You are currently browsing the archives for the Business interest category.
10/04/2012 by Geoff.
We’ve talked a lot about the benefits of networking – now there’s CLUSTERS.
In its simplest form it’s a meeting of companies from similar sectors taking advantage of shared knowledge, pools of skilled labour and networking opportunities. It allows people to bounce ideas off each other and to share talent.
A development is when a group of small companies set up in the same place. Collaboration brings the benefit of making a bigger splash in the market place than a small company can.
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
10/04/2012 by Geoff.
Are you aware that there are around 1,000 road traffic fatalities each year involving workplace driving. Driving for work is the most common risk in workplace health and safety. Do you have adequate health and safety provisions in place to protect your staff? Why not talk to our EMS Health and Safety team for further advice………………
Simone Greasley
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
14/02/2012 by Geoff.
It’s well publicised that Banks seem to struggle to help SME’s with funding.One new way of getting funding is online. Sites like crowd-cube.com try to bring investors and businesses with a funding need together – its funds in exchange for equity. If you don’t like the idea of giving away part of your business then fundingcircle.com offers the more traditional loan option. Both sources seem to be using the principle of getting lots of people to put up small amounts to amass a sizeable sum.Another advantage is a loan from a bank may take several months to set up whilst loans from fundingcircle.com can take an average of 10 days to set up.
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
14/02/2012 by Geoff.
We’ve reported before that HMRC are cracking down on poor record keeping in SME’s. They have the right to levy fines up to £3,000 for businesses with serious record keeping failures. Mileage records can be an area of fault – just how do you prove an employee was in a particular place? Unfortunately it’s your responsibility to prove expenses are valid. There’s is no hard and fast rule to make your inspection go well but your chances will be improved if you keep the following records in order:
· Records of sales and takings
· Records of all purchases and expenses
· Accounting records
· Business records
· PAYE records
· Vat records
Good luck!
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
30/01/2012 by Geoff.
They can be seen as the golden panacea of a business getting more new clients. They can be positive but don’t forget about costs (obvious and hidden), also you need to be operated effectively. Adequately man your stand and follow up leads the next day.
It might also be worth considering geography – do you really want customers in Scotland if your business is in the South of England?
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
30/01/2012 by Geoff.
The closure of local Business Links – to be replaced by call centre advice and an expanded website – can be seen as leaving a gap in the business advice market. There are mixed views on Michael Heseltine’s baby – some think the service was great others think it was poor. The services offered by the Business Links were:
1. Free business advice
2. Signposting to consultants with the right skills and experience
3. Identification of and help with grants
Looking at this objectively there are plenty of people out there that also offer these services. Yes they do charge so item 1 above offers advantage. Having said this here at EMS we have a number of meetings with clients (free) before we get to a proposal for work that will help their business improve (payback).So I guess some people will miss the Business Links but there are alternatives.
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
26/01/2012 by Geoff.
Don’t write off that old brand. Our current lifestyle has lead to recession retro can bring fun to customers and success to the re-inventor. The pre-requisite is that the original product needs to have been good and in demand. One possible route to success can be considering packaging and the space the retailer needs to promote the product. Restoring a heritage brand can be cheaper and quicker than creating a new one. The brand cycle is getting ever quicker – from emerging to dominant to residual and the on to retro-emerging.In all of this positive thinking consider intellectual property rights and trademarks.
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
26/01/2012 by Geoff.
With more competition out there – sometimes adopting ruthless tactics – you need to find innovative ways to beat them without cutting your margins.It’s not impossible for retail companies perhaps consider pop up shops – see our blog on the subject. Other ideas are deals, reducing delivery times and of course excellent customer service.It is possible – just think outside the box.
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
16/01/2012 by Geoff.
From the 1st February 2012, the limits which apply to Tribunal awards and other amounts payable under employment legislation will increase. The maximum amount of a ‘week’s pay’ will increase from £400 to £430 and the maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal from £68,400 to £72,300.
Simone Greasley
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »
16/01/2012 by Geoff.
In April 2012 the weekly rates for statutory maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay will increase from £128.73 to £135.45.
Statutory sick pay rate will also increase from £81.60 to £85.85.
Simone Greasley
Posted in Business interest, Contact Us | No Comments »