(LATEST! 17th June 2009 )
(scroll down to see full list.)

A Home and Small Business Viewpoint by Len Tondel, June 2009)

Hello once more welcome to holiday-time! I'll be putting my words of last month into action and spending some time in East Anglia getting to know some long-overlooked nooks and crannies, in the company of my just over one-year old grand-daughter.

Rachael Ross, on the other hand, has already gone off to stay with friends and relatives in the US although that is pretty much her neck of the woods, anyway. Rachael is putting the finishing touches to her book about working from home, which we will hope to be reviewing for the next issue of eBOSS - with Rachael's permission. The copy is ready but we don't want a clash with the title's release on the bookstands.

We also expect the holiday period to bring the Channel 3 tv crew to our water mill offices and showcase for local members in La Creuse in France. This is a universal resource and facility which has been built up over the past three years to allow free exposure to home-based business activities not only for commercial but also for social purposes. We will be uploading some pictures and explanations during the following month which you will be able to access by clicking the 'Moulin du Chat Cros' picture at the top of the HBA website home page.

To help that holiday feeling along, we note that more and more optimism is creeping into reporting of what must now seem the shortest-lived recession in business history. HBA members will have noted our ongoing sceptisism of the media's handling of the so-called crisis, although I don't doubt it has had a useful effect in clearing out a lot of old rubbish and also introducing a couple of welcome ideas; the following story deals with the success of HMRC's deferred payment of taxes scheme, for example. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/jun/07/small-business-tax-hmrc

Deferring payment, stalling payment or just plain and simple late payment is of course, a central plank to keeping a small business alive and learning how to do this politely but firmly, has long stood the self-employed in good stead. However, the late payment of bills by small and home businesses is normally down to 'can't pay' rather than 'won't pay', which is the cynical, profit-orientated accounting manouevre of bigger businesses. That being said, I always found asking for more time to settle to be a demeaning experience and not a request to be made out of choice. Fortunately, attitudes are much more understanding these days than they were when I started out over forty years ago; unfortunately, the characteristics of poor cash flow (ain't got no money) however, don't seem to have changed at all!

Until the next time, go well and take care.

Len Tondel

eBOSS June 2009 contents; updated 17/06/09 (For full acces and to join the HBA, go to: About the HBA and/or HBA Trial Offer)

Introduction
Pick of the News:
Business confidence rises; Small business insolvency rate 'not as bad as 1991', says Experian; UK small businesses owed more than £10 billion in late payments; Less than a third of firms credit check new customers; Falling consumer demand is biggest issue for SMEs, says report; Fifth of small businesses not profitable since 2008; Nearly half of small firms still without website; Federation calls for Small Business Sector Skills Council; Travel start up enquiries on the rise, says law firm; Franchise sector sees resilient performance despite recession; HMRC texts prompt fraud concerns; Struggling firms use eBay to raise funds; Customers put off by online retailers' lack of payment methods; Consumer confidence in online shopping rises; Company name regulations due to come into force; Yell and Google partner to launch search marketing service for small firms; Government announces larger grants for rural businesses; Government urges garages to sign up to service and repair code; National Minimum Wage to increase to £5.80 per hour; Exporting Masterclass, Birmingham, 17 June 2009; Intellectual Property for SMEs, London, various dates; BERR and ICM publish leaflet on good payment practice
Mike's Media View: MPs' EXPENSES . . . DECLINING RESPECT . . .AND STORIES THAT CAN RUN AND RUN
Successful Boundaries by Rachael Ross and the 'How To Work Successfully From Home Guide'
Tax and VAT News including, HMRC help business cash flow; Budget 2009 summary; 'HMRC launch online tax help for small businesses'; Making money from a hobby; TaxationWeb community toolbar
Buying a franchise from about.com
New online business networking site
A Home Based Business - why would it be less professional than any other? by Tina Woollard of TMW Secretarial Services
Things You Say:
Get2Business 09 Event; Got stuff to sell online? Snappy Stuff; New Cleaning Jobs Website; Be-Spoke Music and Messages on Hold; Get your Free 0844 number; new June theatre offers; Free web hosting (worth £47) with all domain transfers; Bluetooth marketing solutions; broadband resilience against failure and loss of connection quality; just Launched - Freelance Management Bank
Update: (17.06.09)
TaxationWeb Acquires 'Tax Insider' - new In-House Publication Launched; reduced the rate on all training workshops to £99 p.p.; VAT - are you preparing for new 'place of supply' rules?; Unlimited mileage, flexible car lease; no penalties; Lectest UK offers a nationwide electrical safety testing service and is currently offering a 20% discount on all orders during June and July 2009; INVITATION TO ENTERPRISE PROMOTION CONVENTION

INVITATION TO ENTERPRISE PROMOTION CONVENTION

Do you agree that creating more successful small businesses is the best way out of the current economic crisis?

Do you educate, encourage, fund, promote, support or train entrepreneurs?

If so, may we invite you to exchange your experiences and share best practices with like-minded people from all around the world at a major new international convention on enterprise promotion in the Harrogate International Centre in Yorkshire, UK, on 15-17 November 2009.

The event will showcase best practice and innovation in the creation and support of small businesses world-wide. This is a unique opportunity for individuals and organisations to promote their own successes and to network with many other specialists in enterprise creation, development and support.

The current economic crisis has highlighted the importance of creating many more small businesses with a sound financial foundation, proper management controls and strong support services. This Convention will bring together the many organisations in the UK and internationally that specialise in helping individuals to start their own business and then guiding them through the initial development phase to a secure trading position in their own Country and onward into the global marketplace.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST FURTHER INFORMATION

MAIN THEMES: in Workshops, Case Studies & Debates – dependent on the interests of participants.

Advancing entrepreneurship education and training world-wide

Business creation and development - stimulating start-ups

Community, ethnic, minority, rural and social enterprises

Developing enterprise in emerging and transition economies

E-business, e-learning, e-mailing and website marketing

Innovation, incubation, networks and knowledge transfer

Management, skills, environmental and global growth issues

Supporting small business development world-wide

Venture capital, business angels, finance, regulation & taxation

Women's enterprise and family business development

Youth enterprise support programmes world-wide

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This Convention is being organised on a low-cost not-for-profit basis so that as many SME specialists and support organisations as possible can attend from both the UK and overseas - for example-

Business Advisers, Coaches, Consultants, Counsellors, Facilitators and Mentors

Entrepreneurship Educators, Researchers, Teachers & Trainers

Financial Advisers, Financiers, Business Angels and Venture Capitalists

Government Policy Makers and Specialists in Regeneration and Economic Development

Incubation & Innovation Centres: Business Centres and Science Parks

Professional Institutes, Societies and Trade Associations

SME Support Organisations & Agencies; Chambers of Trade & Commerce, etc.

Facilities will be made available for each special interest group to have their own Plenary and Workshop Sessions plus appropriate evening social events within the overall programme for the Convention.

There will be a large “Enterprise Expo” which will include software and training programmes, trainers and professional service providers, publishers of business magazines and books, financiers and franchise consultancies, etc.

WHY ATTEND?

Interact with leading practitioners, policy-makers, entrepreneurs & advisers

Hear case histories from many successful enterprise promotion programmes

Share best practice in business creation and support services world-wide

Exchange experience in entrepreneurship education and training

Debate new approaches to small business management and development

Consider applications and policy implications of many innovations

Develop existing networks and establish new working relationships

CLICK FOR MORE DETAILS:

Outline Programme

Call for Speakers

Workshop Themes & Topics

Fees Schedule

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:–

Contact: Brian Dunsby, Organiser, or Maggie Hall, Coordinator, at mailto:info@enterprisepromotion.org

or write to: Enterprise Convention Secretariat, PO Box 288, Dept EM0609, Harrogate HG1 9AX, UK

Website: http://www.enterprisepromotion.org Tel: +44(0)1423 879208 Fax: +44(0)1423 870025

Lectest UK offers a nationwide electrical safety testing service and is currently offering a 20% discount on all orders during June and July 2009

PAT Testing - from just 96p per appliance
Fixed Installation Testing - from just £10 per circuit
We are...

