A lovely lady called Kate sent me a copy of a recent survey into expenses. The survey was commissioned by Access aCloud and looked into the methodology of expenses processing, claims and re-payment. Interesting (well perhaps) but the rascal in me spotted the side comments in the survey, which I found much more interesting – well ok, amusing. Continue reading “Weird Expense Claims” »
Blog Archives
Employers can reduce their Employer NI contributions from April 6th this year
The HMRC has now issued guidance and exclusions on how to claim up to £2000 per year of your Class 1 NIC’s and don’t forget it takes effect on 6th April 2014. Continue reading “Employers can reduce their Employer NI contributions from April 6th this year” »
Does old fashioned etiquette and dress sense matter in the modern office?
I ask the question because (as you can imagine) I do have my own views and I’d love to hear yours. It’s interesting to find people turn up for interview in dirty shoes and scruffy attire and yes, even today those first impressions do count. Continue reading “Does old fashioned etiquette and dress sense matter in the modern office?” »
So you want to work from home…
In this age of the Internet, there are many of us that either chooses or dreams of working from home. My partner and I do just that, and along with the many benefits such as flexibility, there have been some interesting challenges which may just be helpful to someone dreaming of turning the office light off for the last time . Here are a few of them that spring to mind. Continue reading “So you want to work from home…” »
Summary Key Points Autumn Statement 2013
Government message is that the plan is working, the economic outlook is better and the austerity measures will continue.
Opposition argument is that it is not actually helping people with a continued squeeze on standard of living and increases in the cost of living. The recovery is still based on an increase in personal debt and it is an unsustainable economic recovery. Continue reading “Summary Key Points Autumn Statement 2013” »
What is the most important factor when recruiting?
I do honestly do other things than look through the Beeb all day, but I have to credit them again with a recent article on recruitment that caught my eye.
Just about every business person must look to Richard Branson’s success with admiration and it was Mr Branson’s thoughts on recruitment that caught my eye. Continue reading “What is the most important factor when recruiting?” »
Running a business in a war zone…
Well ok, perhaps not a war zone, but I spotted a recent article on the BBC website, which made fascinating reading. I’ve abbreviated some of its points here, as I was just awestruck. Of course many of the globe’s people have little choice, but how in God’s name do they do so? Continue reading “Running a business in a war zone…” »
What should you do with Mobile Phones in the Office?
I’d lock them all up! . Continue reading “What should you do with Mobile Phones in the Office?” »
Forget the marketing, we’re all for social media…
said the unemployed marketing manager! Ok, so social media must be the biggest buzz word for most companies now and lets face it, the way a company communicates with its prospects and potential customers has changed exponentially over the last few years. For many it’s difficult to grasp all the Facebook, Twitter ,“likes” and stuff (especially if you’re over 50), however are we able to drop the traditional marketing – indeed more to the point, should we? Well before you think I’ve finally lost it, I for one sit securely in the NO camp! Continue reading “Forget the marketing, we’re all for social media…” »
How Companies Avoid Corporation Tax
I watched a great video on the BBC with the beguiling title of “A Beginners Guide to Tax Avoidance”. It is a fascinating simplification and here is our summary. Continue reading “How Companies Avoid Corporation Tax” »
So you now have an e-commerce shop but what should you do?
As an accountant, it occurred to me just recently that there are many people who’ve established online shopping websites and sit wondering why they aren’t performing as well as expected and where they should be allocating their budgets. Continue reading “So you now have an e-commerce shop but what should you do?” »
“Ever thought you just have too much info!”…
I for sure do! But thinking about it, I can’t help feeling that sometimes it’s my own fault (yes you got that right – my own fault) thing is I tend to be a bit nice, I don’t like to say no, I have time for your survey and truthfully I can get side-tracked by interesting e-mails and I just have to check my emails every 60 seconds! Yes perhaps I’m my own worst enemy? Continue reading ““Ever thought you just have too much info!”…” »
As cooking is to management
Ok, so perhaps you know I love food and cooking, but “as cooking is to management”? Well after organising a supper for friends recently the similarities between orchestrating a wonderful supper and the day to running of a busy business are indeed similar. For it all to go smoothly, it sure does involve a deal of skill and minute to minute co-ordination. Continue reading “As cooking is to management” »
Twesumes- your CV or resume in 140 characters. Utter Tosh
Well, we must be truthful and say that’s our own opinion of what CNN (we must credit the news channel with the original story) report is the hottest way to send your CV. Called predictably “twesumes” it involves as I’m sure you’ve guessed, writing your CV as a Tweet in 140 characters. Continue reading “Twesumes- your CV or resume in 140 characters. Utter Tosh” »
Motor’s Most Deserving Business
With current business owners feeling the sting of a harsh financial climate right now, an even bigger pressure is on for anyone who is in the process of setting up their own enterprise. Without the monetary resources for self-promotion, how can a fledgling business expect to attract the customers it so desperately needs to attain its financial goals? Continue reading “Motor’s Most Deserving Business” »
So we read that YouTube plans to start charging…
According to a recent report, YouTube, which is now owned by Google of course, is considering introducing a series of channels that you’ll have to pay for. The rumoured monthly charge is as low as $1.99US or about £1.20 or so, but the big thing is not the amount of the charge so much as the charge! Continue reading “So we read that YouTube plans to start charging…” »
Unequal pay for a job well done?
This video made us smile. I guess you might feel a bit sorry for the poor monkey who loses out also, but it just goes to show a natural distaste for unfairness.
Could there be a business lesson there for us? Could it relate to the business world? Certainly there are many, many people who feel distaste at the obscene payments to bank executives and the appointment of their cronies who continue the same circle of abuse, but what about younger or less experienced employee’s who learn very quickly and perform their role better than their peers – food (if you’ll excuse the pun) for thought.
A Clampdown on Tax Avoidance in 2013
It seems that the government are finally starting to react to the public outcry over tax avoidance and evasion. In the past, the government have been wary of upsetting the rich in the UK over fears that they would take their business overseas. Continue reading “A Clampdown on Tax Avoidance in 2013” »
Budget 2013 Help to Buy Scheme: Criteria and How it will work
In this post I won’t be professing the rights or wrongs of the new scheme but most people trying to get on the housing ladder or even moving up a rung will be pleased with the announcement of the Help to Buy and will be rushing to find out whether they meet the criteria and how the scheme will work. Continue reading “Budget 2013 Help to Buy Scheme: Criteria and How it will work” »
Summary of the main changes of the Budget 2013 for Small Businesses
Mr Osborne has said, “It could be worse”. However could it have been better? And that’s surely the question. It would be interesting to hear your opinions. My feeling is that no government has the balls to make the difficult decisions required for the economy as it may lose votes. It’s all short term-ism. Continue reading “Summary of the main changes of the Budget 2013 for Small Businesses” »
