October 28, 2011
Filed under: Small Business News — Alan @ 3:23 pm
Vodaphone Business has introduced new pricing for its small business plans. Business customers can purchase basic plans or add features as the business grows.
For £25 per month, sole traders who are self-employed can get 500 MB of data, 250 UK texts and 300 minutes of calls, plus 2 GB of data over the BT Openzone Wi-Fi hotspot network and 3000 free minutes on calls to other Vodaphone customers.
The sole trader may also select the One Net Express Service for an additional £10 per month. This service provides voicemail and another 3000 minutes for calls, as well as a landline number (which the customer can choose) that forwards calls to the customer’s cell phone.
Companies with more than one user can purchase the same plan starting at £30 per month for each “lead” user and £20 per month for each “sharer.” The plan includes another 200 minutes of calling within the UK. Additional minutes (up to 10,000 minutes for £370 per month) may be purchased. The optional One Net Express Service is also available at an additional £20 per month for the “lead” and £2.50 per month for each “sharer.”
Microsoft Office 365 is also available to companies with more than one user for £4 per month per user. The Office 365 suite includes SharePoint, an online site where customers can share documents and collaborate, a version of Outlook that is browser-based, and a copy of Lync 2010, which provides the capability to have online meetings, video calls and instant messaging.
All plans require a 24-month contract.
October 26, 2011
Filed under: Business equipment — admin @ 10:12 am
An Advertorial Feature
Preparing for winter takes more than just turning on the heating and buying a few thermals. The weather can turn harsh in no time so it is a good idea to start stocking up on de-icer and salt spreaders. Every year, people are caught out by extreme weather conditions and therefore it is essential to equip your garage with a selection of winter essentials.
As the days get colder and the nights draw in, there has never been a better time to prepare for the season ahead. So, the next time you pull on your thick socks or winter coat remember to make a list of the things you need. Perhaps go down to the shed to check what is lurking around from last year and know exactly what you have to buy.
Health and safety website whatishealthandsafety.co.uk has recently reiterated just how important it is to prepare for the winter months. A spokesman for the site, Matt Hornsby, said many people aren’t prepared for harsh weather as they still believe it is a long way off. He went on to add that a little preparation would make the winter months a lot easier and safer.
Whatishealthandsafety.co.uk also made it very clear that we should take early winter precautions at work, as well as home. Hornsby said “companies can do a lot of things to make sure their premises do not become a hazard to employees, customers and visitors. Snow often falls on Britain without much warning so having a snow shovel and a grit spreader might makes sense.”
While seeing the first flakes of snow fall can be delightful, scrambling around to get your car out of the office car park is not so fun. Every year people risk personal injury trying to push their vehicle out of a snow drift, but with a snow shovel you could be safe rather than sorry. Being stranded in a place you don’t want to be is not fun, which is why it is good to be prepared for every eventuality.
If you are looking to buy items to control snow and ice quickly and cheaply, it would be a good idea to go online. Reputable companies such as Seton supply over 57,000 products which will be sent out to you in no time. So over the next few weeks it might be a good idea to get organised and start searching around for the things you need – before it’s too late.
October 21, 2011
Filed under: Business Advice — Alan @ 1:02 pm
SMEs not getting value from Adwords
Only about 18% of the small businesses that use Google Adwords are able to get enough traffic to break even with the costs of marketing in this format according to new research that was compiled by YouGov and published at Workbooks.com.
Over the last few years Google Adwords has been promoted directly to SMEs as a cost effective and immediate way to boost sales and raise awareness of brand, but according to the survey that took into account 500 SME leaders, most SMEs are unable to see the direct link between the effort they make and the amount of sales they get back.
Workbooks.com CEO John Cheney stated that the results of the survey are what many customers also seem to be saying to the company as most SEOs feel that they need to have a visible presence on Google but are not sure how to make sure that this actually happens. Now that Adwords is well known it is a shame that most firms are still not able to put a measure on how successful it has been for them.
Workbooks.com’s web-based CRM software can help smaller firms to overcome this obstacle. Designed to track all customer interactions, it provides a clear and accurate overview of the return on investment of advertising and marketing spend.
