nay fanatical – evangelists for the brand. It was seen as innovative and quirky but not part of the industry's mainstream, which was dominated by Microsoft and the companies making the PCs that ran Windows software. This view of Apple was summed up by Jack Tramiel, the boss of Commodore, when Steve Jobs first showed him the Macintosh computer. "Very nice, Steve," growled Tramiel. "I guess you'll sell it in boutiques."
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/06/john-naughton-apple-dominates-market
Once upon a time, when Apple was mainly a computer manufacturer, people used to liken it to BMW. That was because it made expensive, nicely designed products for a niche market made up of affluent, design-conscious customers who also served as enthusiastic – nay fanatical – evangelists for the brand. It was seen as innovative and quirky but not part of the industry's mainstream, which was dominated by Microsoft and the companies making the PCs that ran Windows software. This view of Apple was summed up by Jack Tramiel, the boss of Commodore, when Steve Jobs first showed him the Macintosh computer. "Very nice, Steve," growled Tramiel. "I guess you'll sell it in boutiques."
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/06/john-naughton-apple-dominates-market
TalkTalk and Tiscali pay £2.5m refunds for bogus bills
Extract . . .
Two telecoms firms, TalkTalk and Tiscali, have repaid nearly £2.5m to customers who were billed for services that had been cancelled.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12595391
Two telecoms firms, TalkTalk and Tiscali, have repaid nearly £2.5m to customers who were billed for services that had been cancelled.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12595391
Advertising watchdog to monitor website words
Extract . . .
How companies talk about themselves on Twitter feeds or Facebook profiles is to be policed like adverts. From 1 March, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) gets powers to police the claims companies make on websites and social networks.The rules cover statements on sites that can be interpreted as marketing, even if they are not in an advert.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12597934
How companies talk about themselves on Twitter feeds or Facebook profiles is to be policed like adverts. From 1 March, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) gets powers to police the claims companies make on websites and social networks.The rules cover statements on sites that can be interpreted as marketing, even if they are not in an advert.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12597934
UK manufacturing growth stays at 'record' high
Extract . . .
The UK's manufacturing sector maintained its recent record pace of growth in February, according to the latest Markit/Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) survey.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12605735
The UK's manufacturing sector maintained its recent record pace of growth in February, according to the latest Markit/Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) survey.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12605735
Monday, March 7
Tracking the UK economy
Extract . . .
How the jobs market has changed in recent years
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10604117
How the jobs market has changed in recent years
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10604117
Davies report calls for more women in boardroom
Extract . . .
Firms have been told to more than double the number of women on their boards by 2015, or face government measures. Former minister Lord Davies of Abersoch has urged FTSE 350 companies to boost the percentage of women at the board table to 25% by 2015.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/12560121
Firms have been told to more than double the number of women on their boards by 2015, or face government measures. Former minister Lord Davies of Abersoch has urged FTSE 350 companies to boost the percentage of women at the board table to 25% by 2015.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/12560121
Put yourself in the buyer's position to partner up with a major retailer
Extract . . .
John Timpson explains how to spot a candidate who doesn't really want a job, and offers advice for small businesses looking to work with the multiples.
Q: As a new business developing its distribution network, long-term success rests in being able to get an established retail chain on board. What advice do you have for small businesses looking to supply to retail multiples?
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8350656/Put-yourself-in-the-buyers-position-to-partner-up-with-a-major-retailer.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bd072d237eb27%2C0
John Timpson explains how to spot a candidate who doesn't really want a job, and offers advice for small businesses looking to work with the multiples.
Q: As a new business developing its distribution network, long-term success rests in being able to get an established retail chain on board. What advice do you have for small businesses looking to supply to retail multiples?
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8350656/Put-yourself-in-the-buyers-position-to-partner-up-with-a-major-retailer.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6bd072d237eb27%2C0
OFT wants 'no surprises' in small print of contracts
Extract . . .
Consumers should expect "no unwelcome surprises" in the small print of contracts, a regulator has said. One in five people experienced a problem with contracts in the past year, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) found during an investigation into the clarity of contracts and small print. It said 70% of its consumer workload related to contracts.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12557996
Consumers should expect "no unwelcome surprises" in the small print of contracts, a regulator has said. One in five people experienced a problem with contracts in the past year, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) found during an investigation into the clarity of contracts and small print. It said 70% of its consumer workload related to contracts.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12557996
Royal Bank of Scotland: Not yet mended
Extract . . .
"Having just stepped off an overnight flight, I am even less tolerant than usual of the pea soup that is presented by a mega bank such as Royal Bank of Scotland as its annual results.
To be fair to RBS, its figures - which run to 273 pages of tables and written interpretation - are only slightly more baffling than Barclays' were last week."
Read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2011/02/royal_bank_of_scotland_not_yet.html
"Having just stepped off an overnight flight, I am even less tolerant than usual of the pea soup that is presented by a mega bank such as Royal Bank of Scotland as its annual results.
To be fair to RBS, its figures - which run to 273 pages of tables and written interpretation - are only slightly more baffling than Barclays' were last week."
Read more here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2011/02/royal_bank_of_scotland_not_yet.html
LinkedIn hit as China clamps down on dissident talk
Extract . . .
Business networking site LinkedIn appeared to have been blocked in some parts of China, the company said. No explanation was given for the move, which LinkedIn is still investigating. However, it comes amid a renewed clampdown on internet discussion groups and micro blogging sites by authorities in Beijing.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12576401
Business networking site LinkedIn appeared to have been blocked in some parts of China, the company said. No explanation was given for the move, which LinkedIn is still investigating. However, it comes amid a renewed clampdown on internet discussion groups and micro blogging sites by authorities in Beijing.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12576401
Generation Gmail gives thumbs-down to work email
Extract . . .
A survey has found that under-25s are spurning corporate mailboxes, sending work-related emails from their personal accounts. The youth of today, eh?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056656/generation-gmail-gives-thumbs-down-work-email/
A survey has found that under-25s are spurning corporate mailboxes, sending work-related emails from their personal accounts. The youth of today, eh?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056656/generation-gmail-gives-thumbs-down-work-email/
Friday, March 4
Twice as many women by 2015, says Davies
Extract . . .
Lord Davies has sensibly stopped short of calling for mandatory quotas. But if we don't get to 25% by 2015, that might change.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056898/twice-women-2015-says-davies/
Lord Davies has sensibly stopped short of calling for mandatory quotas. But if we don't get to 25% by 2015, that might change.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056898/twice-women-2015-says-davies/
Comedy CVs: the gift that keeps on giving
Extract . . .
Apologies for revisiting that hoary old chestnut of CV howlers. But clearly stupidity's still thriving in the downturn.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056092/comedy-cvs-gift-keeps-giving/
Apologies for revisiting that hoary old chestnut of CV howlers. But clearly stupidity's still thriving in the downturn.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056092/comedy-cvs-gift-keeps-giving/
How women can help men to raise their game
Extract . . .
In this guest column, entrepreneur Julie Meyer argues that women must appeal to men's rational self-interest if they want to get ahead.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056011/mt-special-women-help-men-raise-game/
In this guest column, entrepreneur Julie Meyer argues that women must appeal to men's rational self-interest if they want to get ahead.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056011/mt-special-women-help-men-raise-game/
MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Building a dynamic company website
Extract . . .
A company's website is often the first thing a customer will see - so it's vital to make sure it's working as hard as it can.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055866/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-building-dynamic-company-website/
A company's website is often the first thing a customer will see - so it's vital to make sure it's working as hard as it can.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055866/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-building-dynamic-company-website/
Touchless payment coming to mobile phones
Extract . . .
Much of the discussion at Mobile World Congress has been about turning the mobile phone into a payment device. Handset manufacturers, network operators and even the boss of Google have been talking-up Near Field Communication (NFC). The technology allows nearby devices to exchange data - for example a sales transaction - and is seen as a way for mobiles to replace the plastic in people's wallets.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12478643
Much of the discussion at Mobile World Congress has been about turning the mobile phone into a payment device. Handset manufacturers, network operators and even the boss of Google have been talking-up Near Field Communication (NFC). The technology allows nearby devices to exchange data - for example a sales transaction - and is seen as a way for mobiles to replace the plastic in people's wallets.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12478643
Offline hits back in online chart
Extract . . .
Established brands such as John Lewis and Argos now account for half the places in the UK's top 50 web brands, according to new statistics. It includes media brands such as the BBC, Sky and the Telegraph. But the top five remains dominated by web names, including Google, Facebook and Yahoo.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12535508
Established brands such as John Lewis and Argos now account for half the places in the UK's top 50 web brands, according to new statistics. It includes media brands such as the BBC, Sky and the Telegraph. But the top five remains dominated by web names, including Google, Facebook and Yahoo.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12535508
Thursday, March 3
Bank of England split widens over interest rates
Extract . . .
Some say the Monetary Policy Committee doesn't know what it's doing. Its latest minutes won't convince them otherwise.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056607/bank-england-split-widens-interest-rates/
Some say the Monetary Policy Committee doesn't know what it's doing. Its latest minutes won't convince them otherwise.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056607/bank-england-split-widens-interest-rates/
SMEs still lacking confidence (in Government)
Extract . . .
The latest data on the public finances might have been moderately encouraging, but the Government's economic policy still doesn't seem to be filling SMEs with confidence. A survey by accounting software company Sage has found that just a third of the UK's small firms are feeling more positive about the business outlook than they were this time last year. And the consensus was that a lack of support from the Government is a big part of the problem . . .
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056556/smes-lacking-confidence-in-government/
The latest data on the public finances might have been moderately encouraging, but the Government's economic policy still doesn't seem to be filling SMEs with confidence. A survey by accounting software company Sage has found that just a third of the UK's small firms are feeling more positive about the business outlook than they were this time last year. And the consensus was that a lack of support from the Government is a big part of the problem . . .
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1056556/smes-lacking-confidence-in-government/
Ask the expert: savings and investments
Extract . . .
Savers' returns are still being outstripped by inflation, as banks and building societies offer low interest rates for customers. So, with the Bank rate still at a record low, how can savers make their funds work harder for them? Last week, we asked for your questions about savings and investments.
Here, Anna Sofat, an independent financial adviser at Addidi, answers a selection of those questions.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12452673
Savers' returns are still being outstripped by inflation, as banks and building societies offer low interest rates for customers. So, with the Bank rate still at a record low, how can savers make their funds work harder for them? Last week, we asked for your questions about savings and investments.
Here, Anna Sofat, an independent financial adviser at Addidi, answers a selection of those questions.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12452673
iPhone 5 rumors: Everything we know so far
Extract . . .
We round-up the many rumors surrounding the iPhone 5, including the possibility of an iPhone Nano, keyboard, 4-inch screen, A8 chip, NFC, 4G, GSM-CDMA chip, cloud computing, and more!
Read more here:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-5-rumors-everything-we-know-so-far/
We round-up the many rumors surrounding the iPhone 5, including the possibility of an iPhone Nano, keyboard, 4-inch screen, A8 chip, NFC, 4G, GSM-CDMA chip, cloud computing, and more!
Read more here:
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/iphone-5-rumors-everything-we-know-so-far/
Britain's bureaucrats trump the Indians
Extract . . .
As a regular visitor to India to see my son and Indian daughter-in-law, I have commended before the ingenuity of Indian officialdom, which insists that, as a journalist, I must pay nearly twice the normal rate for a visa valid for only three months rather than six, and on condition that I do not engage in journalism while in India.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/air-passenger-duty/8335636/Britains-bureaucrats-trump-the-Indians.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6134e2a54be2e7%2C0
As a regular visitor to India to see my son and Indian daughter-in-law, I have commended before the ingenuity of Indian officialdom, which insists that, as a journalist, I must pay nearly twice the normal rate for a visa valid for only three months rather than six, and on condition that I do not engage in journalism while in India.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/air-passenger-duty/8335636/Britains-bureaucrats-trump-the-Indians.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d6134e2a54be2e7%2C0
30 ways to save tax
Extract . . .
