A
Home and Small Business Viewpoint by Len Tondel, from 1st - 30th September 2011
 30.09.2011:
Agency workers to get greater rights from 1st October. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15115461
Small
companies going belly-up story. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/29/small-firms-doing-worse-than-big-biz/ International
Supermarket News Fresh Produce Innovation Award worth £15,000 of advertising,
at the World Fruit & Vegetable Show, Excel, London, 16th - 17th November.
To enter, call: 00 44 1429 864 466. Do
you have a great business idea? New
Start Exhibition 18/19 November 2011, The SECC, Glasgow. Then turn it into
a great business with £5000 cash and a complete range of support services
and products! mailto:competition@newstartexhibitions.com Home
energy utility broker. http://www.lsiutilitybroker.co.uk/services/domestic-savings/?sub_referrer=MED001
Although I did glimpse out of the corner of my eye recently, a story that most
people are too lazy to get the best energy deals; which doesn't surprise me. Britain,
like all western European countries, still has long way to go before the so-called
'crisis' begins to bite. Hence the Government's decision to increase the speed
limit by 10 mph. The extra fuel which that will need - and which people will eagerly
find the money to pay for even if it means baked beans on toast for the childrens'
supper - will help top up the Treasury's coffers very nicely indeed, thank you. Finally,
as this month draws to a close, may I express my thanks to the Justin Bieber Fan
Club and the International Atomic Energy Agency for all the hits they've put our
way these past few weeks. Seriously. And, no, I don't have any idea at all, of
why. 29.09.2011:
Barclays heads UK banks' complaints list. (251,563 complaints)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15077344
Other brands
high on the list included Lloyds TSB (181,907), Santander (168,888) and NatWest
(147,109). Ryanair
prepaid card - the catch. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/28/stinger-in-new-ryanair-prepaid-card/ Doorstep
mobility aids scam. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15097985 28.09.2011:
Cheapest 15" multimedia laptop in Europe. http://newsletter.bigoffers.co.uk/images/admin/bo_store/27sep2011/mailshot.html
It's not very often we do a mail shot with just one product! We have been asked
by a huge IT equipment leasing company to help them reduce their holdings of multimedia
laptops. These units have been recertified to an ‘As New’ condition.
This is probably the cheapest multimedia 15" laptop in Europe. These sell
second hand on ebay for up to £250.00. Here is your chance to get one of
your own for only £119.97. Social
& Business Roadshow, 2nd November 2011, IBM United Kingdom, 76/78 Upper
Ground, South Bank, London, SE1 9PZ. For information regarding featured speakers
etc click here.
Tel 01473 618980 Fax 01473 618989 Email sales@enableit.org.uk Online
dating scams story. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/sep/28/online-dating-scams-study Burglars
using Facebook and Twitter to target your homes. http://www.walletpop.co.uk/2011/09/27/how-burglars-use-twitter-and-facebook-to-target-your-home/?ncid=webmail4 "No
sense of proportion," writes Mark McLaughlin, Editor
of TaxationWeb on HMRC's new late filing penalties. "Unlike the previous
penalty regime, taxpayers will face a penalty for filing a late return even if
there is no tax liability for the year. The same applies even if any tax liability
for the year has been paid on time. But that's not all. A taxpayer who is twelve
months late in filing the return faces a penalty of £1,300 or more. Unfortunately,
this penalty takes no account of the taxpayer's level of income or ability to
pay. So a £1,300 penalty could apply equally to an elderly pensioner with
a modest income, and to a billionaire with no UK tax liability (e.g. due to non-resident
status). I
have a relative who is in her late 70s. HMRC issued her with a tax return for
2010-11, even though it appears that she does not need one. Nevertheless, because
she has been issued with a return she must fill it in and send it back. She has
no tax agent and no computer, so came to me for help because she was worried about
submitting her paper tax return on time. And I suspect that she is not alone." The
anti-entrepreneur goose-step continues. Figures suggest that IR35 should be scrapped.
http://www.pcg.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8118:pcg-calls-for-action-in-light-of-ir35-tax-yield-figures-&catid=909:press-releases-2011&Itemid=1435 The
number of IR35 status reviews has fallen dramatically in recent years, according
to figures released on request from HMRC. The statistics show that just 23 status
reviews were carried out in 2010/11 compared with 158 in 2006/07. Furthermore,
the amount of tax yielded from IR35 has dropped from £2 million to £220,000
across the same period. A spokesman for the Professional Contractor's Group (PCG)
called for IR35 to be scrapped, claiming that it is an "unwarranted measure"
and that the "stress and damage done to the UK’s 1.4 million genuine
freelance businesses is completely unnecessary." 27.09.2011:
Government not using the services of small businesses as promised. http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/public-sector/3304154/government-backtracks-on-sme-promise/
The Government
appears to be going back on its promise to use more services provided by small
businesses, according to working group New Suppliers to the Government (NSG).