“One company found that for every £1 they spent on Google Adwords they generated a mere 18 pence in sales,” adds Cheney. “Smaller firms have limited marketing budgets and they want to spend it in the way that will generate the greatest return. With just 10 per cent of survey respondents saying that Google Adwords had led directly to sales and new clients in the last 12 months, it is important that SMEs have access to tools that help them to make the best possible decisions about where to invest their funds.”
October 20, 2011
Filed under: Business Advice,Business Software,Business Tools — admin @ 1:04 pm
A good business management software package, such as SAP Business One, is widely considered to be one of the best ways of improving efficiency, productivity and communication in any business. Such packages allow for the transfer and storage of client data, sales figures and even payroll details, while also saving money and resources. Ideal for businesses with multiple staff, clients or offices, the software enables internal and external communication to become quicker and more efficient, as well as the sharing of data or documents.
There are many uses for business management software, but one of the main ones is storing and organising the company’s accounts. Given the right software package, transactions, budgeting and even financial reports become quicker and easier. The business is also able to keep greater track of its spending, profits and losses. Even better, implementing a new accounts system is far easier than you may think.
Shakespeare’s Globe is a company known worldwide, attracting thousands of visitors and audience members every year. As a result, it needed an accounts system that was efficient, easy to use, and was suitable for the number of clients it works with. It was decided that a new software package was required; especially since the current system was becoming increasingly old and unsuited to the way the business operated.
The finance department began by drawing up a list of requirements for the new accounts system. Considering the many facets of the Globe (a museum, theatre, gift shop and education department, among others), it was decided that a multi-dimensional operating system was required. This would have the dual advantage of making an already complex accounting system much simpler, as well as allowing the department to compare and contrast various figures when necessary.
Once the operating system was selected, the Globe needed a company that would implement this quickly and easily. It was decided that the company in question would need to understand and respond to the ethos and services of the Globe, as well as tailor the software to suit its needs. After a little research the right company was found, and the implementation process could begin.
The main thing that the Globe is looking forward to is improved productivity and communication between departments, and no wonder. Business management software packages are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways of storing and sharing information, particularly if the company in question offers multiple services to clients. Customer relations can also be dramatically improved by business management software, as the company can store and view an individual customer’s details easily, as well as tailor their service to suit the individual needs of each client.
When considering implementing new business management software, the task can initially seem quite daunting; however, with a little research and the right software package, switching to the new system can be surprisingly easy. You may also see dramatic results fast, particularly if staff are already well-trained in such software. As many businesses expand or take on a wider client base than ever before, the use of a good accounts software package is vital, especially if you’re offering a multi-dimensional service to customers. Can you afford to be left behind?
Filed under: Business Advice — admin @ 12:27 pm
There has never been a more opportune time for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to save money on energy. Business energy is becoming ever more costly and the Government is applying pressure on the private sector to become more energy efficient in an effort to reduce the country’s carbon emissions. Provided below is a summary as to how SMEs can employ various methods and practices to streamline energy consumption.
The average SME spends most of its energy budget on space heating and lighting, so it is clearly sensible for firms to target these areas in an effort to reduce outgoings. Heating is obviously important during the autumn and winter months, but some firms are guilty of relying too heavily on heating. Many office buildings are uncomfortably hot, so turning the thermostat down can be a welcome treat for workers and accountants alike. Indeed, turning the thermostat down by just one degree can cut an SME’s heating bill by around 8 per cent.
Heating costs can be further mitigated if office buildings are properly insulated. During the winter months, offices require central heating systems to be on constantly in order to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature. If buildings are sufficiently insulated, however, far less heat can escape through walls and windows, substantially reducing the load on heating systems. The most common forms of commercial insulation include double or triple glazing, draught excluders and cavity wall insulation.
Lighting, meanwhile, drains electricity throughout the working day. Lights are often turned on centrally, meaning that entire floors are illuminated, even when only a handful of staff are present. Installing energy efficient tube lighting with motion sensors can significantly cut electricity bills. Motion sensors work by detecting the movement of people, so lights come on and turn off when people enter and leave a room. Upgrading lights and installing motion sensors can cut costs by around 15 per cent.