Read more here:
http://www.which.co.uk/money/tax/guides/30-ways-to-save-tax/
- Which? tax advice to help save you money on your tax bill
- Income tax advice for employees, the self-employed and pensioners
- How to save on capital gains tax
- Tax and your children, tax and your partner and tax on your property
Read more here:
http://www.which.co.uk/money/tax/guides/30-ways-to-save-tax/
Wednesday, March 2
Women still face a glass ceiling
Extract . . .
Survey finds 73% of female managers believe barriers to advancement still exist, compared with only 38% of menMost women aspiring to senior management positions believe the glass ceiling to career progression still exists, according to a report by a leading UK management organisation.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/21/women-glass-ceiling-still-exists-top-jobs
Survey finds 73% of female managers believe barriers to advancement still exist, compared with only 38% of menMost women aspiring to senior management positions believe the glass ceiling to career progression still exists, according to a report by a leading UK management organisation.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/feb/21/women-glass-ceiling-still-exists-top-jobs
UK online shopping up 21pc in January
Extract . . .
UK shoppers spent a total of £5.1bn online in January, equivalent to £83 per person and an increase of 21pc over January 2010, according to new figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.
Read more here:
http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/28508-uk-online-shopping-up-21pc/
UK shoppers spent a total of £5.1bn online in January, equivalent to £83 per person and an increase of 21pc over January 2010, according to new figures from the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.
Read more here:
http://www.businessandleadership.com/marketing/item/28508-uk-online-shopping-up-21pc/
How to stop information overload crippling your business
Extract . . .
Some potential solutions to a very modern problem: how senior execs can withstand the data deluge and keep a clear head...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1055633/how-stop-information-overload-crippling-business/
Some potential solutions to a very modern problem: how senior execs can withstand the data deluge and keep a clear head...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1055633/how-stop-information-overload-crippling-business/
Rumour: iPhone nano being developed by Apple
Extract . . .
Apple could be developing a budget iPhone in order to ward off competition from Google Android handsets. A prototype version of a smaller, cheaper Apple handset than the iPhone 4 is said to exist, although this is no guarantee such an iPhone will ever make it to market.
Read more here:
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/rumour-iphone-nano-being-developed-by-apple-927923
Apple could be developing a budget iPhone in order to ward off competition from Google Android handsets. A prototype version of a smaller, cheaper Apple handset than the iPhone 4 is said to exist, although this is no guarantee such an iPhone will ever make it to market.
Read more here:
http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/rumour-iphone-nano-being-developed-by-apple-927923
Why 'Go Between'?
Here at Venture Link, we're pretty excited about this new site that is in the final stages of development. It is a brand new way for entrepreneurs and investors to check each other out and create a match in the fastest possible way.
For a taster click here:
Matching entrepreneurs and investors intelligently
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StBpBGmbZPg
For a taster click here:
Matching entrepreneurs and investors intelligently
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StBpBGmbZPg
Why we need more female mentors and role models
Extract . . .
JoJo Maman Bebe's Laura Tenison argues that providing greater support for female entrepreneurs is a good way to reinvigorate the UK economy.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1055115/mt-special-why-need-female-mentors-role-models/
JoJo Maman Bebe's Laura Tenison argues that providing greater support for female entrepreneurs is a good way to reinvigorate the UK economy.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1055115/mt-special-why-need-female-mentors-role-models/
UK firms battling with up to 60 regulations
Extract . . .
A new report confirms what UK business owners will already know: the amount of red tape they face is excessive, confusing and very time-consuming...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055513/uk-firms-battling-60-regulations/
A new report confirms what UK business owners will already know: the amount of red tape they face is excessive, confusing and very time-consuming...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055513/uk-firms-battling-60-regulations/
Tuesday, March 1
Google Squeezes Apple With Paywall Service
Extract . . .
Google has again faced up to technology giant Apple - this time by launching a digital subscription service just a day after its rival.
Called One Pass, the new system allows publishers of online newspapers and magazines to charge readers to access their articles and videos.
Read more here:
http://bit.ly/fpCjTM
Google has again faced up to technology giant Apple - this time by launching a digital subscription service just a day after its rival.
Called One Pass, the new system allows publishers of online newspapers and magazines to charge readers to access their articles and videos.
Read more here:
http://bit.ly/fpCjTM
Royal Mail to raise prices for business services
Extract . . .
Royal Mail has been given permission by the postal regulator, Postcomm, to increase prices on some business mail services.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12488156
Royal Mail has been given permission by the postal regulator, Postcomm, to increase prices on some business mail services.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12488156
Getting Your Product Onto Retail Shelves
Extract . . .
Business owners with a product to sell often dream of winning shelf space in the Wal-Marts and Targets of the world. But these days, with the recovery dragging, it is a challenge to get shelf space in any store. Here is how Brian Chossek, the president of Garlic Gold in Ventura, Calif., won his first account — at Gelson’s, a Southern California grocery chain that now has 18 stores.
Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/business/smallbusiness/21sbiz.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
Business owners with a product to sell often dream of winning shelf space in the Wal-Marts and Targets of the world. But these days, with the recovery dragging, it is a challenge to get shelf space in any store. Here is how Brian Chossek, the president of Garlic Gold in Ventura, Calif., won his first account — at Gelson’s, a Southern California grocery chain that now has 18 stores.
Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/business/smallbusiness/21sbiz.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
Unrepentant governor
Extract . . .
Mervyn King defends the Bank's interest rate policy
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/stephanieflanders/2011/02/the_unrepentant_governor.html
Mervyn King defends the Bank's interest rate policy
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/stephanieflanders/2011/02/the_unrepentant_governor.html
UK cyber crime costs £27bn a year - government report
Extract . . .
Cyber crime costs the UK economy £27bn a year, the government has said. The figures, published for the first time, are a mid-range estimate and the real cost could be much higher. They are made up of £21bn of costs to businesses, £2.2bn to government and £3.1bn to citizens.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12492309
Cyber crime costs the UK economy £27bn a year, the government has said. The figures, published for the first time, are a mid-range estimate and the real cost could be much higher. They are made up of £21bn of costs to businesses, £2.2bn to government and £3.1bn to citizens.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12492309
UK business faces red tape confusion, NAO says
Extract . . .
Each business typically has to comply with 60 different regulations overseen by a number of official bodies, a report has said.
Many breached the rules because they did not know which regulations applied to them, the National Audit Office (NAO) said.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12493061
Each business typically has to comply with 60 different regulations overseen by a number of official bodies, a report has said.
Many breached the rules because they did not know which regulations applied to them, the National Audit Office (NAO) said.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12493061
Monday, February 28
Hands on: IE9 review
Extract . . .
As of now you can download the release candidate of IE9 and although it's aimed at developers, this new version of IE9 is feature complete - so the final look and feel might still change, but this is everything you're going to get. We got time with IE9 today to bring you our hands on: Internet Explorer 9 review.
Read more here:
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/hands-on-ie9-review-927657
As of now you can download the release candidate of IE9 and although it's aimed at developers, this new version of IE9 is feature complete - so the final look and feel might still change, but this is everything you're going to get. We got time with IE9 today to bring you our hands on: Internet Explorer 9 review.
Read more here:
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/hands-on-ie9-review-927657
Google's travel deal faces regulatory turbulence
Extract . . .
Google wants to become the hub of online travel, promising better bargains and more convenience by melding the Internet search leader's wizardry with the Web's top airline-fare tracker, ITA Software. That has existing online travel sites such as Kayak, Expedia and Travelocity worried that they won't stand a chance of competing, a scenario that could lead to higher fares.
Read more here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110216/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_google_travel_deal
Google wants to become the hub of online travel, promising better bargains and more convenience by melding the Internet search leader's wizardry with the Web's top airline-fare tracker, ITA Software. That has existing online travel sites such as Kayak, Expedia and Travelocity worried that they won't stand a chance of competing, a scenario that could lead to higher fares.
Read more here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110216/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_google_travel_deal
UK cyber crime costs £27bn a year - government report
Extract . . .
Cyber crime costs the UK economy £27bn a year, the government has said.
The figures, published for the first time, are a mid-range estimate and the real cost could be much higher. They are made up of £21bn of costs to businesses, £2.2bn to government and £3.1bn to citizens.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12492309
Cyber crime costs the UK economy £27bn a year, the government has said.
The figures, published for the first time, are a mid-range estimate and the real cost could be much higher. They are made up of £21bn of costs to businesses, £2.2bn to government and £3.1bn to citizens.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12492309
The world’s top 50 most innovative companies 2011
Extract . . .
The 50 companies on our 2011 list have chosen a unique path. Today's business landscape is littered with heritage companies whose CEOs battle their industry's broken model with inertia, layoffs, lawsuits -- anything that squeezes pennies and delays the inevitable. How many of these companies will be dominant in 2025? Few.
Read more here:
http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2011/
The 50 companies on our 2011 list have chosen a unique path. Today's business landscape is littered with heritage companies whose CEOs battle their industry's broken model with inertia, layoffs, lawsuits -- anything that squeezes pennies and delays the inevitable. How many of these companies will be dominant in 2025? Few.
Read more here:
http://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/2011/
How to Choose and Work With a Mentor
Extract . . .
AS a small-business owner, you may feel isolated. Without a large organization’s resources, you may long for a sounding board for your frustrations and fears or a discreet, impartial adviser with whom to discuss the tactical and strategic challenges of running a company.
Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/business/smallbusiness/02sbiz.html?emc=eta1
AS a small-business owner, you may feel isolated. Without a large organization’s resources, you may long for a sounding board for your frustrations and fears or a discreet, impartial adviser with whom to discuss the tactical and strategic challenges of running a company.
Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/business/smallbusiness/02sbiz.html?emc=eta1
Top 10 excuses for late payment and how to tackle them
Extract . . .
According to recent research from Dun & Bradstreet, businesses are taking a whopping 52.1 days, on average, to settle their debts. The main culprits are large companies with over 500 employees, placing a crushing burden on small firms. All of this is, of course, avoidable. Christine Christian, CEO of Dun & Bradstreet, says that small businesses have gotten worse at chasing late payments.
Read more here:
http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/smallbusiness/funding/8205275/top-10-excuses-for-late-payment-and-how-to-tackle-them
According to recent research from Dun & Bradstreet, businesses are taking a whopping 52.1 days, on average, to settle their debts. The main culprits are large companies with over 500 employees, placing a crushing burden on small firms. All of this is, of course, avoidable. Christine Christian, CEO of Dun & Bradstreet, says that small businesses have gotten worse at chasing late payments.
Read more here:
http://finance.ninemsn.com.au/smallbusiness/funding/8205275/top-10-excuses-for-late-payment-and-how-to-tackle-them
Friday, February 25
Mobile World Congress 2011
Extract . . .
The mobile industry’s annual gathering in Barcelona is both an exhibition of the latest wireless technologies and a talking shop for the major players from the communications world
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/c5031bde-3382-11e0-a388-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=traffic/email/regsnl//memmkt/
The mobile industry’s annual gathering in Barcelona is both an exhibition of the latest wireless technologies and a talking shop for the major players from the communications world
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/c5031bde-3382-11e0-a388-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=traffic/email/regsnl//memmkt/
Help at hand for nervous exporters
Extract . . .
A new survey shows SMEs are still wary of overseas trading. Could measures published by the Government last week help them?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055019/help-hand-nervous-exporters/
A new survey shows SMEs are still wary of overseas trading. Could measures published by the Government last week help them?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055019/help-hand-nervous-exporters/
Inflation: what you need to know
Extract . . .
The pound's weakness in recent years coupled with surging commodity prices have driven inflation higher. The VAT increase to 20%, from 17.5%, in January is another factor. "But even after making reasonable assumptions about these influences, inflation has remained elevated and hard to explain," said Allan Monks at JP Morgan.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/15/inflation-q-and-a
The pound's weakness in recent years coupled with surging commodity prices have driven inflation higher. The VAT increase to 20%, from 17.5%, in January is another factor. "But even after making reasonable assumptions about these influences, inflation has remained elevated and hard to explain," said Allan Monks at JP Morgan.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/15/inflation-q-and-a
Windows 7 SP1 is now out in the wild
Extract . . .
Microsoft has issued the first service pack (SP) for Windows 7. The update brings with it the usual reliability and security enhancements users have come to expect and is the first major tweak to the OS since its release back in 2009. "Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7," Microsoft said.