NSG,
originally appointed by the Government to encourage small businesses to work with
the public sector, has claimed that the Government no longer seems committed to
its promise to procure 25% of services from small businesses. Government representatives
explained that it could take two years for this target to be reached, but NSG
says that small businesses feel "bullied" by Government departments
who continue to choose large suppliers to fulfil their contracts. (EnterpriseQuest) No
surprises there, then. Small
firms have a week to disclose unpaid VAT. http://www.smeweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=
article&id=2974:smes-outstanding-vat&catid=53:news&Itemid=89
Small businesses
with a turnover above the VAT threshold of £73,000 have until 30 September
to voluntarily disclose any outstanding VAT to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
in an initiative targeting over 40,000 sole traders and one-man companies. Businesses
that make a full disclosure will be able to repay any late VAT at a low penalty
rate of 10%. After this date, businesses that failed to come forward will be investigated
and could face severe penalties and even criminal prosecution. (EnterpriseQuest) Some
good, business role models from my neck of the woods to support the 'Great' Britain
campaign. (And no, this is not Beardy Branson and Britain as the best place
in the world to start a business bullshit.) http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/sep/26/entrepreneurs-startups-silicon-fen British
Cheese Week. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/british-cheese-week-causing-a-stink-in-a-town-near-you-2359792.html
I reckon that across the board, British cheeses are now the best in the world.
Wonderful combination of variety, novelty, imagination and tradition, leaving
French producers behind in the 20th century. Just like French cuisine generally.
26.09.2011:
Consumer rights overhaul proposed by Labour. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/sep/25/consumer-protection-rights-overhaul-labour
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's all very easy for opposition parties to make promises.
Why didn't Labour deliver when they were in power? Consumers
increasingly cautious with spending. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15034620
That's the way to do it; and stuff the markets. Warning
over 'apps' scams. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15038686 Blackberry
going down the drain, then? http://entrepreneurs.about.com/b/2011/09/16/slurp-thats-the-sound-of-blackberry-going-down-the-drain.htm?nl=1
Yet another internet success story, then. 25.09.2011:
Britain is 'Great', then. Mark Cavendish, backed by a terrific display
from his British team mates, has just won the world professional bike championships.
Almost bound to happen after the World Champion Serial Failure contenders,
British Prime Minister David Cameron, his government and his team of advisers
lent their backing to a bunch of doped-up fairy boys as one of their symbols of
British, errr, mediocrity. This win on the other hand, will be very good for business,
indeed. And for morale. (Which is of course why the Murdochs got in there recently
with Team Sky. Crap media. Good businessmen.) The
spread of The Peoples' Supermarket revolution. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/peoples-supermarket-revolution-spreads-2360512.html
I just love this story. Just goes to show that the keys to the future are not
to be found in the 'markets' which usually make the headlines. Cities
to bid for power to drive economic growth. http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1987935
The
Localism Bill is to allow England's "core cities", including Newcastle,
Liverpool and Birmingham, to bid for new powers to spark economic growth, it has
been announced. Cities
whose bids are successful will be given greater control over local policies and
investments to promote economic growth, in partnership with their local enterprise
partnerships (LEPs). The Government estimates that if the core cities, which deliver
27% of the national economy, had more autonomy, they could create one million
extra jobs across their LEPs and contribute a possible £44 billion to the
national economy. (EnterpriseQuest) Interesting
and entirely logical development and exactly what we were suggesting in our Comment
section on the 18th of August after the latest 13 Enterprise Zones had been announced.
The cities have the infrastructure (OK, maybe not the broadband); they have the
people; and they have the problems. So let's do some top down economic regeneration
and concentrate on stimulating those areas where the money invested in recovery
will go furthest. In other words, benefit the largest concentrations of business
activity in the country - family businesses, home businesses and the self-employed,
who can't otherwise afford big bungs to be heard by stupid and/or bent politicians.
