June 30, 2010
Filed under: Business equipment — admin @ 8:22 am
Now that the iPhone pre-orders are officially over and the market is dealing with the official wide scale launch of the iPhone 4, most consumers that struck out during the pre-order fiasco only have one question, where are the cheapest iPhone deals located.
This would be an easier question to answer if Apple did not control the pricing of any shop that is authorised to sell the popular iPhone 4 mobiles, but retailers are thinking outside of the box, which is why there are still plenty of great mobile phone deals available on this particular model.
Firstly, you need to consider the contractual price of the iPhone 4 depending on where you live and what carrier you intend to purchase the mobile from. After taking this into account, in order to secure the best and cheapest iPhone deals, you need to look at any package deals or offers that come along with the purchase of the iPhone 4 instead of the actual mobile price tag.
Apple is very stringent about how much retailers can sell the iPhone 4 for, thus, you are very unlikely to actually find an iPhone 4 that is more than a pound to five pounds different in price, despite how many retailers you search through.
However, this does not mean that the mobile phone deals are not out there, because they are in abundance, just simply in another form. Instead of reflecting any savings in the price tag, retailers are instead offering bonus perks, free goodies, and free gift cards to their shops in order to entice people into their doors.
With this mind if you want to secure the best and cheapest deal on an iPhone 4, you need to look at what a retailer or website has to offer you instead of just the prices. In fact, you may pay five pounds more at one retailer, but receive a fifty pound gift card for the store in return which is a much larger savings in the long run than saving five pounds on the initial purchase.
A wise shopper looks at the entire package, so if you want the cheapest deal, be sure to watch carefully and see what everyone has to offer before rushing in and making a purchase.
June 25, 2010
Filed under: Small business — Alan @ 5:55 pm
Many SMEs are worried that SME lending will be hurt by the new banking levy due to the fact it was not carefully constructed. George Osborne announced at this week’s Emergency Budget that banks in the UK will be forced to pay out over £2b as part of a new annual bank levy.
The balance sheet will be paid starting next January by all UK banks, UK building societies, and the UK operations of foreign banks. As such, it will likely be the first levy that will be implemented on a global basis.
CEO of the UK bank Aldermore, Philip Monks, stated that it is not enough to exclude newer banks from the levy because all SME lending should be excluded.
Monks continued to explain that SME lending is a vital component of economic recovery so it is counterproductive to consider taxing any of this funding. Instead, Monks stated that the levy should be placed on banking areas such as casino use that do not benefit the economy.
Aldermore also stated that although SMEs likely will agree with many of the Budget announcements, they will be angered to hear that both the VAT and CGT will increase while capital allowances are going to be reduced.
Monks added that the GCT rise will cause fewer entrepreneurs to consider self-employment as a viable option.
Filed under: Small business — Alan @ 2:02 am
The self-employed and SMEs received a boost this week as part of a series of financial support measures announced by Chancellor George Osborne. Osborne stated that Britain was in need of a sign that stated ‘Open for Business’ which led him to cut corporation taxes.
He explained that when globally compared, corporation tax rates that are low help boost the business of countries that drop them and hence the UK rate of 28% is too high to be competitive.
He plans to cut the tax next year by one percent which will make it 27 pence to the pound. There will also be four annual reductions to follow that will cause the tax rate to drop to 24% per pound, which Osborne believes will give the UK the lowest corporation tax rate of any Western economy.
The reasoning behind the cuts was to offer sustained recovery in the job market and growth that occurs across all sectors and areas of the country. Small companies will see their tax rate drop to 20%, which is a reversal and welcome news to SMEs that thought they would see the tax rate increase up to 22%.
According to Osborne, 85,000 companies should benefit from the cut and the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme will be introduced which supports SME access to lending.
Tax partners at HW Fisher & Company, Tony Bernstein, stated that the decreased corporation tax will be welcomed on all fronts across the business community but may not have the largest impact as Osborne believes due to the fact many companies have suffered losses and reduced profits over the last several years.
Berstein continued to say that self-employed people may want to think about running their business via a company so that the profit they do not need to spend can be taxed at a lower rate.
June 24, 2010
Filed under: Business Software,Business Tools — admin @ 1:08 pm
United Planet has incorporated a special “page wizard” with Intrexx 5, the latest version of its popular enterprise portal software. This new wizard allows companies to make their business data and web applications ‘mobile’ in no time at all. It will enable companies to provide their employees with access to important business information via smartphones and tablet PCs even when they are out of the office.
According to IDC, the number of mobile employees is to increase to around 1.2 billion by the year 2013. This will result in a corresponding increase in demand for mobile business solutions – whether to communicate with employees in the field or to provide supervisors and management access to important information whilst they are away from the office.
The new page wizard (www.unitedplanet.com/en/mobile) simplifies the process of converting applications and forms from an organisation’s intranet, with a simple ‘point and click’. Without programming, a company can create its own mobile applications in three easy steps:
• Step one: Set up the core web application with Intrexx and select the mobile device that will be used to access the application, e.g. iPhone or BlackBerry.