(VL tip: It would appear it can take up to an hour to install this update)
Read more here:
http://www.itpro.co.uk/631351/first-windows-7-service-pack-released
Microsoft has issued the first service pack (SP) for Windows 7. The update brings with it the usual reliability and security enhancements users have come to expect and is the first major tweak to the OS since its release back in 2009. "Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) is an important update that includes previously released security, performance, and stability updates for Windows 7," Microsoft said.
(VL tip: It would appear it can take up to an hour to install this update)
Read more here:
http://www.itpro.co.uk/631351/first-windows-7-service-pack-released
Lack of top researchers could harm UK plc, Dyson warns
Extract . . .
Inventor Sir James Dyson is warning that UK business could be damaged unless more UK-based students take postgraduate research courses.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12464204
Inventor Sir James Dyson is warning that UK business could be damaged unless more UK-based students take postgraduate research courses.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12464204
Death threat sales calls in Leicestershire probed
Extract . . .
Elderly people in Leicestershire are being warned after reports of residents being threatened by a company claiming to sell double glazing.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-12473804
Elderly people in Leicestershire are being warned after reports of residents being threatened by a company claiming to sell double glazing.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-12473804
Burn your resume: secrets to avoiding a real job
Extract . . .
Self-taught serial entrepreneur Scott Gerber, 27, has never had a "real job". Gerber never needed one because, without a business school background or venture capital, he built several successful businesses including Gerber Enterprises, a US entrepreneurial incubator and venture management company.
Read more here:
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/burn-your-resume-secrets-to-avoiding--a-real-job-20110209-1amc0.html
Self-taught serial entrepreneur Scott Gerber, 27, has never had a "real job". Gerber never needed one because, without a business school background or venture capital, he built several successful businesses including Gerber Enterprises, a US entrepreneurial incubator and venture management company.
Read more here:
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/burn-your-resume-secrets-to-avoiding--a-real-job-20110209-1amc0.html
Thursday, February 24
10 tips to consider before starting up a new business
Extract . . .
Here are some tips from the Bytestart team for anyone who is thinking about setting up a new business.
Read more here:
http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/24/24_6/starting-up-a-new-business-tips.shtml
Here are some tips from the Bytestart team for anyone who is thinking about setting up a new business.
Read more here:
http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/24/24_6/starting-up-a-new-business-tips.shtml
Apple demands 30% slice of subscriptions
Extract . . .
Apple is dictating tougher terms of commerce on its wildly successful mobile devices, demanding a 30 per cent cut of all subscriber content sold directly through its iPads and iPhones. The new rules, which apply internationally, say that if publishers offer digital subscriptions they must make the same offer through the App Store. Publishers can still offer subscriptions through their own websites, but cannot link to the website from their app.
Read more here:
http://bit.ly/hNcJ8o
Apple is dictating tougher terms of commerce on its wildly successful mobile devices, demanding a 30 per cent cut of all subscriber content sold directly through its iPads and iPhones. The new rules, which apply internationally, say that if publishers offer digital subscriptions they must make the same offer through the App Store. Publishers can still offer subscriptions through their own websites, but cannot link to the website from their app.
Read more here:
http://bit.ly/hNcJ8o
Mobile World Congress 2011
Extract . . .
The mobile industry’s annual gathering in Barcelona is both an exhibition of the latest wireless technologies and a talking shop for the major players from the communications world
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/c5031bde-3382-11e0-a388-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=traffic/email/regsnl//memmkt/
The mobile industry’s annual gathering in Barcelona is both an exhibition of the latest wireless technologies and a talking shop for the major players from the communications world
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/c5031bde-3382-11e0-a388-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=traffic/email/regsnl//memmkt/
Help at hand for nervous exporters
Extract . . .
A new survey shows SMEs are still wary of overseas trading. Could measures published by the Government last week help them?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055019/help-hand-nervous-exporters/
A new survey shows SMEs are still wary of overseas trading. Could measures published by the Government last week help them?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1055019/help-hand-nervous-exporters/
Inflation: what you need to know
Extract . . .
The pound's weakness in recent years coupled with surging commodity prices have driven inflation higher. The VAT increase to 20%, from 17.5%, in January is another factor. "But even after making reasonable assumptions about these influences, inflation has remained elevated and hard to explain," said Allan Monks at JP Morgan.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/15/inflation-q-and-a
The pound's weakness in recent years coupled with surging commodity prices have driven inflation higher. The VAT increase to 20%, from 17.5%, in January is another factor. "But even after making reasonable assumptions about these influences, inflation has remained elevated and hard to explain," said Allan Monks at JP Morgan.
Read more here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/feb/15/inflation-q-and-a
ATAs: the best apprenticeship scheme you may never have heard of
Extract . . .
It's potentially a cheap and hassle-free way for SMEs to take on apprentices. So why isn't the Government doing more to promote Apprenticeship Training Agencies?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1054873/atas-best-apprenticeship-scheme-may-heard-of/
It's potentially a cheap and hassle-free way for SMEs to take on apprentices. So why isn't the Government doing more to promote Apprenticeship Training Agencies?
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1054873/atas-best-apprenticeship-scheme-may-heard-of/
Wednesday, February 23
Not content with 500 million users online, here comes the first Facebook phone
Extract . . .
First a website that Mark Zuckerberg created for Harvard students in 2004 became a giant social networking site with over 500 million active users.
Then the story of its creation inspired an internationally acclaimed film, The Social Network. Now a mobile phone manufacturer is set to launch the first 'Facebook phone'. INQ Mobile today revealed two new Android smartphones for the UK market that are designed expressly for 18-28 year old Facebook users: the INQ Cloud Touch and the INQ Cloud Q.
Read more here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1355690/Not-content-500-million-users-online-comes-Facebook-phone.html
First a website that Mark Zuckerberg created for Harvard students in 2004 became a giant social networking site with over 500 million active users.
Then the story of its creation inspired an internationally acclaimed film, The Social Network. Now a mobile phone manufacturer is set to launch the first 'Facebook phone'. INQ Mobile today revealed two new Android smartphones for the UK market that are designed expressly for 18-28 year old Facebook users: the INQ Cloud Touch and the INQ Cloud Q.
Read more here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1355690/Not-content-500-million-users-online-comes-Facebook-phone.html
Manufacturing ‘underestimated’, says Green
Extract . . .
Most people in the UK “grossly underestimate” the value to the economy of manufacturing, according to Lord Green, the new trade minister.
“If you ask people at a dinner party the number of vehicles that the UK makes a year, they are likely to say it’s about 100,000 when in reality it’s almost 15 times bigger,” says the former HSBC chairman, who took up his government job last month.
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/480e86fe-37a1-11e0-b91a-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&ftcamp=crm/email/2011214/nbe/UKBusiness/product#axzz1E2yQVBn8
Most people in the UK “grossly underestimate” the value to the economy of manufacturing, according to Lord Green, the new trade minister.
“If you ask people at a dinner party the number of vehicles that the UK makes a year, they are likely to say it’s about 100,000 when in reality it’s almost 15 times bigger,” says the former HSBC chairman, who took up his government job last month.
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/480e86fe-37a1-11e0-b91a-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&ftcamp=crm/email/2011214/nbe/UKBusiness/product#axzz1E2yQVBn8
Welcome to the information age – 174 newspapers a day
Extract . . .
If you think that you are suffering from information overload then you may be right – a new study shows everyone is bombarded by the equivalent of 174 newspapers of data a day.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8316534/Welcome-to-the-information-age-174-newspapers-a-day.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d54ed1f9992e118%2C0
If you think that you are suffering from information overload then you may be right – a new study shows everyone is bombarded by the equivalent of 174 newspapers of data a day.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/8316534/Welcome-to-the-information-age-174-newspapers-a-day.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d54ed1f9992e118%2C0
Internet advertising to face stricter regulation
Extract . . .
Until now, The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has only been able to monitor traditional advertising found on billboards, in newspapers or on television.
But from March 1, its powers will extend to regulating commercial websites and businesses who promote their products using social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/8320228/Internet-advertising-to-face-stricter-regulation.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d5683d1ae76d1aa%2C0
Until now, The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has only been able to monitor traditional advertising found on billboards, in newspapers or on television.
But from March 1, its powers will extend to regulating commercial websites and businesses who promote their products using social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/internet/8320228/Internet-advertising-to-face-stricter-regulation.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d5683d1ae76d1aa%2C0
MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: How to win contracts
Extract . . .
Mouth-watering contracts needn't be out of reach of SMEs. It's just a case of planning, learning and having the right attitude, says bid consultant Emma Jaques...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053297/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-win-contracts/
Mouth-watering contracts needn't be out of reach of SMEs. It's just a case of planning, learning and having the right attitude, says bid consultant Emma Jaques...
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053297/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-win-contracts/
Is the Big Society Bank a small-state bank?
Extract . . .
The government's new 66-page strategy document for its Big Society Bank and growing the so-called "social investment market", which has been published today, raises almost as many questions as it answers.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2011/02/is_the_big_society_bank_a_smal.html
The government's new 66-page strategy document for its Big Society Bank and growing the so-called "social investment market", which has been published today, raises almost as many questions as it answers.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2011/02/is_the_big_society_bank_a_smal.html
Tuesday, February 22
Are employees a firm's best assets?
Extract . . .
Every chief executive likes to say the company's employees are its "most valuable asset". But is that ever more than empty slogan?
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/stephanieflanders/2011/02/the_bottom_line.html
Every chief executive likes to say the company's employees are its "most valuable asset". But is that ever more than empty slogan?
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/stephanieflanders/2011/02/the_bottom_line.html
Bank bonuses 'offensive' says Vince Cable
Extract . . .
"Enormous" bank bonuses expected to be announced in the next few weeks are "offensive", Business Secretary Vince Cable has said.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12443011
"Enormous" bank bonuses expected to be announced in the next few weeks are "offensive", Business Secretary Vince Cable has said.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12443011
Sharp rise in job losses forecast by survey
Extract . . .
Redundancies are set to rise sharply in the next few months as public sector cuts bite, a survey has suggested.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12445050
Redundancies are set to rise sharply in the next few months as public sector cuts bite, a survey has suggested.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12445050
China is world's second economy
Extract . . .
China overtakes Japan as the world's second-biggest economy, with analysts predicting it will keep moving towards the top spot.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12427321
China overtakes Japan as the world's second-biggest economy, with analysts predicting it will keep moving towards the top spot.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12427321
Beware harassment heartbreak this Valentine's, employers told
Extract . . .
Employers could face Valentine's Day heartbreak if they allow smitten staff to shower fellow workers with cards, flowers or compliments, an expert has warned.
Peter Mooney of consultant ELAS claimed the most romantic day of the year can be a "minefield" for both businesses and workers, as expressions of affection could lead to claims of sexual harassment if they cause offence to the recipient.
Read more here:
http://www.enforbusiness.com/news/beware-harassment-heartbreak-valentines-employers-told-20114981
Employers could face Valentine's Day heartbreak if they allow smitten staff to shower fellow workers with cards, flowers or compliments, an expert has warned.
Peter Mooney of consultant ELAS claimed the most romantic day of the year can be a "minefield" for both businesses and workers, as expressions of affection could lead to claims of sexual harassment if they cause offence to the recipient.
Read more here:
http://www.enforbusiness.com/news/beware-harassment-heartbreak-valentines-employers-told-20114981
10 Tips for Working Trade Shows
Extract . . .
Aren't trade shows supposed to be dead? More than a decade ago, with the rise of the Internet, many predicted trade shows would go the way of the dodo.
But instead, they've flourished. I think people long for personal contact more than ever in our era of Webinars, video calling, and instant messages. Also, the more global business becomes, the more convenient it is to meet everyone at a trade show
Read more here:
http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2011/02/10-tips-for-working-trade-shows.php
Aren't trade shows supposed to be dead? More than a decade ago, with the rise of the Internet, many predicted trade shows would go the way of the dodo.