Next,
a Sunday Treat for our visitors from France, the world's #1 nation of hypochondriacs
and where you can die from taking prescriptions just as easily as being Libyan.
"PRAISE
FOR THE PHARMACEUTICAL MARKETEERS. The fact that our family doctors now write
three times more prescriptions for antidepressants than thirty years ago is mainly
due to the very clever marketing of drug companies. This is the view of James
Le Fanu, who writes the Doctor's Diary column for the Daily Telegraph. Le
Fanu reveals that it's all done by Big Pharma re-defining a psychological trait
as a quasi-psychiatric illness - such as shyness as "social phobia"
- and then persuading prominent doctors ("key opinion leaders") that
it can be treated with pills. Also important has been the steady lowering of perceived
norms of blood pressure and cholesterol levels, so that an increasing number of
people are considered "at risk" and candidates for more profitable pill-popping.
These
brilliant strategies, coupled with a compliant and sometimes incentivised medical
profession, have resulted in sales of tablets to treat the new improved brands
of manufactured disorder increasing from £250 billion to £500 billion
a year. Now
that's marketing, and a lot of snake oil..." (ezinematters.com) 24.09.2011:
Changes to corporation tax and NI proposed. http://www.ifs.org.uk/pr/mirrlees_sept11.pdf
Changes
to corporation tax, National Insurance (NI) and fuel duty are among the suggestions
made to Government in the Mirrlees Review, published by the Institute of Fiscal
Studies (IFS). The
review concludes that the UK tax system is inefficient and unnecessarily complex,
suggesting that income tax and NI be combined. It also calls for corporation tax,
which it says encourages businesses to rely on debt finance, to be reviewed so
that it treats both equity- and debt-financing investments equally. In addition,
only profits above the normal return to capital invested should be taxed. The
IFS estimates that this could save £20 billion of national income. (EnterpriseQuest) Big
firms to get 'hotlines' to ministerial 'buddies'. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-15034526
An interesting new twist to the old practice of political lobbying, pressure groups,
contributions to party political funds, sponsors of themes and presentations at
party political conferences, and that method favoured by Bent Labour, the good,
old-fashioned cash suppository. I presume that this is a cost-cutting drive intended
to bypass the traditional middlemen and ensure that 'favours' go directly to the
politicians who can pull the strings? And
so, now you know why the vast majority of the country's businessfolk are totally
ignored. British
Cheese Week. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/british-cheese-week-causing-a-stink-in-a-town-near-you-2359792.html
I reckon that across the board, British cheeses are the best in the world. Wonderful
combination of novelty, imagination and tradition leaving leaving French producers
behind in the 20th century. Just like French cuisine generally. Hello
- My name’s Rachael. I’m writing from a Television production company
called True North Productions, I do hope you don’t mind me contacting
you out of the blue like this. I’m getting in touch with networks and groups
that work with women in business regarding a new series we’re developing
for Channel 4. We’re looking for a family who are in the process of making
some big changes in their lives. I thought you might know of people in your
network who are in the process of considering big lifestyle changes as part of
a new business venture, a developing or expanding company or a major change of
career. I’d
be really grateful if you would pass this e-mail on to any of your contacts or
clients that you feel it may be of interest to. Please do get in touch if you
require any more information. Many
Thanks, Rachael
Fennell | AP RFennell@truenorth.tv
True
North | Marshalls Mill | Marshall Street | Leeds | LS11 9YP | UK
Tel: +44 (0)11339454
extn 471 | Fax: +44 (0)113 3945495
http://www.truenorth.tv
| twitter.com/truenorthtv 23.09.2011:
London 2012: Prime Minister David Cameron launches 'Great' campaign http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15019587
This should be good news even if long overdue. However, when viewed by Johnny
Foreigner, there will be some head-scratching why Britain, which is now only eighth-ranked
and sliding as a footballing nation should wish to promote this aspect of its
sporting pedigree over those endeavours where it is the world's best - and why
a war criminal is being used to front the campaign. (On the other hand, everyone
in the world knows that bloke who invented Branson pickle - very good choice of
entrepreneur.) The Sun that interpreted the themes, was it? Still,
Backing Britain has become a bit of a bandwagon and BT's new directories proudly
proclaim 'Backing Britain For Generations' - directories which have been printed
in Spain since 2006. Power
companies in the UK - whose reputation now hovers around the same level as
banks, telecomms companies and paedophile rings - are suggesting an official
enquiry into pricing to help restore public confidence. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/power-companies-want-inquiry-2359639.html
They have every reason to believe - and quite rightly so - that an official snow
job (investigation) will exonerate them entirely. Apart
from jacking up prices energy companies in the news recently are: o
NPower is to raise prices to 3.3 million cash-strapped and captive customers,
despite the company already showing impressive profits so far this year. The company
has also been identified by Ofcom as using the much-hated automatic dialling systems
that leave the line silent, leave marketing messages or hang up. o
British Gas has been fined £2.5 million by regulator Ofgen for its poor
handling of customer complaints. The regulator is now looking into the complaints
procedures of a number of other energy firms. o
MPs are calling for a ban on cold calling, doorstepping and "Del-Boy tricks"
by energy firms after Ofgen found that 40% of users who switched ended up paying
more, not less. 22.09.2011:
Google denies 'cooking' search resuts. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15014077
We can't complain about Google ourselves; our site remains very highly placed.