• Step two: Select the preferred page type and data fields that are to be displayed on the device.
• Step three: Intrexx automatically suggests a complete application page, optimised for the selected device and featuring the typical buttons and workflows. Edit the page according to meet your business needs and create the final layout.
Axel Wessendorf, CEO of United Planet, is convinced that the new iPad will play an important role as the move to ‘go mobile’ accelerates: “The possibilities are enormous: just imagine the benefits when employees are at a conference and have easy access to all company information – without having to boot up their chunky laptops.”
To show companies what an effective balance of work in the office and out-of-the-office can look like in modern times, United Planet has created a sample enterprise portal that can be accessed via a desktop PC as well as via a mobile device. To access the portal, just follow this link www.intrexx.com/motorsportlimited and log in with PeterM (no password needed).
June 21, 2010
Filed under: Business equipment,Business Tools,Marketing — admin @ 11:53 am
Exhibitions have a long standing history of bringing together buyers and sellers, both at B2B and B2C level. Their expansion throughout the decades is obvious as today more and more businesses from a wide amount of industries, spanning from aviation to weddings get popup gazebo to use in order to use the event as an effective promotional tool and generate brand awareness for their business. Trade shows present businesses with the opportunity to create brand recognition with their potential customers that they may not otherwise be able to reach.
Trade Shows by nature are specific to every market, for which means that the visitors who are attracted to the specific events will mostly be the businesses target audience. This gives them the opportunity to be recognised by potential customers and promote what they have to offer. In addition trade shows are a way for companies to strengthen and reinforce current customer relations as not only do they give customers the platform to express positive criticism, they also obtain the assurance that the company that they’ve bought from previously are continuing to promote their commodities and are seeking to enhance brand awareness. For some industries, trade shows can be on a local, national or international level. This gives companies the chance to specifically pinpoint niches based upon geographic positioning or the mass-markets. The benefit of this is that the marketing message expressed to its customer base can be modified appropriately in order to it generates the highest possible interest.
Exhibitions are just one of the very few marketing methods that allow for two-way communication between current or potential customer with the businesses that they may consider buying from. This makes it an exclusive and popular marketing tool as client grievances or enquiries can be dealt with face to face whilst presenting companies the chance to obtain valuable feedback from previous and present customers. Trade shows are also a great way for businesses to showcase their current and forthcoming product lines which works well because they can either increases of a product that is in the final stages of the product life cycle or whet the appetite of those at the show with what is coming soon in the future and draw up a list of potential customers.
In relation to demonstrating the products and services, it gives business executives the chance to walk around the show themselves and check up on what competitors are doing and provide ideas on how their business can improve what they’re selling.
But with so many companies exhibiting, how can businesses distinguish themselves from the competition? There’s a number of means that can be used in order to lure the masses, which is the first step to generating leads. Visibility is crucial and having a stand adjacent to the entrance, near the refreshments or toilets can all be influential positions to be located in. The down side is that these premium spots are sold at… a premium and are normally the first to be taken. In the event that this transpires, there is an abundance of display stands and popup gazebos easily available to acquire and many are able to be personalised with a company name, logo or motto which can be identified straight away and draw interest.
Complimentary or heavily reduced promotional gifts are additional way to create awareness to a company’s stand. If this is not feasible, visitors often expect brochures as a minimum. If budgets permit, free branded gifts such as pens and key rings can retain an individual’s knowledge of a company and often they can be sourced at low cost. Imagination can often be key here.
Trade Shows can be an emphatic way for businesses to generate business whilst reinforcing existing relationships with consumers which makes them a serious contender as one of the best marketing mediums to generate a high ROI.
June 18, 2010
Filed under: Small business — Alan @ 5:55 pm
In a new survey by the Forum of Private Business it was found that 79% of all the SMES in the UK believe that the Government should focus on reducing the size of the deficit.
However, out of those only 47% stated that fairer taxes are the priority, with a small 11% asking that public procurement be offered to the public in a more accessible manner.
The second most popular choice was increasing regulation that surrounds utility companies and banks with 74% of all business owners believing that this would help the current situation, with another 55% asking that training incentives be outlined by the Government.
Phil McCabe, the forum spokesman, stated that Welsh firms can see the need for the UK to tackle its large amount of debt and back all Government efforts to address this fact. However, at the same time, McCabe stated that SMEs are concerned that they are not sacrificed as the Government attempts to reduce its cost due to the fact that SMEs are the key components of employment and growth across the country.
He added that business owners would also appreciate seeing tighter regulation of utility and bank companies.
In terms of local improvement, SME owners supported the focus on transport and public transport with 47% responding this is their greatest local concern. Another 37% felt that local taxation needed to be reduced in order to encourage the development and growth of SMEs in Wales. Crime prevention fell in third place with 33% worried about the effects of crime on their business.
Filed under: Employees — Alan @ 1:40 am
Members of the CWU, Communication Workers Union, at BT have rejected a new pay offer from telco, which may lead to about 50,000 workers striking in the near future. If the strike occurs, it will be the first of its type in over twenty years.