But instead, they've flourished. I think people long for personal contact more than ever in our era of Webinars, video calling, and instant messages. Also, the more global business becomes, the more convenient it is to meet everyone at a trade show
Read more here:
http://blog.entrepreneur.com/2011/02/10-tips-for-working-trade-shows.php
Monday, February 21
'Fail fast' advises LinkedIn founder and tech investor Reid Hoffman (Video Clip)
Extract . . .
Start-ups should tackle their most difficult problem first, says Reid Hoffman, "because
Internet entrepreneur Reid Hoffman has a simple summary of the complexities involved in starting your own business: "You jump off a cliff and you assemble an aeroplane on the way down."
It is dangerous but it allows you to judge whether you have the skills for it or not.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12151752
Start-ups should tackle their most difficult problem first, says Reid Hoffman, "because
Internet entrepreneur Reid Hoffman has a simple summary of the complexities involved in starting your own business: "You jump off a cliff and you assemble an aeroplane on the way down."
It is dangerous but it allows you to judge whether you have the skills for it or not.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12151752
Bank wrong to hold rates
Extract . . .
The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee has again failed to raise interest rates. It now faces a genuine problem of credibility. Inflation has reached 3.7 per cent. It will go above 4 per cent when the recent value added tax increase is included. Inflation expectations are now rising. The Bank has resolutely refused to put up rates, because it regards the causes as beyond its control. But this approach has more than run its course, and raising rates should be put off no longer.
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/02ea5e48-350f-11e0-9810-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&ftcamp=crm/email/2011210/nbe/InTodaysFT/product#axzz1Deq2TIPY
The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee has again failed to raise interest rates. It now faces a genuine problem of credibility. Inflation has reached 3.7 per cent. It will go above 4 per cent when the recent value added tax increase is included. Inflation expectations are now rising. The Bank has resolutely refused to put up rates, because it regards the causes as beyond its control. But this approach has more than run its course, and raising rates should be put off no longer.
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/02ea5e48-350f-11e0-9810-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&ftcamp=crm/email/2011210/nbe/InTodaysFT/product#axzz1Deq2TIPY
Employee tech toys pose challenges
Extract . . .
If anyone still doubts the influence of readily available and powerful consumer-electronics products on the professional data processing market, they need only look at the latest offering from Research in Motion (RIM), makers of the BlackBerry range of “smart” mobile phones.
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/13e8cc64-3566-11e0-aa6c-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=9a36c1aa-3016-11da-ba9f-00000e2511c8.html?ftcamp=crm/email/2011211/nbe/InformationTechnology/product#axzz1Deq2TIPY
If anyone still doubts the influence of readily available and powerful consumer-electronics products on the professional data processing market, they need only look at the latest offering from Research in Motion (RIM), makers of the BlackBerry range of “smart” mobile phones.
Read more here:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/13e8cc64-3566-11e0-aa6c-00144feabdc0,dwp_uuid=9a36c1aa-3016-11da-ba9f-00000e2511c8.html?ftcamp=crm/email/2011211/nbe/InformationTechnology/product#axzz1Deq2TIPY
Exporters call for more supporters as trade deficit widens
Extract . . .
New figures from the ONS have shown the trade deficit has widened to its highest level since 2005 - although the reasons behind it aren't entirely straightforward.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1054059/exporters-call-supporters-trade-deficit-widens/
New figures from the ONS have shown the trade deficit has widened to its highest level since 2005 - although the reasons behind it aren't entirely straightforward.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1054059/exporters-call-supporters-trade-deficit-widens/
Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 web browser goes live
Extract . . .
Microsoft has said the latest version of its internet explorer web browser puts it ahead of competitors like Google and Firefox.
The software giant, which is losing market share, made the bold claim as it unveiled what is known as the release candidate of IE9.
This is the final test drive for the new browser - a chance to catch any last-minute bugs before its debut.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12424407
Microsoft has said the latest version of its internet explorer web browser puts it ahead of competitors like Google and Firefox.
The software giant, which is losing market share, made the bold claim as it unveiled what is known as the release candidate of IE9.
This is the final test drive for the new browser - a chance to catch any last-minute bugs before its debut.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12424407
Friday, February 18
Risky business: entrepreneurs forced to rely on flaky funding
Extract . . .
A survey of SMEs has found that nearly half use credit cards or overdrafts to fund their business. Well, beggars can't be choosers.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1054392/risky-business-entrepreneurs-forced-rely-flaky-funding/
A survey of SMEs has found that nearly half use credit cards or overdrafts to fund their business. Well, beggars can't be choosers.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1054392/risky-business-entrepreneurs-forced-rely-flaky-funding/
10 office gadgets that won't survive
Extract . . .
Memory sticks, desk phones and calculators are some of the office gadgets destined to go the way of the typewriter, Tipp-ex 'liquid paper' and floppy discs, according to a leading retailer. An analysis of sales of office equipment has discovered that some items, until recently considered cutting edge, are quickly falling from favour. Perhaps the biggest surprise is a fall in sales of memory sticks and compact discs, the two items that head the list of "endangered office gadgets" compiled by Pixmania-Pro, the office equipment retailer owned by the Dixons group.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8316191/10-office-gadgets-that-wont-survive.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d54ecbe5c3d1281%2C0
Memory sticks, desk phones and calculators are some of the office gadgets destined to go the way of the typewriter, Tipp-ex 'liquid paper' and floppy discs, according to a leading retailer. An analysis of sales of office equipment has discovered that some items, until recently considered cutting edge, are quickly falling from favour. Perhaps the biggest surprise is a fall in sales of memory sticks and compact discs, the two items that head the list of "endangered office gadgets" compiled by Pixmania-Pro, the office equipment retailer owned by the Dixons group.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8316191/10-office-gadgets-that-wont-survive.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d54ecbe5c3d1281%2C0
Business.co.uk launches as support website
Extract . . .
Small businesses and start ups are being targeted by the latest venture from serial entrepreneur Nick Ogden.
The Business.co.uk domain name, one of the first domains created in the UK, is being relaunched as a not-for-profit start-up business support site with discounted deals from companies like BT, NatWest and AXA Insurance.
Serial internet entrepreneur Nick Ogden, 55, has owned the domain name since 1994 but only decided to launch the business support site two weeks ago.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8272268/Business.co.uk-launches-as-support-website.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4958a430da256d%2C0
Small businesses and start ups are being targeted by the latest venture from serial entrepreneur Nick Ogden.
The Business.co.uk domain name, one of the first domains created in the UK, is being relaunched as a not-for-profit start-up business support site with discounted deals from companies like BT, NatWest and AXA Insurance.
Serial internet entrepreneur Nick Ogden, 55, has owned the domain name since 1994 but only decided to launch the business support site two weeks ago.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8272268/Business.co.uk-launches-as-support-website.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4958a430da256d%2C0
Export help for small businesses unveiled
Extract . . .
Measures to encourage smaller companies to export more have been unveiled by Business Secretary Vince Cable, as figures showed a widening in the UK's trade deficit in goods and services.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12403026
Measures to encourage smaller companies to export more have been unveiled by Business Secretary Vince Cable, as figures showed a widening in the UK's trade deficit in goods and services.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12403026
'Not enough' landline competition
Extract . . .
Ofcom has not done enough to increase competition among landline providers and to make switching providers easier, a report concludes.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12413177
Ofcom has not done enough to increase competition among landline providers and to make switching providers easier, a report concludes.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12413177
UK interest rates set to be held
Extract . . .
UK interest rates are expected to be held at 0.5% later, after the latest meeting of the Bank of England's rate-setters.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12413773
UK interest rates are expected to be held at 0.5% later, after the latest meeting of the Bank of England's rate-setters.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12413773
Thursday, February 17
The fine art of business
Extract . . .
Combining art with business brings a world of highs and lows, something art gallery owner Melissa Loughnan knows only too well. Loughnan says her gallery, Utopian Slumps, exemplifies the "utopian ideals of an artist and the slumps of reality… it's hard to be an artist, it's hard to pay the bills, and sometimes you have an idea you can't quite execute”.
Read more here:
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/growing/the-fine-art-of-business-20110210-1ao8d.html
Combining art with business brings a world of highs and lows, something art gallery owner Melissa Loughnan knows only too well. Loughnan says her gallery, Utopian Slumps, exemplifies the "utopian ideals of an artist and the slumps of reality… it's hard to be an artist, it's hard to pay the bills, and sometimes you have an idea you can't quite execute”.
Read more here:
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/growing/the-fine-art-of-business-20110210-1ao8d.html
The role of the marketing manager
Extract . . .
For the small business, there are several different organisational approaches to marketing. The duty may lie with a single member of the team, or it could be a group responsibility. The great thing about a small team is the ability to quickly instill a marketing led ethos which can become the operational soul of your business.
Read more here:
http://www.marketing-made-simple.com/articles/marketing-manager-role.htm
For the small business, there are several different organisational approaches to marketing. The duty may lie with a single member of the team, or it could be a group responsibility. The great thing about a small team is the ability to quickly instill a marketing led ethos which can become the operational soul of your business.
Read more here:
http://www.marketing-made-simple.com/articles/marketing-manager-role.htm
Tablets, Compared
Extract . . .
2010 was supposed to be the Year of the Tablet. That did not really happen — the flood of product was reduced to a trickle, as many manufacturers awaited a more tablet-friendly operating system from Google. So, once more, with feeling: 2011 will be the Year of the Tablet. Several new models have either been released, or are in a very advanced state of preview. This interactive guide can help sort through the latest offerings. Use the checkbox at the top of each listing to select it for comparison. And check back frequently — this page will be updated as new information or models are released.
Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/technology/personaltech/2010-tablet-computer-comparison.html?ref=technology
2010 was supposed to be the Year of the Tablet. That did not really happen — the flood of product was reduced to a trickle, as many manufacturers awaited a more tablet-friendly operating system from Google. So, once more, with feeling: 2011 will be the Year of the Tablet. Several new models have either been released, or are in a very advanced state of preview. This interactive guide can help sort through the latest offerings. Use the checkbox at the top of each listing to select it for comparison. And check back frequently — this page will be updated as new information or models are released.
Read more here:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/technology/personaltech/2010-tablet-computer-comparison.html?ref=technology
Apprentices can help you win business
Extract . . .
Apprenticeships make business sense argues Jones Bros, a family-owned civil engineering firm based in Ruthin, North Wales. The company has just opened its new training centre and has seven apprentices on its books – six trainee plant operators and one civil engineer. “We definitely see a huge value in running something like this,” says Ruth Jones, 27, who works in the business with her father Huw and sister Helen.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8311301/Apprentices-can-help-you-win-business.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d516be4706137af%2C0
Apprenticeships make business sense argues Jones Bros, a family-owned civil engineering firm based in Ruthin, North Wales. The company has just opened its new training centre and has seven apprentices on its books – six trainee plant operators and one civil engineer. “We definitely see a huge value in running something like this,” says Ruth Jones, 27, who works in the business with her father Huw and sister Helen.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8311301/Apprentices-can-help-you-win-business.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d516be4706137af%2C0
Exporters call for more supporters as trade deficit widens
Extract . . .
New figures from the ONS have shown the trade deficit has widened to its highest level since 2005 - although the reasons behind it aren't entirely straightforward.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1054059/exporters-call-supporters-trade-deficit-widens/
New figures from the ONS have shown the trade deficit has widened to its highest level since 2005 - although the reasons behind it aren't entirely straightforward.
Read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1054059/exporters-call-supporters-trade-deficit-widens/
What do I like about my bank? Nothing, say 10m customers
Extract . . .
More than 10m bank customers cannot find a single reason to recommend their bank to someone else, research indicates.
Two in five of the population are dissatisfied or indifferent towards their current bank, a survey for Triodos Bank found.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/banking/8314360/What-do-I-like-about-my-bank-Nothing-say-10m-customers.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d539bee306eedbe%2C0
More than 10m bank customers cannot find a single reason to recommend their bank to someone else, research indicates.
Two in five of the population are dissatisfied or indifferent towards their current bank, a survey for Triodos Bank found.
Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/banking/8314360/What-do-I-like-about-my-bank-Nothing-say-10m-customers.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d539bee306eedbe%2C0
Wednesday, February 16
January retail sales boost - but is it a false dawn?
Extract . . .