Nor are we mathematicians. But there are times when we do wonder! 21.09.2011:
Government brings forward late payment law. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/yourbusiness/8763292/Government-fast-tracks-EU-late-payment-rules.html
The Government has brought forward plans to implement a European Directive which
makes a 30-day standard invoice payment term compulsory for all businesses. The
deadline for implementing the Directive is 2013, but the Government plans to bring
it into force from early 2012. Under the Directive, businesses could set 60-day
terms by prior agreement, but terms longer than 60 days could be deemed "grossly
unfair" by the courts. Small businesses will be able to charge 8% interest
and a £35 fee for late payments. (EnterpriseQuest) Lawyers
have warned that the Directive could lead to increased contractual disputes and
litigation. Dunkin'
Donuts is bigger than Google. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/20/dunkin-donuts-is-bigger-than-google/
This comes
from a US brand loyalty survey and the article goes on to list the Top 20 where
I found a couple of entries which were even more surprising than Dunkin' Donuts.
Hyundai the top car brand, for example and at #7 place overall. (This is the States,
remember.) Businesses
clueless when it comes to checking credit. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/20/businesses-clueless-on-credit/ Tagging
some rioters would have saved the taxpayer £2.4 million. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/20/tagging-rioters-would-have-saved-2-4m/
We had suggested in last month's comment that community service would have been
the most cost effective punishment but it's all about Big Pictures and Big Headlines
for The Sun, typified by the mayor of London, Big Boris waving around a little
council worker's brush. I was never sure about the imagery, though. Daft as a
brush, perhaps? Cost
of late tax return up from £100 to as much as £1600. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/20/1-600-hmrc-fine-for-paying-tax/
As the article goes on to point out, the HMRC (read 'Government') stands to make
a killing; there are 10 million self assessment returns made each year. Plus,
despite the recent headlines about targetting tax evasion by the wealthy, the
self employed can't afford tax evasion specialists (read 'large accountancy firms')
which can afford to hire infinitely better brains than those which work at the
HMRC. 20.09.2011:
Crackdown on energy companies; refunds to be 'ordered'. http://news.aol.co.uk/uk-news/story/huhne-to-announce-energy-crackdown/1928792/?ncid=webmail1
'Bad behaviour' from energy companies may result in refunds to customers of up
to £200. Sounds good but don't hold your breath - although if the energy
companies' ferocious lobbying doesn't see a political climbdown, it would
be good to see consumer interests also applied to that other great scam sector,
the telecomms industry. Still,
I doubt it. I remember that in France around ten years ago, a consumer association
took AOL to court as it continued charging its customers normally despite an almost
total collapse of the network at around 5pm each day when all the schoolchildren
came home and started swarming over the internet, saturating inadequate capacity.
