Mike Smith provides brief insight into the Budget and some of the implications for UK SMEs Continue reading “Budget 2014 implications for UK SME’s” »
Business
Changing with a market
Now forgive me if this little post sounds like I’m boasting. I assure you I’m not, it’s just I think that sometimes someone who is less involved or not so emotionally tied up in a business can see the obvious when the proprietor simply can’t. Continue reading “Changing with a market” »
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” »
Auto Enrolment: Ensure Your Business Is Ready For The Compulsory Workplace Pension
By the time you read this, every company in the UK that employed more than 5,000 employees on 1st April 2012 will have already had its staging date for the auto enrolment into the new Work Based Pension Scheme. Continue reading “Auto Enrolment: Ensure Your Business Is Ready For The Compulsory Workplace Pension” »
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?” »
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?” »
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?” »
Online, speed is everything
Slow internet connections are one of the most irritating – and destructive – problems facing UK small businesses today. If the internet goes down altogether doing anything can be well-nigh impossible – not to mention the danger of missing clients, or potential clients, who are trying to get in touch. Continue reading “Online, speed is everything” »
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!”…” »
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” »