On the face of it, today's news from the British Retail Consortium was good: a 2.3% rise in year-on-year like-for-like sales in January, the biggest jump in nine months. Another sign that the UK economy is bouncing back after December's snow woes? Well, not necessarily
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053671/january-retail-sales-boost-false-dawn/
On the face of it, today's news from the British Retail Consortium was good: a 2.3% rise in year-on-year like-for-like sales in January, the biggest jump in nine months. Another sign that the UK economy is bouncing back after December's snow woes? Well, not necessarily
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053671/january-retail-sales-boost-false-dawn/
Big fines for small businesses
Extract . . .
The majority of SMEs are unaware of crippling new fines set to come into force for breaches of the Data Protection Act. In a poll of 154 small businesses from Eclipse Internet, 62 per cent admit they are unaware of the new maximum fine of £500,000 for flouting laws safeguarding consumers’ privac.
Read more here
http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/legal-advice/news/1201358/big-fines-for-small-businesses.thtml
The majority of SMEs are unaware of crippling new fines set to come into force for breaches of the Data Protection Act. In a poll of 154 small businesses from Eclipse Internet, 62 per cent admit they are unaware of the new maximum fine of £500,000 for flouting laws safeguarding consumers’ privac.
Read more here
http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/legal-advice/news/1201358/big-fines-for-small-businesses.thtml
31 minutes at office before we start working
Extract . . .
Millions of office workers may be arriving at their desks earlier than ever to impress their bosses during these tough economic times, but it would appear most are not actually doing any work.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8304062/31-minutes-at-office-before-we-start-working.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4c473020224097%2C0
Millions of office workers may be arriving at their desks earlier than ever to impress their bosses during these tough economic times, but it would appear most are not actually doing any work.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/8304062/31-minutes-at-office-before-we-start-working.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4c473020224097%2C0
Europe's virus victims revealed
Extract . . .
Almost one third of internet users in the European Union caught a PC virus despite the majority having security software installed, statistics show.
Viruses were most prevalent in Bulgaria and Hungary, the survey of 30 countries reveals. The 2010 figures, released by the EU's statistics office to mark Internet Safety Day, show the safest countries were Austria and Ireland.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12390650
Almost one third of internet users in the European Union caught a PC virus despite the majority having security software installed, statistics show.
Viruses were most prevalent in Bulgaria and Hungary, the survey of 30 countries reveals. The 2010 figures, released by the EU's statistics office to mark Internet Safety Day, show the safest countries were Austria and Ireland.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12390650
Max Levchin (includes video clip)
Extract . . .
Serial entrepreneur Max Levchin says it's better to work with someone you know and trust than to go it alone Max Levchin is the co-founder of the e-commerce company PayPal, which was bought by internet auction giant eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10323146
Serial entrepreneur Max Levchin says it's better to work with someone you know and trust than to go it alone Max Levchin is the co-founder of the e-commerce company PayPal, which was bought by internet auction giant eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10323146
Dragons' Den hits and misses - in pictures
Extract . . .
From hot sauce to hot wheels for kids, here are some successes from the eight series of Dragons' Den, plus a few the Dragons failed to spot.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8304116/Dragons-Den-hits-and-misses-in-pictures.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4d811dd0ccd2d3%2C0
From hot sauce to hot wheels for kids, here are some successes from the eight series of Dragons' Den, plus a few the Dragons failed to spot.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8304116/Dragons-Den-hits-and-misses-in-pictures.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4d811dd0ccd2d3%2C0
Tuesday, February 15
MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Getting the most from an apprentice scheme
Extract . . .
As we go into National Apprenticeship Week, here are ten great ways to ensure your own scheme is best-in-class.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053342/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-getting-apprentice-scheme/
As we go into National Apprenticeship Week, here are ten great ways to ensure your own scheme is best-in-class.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053342/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-getting-apprentice-scheme/
Banks' property loans still on shaky foundations
Extract . . .
An alarming report in today's Times: apparently a new Bank of England report on the UK commercial property market suggests that owners and developers are in breach of their covenants on four out of every five loans taken out, because of the fall in rental incomes. Since the industry as a whole is in hock to the tune of £243bn - £150bn of which comes from UK banks and building societies - that's an awful lot of money potentially at risk. Particularly since there's a good chance of a vicious circle developing.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053481/banks-property-loans-shaky-foundations/
An alarming report in today's Times: apparently a new Bank of England report on the UK commercial property market suggests that owners and developers are in breach of their covenants on four out of every five loans taken out, because of the fall in rental incomes. Since the industry as a whole is in hock to the tune of £243bn - £150bn of which comes from UK banks and building societies - that's an awful lot of money potentially at risk. Particularly since there's a good chance of a vicious circle developing.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053481/banks-property-loans-shaky-foundations/
Entrepreneurs Hold Key To Economic Growth
Extract . . .
Britain's return to economic strength lies in the hands of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and their "start-ups", some of the UK's leading businessmen and women have said.
Read more here
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Entrepreneurs-Will-Be-Key-To-Success-And-Economic-Growth-Say-UKs-Leading-Business-People/Article/201102115923236?lpos=Business_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15923236_Entrepreneurs_Will_Be_Key_To_Success_And_Economic_Growth%2C_Say_UKs_Leading_Business_People
Britain's return to economic strength lies in the hands of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and their "start-ups", some of the UK's leading businessmen and women have said.
Read more here
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Entrepreneurs-Will-Be-Key-To-Success-And-Economic-Growth-Say-UKs-Leading-Business-People/Article/201102115923236?lpos=Business_First_Home_Article_Teaser_Region_2&lid=ARTICLE_15923236_Entrepreneurs_Will_Be_Key_To_Success_And_Economic_Growth%2C_Say_UKs_Leading_Business_People
Google's Eric Schmidt predicts the future of computing - and he plans to be involved
Extract . . .
Eric Schmidt explains the changes at the top of Google and his vision of what the world of computing will look like in 50 years’ time.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8303847/Googles-Eric-Schmidt-predicts-the-future-of-computing-and-he-plans-to-be-involved.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4e75a980d68fb7%2C0
Eric Schmidt explains the changes at the top of Google and his vision of what the world of computing will look like in 50 years’ time.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/google/8303847/Googles-Eric-Schmidt-predicts-the-future-of-computing-and-he-plans-to-be-involved.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4e75a980d68fb7%2C0
Staying innovative after being left for dead
Extract . . .
How do the giants of tech stay creative?
Behind Ralf Herbrich's desk is a row of wooden plaques - one for each of the patents he has won for Microsoft. They seem like a lot - until you see a pyramid of marble cubes on the window sill for even more patents. Those are awarded internally by Microsoft, as it takes a long time for the plaques to come from the US Patents Office. Among the patents awarded to this enthusiastic researcher from the former East Germany is one for "Bayesian modelling," which was used in a driving game for the XBox games console.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12252599
How do the giants of tech stay creative?
Behind Ralf Herbrich's desk is a row of wooden plaques - one for each of the patents he has won for Microsoft. They seem like a lot - until you see a pyramid of marble cubes on the window sill for even more patents. Those are awarded internally by Microsoft, as it takes a long time for the plaques to come from the US Patents Office. Among the patents awarded to this enthusiastic researcher from the former East Germany is one for "Bayesian modelling," which was used in a driving game for the XBox games console.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12252599
20% of Brits fear the elbow
Extract . . .
One in five UK workers are fearful for their jobs. Is that with good reason?
This grim picture of insecurity comes from quarterly research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which surveyed 2,000 British workers and found that a fifth had the collywobbles about their futures. That figure rises to a third among those in the public sector.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1053227/20-brits-fear-elbow/
One in five UK workers are fearful for their jobs. Is that with good reason?
This grim picture of insecurity comes from quarterly research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, which surveyed 2,000 British workers and found that a fifth had the collywobbles about their futures. That figure rises to a third among those in the public sector.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1053227/20-brits-fear-elbow/
Monday, February 14
Headache for small firms as debtor days hit three-year high
Extract . . .
Companies took longer to pay their bills in Q4 2010 than at any time since 2007 - and big firms are still by far the worst offenders.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1053183/headache-small-firms-debtor-days-hit-three-year-high/
Companies took longer to pay their bills in Q4 2010 than at any time since 2007 - and big firms are still by far the worst offenders.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1053183/headache-small-firms-debtor-days-hit-three-year-high/
Cyber attacks: from Facebook to nuclear weapons
Extract . . .
From social networking sites to secret nuclear facilities, cyber attacks are set to become part of everyday life in the 21st Century. World leaders are facing calls to amend the Geneva and Hague conventions to draw up “rules of engagement” for “cyber war”. Here are some of main types of cyber attack:
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/digital-media/8302688/Cyber-attacks-from-Facebook-to-nuclear-weapons.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4bc22f383b77cd%2C0
From social networking sites to secret nuclear facilities, cyber attacks are set to become part of everyday life in the 21st Century. World leaders are facing calls to amend the Geneva and Hague conventions to draw up “rules of engagement” for “cyber war”. Here are some of main types of cyber attack:
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/digital-media/8302688/Cyber-attacks-from-Facebook-to-nuclear-weapons.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d4bc22f383b77cd%2C0
MT Special: The trouble with celebrity entrepreneurs
Extract . . .
In this guest column, Milo Yiannopoulos argues that young entrepreneurs need better role models than self-promoting TV celebs . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053169/mt-special-trouble-celebrity-entrepreneurs/
In this guest column, Milo Yiannopoulos argues that young entrepreneurs need better role models than self-promoting TV celebs . . .
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1053169/mt-special-trouble-celebrity-entrepreneurs/
When is travel considered 'essential'?
Extract . . .
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised to holidaymakers to avoid making unnecessary trips to parts of Egypt. But many travelers may be surprised to find out that a holiday does not fall into the category of 'non-essential travel' – not to the travel insurance industry at least.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/travel/8301561/When-is-travel-considered-essential.html
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has advised to holidaymakers to avoid making unnecessary trips to parts of Egypt. But many travelers may be surprised to find out that a holiday does not fall into the category of 'non-essential travel' – not to the travel insurance industry at least.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/travel/8301561/When-is-travel-considered-essential.html
Home Away From Home
Extract . . .
Everybody knows the importance of making a positive first impression, but if you assume prospective customers first encounter your website through its homepage, think again. Natural search results drive users to individual pages that best match each user's search query, and often that page is not your site's homepage.
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217899
Everybody knows the importance of making a positive first impression, but if you assume prospective customers first encounter your website through its homepage, think again. Natural search results drive users to individual pages that best match each user's search query, and often that page is not your site's homepage.
Read more here
http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217899
Board stiffs?
Extract . . .
Non-execs used mostly to be retired accountants who’d doze off at board meetings and wake up for the annual company dinner. Things are changing, as EN discovers.
Read more here
http://www.enforbusiness.com/feature/board-stiffs
Non-execs used mostly to be retired accountants who’d doze off at board meetings and wake up for the annual company dinner. Things are changing, as EN discovers.
Read more here
http://www.enforbusiness.com/feature/board-stiffs
Friday, February 11
Staying innovative after being left for dead
Extract . . .
Behind Ralf Herbrich's desk is a row of wooden plaques - one for each of the patents he has won for Microsoft.
They seem like a lot - until you see a pyramid of marble cubes on the window sill for even more patents.
Those are awarded internally by Microsoft, as it takes a long time for the plaques to come from the US Patents Office. Among the patents awarded to this enthusiastic researcher from the former East Germany is one for "Bayesian modelling," which was used in a driving game for the XBox games console.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12252599
Behind Ralf Herbrich's desk is a row of wooden plaques - one for each of the patents he has won for Microsoft.
They seem like a lot - until you see a pyramid of marble cubes on the window sill for even more patents.
Those are awarded internally by Microsoft, as it takes a long time for the plaques to come from the US Patents Office. Among the patents awarded to this enthusiastic researcher from the former East Germany is one for "Bayesian modelling," which was used in a driving game for the XBox games console.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12252599
Will shoppers be enticed by new ways of paying?
Extract . . .
Turning smartphones into payment devices, using Near Field Communication (NFC) chips containing personal data, is being touted as the next big thing by both retailers and phone manufacturers.