Quite rightly, the consumer association won its case and the court awarded a token
refund to AOL's customers. It
took a simple appeal for the original ruling to be overturned entirely. Which
just goes to show that the kind of justice you can expect is commensurate with
your financial wherewithal - whether that's in France, the UK or the States. With
a few notable exceptions, of course. Consumer
Bill to simplify laws for businesses. http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=421254&SubjectId=2
As part of the Government's Red Tape Challenge, a new Consumer Bill of Rights
has been announced that will simplify consumer protection laws, and reduce uncertainty
and bureaucracy for businesses. The
Bill is to bring together 12 different Acts and Regulations on consumer rights,
as well as the forthcoming European Consumer Rights Directive. Among other changes,
the Bill will revise laws on goods and services relating to digital content and
clarify the law on unfair contract terms. Consumer minister Edward Davey said
that current consumer law is "bad for business as people don’t know
their rights and the cost of compliance for business is higher than necessary."
(EnterpriseQuest) 19.09.2011:
National course level
training selector (http://www.doncastertraining.co.uk)
Ryan
Jarvis Pay Per Click in-house seminars for only £149 + VAT. Tel: 01223
833305 or email direct at ryan@profitclub.co.uk Royal
Mail looking for temporary Christmas staff. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14954959
The stuff of students and anyone else looking to make a few extra bob. Honestly.
Get in there fast! Charity
shops move towards online retailing: http://www.charitytimes.com/ct/charity_shops_moving_online.php
Over half of charity shops are now selling items online, research by the Charity
Retail Association (CRA) has found. EBay
was found to be particularly significant, as 94% of charities selling online used
the site to sell items, and 76% of charity shop clothing sales were made through
eBay, an increase of 16% from this time in 2010. Wendy Mitchell, a spokesperson
for CRA, said the growth in charity shops' online sales "shows that they
are increasingly adapting to new online markets." She added that "more
and more sales will be moving online in the years to come." (EnterpriseQuest) 18.09.2011:
Another political proposal to target 'the haves'. Extra inspectors being recruited
to target wealthy tax avoiders. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/extra-inspectors-recruited-to-target-wealthy-tax-avoiders-2356573.html
So the crackdown isn't just on the self-employed, then? Although it's always interesting
to note how the Government of this country apes the Americans. Just 'seconds'
earlier we had 'New Obama plan to tax the wealthiest' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14962769
Pie in the sky? Closer
to home is the story that small businesses spend £6 billion annually
on legal consultants, more than a third of the total annual spend on red tape
of £16.8 billion (A very 'iffy' estimate. Ed.), research by
the FPB has concluded. http://www.fpb.org/news/ 17.09.2011:
New-style homes tax possibly on way. http://www.dailyfinance.co.uk/2011/09/16/new-home-tax-planned-by-lib-dems/ 16.09.2011:
Threat of large fines for delayed self-assessment returns - even if no tax
is owed. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14944511 Live
Q & A on The Guardian today about how to make a living or find employers,
with a blog. http://careers.guardian.co.uk/live-q-a
15.09.2011:
A small clutch of articles about running a business from home. http://specials.about.com/service/newsletters/sbinformation/1316012400.htm Creating
video for the web courses. http://www.sti-uk.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=39 14.09.2011:
On the other hand, if you have got a castle in
Wales like HBA member Martin Gover, founder of the Selclene
franchise, you can do a lot more than just set up a home office. The
latest newsletter is offering special wedding rates. http://www.craigynoscastle.com/ There
has been an increase in occupier activity in industrial parks in the UK, according
to research by GVA. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/ldpbusiness/business-local/2011/09/07/business-parks-continue-to-struggle-says-gva-92534- The
study found that take-up of office space in business parks was 8% higher in the
first half of 2011 compared with the previous six months, but this was 24% lower
than the five-year average. The amount of office space being constructed in the
UK is at a record low, and year-on-year rentals of office space have experienced
a modest increase of just 0.1%. (Enterprise
Quest) This
may seem a curious addition to the 'news' for a home business website but one
of the things I have always tried to emphasise to small business start ups is
that the home is not necessarily the cheapest and the most appropriate location
for business activity even if you do have the space in these days of 'shameful
shoebox homes'.