In addition to turning off computer monitors, hibernating hard drives and installing energy efficient boilers with advanced thermostatic controls, SMEs can switch energy tariffs or suppliers and achieve further savings.
Some energy suppliers offer a bonus to new commercial customers, while others offer reduced tariffs to existing customers who raise the possibility of switching suppliers. Although the energy market has been criticised for its lack of competitiveness, good deals are available. As a result of the inherent complexities of the market, it is usually best to consult specialist comparison firms such as uSwitchforbusiness to find the best deals.
October 18, 2011
Filed under: Small Business News — Alan @ 8:34 am
Mark Prisk, the business minister for the UK has said that a Manufacturing Advisory Service will be helping small and medium-size enterprises who are involved in manufacturing to grow. The statement has said that this service will help create around £1.5 billion in economic growth. It is hoped that this expansion will protect 50,000 jobs and create another 23,000.
The consortium will be responsible for creating business growth through technical and strategic support the smaller enterprises. They will focus on developing the manufacturing techniques of these companies and working with manufacturers to establish global supply chains. They will also encourage these businesses to provide apprenticeships, around 1250 each year.
This was something that was previously provided through the Regional Development Agencies. The new service is expected to provide four times the return that this previous agency provided. The consortium is made up of WM Manufacturing, Grant Thornton, Pera and SWMAS.
There will be a base of knowledge provided online, by experienced advisers from around the country. Above this there will also be the opportunity for businesses to have one day specialist visit who will perform a diagnostic review. There will also be networking and training events organised by the consortium as well as best practice visits.
The service will not just be providing advice will also offer funding for certain activities. £1000 will be offered for improvement projects and will be offered to companies who require help at a low level. For those who want to pursue a more significant improvement then £3000 is on offer. The most radical change is an entire move of strategic direction, for this funding of £10,000 is available.
The consortium will help smaller companies build better relationships and help them become more efficient. There will also be assistance to help them break into more diverse manufacturing supply chains.
Filed under: Business Finance — Alan @ 3:36 am
Take a look at the world’s largest source of business sustainability data
We want to encourage transparency and accuracy in carbon, energy, water and waste reporting
• Aims to become de facto business scorecard for carbon, energy, waste and water
• Over 4000 case studies on launch reveal cost-cutting potential
• Over 17000 profiles in total and rising
• Targets 9m global profiles to help businesses cut costs
Ecodesk, the data publishing website has put together a profile showing the strategies regarding the use of renewable energy sources from 4000 of the largest companies in the world. It also takes into the consideration the savings they are making cost wise, and that makes this the largest database, that is free for the public to access, of energy, water, business carbon and waste scores in the world.
The 4000 companies included in this study have already saved millions by reporting and then analysing their own data through the Ecodesk site. Amongst the many famous names in this database are the likes of Microsoft and DHL. The site, which has now officially launched, has been funded by £1.5m from government and private equity grants, has for the first time made scores of carbon data comparable and free.
In total, there are more than 17,000 profiles available to view,and this new functionality allows all sized companies to set up and then manage a strategy of sustainability by using free online tools that are already familiar and simple to use. These are similar to the ones used on Facebook and LinkedIn, so organisations are also able to control their profiles from the site.
The CEO of Ecodesk, Robert Clarke, has said that they want to encourage both accuracy and transparency in the reporting of energy, carbon, waste and water, which will in turn help businesses to save money whilst also stimulating investment in renewable energy and green technology.
He added there are enormous economic and business opportunities available in this sector that as yet haven’t been recognised, and Ecodesk was here to change that once and for all.
Website functionality includes:
• Free creation and management of sustainability profiles for any size of organisation
• Full scale analytics and comparisons, using interactive graphics, or carbon, waste, water, energy data by country and industry sector
• Resources including reports, guides, ebooks, software, training apps and linkback widgets
“The sustainability industry has grown up and moved into hard economics,” added Clarke. “Ecodesk is about helping businesses realise cost savings by providing a platform for measurement guidance and publishing. With a profile and as a result of SEO, it becomes the most public visible record of a company’s sustainability. We support every measurement standard, including BSI, GRI and WRI in our self-edit environment. This is about having a strong business case to use sustainability to cut costs. Good environmental stewardship is a natural product of this firm foundation. Ecodesk is what buyers, investors, researchers, analysts and the public think about your company, so increasingly having a profile will be part of every company’s sustainability programme.”