All our PAT engineers are qualified to City and Guilds 2377
Punctual, Smart and Courteous
Able to provide comprehensive reports within 5 working days
Pleased to carry out minor repairs free of charge

Recent Clients Include: Citizens Advice Bureau, Victim Support, Somerlea Junior School, Eastbourne Advocacy Volunteers Service, HM Land Registries, Injured Jockey Fund, The Deaf Association, South Herts Golf Club, Sacred Hearts School, Holy Trinity Church, Glen Gorse Golf Club and many more.....

For more information or to arrange a booking please email info@lectestuk.co.uk

Lectest UK Ltd

0800 622 6723

Lectest UK Ltd, 4 Muirfield, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 9QH

Tel: 0800 622 6723 Web: http://www.lectestuk.co.uk

Email: mailto:info@lectestuk.co.uk

BCC launches online business networking site

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has launched a new online business network. The site is designed to be a social network where users can tender for work.

For further information go to: http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/6798219246063171410/business-networking-moves-up-a-gear.html

And: http://www.thebusinessnetworkonline.com

Want to improve your business?

VentureNavigator is a free and impartial online business support service for start ups, small businesses and entrepreneurs. If you have a new idea or an existing company ready for growth, VentureNavigator can help you steer a course to success!

With VentureNavigator you can:

Test your business ideas and get tailored feedback
Access a library of relevant business resources
Get advice from an online community of
entrepreneurs and business owners
VentureNavigator is a free service funded by the UK Government

http://www.venturenavigator.co.uk

www.schoolsales.co.uk

Its finally here and ready to use. The ONLY school website that allows you to communicate, buy, sell and swap with other parents and kids at your school FOR FREE!

This site has more than 20,000 schools listed across the UK and we are adding more everyday - yours is probably already there but if not tell us and we will list it straight away.

You can use this site to sell off old school uniform or sportswear thats too small - buy musical instruments, sportsgear, books and in fact anything at all you might use at school. And the best bit is you can find stuff from your own school or local schools so no hassle with deliveries etc - just collect and deliver at the school gate!!

Obviously the site has only just gone live this week but is already listed on Google page one (we have a clever team working for us!) so will soon be attracting a VERY large audience from more than 14 million parents and 9 million schoolchildren in the UK. Make sure you have your FREE account set up now - PLUS for a limited time get a FREE £10 Bonus to spend on advertising upgrades. All standard adverts are FREE for everyone!!

Also are you looking for a new part time income - think about becoming an agent - click here for more information about this or visit the site.

Below are some ideas on what you can use the site for

Buy or sell secondhand school uniform, sportsgear, musical instruments books and much much more
Arrange car sharing
Buy or sell party bags
Private tuition
Promote school events like fetes or discos
Communicating with all those other parents and kids at your school has just become so much easier now that schoolsales.co.uk has been launched.

http://www.schoolsales.co.uk

Taxation for Business Cars: an update, London, 11 May 2009

The Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) is holding this briefing, which helps attendees understand the new capital allowances relating to business cars. It will cover the new rules and which cars are affected.

To read more on this story go to: http://www.fla.org.uk/multievents/displayEvent.asp?Type=Full&Code=CAR

22 Ways to Save Energy with Gadgets . . . and other things on the internet to avoid

DIY Starting-up the Sustainable Economy, British Library, London, 6 May 2009

This event features talks from entrepreneurs who have started up businesses that concentrate on ethical and fair trade. It will look at the opportunities for setting up businesses with an environmental focus. Speakers include Tim Smit, the founder of the Eden Project, and Safia Minney, founder of fair trade fashion brand People Tree. Tickets cost £10.00 or £7.50 for concessions.

For more information go to: http://www.bl.uk/bipc/inspiring.html

HMRC launch online tax help for small businesses

HMRC have launched a series of online, bite-sized video guides for new and small businesses.

The 10 videos, fronted by TV presenter Dan Snow, provide a helpful overview on a range of tax issues, including setting up in business, income tax for the self-employed, corporation tax and VAT. The videos also provide handy links to further online information and help.

The full list of web videos is as follows:

setting up in business;
income tax for the self employed;
National Insurance;
record keeping;
employing other people;
corporation tax;
VAT;
importing and exporting;
business allowances; and
the Construction Industry Scheme.
Announcing the launch of the series, presenter Dan Snow said "We've broken the information down into small video chunks, so that people can access exactly what they need to know. Hopefully this makes the new videos really useful for people and businesses."

In addition, HMRC is also following three people as they set up in business in a new video diary series called "The Start-up Diaries". It will follow three people - Ruth, Nick and Hannah - as they explain, in their own words, what it's like to go it alone. An introduction to the series, plus episode one of the diaries, is also available.

A free guide for new and small businesses has also been launched alongside the videos, entitled "Giving your business the best start with tax".

The videos and guide are all available to download free from the Business Link website at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/taxhelp.

Episode 2 of the "Start-up Diaries" is scheduled for April 2009.

Articles about "saving energy" - http://frugalliving.about.com/lr/saving_energy/407738/2/

The above link will take you to 105 pages of energy-saving articles; below are just a few examples from the first page alone. Most of the articles originate from America but the ideas they offer, can be applied almost universally. Ed.

Those Who Spread 'Enterprise Magic' to be Celebrated at 2009 UK Enterprise Support Awards

The vital role played by individuals and organisations who provide support to entrepreneurs and small businesses will be recognised at the 2009 UK Enterprise Awards, to be presented on Thursday 16 April 2009.

Entries are invited from those who provide advice, inspiration - and even a touch of magic - to help start ups and small businesses survive and thrive. In a year which has proved particularly challenging, the role of the advisers, coaches, mentors and others who encourage and support small businesses has never been more critical, according to SFEDI (http://www.sfedi.co.uk), the small business watchdog and standards setting body. It hosts the Awards on behalf of its Advisory Board of which most of the key small business associations and organisations in the UK are members.

The awards showcase the individuals, organisations, products and services which have done most to help start ups, the self-employed and small business owners during 2008. Categories include awards for professional advisers, such as accountants, through to volunteer business mentors. There is also an award for the business owner or entrepreneur who has done most to support other small and home business owners. The awards will be judged by an expert panel including government advisers on support for entrepreneurs, successful small business owners, members of SFEDI's Advisory Board and last year's winners.

Last year's overall winner - the 2008 Champion Enterprise Supporter - was Terry Owens, founder of InBiz, an organisation which helps individuals and groups to develop enterprise skills. He received the award in recognition of his achievement in founding InBiz, which had so far helped more than 20,600 people move off benefit by setting up their own business.

SFEDI aims to raise the quality of small business support and training. It also accredits and endorses the people, products and programmes that meet its quality standards and are 'proven in practice' with small and home business owners. Its work is guided by the SFEDI Advisory Board whose members include the British Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, the Forum for Private Business, the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies, the Association for Chartered Certified Accountants, the International Association of Book-keepers, Customer First UK, Institute of Leadership and Management and representatives from UK Sector Skills Councils.

SFEDI developed the UK Enterprise Award Scheme in association with its Advisory Board and further details, including a nomination form, are available on its website www.sfedi.co.uk/uk-enterprise-awards.