Consequently, now might be a better time than most to look for 'proper' business
premises. What
are you doing to boost your sales in 2012? Introduction to Constant Contact
POEM - The Power Of Email Marketing. Webinar: Thursday 15th September 10.00
am- 12:00 noon. GLE - London Bridge - Wednesday 21st September 2.00 - 5.00 pm
or. City Business Library Guildhall - Friday 30th September 2.30-4.30 pm http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=hwtdqcdab&v=001IgkAmL3YG5vrs0Oxa37PFkZvo4RXR6ecr31oHYGsejmAc5vEaEPrtFxBa9cgPMvk7c4auGjMWiODpq8x1-JAli7mkOaY8eFHoSxJk5wx__kWfP5G6UDw9Q%3D%3D Quick
guide - SEO Crime Doesn't Pay - http://www.1stpageprophets.com/learn-sem/search-engine-optimisation-seo/on-page-seo-do-nots-seo-crime-doesnt-pay.html 13.09.2011:
Ofcom bans rollover contracts (ARCs). http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ofcom-bans-rollover-phone-contracts-2354028.html
Consumer groups have welcomed the move but predictably, BT have voiced their displeasure.
As well as BT, other residential providers which offer ARCs include Adept Telecom,
Axis Telecom, Eze Talk and iTalk, while TalkTalk Business, Titan Telecoms, and
Optimum Calls offer ARCs to business users. Footdragging
over Britain's banking scourge. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/chancellor-denies-footdragging-to-give-banks-time-to-reform-2353654.html
Of all the stories doing the rounds about containing British banks, this link
is about the most representative. In other words, banks let off the hook again
by a Government owned by the banks. If the economy is ever to recover, then a
Government which is not in thrall to the City, will be required. A
bit more down to earth is the following little story from Event
Organisers' Update: ARE
YOU NOT IMPRESSED? One award scheme (scam?) currently doing the rounds in
our events sector is the Business Showcase Award, run by Burgess Hill, Sussex
firm Virtuoso Publishing from an accountant's office in Hove. Virtuoso
advise their punters (prestigious award winners) by way of a prestigious and top
quality email, that they have been nominated by an unidentified third party. This
shows them, say Virtuoso, to be "a
trustworthy and reliable supplier"
More
tosh in the same vein follows. “Winning a prestigious WINNER 2011 Award
will help your organisation stand out from the crowd, send a positive message
to your existing customers and attract new business. Winning this unrivalled award
says a lot about you, your organisation and the way you treat your customers and
staff" Then
the pay-off. "For just £249 + VAT winners of this prestigious Award
will receive a superb laser etched Trophy to adorn the Boardroom, client area
or reception, a beautifully designed "Winners" logo to use on your web
site, advertisements and any other marketing material, window stickers to promote
this accolade to any passing trade but probably most importantly of all, the knowledge
that your competitors probably won’t have won." Virtuoso
is run by director Sarah Louise Coakley and secretary Graham Forster, both of
Burgess Hill. Coakley was also the secretary of two other firms, Image Setting
(UK) Ltd, dissolved in 2002, and Business Showcase Ltd, with Forster as director,
dissolved in 2009. One
other aspect of this e-newsletter is a little section called 'Old Gannet's Gorgings'
which this month, goes as follows:
o
Those looking for a quick, substantial and tasty refuelling in Manchester should
check out Asian cafe This and That, located in a scruffy side street near
the Bus Station at Shudehill. £5-6 buys a generous plate of mixed curries,
choice of vegetarian and meat, along with vegetables and rice. The menu changes
daily, you can bring your own alcohol and the establishment scores highly for
its food quality in the independent Hardens restaurant guide, 'nuff said. This
and That, 3 Soap Street, off Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1EX. 0161 832 4971
o
Could the little town of Pershore, Worcestershire be an undiscovered foodie destination
of the future? Old Gannet asks this following a very good Pad Thai noodle and
prawn dish at the Thai Legend. Price was just £5.95, came with free
freshly cooked prawn crackers and tap water and female waiting staff were charmingly
friendly and helpful. According to locals the two Indian and new Chinese restaurants
are also up to similar standards, so a return visit is on the schedule. Thai Legend,
62 High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire. WR10, 1DU. Tel 01386 554604. o
More travellers are making food the focus of their trips, it is reported. Travel
insurer Churchill notes that food has overtaken beaches as a priority and that
food was the reason for the trip for 1 in 10 Brits. Of
course, some of us have been getting our priorities right for years... Support
your local eateries. The vast majority are home businesses like you. Then,
for my tuppence-worth on the subject of food this month, I reckon that one
of the most over-rated culinary destinations in the world these days is France
(try Spain, instead) and just a week ago I paid 17 euros (£16) for
re-cycled condom with 10% gristle (called steak on the menu), wilted lettuce,
a small handful of limp chips and a small bottle of Perrier at the Gare du Nord
in Paris which, judging by its filthy surroundings generally, must be seeking
to take the Shitpit of Europe Award away from Victoria Coach Station in London.