The promise to consumers is simple: faster and easier payments using only your phone, without the need to carry credit cards, loyalty cards, paper vouchers or cash.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12310810
Turning smartphones into payment devices, using Near Field Communication (NFC) chips containing personal data, is being touted as the next big thing by both retailers and phone manufacturers.
The promise to consumers is simple: faster and easier payments using only your phone, without the need to carry credit cards, loyalty cards, paper vouchers or cash.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12310810
UK manufacturing growth at fastest since records began
Extract . . .
UK manufacturing in January expanded at its fastest pace since records began in 1992, according to a survey by
the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12333749
UK manufacturing in January expanded at its fastest pace since records began in 1992, according to a survey by
the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12333749
Why don't Brits rule the corporate world?
Extract . . .
Vodafone in its modern, multinational form was to a large extent created by Sir Chris Gent, an ambitious Brit who went on a takeover spree around a decade ago.
Whether or not that takeover spree was good for shareholders or for the UK is an argument for another day.
Gerard Kleisterlee
But it is striking that with the appointment today of Gerard Kleisterlee as its chairman, Vodafone - the UK's second biggest company - is now chaired by a Dutchman and run by an Italian, Vittorio Colao.
For the UK's biggest multinational companies, it is now a clear trend for Brits to be in the minority in the most senior positions.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2011/02/why_dont_brits_rule_the_corpor.html
Vodafone in its modern, multinational form was to a large extent created by Sir Chris Gent, an ambitious Brit who went on a takeover spree around a decade ago.
Whether or not that takeover spree was good for shareholders or for the UK is an argument for another day.
Gerard Kleisterlee
But it is striking that with the appointment today of Gerard Kleisterlee as its chairman, Vodafone - the UK's second biggest company - is now chaired by a Dutchman and run by an Italian, Vittorio Colao.
For the UK's biggest multinational companies, it is now a clear trend for Brits to be in the minority in the most senior positions.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/robertpeston/2011/02/why_dont_brits_rule_the_corpor.html
News Corp launches daily newspaper for iPad
Extract . . .
News Corporation's Rupert Murdoch is extending his media empire once again - this time with a digital newspaper for the iPad called the Daily.
Mr Murdoch told an audience at the Guggenheim Museum in New York that he hoped it would be an "indispensable source of news" in the tablet era.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12345686
News Corporation's Rupert Murdoch is extending his media empire once again - this time with a digital newspaper for the iPad called the Daily.
Mr Murdoch told an audience at the Guggenheim Museum in New York that he hoped it would be an "indispensable source of news" in the tablet era.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12345686
Pound rises on UK construction data
Extract . . .
The pound has risen to its highest level against the dollar in three months, buoyed by a return to growth in the construction sector in January.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12343459
The pound has risen to its highest level against the dollar in three months, buoyed by a return to growth in the construction sector in January.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12343459
Thursday, February 10
An audience with Mrs Moneypenny
Extract . . .
Financial Times readers will be familiar with Mrs Moneypenny’s popular Saturday columns. As she prepared for a trip to Cork, she spoke to Ann O’Dea about leading her own business through the UK recession.
Read more here
http://www.businessandleadership.com/business/item/27163-an-audience-with-mrs/
Financial Times readers will be familiar with Mrs Moneypenny’s popular Saturday columns. As she prepared for a trip to Cork, she spoke to Ann O’Dea about leading her own business through the UK recession.
Read more here
http://www.businessandleadership.com/business/item/27163-an-audience-with-mrs/
Are family affairs holding back women's progress?
Extract . . .
The biggest barrier to women getting senior jobs is the need to balance work and family responsibilities, according to the female respondents to a new survey. The research, ‘What Holds Women Back?’ comes courtesy of Opportunity Now, Business in the Community’s gender campaign, and asked over 850 line managers to pinpoint the barriers to women’s progress at work. It turns out the sexes disagree as to where the biggest hurdles lie.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/News/EmailIt/1052650/7E64F7A36289F706E10ABD439E712208/
The biggest barrier to women getting senior jobs is the need to balance work and family responsibilities, according to the female respondents to a new survey. The research, ‘What Holds Women Back?’ comes courtesy of Opportunity Now, Business in the Community’s gender campaign, and asked over 850 line managers to pinpoint the barriers to women’s progress at work. It turns out the sexes disagree as to where the biggest hurdles lie.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/News/EmailIt/1052650/7E64F7A36289F706E10ABD439E712208/
How to get 10/10 on your credit rating
Extract . . .
Getting credit or a loan at a manageable rate of interest is tough with lenders fussy about which customers they want. In times like these, it's vital to make sure your credit record is as unblemished as possible. So here are 10 ways to improve your financial standing, which could mean the difference between getting the best deal on offer and a poorer one - or not being granted credit at all.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/8278762/How-to-get-1010-on-your-credit-rating.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3da187f487a34c%2C0
Getting credit or a loan at a manageable rate of interest is tough with lenders fussy about which customers they want. In times like these, it's vital to make sure your credit record is as unblemished as possible. So here are 10 ways to improve your financial standing, which could mean the difference between getting the best deal on offer and a poorer one - or not being granted credit at all.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/borrowing/8278762/How-to-get-1010-on-your-credit-rating.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3da187f487a34c%2C0
Google: The search engine that lost its way
Extract . . .
It looks as clean and simple as it always has: the little white letterbox into which we type our search queries and begin our light-speed journeys across the world wide web. Behind the unchanging facade, however, Google's
engineers are engaged in a frantic, never-ending battle to make sure that the search results we get are the ones we expect.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/google-the-search-engine-that-lost-its-way- 2194442.html
It looks as clean and simple as it always has: the little white letterbox into which we type our search queries and begin our light-speed journeys across the world wide web. Behind the unchanging facade, however, Google's
engineers are engaged in a frantic, never-ending battle to make sure that the search results we get are the ones we expect.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/google-the-search-engine-that-lost-its-way- 2194442.html
Sage launches online accounting for small businesses
Extract . . .
Accounting software giant Sage has made a new foray into monthly subscription, web-based services for new businesses and sole traders Sage, the small business accounting software supplier, is targeting sole traders and start-ups with a hosted software package sold on a monthly subscription.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8267724/Sage-launches-online-accounting-for-small-businesses.html
Accounting software giant Sage has made a new foray into monthly subscription, web-based services for new businesses and sole traders Sage, the small business accounting software supplier, is targeting sole traders and start-ups with a hosted software package sold on a monthly subscription.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8267724/Sage-launches-online-accounting-for-small-businesses.html
Student entrepreneurship 'matures'
Extract . . .
Student entrepreneurship will receive a boost this week when a grassroots university network relaunches as a charity and the Government opens the door to possible public funding. The National Consortium of University
Entrepreneurs (NACUE), a network of 70 student-led enterprise societies with over 40,000 members, has ambitious plans to expand further. On Wednesday it will unveil its new charitable status and the private sector sponsors that have pledged financial resource to help its cause.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8279664/Student-entrepreneurship-matures.html
Student entrepreneurship will receive a boost this week when a grassroots university network relaunches as a charity and the Government opens the door to possible public funding. The National Consortium of University
Entrepreneurs (NACUE), a network of 70 student-led enterprise societies with over 40,000 members, has ambitious plans to expand further. On Wednesday it will unveil its new charitable status and the private sector sponsors that have pledged financial resource to help its cause.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8279664/Student-entrepreneurship-matures.html
Wednesday, February 9
Title UK manufacturing firing on all cylinders
Extract . . .
Our manufacturing activity is growing at the fastest rate since records began. Nice to have some positive news for once... The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply has just published its monthly purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector: it shows that, in January, activity expanded at the fastest rate in the survey's 19-year history.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052509/uk-manufacturing-firing-cylinders/
Our manufacturing activity is growing at the fastest rate since records began. Nice to have some positive news for once... The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply has just published its monthly purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the manufacturing sector: it shows that, in January, activity expanded at the fastest rate in the survey's 19-year history.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052509/uk-manufacturing-firing-cylinders/
Nokia at crisis point warns new boss Stephen Elop
Extract . . .
Nokia's new CEO has sent an outspoken and frank memo to his staff that suggests the phone giant is in crisis.
Stephen Elop describes the company as standing on a "burning platform" surrounded by innovative competitors who are grabbing its market share.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12403466
Nokia's new CEO has sent an outspoken and frank memo to his staff that suggests the phone giant is in crisis.
Stephen Elop describes the company as standing on a "burning platform" surrounded by innovative competitors who are grabbing its market share.
Read more here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12403466
Microsoft warning over browser security flaw
Extract . . .
Microsoft has issued a "critical" warning over a newly-discovered flaw in Windows. In a security advisory, the company warned of a loophole that could be used by malicious hackers to steal private information or hijack computers.
The bug potentially affects every user of the Internet Explorer web browser - around 900 million people worldwide.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12325139
Microsoft has issued a "critical" warning over a newly-discovered flaw in Windows. In a security advisory, the company warned of a loophole that could be used by malicious hackers to steal private information or hijack computers.
The bug potentially affects every user of the Internet Explorer web browser - around 900 million people worldwide.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12325139
Mike Lynch, Autonomy (Video)
Extract . . .
"Unless you are prepared to be obsessed... you probably won't be that successful" says Mike Lynch. In just 13 years, Mike Lynch has seen his company grow from a tiny start-up into one of the largest technology firms in the UK.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10322676
"Unless you are prepared to be obsessed... you probably won't be that successful" says Mike Lynch. In just 13 years, Mike Lynch has seen his company grow from a tiny start-up into one of the largest technology firms in the UK.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10322676
Tuesday, February 8
Revenue gets tough on late payment of tax bills
Extract . . .
HMRC has taken a tougher line on businesses wanting to pay their tax bills late, doubling the percentage of tax deferral applications that it turned down last year. The taxman rejected 5.8pc of all VAT, PAYE and Corporation tax deferral applications in 2010, up from the 2.7pc rate seen during 2009. The total number of rejections rose from 6,760 to 8,550.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8288668/Revenue-gets-tough-on-late-payment-of-tax-bills.html
HMRC has taken a tougher line on businesses wanting to pay their tax bills late, doubling the percentage of tax deferral applications that it turned down last year. The taxman rejected 5.8pc of all VAT, PAYE and Corporation tax deferral applications in 2010, up from the 2.7pc rate seen during 2009. The total number of rejections rose from 6,760 to 8,550.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8288668/Revenue-gets-tough-on-late-payment-of-tax-bills.html
Why Amazon’s Kindle is the top eReader: it’s the ecosystem
Extract . . .
Amazon now sells more ebooks, through its Kindle Book Store, than it does paperbacks. This year the company expects to sell more than 8 million Kindles, according to some estimates. For just £111, the devices offer an iPod-like combination that’s both affordable and life-changing: suddenly, books are available instantly but never off-puttingly heavy, and thanks to the keyboard you can make endless notes without the irritations of defacing a pristine page.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8288377/Why-Amazons-Kindle-is-the-top-eReader-its-the-ecosystem.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d42c49e8509d42e%2C0
Amazon now sells more ebooks, through its Kindle Book Store, than it does paperbacks. This year the company expects to sell more than 8 million Kindles, according to some estimates. For just £111, the devices offer an iPod-like combination that’s both affordable and life-changing: suddenly, books are available instantly but never off-puttingly heavy, and thanks to the keyboard you can make endless notes without the irritations of defacing a pristine page.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/8288377/Why-Amazons-Kindle-is-the-top-eReader-its-the-ecosystem.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d42c49e8509d42e%2C0
How to compete against a dominant brand
Extract . . .
You may be up against a big brand, but they don't have the monopoly on your sector, says Thomas Coles. Starting a business is a daunting prospect in any climate, particularly when the chosen market is dominated by big brand players: it can seem as though you are a very small fish in a large competitive pond.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052120/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-compete-against-dominant-brand/
You may be up against a big brand, but they don't have the monopoly on your sector, says Thomas Coles. Starting a business is a daunting prospect in any climate, particularly when the chosen market is dominated by big brand players: it can seem as though you are a very small fish in a large competitive pond.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052120/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-compete-against-dominant-brand/
MT Special: 'How to Do More with Less' Week (Includes Video clips)
Extract . . .