Commenting on the launch of the UK Enterprise Support Awards, Tony Robinson OBE, small business owner and executive chairman of SFEDI, commented: "As big business flounders, there's huge potential for the economy to be kick-started by the UK's hard-working, lean, flexible and enterprising small business owners. But, for this to happen, we must nurture and encourage them with support and help from those who truly understand their needs - particularly in these difficult times.

"While many awards recognise successful small businesses, it's also important to recognise those individuals, organisations and services, whose excellence and inspiration has played a pivotal role in creating these success stories. Many of them seem to have a magic touch - and never has it been needed more."

Ends

For SFEDI media enquiries please contact:
Rebecca George - George PR - 01449 737281/07974 161108, email: rebecca@georgepr.com

Notes to Editors:

SFEDI is the UK standards setting body and endorsement body for prospective and existing small and home business owners and all those that support them. More details on SFEDI, its work and endorsement programme and logos can be found on http://www.sfedi.co.uk

SFEDI is currently seeking sponsors for the individual Enterprise Awards and for tables of ten seats at the Awards Lunch on 16 April 2009. Details are at: http://www.sfedi.co.uk/uk-enterprise-awards.

Farmers' markets and where to find them

StemTech distributors being sought . . .

Super-cheap computers

Dell Optiplex GX280 2.8ghz XP Pro - Price : £109.00 £128.07 Inc VAT
Intel® Pentium® 2.8ghz processor, 512mb ram, 40gb hard drive, DVD -CDRW Combo drive, 10/100/1000 network, sound, 8 x USB , Black Desktop Case. XP Pro installed, licence and recovery disk.
· CRS 12 month Warranty. Plus 14 day money back guarantee. To order online please click Here

HP Compaq DC7100 2.8ghz XP Pro - Price : £99.00 £116.33 Inc VAT
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8ghz, 512mb Ram, 40gb Hard drive, DVD -ROM Drive, 10/100/1000 Network, Sound onboard, USB x8, Black & Chrome Desktop case, XP Pro Operating System Installed, licenced & recovery disk.
· CRS 12 month Warranty. Plus 14 day money back guarantee. To order online please click Here

NEC 1770nx 17" TFT (Black & Silver) Cosmetics - Special Price : £49.00 £57.58 Inc VAT
Cosmetic marks - 17" TFT Flat panel monitor. Black with silver bezel, 1280 x 1024 resolution. Analogue & DVI input. 8ms response time.Contrast 600:1. Brightness 250cd/m2. Comes with cables.

· Cosmetics may be a small pressure mark or scratch to the case. Functionality not affected.
· CRS 12month Warranty. Plus 14 day money back guaranteee. To order online please click Here

Please click Here for full details and other models.

Other PC's on offer available please go to http://www.pc.crs-uk.biz

Further stock available on our website - please visit www.shop.crs-uk.biz

You can either order on-line or call us on 01908 656700

Stock is limited so order early to ensure you don't miss out!

Products carry a 12 month advance unit swap warranty (we deliver a replacement unit and take away the old one) plus our 14 day no-quibble money-back guarantee. This is in addition to any remaining manufacturer’s warranty.

CRS re-markets computers on behalf of major corporations and leasing companies. Equipment is processed through our ICER accredited workshop where it is subjected to detailed checks using powerful diagnostic tools. These tools include predictive software that identifies potential future component failure. Equipment is thoroughly cleaned including the inside which helps prolong trouble free operation of the components and sub-assemblies. Units are data wiped to UK government standards as laid down in HMG Infosec Standard No.5 and CESG Infosec Manual S (Guide to Secure Erasure). Units are virus checked and operating systems are re-loaded together with all the necessary software drivers and current service packs. A recovery disk is included with each system.

Regards,

Matthew Boore

Computer Remarketing Services ( CRS )
direct 44 (0)1908 656706
phone 44 (0)1908 656700
fax 44 (0)1908 649295
www.crs-uk.biz

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Established 1980. Registered In England . Company Registration 1494452 Vat 524 271957
Registered Office: 32 Clarke Road , Mount Farm Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes MK1 1LG

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Established 1980. Registered In England. Company Registration 1494452 Vat 524 271957
Registered Office: 32 Clarke Road, Mount Farm Industrial Estate, Milton Keynes MK1 1LG

Extra financial help for business owners

Business owners may not be aware that they are eligible for extra financial help through government tax credits. Highlighting the availability of tax credits to business owners can make quality childcare affordable, their lives less stressful, enabling them to be more focused on their business.

Self employed people do not have to do anything different to those who are employed, to claim tax credits.

Lei Yee Lau
Working Families
1-3 Berry Street
London EC1V 0AA
Tel: 020 7253 7243
Email: office@workingfamilies.org.uk
Web: http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk

Free legal helpline for families on low income: 0800 013 0313

You may wish to use our web link to our tax credit estimator to help people calculate how much they may be entitled to – http://www.workingfamilies.org.uk/asp/calculator

Sneak Preview - NEW catalogue out NOW!


Dear Customer,

We are now launching our new 240 page brochure featuring a large range of promotional and business gifts. You can see the image of our new cover below.

Through this e-mail we are giving you the opportunity to be one of the first to receive your FREE copy!

<< FREE CATALOGUE >>

Find a PR Agency - free service

If you are looking for a PR consultancy then why not contact the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA). Its free search and selection service saves you hours of time and helps you find the right agency to meet your brief.

The PRCA is the trade association that represents PR consultancies in the UK with over 150 members around the country ranging from global giants to independent boutiques.

What's more we only recommend agencies that have passed our internationally recognised Consultancy Management Standard - a quality mark of professionalism.

To fill out an online briefing form or further information please click here or contact Wendy Ricmond: wendy.richmond@prca.org.uk or 020 7233 6026

Small, medium and some large house builders are finding things increasing difficult due to reduced sales and land banks purchased at boom prices.

Roger Humber, strategic policy consultant at the House Builders Association, part of the National Federation of Builders said: "It is very serious indeed. It is tough times for everybody and the worst we have seen for 15 years.

If any of these companies have made unfortunate land purchases in the last year, and then have found sales dip, as many have, then it is highly likely they will be finding it difficult to keep up with interest payments".

Several house builders in England have gone into administration within the last month with one owing £36m.

fightyourcorner.com reports an increased number of enquiries from it's Business Recovery page. "We get calls from visitors to our website: www.fightyourcorner.com literally saying "I want to put my business into liquidation. Can you help?" says Robin Carlyle, MD.

"On the other hand, we do get calls from business people at an earlier stage asking for a revue of their business with a view to setting in place a business recovery strategy involving rescheduling of debts, finance, stock and sales, and an appraisal of the existing market and competition, prior to possible changes of emphasis. This can be very satisfying and much more rewarding" says Robin.

Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) seem to be becoming more common, which provide a genuine opportunity of business owners and creditors to get more out of a business that is in serious difficulties and can lead to recovery.

Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), (Trust Deeds in Scotland), provide a similar situation for individuals in financial difficulties. These are growing in demand too.

www.fightyourcorner.com was launched in Scotland at the end of 2006 with the assistance of Business Gateway and with the "blessing" of the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. Since then, the team of advisors on a number of services including Business Recovery has developed through out most of the UK.

For further information, visit: www.fightyourcorner.com or call 0800 130 0473

Dear HBA,

I just wanted to introduce myself as I hope zuuMedia will be providing its services to many of the members of the HBA.

I am very pleased that we are able to offer, via Simply Business, 3 months free offsite data backup. As you know data backup is critical for any business and it is something a small business owner often forgets. The advantage of broadband now means that businesses can easily and affordably back their data up automatically everyday, without having to remember to do it.