(Half an hour later, still feeling hungry, I bought a ham and cheese salad roll
from another well-known station purveyor - and the bread was at least a day old.)
No wonder the French themselves have taken to McDonalds in droves. 12.09.2011:
Choosing a cloud hosting povider with confidence white paper: https://www.verisign-trusted.com/uk/cloudX An
amusing interactive guide to the contemporary British home and how it has evolved
from Saxon times. http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/interactive/2011/sep/10/inside-home-architecture
(Our overseas visitors should not imagine that the modern British home resembles
the 21st century model in any respect other than in the fond imaginings of architects.) One
in ten entrepreneurs in the UK does not know where to seek financial advice, research
by professional services firm RSM Tenon has found. http://www.rsmtenon.com/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/2011-press-releases/26-August-Businesses-seek-financial-advice-but-not-always-in-the-right-places.aspx The
research found that 13% would go to business peers, while only one in twenty would
go to their bank for advice. Half of business owners would consult an accountant
or financial adviser, however John White, head of financial management at RSM
Tenon, expressed concern that businesses were turning to non-professional sources
for financial advice. He added that to address this issue the financial services
sector should "be more flexible in the ways that it offers advice."
(EnterpriseQuest) 11.09.2011:
Britain's economy gets an A+ recovery plan. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/osborne-signals-uturn-on-economy-with-growth-plan-2352868.html
Now that the coast is clear after Obama's announcement for a US recovery plan,
the Government has replaced its own original Plan A with a revised version nicknamed
'Keep 'em Laughing.' The first move is yet another trade visit to Russia, with
whom there hasn't been a diplomatic dialogue for 4 years. However, the Russian
mafia will be interested by the Government's suggestion that the top rate of tax
should come down still further, even though Stuart Rose, once of M&S, has
declared that he would be willing to pay more and thus following the example set
by wealthy French businessmen with more social conscience than common sense. The
problem is that throwing money at the west's economic woes isn't going to make
any difference whatsoever. When Christine Lagarde of the IMF states that 'bold
action' is required then let's take her at her word and sack the people who have
caused the problems in the first place - including the IMF, the World Bank
and the entire culture of greed and stupidity to which our own Government is a
major party. After that, there will be more than enough to go around for everyone
and we won't need to indulge silly political sound bites about striking off bankers
instead. Bankers should simply be treated as they treat their customers. There
is more than enough scope in doing that alone. Incidentally,
the UK's subsidy to this sector of satanic worship came to 46 billion pounds in
2010. 10.09.2011:
Small businesses will dominate the future business landscape in 2020, report
predicts. http://www.bibbyfinancialservices.com/meta/about-us/2020Vision.aspx
There will be a 20% increase in the number of business start ups in the UK
over the next decade and small and micro businesses will dominate the business
landscape, a report by Bibby Financial Services has predicted. The
report forecasts a labour force increase of five million, which large companies
will struggle to absorb. As a result, small businesses with the agility and flexibility
to accommodate the changing workforce will increase in size and number by 2020.
The report also anticipates a continuing rise in the significance of m-commerce
in business, possibly overtaking PCs, and an increase in home-based working. (Enterprise
Quest) Travel
firm promotion may be breaking law: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14857967 09.09.2011:
Britain to become Chinese yuan's European trading
centre. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14845892
This should be good news. After the Americans, the Arabs and the Russians
why not the Chinese, as well? Will this latest vote of confidence have any trickle-down
benefits for common folk? What do you think? 08.09.2011:
New Start Scotland exhibition (18th - 19th November 2011) - free ticket registtration
open now. http://www.eventdata.co.uk/Forms/Default.aspx?FormRef=NSSB1Visitor 07.09.2011:
Bogus financial adviser jailed for offshore pension scam. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/8744028/British-man-jailed-for-offshore-scam.html Single
trading statement proposed to reduce burden on small businesses. (BAD News)
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/43483
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has proposed that small
firms should only be required to publish a single trading statement showing their
financial position to both HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Companies House.