The CWU represents thousands of workers such as call centre staff and engineers. If the engineers choose to strike the BT network will fail to keep its high standard of support. If these types of problems occur, then tens of thousands of consumers including business consumers will lose internet connections.
Last week the CWU moved to ballot its BT members after a two percent pay increase was offered to them, the results of which will determine if BT staff will walk out in frustration.
A CWU spokeswoman stated that the strike would be felt the most on the engineering side because if network failures occur while the engineers are not there then large problems will ensue.
The spokeswoman continued to say that call centres would also have problems resulting from the strike but BT can use Indian operations to make up for the striking workers.
A spokesman for BT stated that the company is hoping to avoid the strike but has made plans for its occurrence which will see staff cover for those that are on strike. BT can also turn to its third part options such as Openreach which is supported by third party firms Telent and Carillion.
June 12, 2010
Filed under: Employees — Alan @ 3:17 am
With the World Cup launching this week fans from all over the world are ready for what should be a very entertaining month of football. However, employers are not as excited given that there is a great chance many employees are apt to call in ‘sick’ in order to watch the big games that match up with their work shifts.
Guidelines are already circulating about how company’s can best deal with this problem suggesting tips such as the fact that all employees that call in ‘sick’ on match days be required to provide evidence of a GP visit or other medical evidence. In order for this to be effective however, employers will need to implement the policy across the workforce, which may affect many who have genuine health problems.
Businesses are also reminded that employees are not able to claim it is their right to take their annual leave during the World Cup, and that all holiday requests can be refused for applicable reasons such as being shorthanded by the employer.
Given the World Cup only comes once every four years, it may be tempting to allow the time off for company employees, but keep in mind that not all football fans are English and male thus fair treatment needs to be given to all employees regardless of which team they support. Along the same lines, annual leave requests from those who do not fit the mould and those who have no interest in football but simply want a leave should be equally weighed.
Filed under: Small business — Alan @ 2:31 am
Research from the RBS and NatWest reveals that Britain may be on its way to a full recovery from the recession. Although there are still tough trading conditions, 33% of all SMEs included in the survey reported that they see new growth as their top priority. In response to the positive survey results, both groups have joined to launch a website for support and advice in one place for SMEs.
The new service website is designed to help guide businesses on how to trade in light of the recession by offering practical guides, interactive business reviews, and economic reports.
Chairman for small business at NatWest and RBS, Peter Ibbetson, stated that they have listened to what their customers have to say and are happy to offer a new support agent to help SMEs capitalize on opportunities that await them.
Ibbetson continued to say that while they are aware most businesses will continue to trade cautiously, with more than half of those in the survey stating they want to see more economic stability, their online review is designed to help SME’s avoid the fallback of a recession.
The free review which is the first in UK banking industry history can be found at the SME Business Knowledge Hubs at the NatWest and RBS website. Included in the review are tips on cash flow and risk and the ability to instantly download a report that offers guiding tops with the option to seek out further aid from a relationship manager.
June 10, 2010
Filed under: Business Advice,Employees,General — admin @ 3:11 pm
While almost all French and German companies are able to deal with enquiries from abroad, their British counterparts just aren’t getting the message, according to a new survey.
The survey shows that even a basic request in French or German will stump most UK businesses. UK staff who deal with frontline enquiries are falling spectacularly behind their European competition and very few have the training and support to respond in languages other than English. However, in mainland Europe things are very different, with the vast majority of French and German receptionists able to communicate fluently and clearly in a different language.
Commissioned by specialist language recruiter, Euro London Appointments, the survey involved calling the British offices of 116 FTSE 250 companies and asking for their postal address in either German or French. Only four companies were able to answer right away in the caller’s language. A further 12 asked the caller to hold and found someone who could speak the correct language. However, 17 companies simply hung up.
Comments from UK receptionists included “Sorry, I’m not with you, can you speak English?” and “We only speak English here!” shouted loudly down the phone. Others resorted to “If you can’t speak English I just can’t help you, I thought you all learned English!” and “Oh, for God’s sake!” before the phone was slammed down.
In comparison, when 116 similar companies in Germany were called, 114 were able to answer in perfect English; 85 were able to answer in French, and a large number could also speak Spanish too.
Responses from French companies also put the UK to shame with 112 immediately switching to English and 68 able to answer in German. Of the non-German speakers, a large number were able to switch to Spanish when that was offered as an alternative.
Steve Shacklock, Director of Euro London Appointments, which recruits multilingual staff across a range of industry sectors in the UK and continental Europe commented: “The comments from the English receptionists might seem funny, but it’s a disgraceful situation really. As business is now done on a global basis, investing in language skills, whether by hiring multilingual staff or installing training initiatives, is not only a way to protect your reputation, it’s an effective way to ensure your company’s growth in world markets. With the Olympics coming here in 2012, we’re going to see visitors from all around the world, with money to spend. The good news is that this still leaves plenty of time to invest in languages and companies that do so will certainly reap the benefits.”
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