I am not sure if Andy mentioned it to you but we also provide proactive remote computer maintenance, security and 24/7 computer support for consumers and small businesses and I would be very interested to put together an offer for your members around support as well. For example we offer a free computer health check when we will run a complete check on their computers and then email a detailed report, followed by a phone call to discuss what was found. As an example over the last few months we found the average on each computer to be:

Viruses - 8
Spyware & Trojans - 73
Adware - 300
Missing Security Patches - 6

For more information about both services please go to www.zuuMedia.com

All the very best,
Philip

Dear Sir / Madam

I would like to introduce you to a new business that could save you and your customers time and money, whilst helping your organisation and those you communicate with reduce the effects of your carbon footprint by providing the facilities to reduce the number of business journeys and phone calls you make.

You can hold meetings with existing contacts by getting them 'in the loop' and network with other like minded businesses and organisations without cost or time restraints or even geographical boundaries to hold you back.

And it all takes place wherever you want to be, which is ideal for the busy executive juggling their work-life balance - and perfect for home based workers.

The Loop Online is a simple, extremely cost effective, environmentally conscious, time-saving way of conducting business communications.

It is an ideal option for businesses and organisations ranging from sole traders, owner managers, small to medium sized businesses and organisations where resources are limited, right up to multi-site national and international organisations communicating with colleagues, customers and suppliers worldwide.

Come visit us at www.thelooponline.co.uk where it's easy to register online and start benefiting from a host of easy to use enhanced business communication tools that facilitate meetings and networking capabilities from wherever there is a computer.

It's simple to register with us online and then you too can enjoy the benefots of time and money saving enhanced business communications that are environmentally conscious.

To find out more about The Loop, who we are and what our aims are, I have attached some literature that will give you further information and help you make up your mind about 'getting in the loop'.

We welcome your feedback and look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Pete

Peter Gosling
Director
The Loop Online Limited
Company Registration No: 6362179
Email: petergosling@thelooponline.co.uk
Tel: 07968 104542
Website: www.thelooponline.co.uk

Hello,

I’ve just come across the homebusiness.org.uk site and was wondering if I might make a suggestion?

We have recently launched a UK focused Wiki-style business directory Bizwiki - http://www.bizwiki.co.uk/ The information on Bizwiki is a combination of user contributed content and hand-edited articles, data spidered by our in-house webcrawler, information from chamber of commerce and industry sources and licensed data.

I thought that Bizwiki UK might be a good fit for your Links page http://www.homebusiness.org.uk/links.htm

I would be happy to answer any queries you may have.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,

Jurga Galvan

Communications Manager

Bizwiki UK - User editable business directory
web: http://www.bizwiki.co.uk/
mail: comments@bizwiki.co.uk

Free telecomms service for homeworkers, small businesses and charities

I'm currently marketing a completely free service to small businesses, home workers and charities. The service doesn't cost them a single penny and can save them hundreds/thousands of £'s on expensive call management systems for their workplace/home.

Would it be possible for you to review my website and if possible reccomend it to the visitors of your website if you are impressed with it.

I've listed all the information below and please give it a try it won't cost you a penny. As an added feature it is also great security for ladies who work from home, my call management system provides them with a free 0844 local rate number directed to their home number, which means that they never have to use their home number when advertising their business.

The website is http://www.instantswitchboard.co.uk.

If you have any questions please email me at sales@blueboxtelecom.co.uk

Kind Regards

Rob Douthwaite
Blue Box Telecom

The Pipeline card

This website will be of interest to anyone who needs to drive for their business or has to use their car to reach their premises. It is aiming to sign up sufficient people so it can negotiate cut-price petrol for members with a major retailer. The group currently has more than 500,000 members.

The website is at: http://www.pipelinecard.org

British Shops and Stores Association website

The British Shops and Stores Association (BSSA) website is a resource for non-food shops, particularly focusing on smaller businesses. The website has a membership area, as well as areas accessible to all, including news and legislation affecting shops.

Visit the website at: http://www.british-shops.co.uk/homepage.htm

Thank you for the time you have taken to read this email.

We are seeking Affiliates to promote our product - a 3 CD set containing every possible document, letter or template required to run a business.

It costs nothing at all to sign up as an affiliate and we pay a massive 40% commission. It's a product that everyone needs no matter what business they are in so substantial earnings are easily achieveable.

To learn more about the product please click here: http://www.borderpublications.com/documents

To get links for your web site or email signature please click here: http://www.borderpublications.com/documents/affiliate.htm

Kind regards

The Border Publications Team

Horsesmouth e-mentoring website

This website puts experienced businesspeople in touch with new start ups that are looking for advice. Horsesmouth is seeking mentors from all walks of life, to give advice on business, life and learning. It hopes those who sign up to the site looking for help will also be able to give advice to others.

Visit the website at: http://www.horsesmouth.co.uk

Hello,

I was simply wondering if you could take one minute out of your busy schedule to take a look at this small home business marketing site:
http://smallbusiness.logoworks.com and, if you find it interesting enough, link to it from the links page of homebusiness.org.uk.

The blog features articles geared towards small business marketing, and provides a few resources that would be valuable to small business or home business owners. We offer a lot of small business marketing content that your site visitors would find useful.

Other than benefiting your website visitors, we would also like to perminently add a link to your website from our resources site, with your permission.

Let me know what you think, and thank you very much for your time.

I really appreciate it,

Tanner Christensen
http://smallbusiness.logoworks.com

iTrade website

This website has been set up by the Government's UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) department to help firms in the East of England network with their international counterparts, exchanging knowledge and ideas. There is also information on worldwide business trends, news, events and courses. Members can discuss ideas in the forums. It is currently free to join.

Visit the website at: http://www.itrade.org.uk

Hi there –

I run Platinax (http://www.platinax.co.uk/) which is a free resource run by entrepreneurs to help other entrepreneurs and start-ups get the most from using the internet. It does this by providing helpful articles, a business forum for Q&A, as well as news and a business directory.

I’d just like to find out whether it’s possible to work with homebusiness.org.uk in order to help raise awareness of Platinax among your visitors. For example, do you provide any advertising opportunities?

In the meantime, any questions, feel free to ask.

Best regards,

Brian

http://www.platinax.co.uk/

Platinax Internet Ltd is registered in Scotland: SC291750

Phone: 07963 808470

Email: brian@platinax.co.uk

Business book free to download

A book helping people to improve their creative businesses has been made freely available on the Internet. 'T-Shirts and Suits, A Guide to the Business of Creativity', by business guru David Parrish, aims to help people make the most of their creative abilities, and to combine them with best business practice. It has been transformed into an e-book, which can be freely downloaded.

You can download the e-book at: http://www.davidparrish.com/page.asp?pgid=125&pgsid=33

It is also available at: http://www.merseysideacme.com/displaynews.asp?pageid=latestnews&item=842

The Search Engine Guide website

This is a useful website for small businesses that have an online presence. This frequently updated site has hints and tips to help businesses get the best search engine rankings they can, in a blog-style format. It seeks out relevant articles, tutorials, hints and tips on search engine optimisation (SEO) and brings them together in one place.

Visit the site at: http://www.searchengineguide.com

Setting up an IT system from Businesslink

Start-up businesses that are unsure of what kind of IT system they need can now use an online tool to let them know what their businesses requires. Business-link’s ‘Setting up an IT system’ offers advice for small firms and start-ups on what the most appropriate equipment for their organisation would be. The interactive tool uses a short questionnaire to identify the main use for IT within the business. Business owners enter details on which members of staff need to use the system and an assessment is then made on how simple or sophisticated a system is required.

The tool can be found at http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/ITbasics.

Business Plan software

Hello, Home Business Alliance,

I am the Director of a organisation called Company Partners. I've just visited homebusiness.org.uk and I think that our web sites have similar audiences. We are very careful who we link to ourselves, so I've given you some information about Company Partners below and I wonder if you would like to exchange links. This should help both our Internet endeavours.