The
discussion paper includes suggestions that a trading statement should replace
the profit and loss account and a simplified 'statement of position' should replace
the balance sheet. BIS adds that 3.5 million small businesses could benefit from
the simplified process. Tthe proposals can be read at: http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/business-law/docs/s/11-1100-simpler-reporting-for-smallest-businesses-discussion-paper
06.09.2011:
HMRC taking tough stance against bankrupt businesses owners, warns legal firm.
(BAD News) http://www.wedlakebell.com/Default.aspx?sID=45&cID=687&ctID=43&lID=0
And to ensure HMRC can hound small businesses to its heart's content while letting
corporates completely off the hook, the Government has freed the department
from future red tape initiatives. http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2031476/Revenue--Customs-given-exemption-ban-red-tape.html
to emphasise its feral, morally bankrupt campaign of privileges for the criminal
classes.
04.09.2011:
How To Run A Successful Business While Holding
Down A Day Job seminar: http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com:80/render?llr=hwtdqcdab&v=001lHVgzoeiv3whjYrUiGBVLjzHZJNAx5coBjDNUjJFpEgTWVqqyzak_W8nxo-iVzQj5ZTur30iPo49QXBrEK6TBDtCJVO3Ea5024xwCwZiKvkC7azt405dfA%3D%3D 03.09.2011:
Business 2012 free ticket registration. http://business2012.com/register?utm_source=Sign-Up.to&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=39230-Capstone%2FWiley+Campaign+-+30%2F08%2F2011
and win a year's supply of business books competition. https://surveys.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_57uaCSm9wYhmNUM&utm_source=Sign-Up.to&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=39230-Capstone%2FWiley+Campaign+-+30%2F08%2F2011 UK
construction growth slows. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14760286
Unlike financial markets this is worrying news which impacts directly on a very
large number of UK self-employed and sub-contractors. The work is there; the confidence
isn't. 02.09.2011:
The sector with 0% unemployment - and good for business, too. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/09/01/the-industry-with-0-unemployment/ TalkTalk
putting up its line rental by 9%. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14764551
Having recently been fined £3 million for charging its customers for services
they hadn't received, the company obviously has to recoup its profits somehow.
Or, it's to help pay for the fastest rural broadband in the world. Watchdog
to investigate Trip Advisor reviews: http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/watchdog-to-investigate-tripadvisor-reviews-2348140.html
About time, too; and while we're on the subject of bogus internet opinions, new
software developed to identify opinion spam: http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/July11/OpinionSpam.html
The next step will be to outlaw rigged voting on forums by national newspapers.
Your
London Event Invite: 'Cloud Computing Explained for MDs' Roundtable
Event,
19th October 2011, 8:30am - 11:30am, at Centre Point Building, 103 New Oxford
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your place October
training courses, Essex Business School. US
to sue banks over housing bubble mortgages. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-14758677
Winds of change, perhaps? 01.09.2011:
Microsoft Windows Phone lawsuit. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/31/microsoft-windows-phone-lawsuit_n_944197.html A
story of ATM scamming. http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/08/31/how-to-avoid-getting-skimmed-by-atm-scammers/ Small
businesses benefit from tax rate discount scheme. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/43458
The latest Government figures show that 330,000 small firms will pay no business
rates until September 2012 as a result of the Government's extended Small Business
Rate Relief scheme. (BAD News) Have they been exempted because they have gone
into liquidation - while Prime Minister Cameron carts off billions to help re-build
Libya after having shared in its bombing for 6 months? The
shaggy dog story of bank reforms rolls on. It could now take a few years for
changes to take place. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14726568
No surprises there, then. (Couldn't bankers be locked up for looting?) Legal
challenge to mandatory online VAT filing. http://www.financialdirector.co.uk/aa/news/2102371/mandatory-online-vat-filing-legal-challenge
Three business owners, who are physically incapable of accessing the Internet,
have launched a legal challenge to new HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) proposals
to make filing VAT returns online compulsory for all businesses. Unlike similar
systems used by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Driving Standards
Agency, HMRC's proposals, as yet, do not include any exemptions for those unable
to access online services for reasons of poor broadband service or disability.
The legal proceedings are unlikely to go forward until the proposals are finalised
by April 2012. With
our usual gratitude and thanks to BAD News and Cobweb
Info. Previous
month's Viewpoint/August 2011 July
2011 Viewpoint
June 2011 Viewpoint
May 2011 Take
care. With our usual gratitude and thanks to BAD News and Cobweb
Info.
Len Tondel
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