Our five-part video guide on how to achieve maximum results for minimum outlay starts today.
This week is 'How to Do More With Less' week on managementtoday.com – a subject which we're prepared to bet is pretty close to all our readers’ hearts just at the moment. Indeed, with the faltering recovery, yo-yo-ing consumer confidence and the prospect of higher taxes and reduced public spending ahead, we can’t think of a better time to be taking a close look at this particular topic.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052220/mt-special-how-less-week/
Our five-part video guide on how to achieve maximum results for minimum outlay starts today.
This week is 'How to Do More With Less' week on managementtoday.com – a subject which we're prepared to bet is pretty close to all our readers’ hearts just at the moment. Indeed, with the faltering recovery, yo-yo-ing consumer confidence and the prospect of higher taxes and reduced public spending ahead, we can’t think of a better time to be taking a close look at this particular topic.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052220/mt-special-how-less-week/
Monday, February 7
Understanding Digital Marketing, by Damian Ryan and Calvin Jones
Extract . . .
This is billed as a book marketers around the world have been crying out for. And if, as the authors claim, it shows people "how to use the internet successfully to sell products", that's no surprise. For any director who thinks the digital revolution is something for others to worry about, here is an alarming wake-up call.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2009/2%20Feb/books_digital_marketing_62_7.html
This is billed as a book marketers around the world have been crying out for. And if, as the authors claim, it shows people "how to use the internet successfully to sell products", that's no surprise. For any director who thinks the digital revolution is something for others to worry about, here is an alarming wake-up call.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2009/2%20Feb/books_digital_marketing_62_7.html
Fifty debt firms to go as OFT launches crackdown
Extract . . .
Britain's debt management industry was the subject of a crackdown yesterday, with 35 companies surrendering licences and a further 15 facing disciplinary action by the Office of Fair Trading.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/fifty-debt-firms-to-go-as-oft-launches-crackdown-2197815.html
Britain's debt management industry was the subject of a crackdown yesterday, with 35 companies surrendering licences and a further 15 facing disciplinary action by the Office of Fair Trading.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/fifty-debt-firms-to-go-as-oft-launches-crackdown-2197815.html
Business neglects foreign language internet
Extract . . .
British businesses must invest in multiple language websites if they want to ride the wave of non-English searches Firms are missing out on sales by failing to grasp the growth in the foreign language internet, a leading translation company has said. Fierce competition for key English language advertising search terms and natural query results means that businesses should be smarter about how they make themselves known to overseas customers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8279722/Business-neglects-foreign-language-internet.html
British businesses must invest in multiple language websites if they want to ride the wave of non-English searches Firms are missing out on sales by failing to grasp the growth in the foreign language internet, a leading translation company has said. Fierce competition for key English language advertising search terms and natural query results means that businesses should be smarter about how they make themselves known to overseas customers.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8279722/Business-neglects-foreign-language-internet.html
Small businesses: new tribunal rules don't go far enough
Extract . . .
The Government's plans to make it simpler to employ people has already provoked vociferous debate - but small businesses say the rules need to go further.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052063/small-businesses-new-tribunal-rules-dont-go-far-enough/
The Government's plans to make it simpler to employ people has already provoked vociferous debate - but small businesses say the rules need to go further.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1052063/small-businesses-new-tribunal-rules-dont-go-far-enough/
Friday, February 4
What is cloud computing and how do I use it?
Extract . . .
Cloud computing has taken the IT world by storm, quickly making its way up the list of technology buzz words -- but what does the term really mean? And how will cloud computing change the way you manage and organize your digital information in the future?
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/what-is-cloud-computing-and-how-do-i-use-it-1896368.html
Cloud computing has taken the IT world by storm, quickly making its way up the list of technology buzz words -- but what does the term really mean? And how will cloud computing change the way you manage and organize your digital information in the future?
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/what-is-cloud-computing-and-how-do-i-use-it-1896368.html
Thank you, bankers, for your kind suggestions, but go take a walk
Extract . . .
The British Bankers Association has some ideas for helping those in money troubles. Perhaps it should take a look at itself. The British Bankers Association – the trade body for banks – has published proposals that it says would help people in financial difficulties, would streamline the process of debt management and deliver a better and fairer deal for customers.
Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jan/28/british-bankers-association-proposals
The British Bankers Association has some ideas for helping those in money troubles. Perhaps it should take a look at itself. The British Bankers Association – the trade body for banks – has published proposals that it says would help people in financial difficulties, would streamline the process of debt management and deliver a better and fairer deal for customers.
Read more here
http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2011/jan/28/british-bankers-association-proposals
How words get the message across
Extract . . .
Languages are adapted to deliver information efficiently and smoothly. Longer words tend to carry more information, according to research by a team of cognitive scientists.
Read more here
http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110124/full/news.2011.40.html
Languages are adapted to deliver information efficiently and smoothly. Longer words tend to carry more information, according to research by a team of cognitive scientists.
Read more here
http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110124/full/news.2011.40.html
Stress peaks at 10am on Tuesday
Extract . . .
According to a survey of 3,000 people carried out by recruitment agency Michael Page, it’s at mid-morning on a Tuesday that the average workload becomes ‘too much’, with a combination of headlines and paperwork sending people crumbling under the pressure.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1051303/stress-peaks-10am-tuesday/
According to a survey of 3,000 people carried out by recruitment agency Michael Page, it’s at mid-morning on a Tuesday that the average workload becomes ‘too much’, with a combination of headlines and paperwork sending people crumbling under the pressure.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1051303/stress-peaks-10am-tuesday/
Thursday, February 3
Is it time you gave your bank the elbow?
Extract . . .
I never used to have a problem with my bank. After all, I banked with one of the most prestigious private banks in the world, Coutts. The centuries old Queen's bank prides itself on customer service and I once carried one of its leather wallets embossed with its three crowns logo and had one of its uniquely sized chequebooks.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/comment/paulfarrow/8269164/Is-it-time-you-gave-your-bank-the-elbow.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3707a291ed03c9%2C0
I never used to have a problem with my bank. After all, I banked with one of the most prestigious private banks in the world, Coutts. The centuries old Queen's bank prides itself on customer service and I once carried one of its leather wallets embossed with its three crowns logo and had one of its uniquely sized chequebooks.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/comment/paulfarrow/8269164/Is-it-time-you-gave-your-bank-the-elbow.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3707a291ed03c9%2C0
Mobilising resources in the handheld revolution
Extract . . .
Royal Mail partner Barcode Warehouse is hunting for new buyers for its portable devices. But which sectors should it target? When Ross Lee tells people that UK businesses are on the verge of a mobile revolution, he must have got used to them looking at him blankly; it doesn’t sound like the most prescient of statements.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8279720/Mobilising-resources-in-the-handheld-revolution.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3ea62568e18e3b%2C0
Royal Mail partner Barcode Warehouse is hunting for new buyers for its portable devices. But which sectors should it target? When Ross Lee tells people that UK businesses are on the verge of a mobile revolution, he must have got used to them looking at him blankly; it doesn’t sound like the most prescient of statements.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8279720/Mobilising-resources-in-the-handheld-revolution.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3ea62568e18e3b%2C0
Tax fraud costs the UK £15 billion a year
Extract . . .
The size of scams in rip-off Britain were revealed in a new government report, published today. Tax fraud is the highest individual public sector fraud loss area, according to the report published by The National Fraud Authority, the Government's organisation on counter-fraud activity.
Read more here
http://www.citywire.co.uk/money/tax-fraud-costs-the-uk-15-billion-a-year/a466567
The size of scams in rip-off Britain were revealed in a new government report, published today. Tax fraud is the highest individual public sector fraud loss area, according to the report published by The National Fraud Authority, the Government's organisation on counter-fraud activity.
Read more here
http://www.citywire.co.uk/money/tax-fraud-costs-the-uk-15-billion-a-year/a466567
Russian money revives Plastic Logic
Extract . . .
When Apple's hugely successful iPad burst onto the market in April last year, a pioneer in plastic electronics took a body blow. Halting the launch of its own thin, lightweight Que e-reader, the company Plastic Logic, based in Mountain View, California, seemed in dire straits. But last week, it all looked rather different.
Read more here
http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110124/full/news.2011.41.html
When Apple's hugely successful iPad burst onto the market in April last year, a pioneer in plastic electronics took a body blow. Halting the launch of its own thin, lightweight Que e-reader, the company Plastic Logic, based in Mountain View, California, seemed in dire straits. But last week, it all looked rather different.
Read more here
http://www.nature.com/news/2011/110124/full/news.2011.41.html
Wednesday, February 2
Enterprise UK to call it a day
Extract . . .
Entrepreneur Peter Jones and four leading business organisations have decided Enterprise UK is no longer viable in its current form.
Campaigning charity Enterprise UK, which runs Global Enterprise Week in the UK, is to close its doors after more than six years following the withdrawal of public funding.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8283605/Enterprise-UK-to-call-it-a-day.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d403b1d71efa412%2C0
Entrepreneur Peter Jones and four leading business organisations have decided Enterprise UK is no longer viable in its current form.
Campaigning charity Enterprise UK, which runs Global Enterprise Week in the UK, is to close its doors after more than six years following the withdrawal of public funding.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8283605/Enterprise-UK-to-call-it-a-day.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d403b1d71efa412%2C0
O2 to build free Wi-Fi network across the UK
Extract . . .
The mobile operator O2 will today launch an ambitious drive to install Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK, bringing it into conflict with broadband rivals BSkyB and BT.
The announcement of its Wi-Fi division will mark what the company calls the first "truly free, public Wi-Fi platform" in the UK, available not just to its customers, but anyone else who wants to use it.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/o2-to-build-free-wifi-network-across-the-uk-2194438.html
The mobile operator O2 will today launch an ambitious drive to install Wi-Fi hotspots across the UK, bringing it into conflict with broadband rivals BSkyB and BT.
The announcement of its Wi-Fi division will mark what the company calls the first "truly free, public Wi-Fi platform" in the UK, available not just to its customers, but anyone else who wants to use it.
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/o2-to-build-free-wifi-network-across-the-uk-2194438.html
Fear of exporting holds UK back
Extract . . .
Small companies urged to take a more proactive approach to exporting as research reveals just 2pc planning international trade in 2011.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8280993/Fear-of-exporting-holds-UK-back.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3ee0d668a20002%2C0
Small companies urged to take a more proactive approach to exporting as research reveals just 2pc planning international trade in 2011.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8280993/Fear-of-exporting-holds-UK-back.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3ee0d668a20002%2C0
Are firms failing to meet challenges of new technology?
Extract . . .
With customers increasingly demanding instant communication, businesses could lose out if they don't embrace new channels. Some firms are still inclined to treat the rise of social media in the office as a threat to productivity, rather than as an opportunity. But according to a new study by Canon, this could be a big mistake: its research suggested that customer relationships are being damaged by business's unwillingness to engage via all these new communication channels.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1051055/are-firms-failing-meet-challenges-new-technology/
With customers increasingly demanding instant communication, businesses could lose out if they don't embrace new channels. Some firms are still inclined to treat the rise of social media in the office as a threat to productivity, rather than as an opportunity. But according to a new study by Canon, this could be a big mistake: its research suggested that customer relationships are being damaged by business's unwillingness to engage via all these new communication channels.
Read more herehttp://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1051055/are-firms-failing-meet-challenges-new-technology/
Tuesday, February 1
How to risk it all, fail, and bounce back stronger
Extract . . .
Beauty industry mogul Dal LaMagna launched his entrepreneurial career at the tender age of eight. The whiz kid worked out how to sell raffle tickets by targeting happy hour barflies. LaMagna went on to acquire a high-powered education and become a serial entrepreneurial failure. His crazy career flops included a digital dating service, Cupid Computer, and a water bed store called Aquarack. Apparently equipped with a reverse Midas touch, he also found time to invent a contraption that blinked to music, and tried to convert drive-in cinemas to drive-in discotheques. No luck there.