Company Partners is seen as an authoritative site with number one rankings in Google.com (all sites worldwide) for Business Partners.
We have been featured on BBC's Working Lunch and in National Newspapers.

I have already placed a link to your site along with a description at http://www.companypartners.com/links.php?subcat=19 . If you want the description of your site modified, or if you have any other cross-promotion ideas, let me know. I would appreciate if you would place a link back to my site and below is the details you should need:

URL: http://www.companypartners.com/business-plan.php

Description: An independent review of the best business plan software applications.

Online business skills assessor

Provided by the East Midlands Incubation Network, this online tool comprises nine elements for enterprises in the region to complete to assess the level of their business skills. It aims to highlight where there are skills deficiencies, and help businesses put together a development plan to overcome any problems.

The tool is available at: http://www.emincubation.co.uk/main/DOC/935 (Registration, which is free, is required to use the assessor)

Business4Brunch website

This website was set up to help smaller firms to network and publicise their businesses. It was put together by marketing firm Business Feet after it found that few networking events were aimed at smaller enterprises. The site, which is free to join and use, allows firms to showcase their businesses online and to link up with other small enterprises at networking events.

Visit the website at: http://www.business4brunch.com

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Tax rules relaxed for self-employed homeworkers

The tax rules for self-employed homeworkers are being relaxed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Since 6 April, self-employed people who work from home on a limited basis, as well as full-time homeworkers making a claim for the 2006/7 tax year do not have to provide records of every business expense when they make a tax claim. Self-employed homeworkers are also allowed to reclaim tax on part of their domestic bills for business purposes.

Read more on this story at: http://www.manufacturingnetwork.org/pooled/articles/BF_NEWSART/view.asp?Q=BF_NEWSART_286899

And view HMRC's guidance at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/bim47815.htm

Own-it IP protection website

This is an online resource for small creative businesses and freelancers to find out more about protecting their intellectual property (IP). It contains free legal contract templates, fact sheets, podcasts, and articles, as well as legal advice and an FAQ section. The website is a collaboration between Creative London, the London College of Communication and the University of the Arts London.

Visit the site at: http://www.own-it.org/

Save up to 87% on Toner – TonerTopUp.co.uk supplies bottled toner powder refills for laser printer, fax, copier and MFP cartridges. For many models you just unplug and pour! Otherwise we supply tools for simple refilling. For a 5% discount enter sourcecode HBA1 online at tonertopup.co.uk. (Otherwise contact 01732 750364 - martin@TonerTopUp.co.uk)

Directory of waste and recycling facilities for small firms

NetRegs, the Government website that provides guidance on environmental regulations, has launched a Waste Directory to show small businesses in England and Wales where they can find licensed sites for recycling or disposing of waste. The directory is free to use and can be searched by postcode or town, as well as by type of waste. Similar directories are available for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Read more at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/1728977/1728990/1729116

Access the directory, plus the Scottish and Northern Irish equivalents, at: http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/1724261/

Farmers' markets forum launched

An online forum has been launched for enterprises that sell goods at farmers' markets. The Farmers Market Forum already has more than 50 registered users, who can share expertise, and find out more about produce and venues. It has been put together by the people behind Market eStalls, a virtual farmers' market where small businesses can create online ‘stalls' to sell their goods.

Visit the forum at: http://www.farmersmarketforum.co.uk

See Market eStalls at: http://www.marketestalls.com

Welsh enterprise organisation launched

A new enterprise organisation has been launched in Wales, with the backing of a number of the principality's Chambers of Commerce and the Wales Trades' Union Congress (TUC). The key objective of the Business Dragons-eChamber Wales initiative will be to tackle economic inactivity. It hopes to promote an enterprise sector that "thrives and enriches" the Welsh economy.

There is more on this story at: http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0300business/0100news/tm_headline=%2Ddragons%2D-tackle-economic-inactivity%26method=full%26objectid=18613478%26siteid=50082-name_page.html

SmartBarter is offering free annual memberships as an introductory offer to selected businesses. If you are keen to trade using this new system and would like to apply for a free membership then contact us at admin@smartbarter.co.uk. We will assess your application and reply to you within two working days. This introductory offer is intended to build up a range of goods and services on the site, so if you are an active trader and would like to take advantage of it, apply now!! http://www.SmartBarter.co.uk
See Press Release below.

IT advice in plain English

Lifehacker.com is a website that features IT tips in plain English for both novices and professionals. The frequently updated blog is full of useful shortcuts to help users save time and make the most of their software and IT equipment. The information is fully searchable and users also have the option of leaving comments on the tips.

Access the website at: http://www.lifehacker.com

Press Release!

SmartBarter goes live on the Internet!

SmartBarter is a brand new concept in online trading, launched in January 2007. It combines the functions of an online trading community with the innovation of a barter site. SmartBarter is aimed, primarily, at small businesses and sole traders although it is also envisaged that individuals and corporations may join. Goods and services of all kinds can be bought and sold through the site.

SmartBarter offers an economic means for businesses to enhance their web presence, utilise surplus stock and extend their business networks. Members can trade with each other using BUCs (Barter Units of Currency) and get a mini web page and unlimited catalogue entries to advertise their goods and services. After paying an annual subscription, members receive an allocation of BUCs (similar to loyalty points) which they can then use to trade with others immediately.

Unlike other barter sites, SmartBarter also offers the facility for members of the public to browse the catalogue of traders and items and to purchase from the traders using pounds or their own national currency. There are no transaction fees or other hidden charges, simply a once a year subscription.

SmartBarter's unique custom built software provides easy accounting, instant transactions and easy to use advertising for your business. For the price of a magazine subscription you get an added web presence, and the ability to trade using BUCs.

SmartBarter also offers an opportunity for new businesses to start up cheaply and easily. They can offer goods and services to a global and local market place by means of the Internet at very little cost, thereby allowing them to try out new ideas at low risk.

For the very small established business with no web presence, it offers an opportunity to try out the Internet as a way to market their business without having to employ expensive web designers.

The barter element of the site is, possibly, the most intriguing. By trading with BUCs, members enhance their cash flow and create unique connections with other, like minded, folk. The Hot Offers section means that a business can offer deals in BUCs at the last minute, therefore gaining income in BUCs which would otherwise be unrealised income. For example, a hotel with bedrooms vacant for the coming weekend, could offer them as a Hot Offer for BUCs, thereby gaining an income for rooms which would otherwise have generated nothing.

SmartBarter is a very new development, combining the old fashioned wisdom of business networking with a revived concept of real mutual exchange.

Everyone wins by joining SmartBarter; it offers all the potential to make your business more prosperous.

SmartBarter Ltd, 272 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 3JR

Phone: 0870 162 9008
Website: http://www.SmartBarter.co.uk
Email: enquiries@smartbarter.co.uk

The Weekly Gripe

The Weekly Gripe is a website where contributors can complain about issues upsetting them, which are then open to feedback from other users. The site covers a number of different subject areas of relevance to small businesses, including business/finance, industry/jobs and politics/law. There is also a list of tips for writing a good gripe.

Visit the website at: http://www.weeklygripe.co.uk

Free worldwide advertising for your website/s

. . . and YES it's totally FREE No catches at www.SearchBigDaddy.com/trevnic

Receive $50 advertising credit and a FREE Top Keyword Position of your choice to get you started. Then received Advantage Points (advertising credits) for each and every Web Search you do on SearchBigDaddy from now on? Join Big Daddy for FREE today at http://www.SearchBigDaddy.com/trevnic

Big Daddy is chasing Google/Yahoo.Msn - are you coming with us?