The site is backed by a team of individual investors, including Gareth Hughes, founder of US Dollars 1.5bn investment fund Climate Change Capital, and tech ‘dragons’ Mark Adorian and Rory Curran.
For more information on individual companies visit www.ecodesk.com
October 17, 2011
Filed under: Business Finance — Alan @ 8:27 am
Shawbrook is a new British bank which is just launched on Monday. It is a bank that is set to target small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly those that are struggling to get funding from some of the U.K.’s bigger banks.
Since the credit crisis began, there have been several new banks emerging including Metro bank and Aldomore. These are intended to challenge the big lenders in the UK which include RBS, Lloyds, HSBC, and Barclays. The government has recently been urging larger financial institutions to lend to small businesses so they can hire more staff and improve the unemployment situation in the UK. However, these banks are facing criticism because they are still not loaning enough.
Owen Woodley is the Chief Executive of Shawbrook and he has commented about the situation that, “Small and medium-sized enterprises are not being well served in the industry, we are hoping to improve the situation by offering loan opportunities to them that they have been refused at larger institutions.” The new bank is being partially financed by RBS but Mr Woodley has defended this fact saying that it would be an independent bank. He said “the vast majority of the money that we use to stop this bank was independent of RBS.”
Mr Woodley has also said that it intends to make £250 million worth of loans available to small businesses next year. He also said, “There is a definite demand here because companies are approaching larger banks and being turned down, there is no question in my mind that we will find a market for these loans that we are offering. The demand is there.”
October 14, 2011
Filed under: Small Business News — Alan @ 7:31 am
The ratings agency Fitch has said that a small and medium-sized enterprise guarantee scheme would mean that the UK would come into line with other European countries. It would also mean, according to the ratings agency, that there would be increased collateralised loan obligation insurance, or ‘CLO’.
George Osborne, in a recent speech to the Conservative party, has as requested that the Treasury start looking at ways for more money to be bought into the small business sector, for example through credit easing measures.
The ratings agency believes that a guarantee scheme for small businesses would mean that banks would issue more CLO’s to small businesses. They have also questioned whether it is the lack of lending to small businesses that is actually preventing them from growing.
There is a current scheme in place for small businesses, this guarantees around 75% of a loan made to them, this is only available to some, eligible, small and medium-sized enterprises. This scheme is relatively small when compared with others in Europe.
For example, in Spain, the transactions that these businesses conduct are guaranteed by the government. The system works by the senior trench being guaranteed, and the bank who offers the loans has the first loss exposure to the portfolio of the small enterprise.
KfW is the scheme that runs in Germany and it is an intermediary for the synthetic transfer of risk to the loans offered to SMEs. This means, that banks can securitise lines in a standardised way and since its introduction in 2000 investors have become more familiar with this type of asset class. Having a KfW means that transactions are included in the public sector Pfandbrief.
October 13, 2011
Filed under: Business Finance — Alan @ 4:22 am
Syscap, the lease finance provider, has said that recent figures show there has been a near 20% increase in vendor finance for the six months before the end of July. This amounts to over £2.5 billion and shows that some firms are more likely to allow their customers to borrow to make up for the lack of lending to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Philip White is the chief executive of Syscap and he has commented, “the government should be encouraged to offer alternative finance options, some non-bank firms have a better position to offer loans than banks. In the market, small businesses do not want to borrow and banks do not want to lend.”
George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has told the Treasury to get money into the economy through credit easing. This is a type of monetary activism which will probably see the government purchasing SME bonds.
Recent data has suggested that borrowing conditions are stabilising for manufacturers in Britain, this data has come from EEF – the manufacturers organisation. Improvements in lending for companies has not come without its costs, borrowing rates are still high and rates on existing borrowing are continuing to increase.
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Vodaphone Business has introduced new pricing for its small business plans. Business customers can purchase basic plans or add features as the business grows.