Read more here
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/how-to-risk-it-all-fail-and-bounce-back-stronger-20110106-19gwc.html
Beauty industry mogul Dal LaMagna launched his entrepreneurial career at the tender age of eight. The whiz kid worked out how to sell raffle tickets by targeting happy hour barflies. LaMagna went on to acquire a high-powered education and become a serial entrepreneurial failure. His crazy career flops included a digital dating service, Cupid Computer, and a water bed store called Aquarack. Apparently equipped with a reverse Midas touch, he also found time to invent a contraption that blinked to music, and tried to convert drive-in cinemas to drive-in discotheques. No luck there.
Read more here
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/entrepreneur/how-to-risk-it-all-fail-and-bounce-back-stronger-20110106-19gwc.html
The Little Big Things: 163 ways to pursue excellence, by Tom Peters
Extract . . .
Anyone with an aversion to overuse of exclamation marks or random capital letters should think twice before opening this book. It is littered with them, as well as odd words picked out in bigger, bold fonts. Each device is used to underline some wacky piece of thinking, unusual idea or meaningful insight. As Peters states in a rambling introduction "appearance is a non-trivial part of the overall assessment of the substance".
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/5_May/books_little_big_things_63_09.html
Anyone with an aversion to overuse of exclamation marks or random capital letters should think twice before opening this book. It is littered with them, as well as odd words picked out in bigger, bold fonts. Each device is used to underline some wacky piece of thinking, unusual idea or meaningful insight. As Peters states in a rambling introduction "appearance is a non-trivial part of the overall assessment of the substance".
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/5_May/books_little_big_things_63_09.html
Firefox, Google Chrome adding "Do Not Track" tools
Extract . . .
The Firefox and Google Chrome browsers are getting tools to help users block advertisers from collecting information about them. Alex Fowler, a technology and privacy officer for Firefox maker Mozilla, said the "Do Not Track" tool will be the first in a series of steps designed to guard privacy. He didn't say when the tool will be available.
Read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110124/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_firefox_do_not_track
The Firefox and Google Chrome browsers are getting tools to help users block advertisers from collecting information about them. Alex Fowler, a technology and privacy officer for Firefox maker Mozilla, said the "Do Not Track" tool will be the first in a series of steps designed to guard privacy. He didn't say when the tool will be available.
Read more here
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110124/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_firefox_do_not_track
MT Expert's Ten Top Tips: Keeping your CEO safe
Extract . . .
Watertight security plans are no longer the preserve of celebrities, politicians and Royaltym says Mel Robarts. Most people would think that safety and security are matters for the police, not private individuals. But now business leaders are not only wealthy but also increasingly in the public eye – particularly given all the information now readily available about them on the internet – they’re also more likely to be a target for criminals.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1050900/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-keeping-ceo-safe/
Watertight security plans are no longer the preserve of celebrities, politicians and Royaltym says Mel Robarts. Most people would think that safety and security are matters for the police, not private individuals. But now business leaders are not only wealthy but also increasingly in the public eye – particularly given all the information now readily available about them on the internet – they’re also more likely to be a target for criminals.
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtdailybulletin/article/1050900/mt-experts-ten-top-tips-keeping-ceo-safe/
Monday, January 31
Adventures in Micro Business
Extract . . .
Each month, Professor Russell Smith answers your queries
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/adventures-in-micro-business-2122972.html
Each month, Professor Russell Smith answers your queries
Read more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/sme/adventures-in-micro-business-2122972.html
Venture-backed start-up targets small firms with "SEO for CEOs"
Extract . . .
Linkdex launches software to help small business owners understand how to achieve better results in search engines. Small businesses that want the process of improving their rank on search engines “demystified” are being targeted by a venture-backed start-up.
Linkdex, which launches today, has been backed with £1.2m in seed capital.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8279670/Venture-backed-start-up-targets-small-firms-with-SEO-for-CEOs.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3ea54e8d900336%2C0
Linkdex launches software to help small business owners understand how to achieve better results in search engines. Small businesses that want the process of improving their rank on search engines “demystified” are being targeted by a venture-backed start-up.
Linkdex, which launches today, has been backed with £1.2m in seed capital.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businessclub/8279670/Venture-backed-start-up-targets-small-firms-with-SEO-for-CEOs.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3ea54e8d900336%2C0
Secret Diary of an Entrepreneur: Grudgingly flexible
Extract . . .
Well, we’re barely half-way through January, and I’ve already had my first official flexible working request of the year. This is what annoys me most about Christmas and New Year: people come back to work resolved to make major positive life changes, and invariably that results in extra hassle for me.
Read more here
http://secretdiaryentrepreneur.managementtoday.co.uk/2011/01/21/secret-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-grudgingly-flexible/
Well, we’re barely half-way through January, and I’ve already had my first official flexible working request of the year. This is what annoys me most about Christmas and New Year: people come back to work resolved to make major positive life changes, and invariably that results in extra hassle for me.
Read more here
http://secretdiaryentrepreneur.managementtoday.co.uk/2011/01/21/secret-diary-of-an-entrepreneur-grudgingly-flexible/
Bullish boffins lead the way on growth
Extract . . .
Hi-tech manufacturers are Britain's most confident companies. And that's good news on the jobs front. Pessimism may be rife within UK plc at the moment, but new research suggests that 71% of hi-tech businesses are optimistic that their performance will improve over the next 12 months. And that’s not just some empty Government propaganda designed to coincide with the appointment of a new Binary Tsar (we just made that post up, but surely it’s crying out to be created).
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1049682/bullish-boffins-lead-growth/
Hi-tech manufacturers are Britain's most confident companies. And that's good news on the jobs front. Pessimism may be rife within UK plc at the moment, but new research suggests that 71% of hi-tech businesses are optimistic that their performance will improve over the next 12 months. And that’s not just some empty Government propaganda designed to coincide with the appointment of a new Binary Tsar (we just made that post up, but surely it’s crying out to be created).
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1049682/bullish-boffins-lead-growth/
Friday, January 28
Ikea layout 'intended to confuse shoppers'
Extract . . .
Ikea's store layout is a psychological weapon used to confuse and disorientate shoppers into spending more, an expert claimed.
Alan Penn, director of the Virtual Reality Centre for the Built Environment at University College London, said visitors to the firm's shops were so baffled by their surroundings that if they see something they like, they pick it up straightaway because it would be too hard to find it later.
Read more herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8278010/Ikea-layout-intended-to-confuse-shoppers.html?
sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3d4ad5f3788270%2C0
Ikea's store layout is a psychological weapon used to confuse and disorientate shoppers into spending more, an expert claimed.
Alan Penn, director of the Virtual Reality Centre for the Built Environment at University College London, said visitors to the firm's shops were so baffled by their surroundings that if they see something they like, they pick it up straightaway because it would be too hard to find it later.
Read more herehttp://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8278010/Ikea-layout-intended-to-confuse-shoppers.html?
sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3d4ad5f3788270%2C0
32 SEO Tactics to Avoid in 2011
Extract . . .
With all the excitement and planning that comes along with a New Year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with newfangled ideas. You probably have a long list of SEO tactics in the pipeline for 2011. Finding the resources, whether time or money, is the real trick.
Read more here
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/seo-tactics-to-avoid-in-2011
With all the excitement and planning that comes along with a New Year, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with newfangled ideas. You probably have a long list of SEO tactics in the pipeline for 2011. Finding the resources, whether time or money, is the real trick.
Read more here
http://www.seomoz.org/blog/seo-tactics-to-avoid-in-2011
Bank lending deal for small businesses 'stalled'
Extract . . .
Attempts by the coalition government to reach an agreement with the UK's biggest banks on the amount they lend to small businesses have stalled, the BBC has learnt.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12260742
Attempts by the coalition government to reach an agreement with the UK's biggest banks on the amount they lend to small businesses have stalled, the BBC has learnt.
Read more here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12260742
Thursday, January 27
Top 12 best tablet PC iPad alternatives
Extract . . .
This year is going to be the year of the touchscreen tablet, of that there can be no doubt.
While tablet PCs have been around for yonks, only now are they becoming the desirable, usable and functional devices that we've always wanted them to be – and it's about time too.
Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/top-10-best-tablet-pc-ipad-alternatives-690596
This year is going to be the year of the touchscreen tablet, of that there can be no doubt.
While tablet PCs have been around for yonks, only now are they becoming the desirable, usable and functional devices that we've always wanted them to be – and it's about time too.
Read more here
http://www.techradar.com/news/mobile-computing/top-10-best-tablet-pc-ipad-alternatives-690596
Presenting: How to Make Sure You Win Them Over
Extract . . .
The ability to give a strong and convincing presentation is a skill that few are fortunate enough to master. This is something that all business people will come across quite frequently in their working career, so it's best not to try and avoid the inevitable and get on top of it as soon as possible.
Read more here
http://www.is4profit.com/business-advice/sales-marketing/presenting-how-to-make-sure-you-win-them-over.html
The ability to give a strong and convincing presentation is a skill that few are fortunate enough to master. This is something that all business people will come across quite frequently in their working career, so it's best not to try and avoid the inevitable and get on top of it as soon as possible.
Read more here
http://www.is4profit.com/business-advice/sales-marketing/presenting-how-to-make-sure-you-win-them-over.html
Marketing Yourself with Promotional Products
Extract . . .
It can be tough to market your business, especially if you have eager competitors at your heels. Promotional items can be useful marketing tools, and they can improve your brand and your reputation if they’re correctly used.
Just like with any effective marketing strategy, you need to do the research and ask yourself a few important questions before you dive headfirst into marketing your company with promotional products.
Read more herehttp://www.marketing-made-simple.com/articles/promotional-items.htm
It can be tough to market your business, especially if you have eager competitors at your heels. Promotional items can be useful marketing tools, and they can improve your brand and your reputation if they’re correctly used.
Just like with any effective marketing strategy, you need to do the research and ask yourself a few important questions before you dive headfirst into marketing your company with promotional products.
Read more herehttp://www.marketing-made-simple.com/articles/promotional-items.htm
Time for small firms to start thinking global too?
Extract . . .
HSBC reckons more and more SMEs are thinking about overseas trade. But how on earth are they going to access the local know-how?
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1050613/time-small-firms-start-thinking-global-too/
HSBC reckons more and more SMEs are thinking about overseas trade. But how on earth are they going to access the local know-how?
Read more here
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/bulletin/mtenterpriseweekly/article/1050613/time-small-firms-start-thinking-global-too/
Wednesday, January 26
How to switch your bank account
Extract . . .
Switching bank accounts has a bad reputation for being a lengthy and painstaking process but in reality it is much easier than you think and should take only about eight weeks.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/banking/8269023/How-to-switch-your-bank-account.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3707727886194e%2C0
Switching bank accounts has a bad reputation for being a lengthy and painstaking process but in reality it is much easier than you think and should take only about eight weeks.
Read more here
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/banking/8269023/How-to-switch-your-bank-account.html?sms_ss=email&at_xt=4d3707727886194e%2C0
Attracting angel investors
Extract . . .
There's no better sign of a healthy economy than a thriving angel investment community.
Angel investing is a particular style of funding for early stage ventures where generally high net worth individuals are prepared to inject funding, and often expertise, into young businesses.
Read more here
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/startup/attracting-angel-investors-20110113-19pds.html
There's no better sign of a healthy economy than a thriving angel investment community.
Angel investing is a particular style of funding for early stage ventures where generally high net worth individuals are prepared to inject funding, and often expertise, into young businesses.
Read more here
http://www.smh.com.au/small-business/startup/attracting-angel-investors-20110113-19pds.html
50 ways to make Google love your website, by Steve Johnston and Liam McGee
Extract . . .
If this book won't change your life, it might transform your business. It is a lesson in the power of keeping things simple. There are lots of reasons for businesses having a website, but all share the common aim of wanting to come as high as possible in the Google rankings when consumers enter a search relevant to their business.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/5_May/books_google_love_website_63_09.html
If this book won't change your life, it might transform your business. It is a lesson in the power of keeping things simple. There are lots of reasons for businesses having a website, but all share the common aim of wanting to come as high as possible in the Google rankings when consumers enter a search relevant to their business.
Read more here
http://www.director.co.uk/MAGAZINE/2010/5_May/books_google_love_website_63_09.html
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