Trevor Nicol Tel.01463 231596

Cash for rural businesses wishing to relocate in certain areas

Two schemes are offering cash to rural businesses that are looking to relocate or refurbish.

The Rural Regeneration Zone Enterprise Centre Network has £5.9 million on offer to create new office and workshop space for businesses in Herefordshire and Shropshire. A further £1.5 million is available through the Redundant Building Grants Project for firms looking to refurbish their current premises in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Read more on this story at: http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/business/tm_headline=funding-for-rural-firms-to-move-home%26method=full%26objectid=18243756%26siteid=50002-name_page.html

New team targeting cowboy traders

A new ‘scambusters’ team is being put together to deal with cowboy tradespeople and cold callers targeting vulnerable people in London and the south east. The team, made up of Trading Standards officers, follows the success of similar initiatives in north east England and the Midlands. The new scheme is receiving £1.8 million of funding from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

There is more information at: http://www.tsi.org.uk/media/index.htm?frmClient=4E097775-1185-6B25-FC4594F953663717&frmItemID=198282&frmShared=1

The Retail Enterprise Network

The Retail Enterprise Network (REN) has been set up to protect local shops in town centres and rural areas. It is backed by the European Union’s (EU) EQUAL Community Programme and around 40 organisations, and aims to protect and promote diversity in the small retail sector. It works in partnership with shop owners and those who support independent retailers.

Visit the website at: http://www.retail-network.org/index.asp?s=section

Campaign to promote East of England food

The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) has launched a new campaign to support local producers by promoting regional food and drink. The campaign aims to foster links between food and tourism businesses, and will feature events to promote local fare, awareness drives on regional specialities, and links with national food events. The project is called 'Eat East - Nearer, Fresher, Better'.

There are more details at: http://www.eeda.org.uk/press_pub_1105.asp

New website for craft-based businesses

This site has been set up to promote artisan-made British giftware to an international audience. The website is dedicated to handmade items, ranging from jewellery to glassware and homeware. The site sells many of its products in the US and Canada, where there is strong demand for British ‘heritage’ goods.

Visit the website at: http://www.uniquebritishgifts.com

Authentic Business website

This is a website dedicated to “doing business with purpose as well as profit”. Authentic Business is the brainchild of Neil Crofts, who has written extensively on the subject. The website includes a detailed explanation of what authenticity in business really means, a directory of 'authentic' suppliers, and the opportunity to submit articles about authentic business.

Visit the website at the following link, clicking on 'discover authenticity' to view the definition: http://www.authenticbusiness.co.uk

Your invitation to the Business Startup Community.

As one of the 3,000 organisations listed in my Business Support Directory on the Business Startup Community website http://www.startupcommunity.co.uk, you are very important to me. Therefore, I would like to invite you, your colleagues and your clients to the next Business Community – Live! event’s taking place in November and have attached an invitation for you to have a look at. If appropriate, please cascade to the people whom you think would benefit from coming along.

If you can’t make the next events in November, then there are over 100 Business Community – Live! events taking place throughout the UK in 2007. Check out the website details.

Have you joined the Community yet? It’s still free, lifelong membership, so if you haven’t you may as well have a look. It’s really interesting and informative and supports people who are looking to start or grow a business or for professionals who work with those people, like you!

I hope to meet you in the future. If you have any questions, you can call me on 0870 351 7998.

All the best, Katie

Katie Moore
Project Partner, Business Startup Community, 26 Queen Square, Bristol. BS1 4ND
T: 0870 351 7998
M: 07947 404 936
http:// www.startupcommunity.co.uk

Natural England website

This is the website for the new Natural England body, which brings together English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service. It has a wide-ranging brief and a budget of £500 million. The website is divided into regions and has information sections for different groups, including farmers and land managers. It will also produce publications and leaflets.

Visit the website at: http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/default.htm

Online shopping without a card

A system has been launched to help e-commerce retailers sell their goods to the six million Britons who don't have bank accounts or credit cards. Financial services firm Allpay.net is encouraging businesses to include the 'go&pay' system as an additional payment option on their websites. This enables the customer to print a bar-coded invoice, and they can then pay for their goods at one of the 24,500 'payzone' machines carried by many local shops. The payzone device also allows people to pay their electricity bills or mobile phone top-ups over the counter.

Find out more about the system at: http://www.allpay.net/products/goandpay

The Freecycle Network

Freecycle is a web-based recycling service, for all those who want to ‘recycle’ that special something, rather than throw it away. Items posted range from plant pots to doors to washing machines and pianos. Non-profit groups are also welcome to participate.

There’s just one main rule: everything posted must be free.

The Freecycle Network is a non-profit organisation and a movement of people interested in keeping good stuff out of landfills.
For info on groups in your area, go to http://www.freecycle.org

ViRSA - the website of the Village Retail Services Association

This website was set up to promote and support rural, community-run shops.

It includes a nationwide directory of community shops as well as downloadable advice sheets for people considering starting such a venture.

The website also provides a range of case studies and a frequently updated news page.
Access the site at: http://www.virsa.org

BizFizz website

BizFizz is a joint initiative between the Civic Trust and the New Economics Foundation (NEF), which aims to promote regeneration through enterprise in local communities. It is running in ten English locations, providing coaches and putting together a panel of experts to help local entrepreneurs.

Find out more at: http://www.bizfizz.org.uk

Consultant finding tool

Skillfair is search tool to help businesses find consultants, including general services such as business advisers and web designers, as well as more specialist or niche experts in areas like technical translation. The service runs a quality checking service to ensure that the consultants listed are genuine operators with appropriate qualifications.

The website is at: http://www.skillfair.co.uk

Market research portal

The List is a website pulling together market research on a variety of topics. Users can search by subject or browse reports by subject heading. The site offers free executive summaries of reports and has the option to buy the full report if required.

Visit the site at: http://www.the-list.co.uk

Free guide to web accessibility

A guide for businesses on how to commission a website that is accessible for users with disabilities has been made available for download free of charge by the British Standards Institution (BSi). The guide is aimed at readers without technical knowledge who would commission a web designer to build a site, and was originally priced at £30 + VAT.

Read more about the guide at: http://www.out-law.com/page-7124

Access the guide at the following website (you will need to complete a registration form): http://www.drc-gb.org/library/website_accessibility_guidance/pas_78.aspx

Campaign to boost local shops

A campaign to encourage people to use their local shops in Norfolk is set to go national. A private member's bill is picking up the message of the 'Use It or Lose It' initiative, which is running in the Norfolk Broads. Liberal Democrat MP Julia Goldsworthy has put forward the Sustainable Communities Bill, which would require councils and communities to promote local shops. The Use It or Lose It campaign is run by Councillor Barbara McGoun, who previously ran a shop that was forced to close when the Post Office pulled out.

There is more on this story at: http://business.edp24.co.uk/story.aspx?brand=BIZOnline&category=Business&tBrand=BIZOnline&tCategory
=homepage&itemid=NOED25%20Jul%202006%2021%3A41%3A08%3A013

Read more about the Bill at: http://www.localworks.org

Directory of women in business

Women at Work is a business directory that brings together a comprehensive database of self-employed women working across a range of different sectors. Users can register and network with each other via the site. The site is also a searchable resource for clients seeking services.

Access the directory at: http://www.womenatwork.co.uk/links.asp

Internet Businesses For Sale.co.uk specialises in all types of online business sales. To view our internet business for sale please click on our link. http://www.internetbusinessesforsale.co.uk

Government public sector contracts website reaches 7,000

More than 7,000 public sector contracts are now available on the Government's Supply2gov website. The portal aims to simplify the system for small businesses bidding for central or local Government contracts worth less than £100,000. More than 10,000 suppliers have now registered to use the site. The DTI said the website was a "major step forward" in the Government's commitment to help and support small businesses.

http://www.sbs.gov.uk/sbsgov/action/newsDetail?cat=SBS&r.l2=7000000448&r.l1=7000000439&type
=NEWSITEM&year=2006&topicId=7000000448&itemId=7000032555

The website is at: http://www.supply2.gov.uk

Website offering fair funding for businesses

Firms in the West Midlands are being offered help from a website that has been set up to help them find finance to expand their businesses. The Fair Finance Consortium (FFC) was set up by 11 independent commercial lenders, to offer loans of between £500 and £50,000. It is aimed at start ups and firms such as ethical and social organisations which have found it difficult to secure funding from the banks.

http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/business/tm_objectid=17292276%26method=full%
26siteid=50002%26headline=alternative%2dway%2dto%2dboost%2dyour%2dbusiness-name_page.html

The FFC is located at: http://www.fair-finance.net/home.asp

Discount for your members.

Hi. I visited your website and was very impressed by the resources and suport you are giving to small businesses. I run a webhosting business and would like to offer your members a 20% discount on all our hosting packages which come free with an online webbuilder. This enables small and meduim sized businesses create and run a website with no technical knowhow. We also try and provide as much help as is possible.

We have a demo of our webbulder on our website http://www.d30web.com .If you wish to take us up on our offer please
get intouch and we will work out the details .

Looking forward to hearing from you

Lois Edwards, Proprietor

Hosts being sought for farmers' markets. Farmers' markets could be a regular fixture in public and private sector organisations, if an innovative idea from Government Office East (GO-East) takes off. GO-East has already hosted three events in Cambridge featuring local food producers, and hopes its idea will help to reinforce the current interest in fruit and vegetable box schemes, farm shops and farmers' markets. Fo more information about GO-East's support for the rural economy, go to: http://www.gnn.gov.uk/content/detail.asp?ReleaseID=194896&NewsAreaID=198

Rural Gateway, East of England. If you work or plan to work in a countryside location and would like some free business advice, simply ring 0845 600 9006 and ask for 'rural'. http://www.ruralgateway.info

Specialist business support for creative industries based in Merseyside. 'Expo' for a music-based business seeking to increase your export sales; and 'Impetus' for developing new products and services for creative businesses and helping them to develop new marketplaces. Tel: 0151 330 4192 (ask for Creative Bias); Email: office@creativebias.org Website: http://www.creativebias.org

JOIN 2,000 EXPERTS NOW ON LINE

To: Administration Office
Home Business Alliance

Well over 1,200 journalists are now regularly using http://www.expertsources.co.uk to source and find UK experts to comment and provide background information on news; current affairs and topical features.

www.expertsources.co.uk is the only site with a comprehensive directory of experts on all subjects in all regions of the UK.
If you want the opportunity to increase or extend your media profile, why not join the growing number of UK experts who have already found subscribing with www.expertsources.co.uk to be the quickest and most economical way of alerting the media to who they are and their particular areas of expertise.

But don’t just take our word for it: here’s what the experts and journalists think of www.expertsources.co.uk:

The Experts:

I have now received four expressions of interest from television and other media in connection with your site. This site is really getting the word out. Dr. Eric Kaufmann, Birkbeck College, London

Thank you for this fabulous service. I have already had a journalist from PA news contact me for a feature she was writing. It’s a great resource for putting experts in touch instantly. Carole Ann Rice, Writer and Life Coach, The Real Coaching Co.

Please know that I have made a contribution to a magazine and Sky contacted me to go on the same day last week. Well done and all the best. You have a very good product here. With kind regards. Jonathan Davis, Financial Planner.

We have already had two radio interviews as a result of this service. This is very good. Peter Scott-Presland, Director, Transport for All, London.

I’ve been contacted by two people via Expertsources. Your site has added to the number of journalists who now contact me for quotes. Peta Haskell, Attraction Academy.

The Media:

I wanted to drop you a line to say what an excellent tool this is. Many thanks. Eloise Fysh, Senior Feature Writer, PA News Ltd.

Just thought I’d send you a quick note to let you know we used one of your experts for a story we ran last week. The financial adviser was most informed and helpful. Thanks. Joe McGrath Reporter, FT Business.

This gets better all the time. I like the weekly update summary you send out to registered media. John Tierney, Freelance Journalist.

Thought you might like to know that I used expertsources last night at 2000 to get a guest for 0700 this morning. They got to Kings Cross and were just the ticket. Cheers. Tom Fraser at Sky News.
Great site – very clean and not too busy. Thanks. Nicci Talbot, Freelance Journalist.

To find out how more, go to www.expertsources.co.uk and see how Expertsources can be of value to you.
Best wishes,
Jo Harvey
Director of Communications
Expertsources
expertsources.co.uk

New Skills Council launched

Creative & Cultural Skills has become an official UK Sector Skills Council for the advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing arts, literary and visual arts sectors. Phil Hope, Minister for Adult Skills, said: "The 2012 Olympics will be a huge opportunity for the arts, for designers, for advertising and for our cultural heritage. We want to welcome the world in style. Building capacity and making sure people have the right skills will help us to do just that."

More about the launch is at: http://www.ccskills.org.uk/news/story.asp?pageid=326

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Confused by the range of healthy options and remedies?

Announcing the Health Explored Guides, written by a pharmacist with 35 years experience. Each Guide has about 30 cards packed with facts and tips on one of: Vitamins & Minerals/ Herbs/ Aromatherapy/ Homeopathy/ Flower Remedies/ Foods.

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HBA fellow member discounts with The Mill Advertiser

“I would be delighted to offer fellow members a special discount of 15% on all display advertising, also 15% discount on subscriptions.

They will still qualify for our standing offer of 'pay for 2 months and receive 3'. This offer is subject to the same advertisement being published in 3 consecutive issues of The Mill. Minor alterations are acceptable but totally replacement ads are not.

Members taking advantage of the special subscription offer will of course still receive all subscriber benefits on offer throughout their subscription period and they will still receive a free £10 advertising voucher on joining.

They will also be offered a 33% discount on our normal rates on subscription renewal.

If members would like to receive a free copy of The Mill please ask them to email me with their full name and mailing details to freemill@uk-homebusiness.co.uk (Offer applies to UK residents only).

Members wishing to take advantage of these offers, including the offer of a free copy, must mention that they are members of the HBA.

Any problems please do contact me.”
Best wishes

Brian Rayner

The Mill Advertiser is the UK's leading A5 Business Opportunities Magazine, offering you 'Quality' with 'Economy' and a seven day a week personal service to match.

If you would like to learn more of 'The Mill' and its services please visit: www.uk-homebusiness.co.uk

For a great deal when purchasing software visit www.bargainsoftware.biz

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Increased profits available to every photographer

Spear Solutions have developed an easy-to-use ‘Online Album’ which includes a wide variety of functionality as standard. By adopting this new technology photographers can now display their photographs to prospective customers who were previously unable to see the photos. With the Online Album every photographer has the opportunity to increase the number of orders they receive for each set of photographs, which will translate directly into higher profits.

Market-leading functionality as standard
The market-leading Spear Solutions Online Album offers photographers a comprehensive package of functionality as standard. This includes a rapid upload process, simple album management, online ordering facility, password protected albums and more.

The Online Album also provides the opportunity to provide associated products such as frames, sell merchandise and generate publicity.

Implementation
Implementation is straightforward and the Online Album may be as simple or as advanced as required. For those who don’t already have a website Spear Solutions can provide a cost-effective solution that includes the Online Album, from day one. Alternatively, they can integrate the Online Album into an existing site.

The Online Album offers an extremely high return on investment. At the click of a mouse, the difficulties of distribution are resolved, and the process of presenting images to customers made substantially more economical.

Special Offer
To accompany the launch of this product, and for a limited time only, Spear Solutions are offering 3 months FREE hosting* on any Online Album solution purchased.

For more information on the product, a copy of images for publication, or to arrange a free demo, please contact Phil Citrone on 01844 260033 or philip.citrone@spearsolutions.com

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Modern Sunclocks. Human sundials using a person's own shadow to tell the correct time!

Make them, install them or just provide DIY layout plans - unique to evry individual customer. Each one automatically becomes its own advertoisement and is dieal for designers/landscapers looking for novel, interactive features.

Have a chat with Douglas Hunt at Modern Sunclocks, tel/fax 01294 552250 or go to: www.sunclocks.com

The London Web Designers Directory

Directory of Web Designers and Internet Professionals in London, UK: includes businesses, teleworkers and freelancers.

Features include matching clients with professionals, posting projects and a search facility for
finding developers with specific skills.

URL: http://www.webdevforager-london.co.uk

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Maureen Gigg
Administrator
The London Web Design Directory
www.webdevforager-london.co.uk

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Feature-packed hosting Special Deals for HBA Members. Exclusive!

Due to recent developments 1st Choice promotions are pleased to announce the launch of their sister company, 1stChoiceWebHost.co.uk.

1stChoiceWebHost offer Feature Packed Web Site Hosting solutions at a price to suit your pocket. Included with ALL our hosting packages are FREE Shopping Carts with many advanced features and FREE Web Site Design Systems. Many other hosting companies will charge for these extras but we won't. We also offer FREE full start up advice and on going support.

One of our clients legacylaw.co.uk said the best part of the hosting package was how easy it was to set up Outlook Express for the new email account. He simply logged onto his Control Panel and within a few clicks of the mouse everything was set up to enable him to send and receive email to his new domain. No more tearing his hair out trying to set up the account.

Other advanced features that are provided with 1stchoicewebhost.co.uk FREE include:

File Manger
The file manager enables you to handle your site through HTML rather than FTP or other third party applications (although FTP can still be used).

Customised Error Pages
404 Error pages are served to Internet users when they enter an incorrect URL or are not authorised to access that part of the site. These can be customised

Search Engine Submission
Submit your site to the major search engines with just one click.

SMTP Access
Unlike other hosts SMTP allows you to send email through our servers rather than go through your ISP which is usually not allowed and quite often Port 25 is blocked to prevent what they call relaying.

Web Mail
You can read your email online using Horde. This is ideal if you go away on holiday or on business trips as you can still access your email online.

Pop3 accounts
Receive email to any address at your domain which can either be stored in a POP3 mail box on our server until you read it with something like Outlook Express or forwarded to another account elsewhere

The above are just some of the features that you get with our hosting plans making us very competitive. 1stChoiceWebHost will also do all the work required with the authorities / name servers and transfers tec with regards to Domain names. Both .co.uk and .com are just £10 with NO HIDDEN CHARGES

1stChoiceWebHost servers are set up so they generate revenue and still run at peak performance. Unlike other webhosts who pack their servers full we concentrate more on maintaining performance and less on maximising the revenue per server

Packages
Our packages range from 30mb web space with 2gb of transfer rate, 3 email accounts and 3 autoresponders for just £35 per year or £4 Per Month to 100mb of webspace with 6gb of data transfer, unlimited email accounts, unlimited forwarders, unlimited sub domains plus much, much more for just £85 per year or £8 Per Month..


Please note: hosting accounts do NOT include registration fees for domain names.

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We have two services that might be of interest to your members.

1/. Same day company formation for £ 42.50.

http://www.ukplc.net/companyformation/?source=homebusiness.org
The allows those members that are not already limited companies to quickly,
cheaply and easily form limited companies. The fee includes a 3 page
website that can be upgraded to eCommerce for £ 24.

2/. Websites or Ecommerce websites

http://www.ecommerce.plc.uk/?source=homebusiness.org
These are easy to maintain and can be customised to any look and feel. The
following site is one of our standard templates.

http://websites.uk-plc.net/Me_UnLtd_Infinite_Thinking_for_New_Possibilities/
index.htm and gives an idea of the range.

The starting cost is £ 24 for SiteGenerator Alpha a 3 page site and £ 48 for
the eCommerce edition. The sites include hosting and an easy to use editor
along with complete visitor tracking and statistics.

Regards -- Ronald

Are you a non-UK resident? A UK 0871 Number is the perfect solution if you are a foreign-based company looking to set up a virtual office in the UK.

Would you like to give your UK customers a Local Telephone Access Number, so they DON'T have to dial and pay for an international call?

About
Businesses trading from outside the UK can now allow their UK customers to call them for the price of a UK National Rate call. At present many businesses that are based abroad, but trade in the UK require their customers to dial their international landline number. This can cost the caller a lot of money and at the same time can put off those that would of called them had they of been based in the UK.

Through one of our carriers we can now provide businesses abroad with UK national rate telephone numbers that are connected directly to international landline numbers. No prefix’s, no least cost routing to think about - your customers simply dial a UK telephone number as usual and get connected directly in the same way as you would in the UK. What’s more you don’t pay a single penny for the calls received!

The Benefits are Obvious!

- If your business is advertised on the internet, having a UK 0871 number increases your potential clients by 55 million people.

- Statistics prove that in the UK more people purchase products and services online than virtually any other country in the world! Having a UK 0871 number will put you in this market!

- People in the UK are more inclined to call a company that has a UK telephone number than an international one. More clients will call!

- Put the UK 0871 number on your website and advertising brochures as well as your own numbers and you immediately give yourself UK Presence.

- If you have existing clients in the UK they will pay only 10 pence per minute for the call and not expensive international rates. It is cheaper for them to call you! You will have happier customers!

Whether you are running a news organisation in Paris, a mail-order company in the United States, a call centre in Spain or a tourist venture in New Zealand, if you are receiving calls from the UK, then make it easy for your customers to reach you by giving them a UK number that they can call.

For ONLY £79.95 we can connect a UK 0871 Number DIRECTLY TO ANY LANDLINE in Europe, North America, Australia/New Zealand and 60 other countries!

SPECIAL OFFER
Buy ONE get ONE Free!

Money Back Guarantee
If you are not entirely satisfied with the service within 7 days of purchase, we will refund your money Guaranteed! There is nothing to lose! (terms and conditions apply)

Setup Costs - Overview

0871 International Connect

Setup and Rental Costs per Number
One-off Setup Fee: £79.95
Line Rental: FREE
Call costs to you: FREE

Costs to Caller for this Number
Daytime: 10 pence per minute
Evening: 10 pence per minute
Weekend: 10 pence per minute
* Calls made to 0871 numbers from BT, NTL and Telewest landlines cost 8.51p per minute + VAT at all times (including evenings and weekends). Calls from payphones and mobiles may cost more, so please check with your telephone provider first.

To ORDER our service or for more
information simply call our SALES TEAM
+44 (0) 8700-111740 or +44 (0) 7951-058807
Lines are open between 10:00am and 5:30pm GMT
We can take your order over the phone, you can download an application form
or we can direct you to our company website where you can place your order online!
(www.just-tel.com/0871int)

JustTel Communications - The UK's First Choice for Telecom Solutions for Business

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“Hello Len,

Anyone in the UK interested in purchasing property (flats, houses etc.) in this neck of the woods of Spain? (Galicia, north-west).
I have reputable agents willing to help.
Regards”
James Skinner,
P.O. Box 900,
36201 Vigo, Spain.

e-mail: jamesgeorge@cemiga.es

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