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LATEST!
4th February 2012
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Latest
eBOSS contents
A Home and Small Business Viewpoint by Len Tondel,
from 1st February 2012
 04.02.2012:
Top 50 things the British love. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2095973/50-things-love-best-Britain-nation-food-lovers.html
This is for the benefit of our foreign visitors
and Brits who have lost their sense of direction.
I am heartened that the bacon butty comes in
at 1st place, followed by a traditional Sunday
roast, while football is way down in 34th. (So
much for British media having its finger on
the country's pulse.)
On
the other hand, the pic from this article shows
a bacon butty crammed full of bacon - which
doesn't resemble anything you will normally
be able to buy (especially in London), but is
rather something you will easily be able to
knock up at home. However, it is heartening
to see the increasing number of British pubs
and hotels which actually serve up a good roast
dinner nowadays - and if you youngsters don't
know what that means, take out your grandma
and let her be the judge. (And just check to
see she's keeping warm when you pick her up.)
All
in all, a fitting tribute to Britishness.
Meanwhile,
back in the home business kitchen, Len's
personal 5-minute bacon butty recipe for busy
home businessfolk.
Bacon
pieces or mis-shapes from your local butcher.
Not only are these cheaper than sliced bacon
but they are usually a mixture of smoked as
well as 'green' thus giving a greater taste
range and after going into the butty correspond
better to 'bite sizes' - thus avoiding the tendency
of a whole slice coming out and leaving behind
the bread only. Easier to crisp up as well.
Good, heavy frying pan, preferably cast iron.
(Grilling is for poncey people. Whereas frying
in an animal fat imparts more flavour and helps
the meat to retain its moisture.)
So, a good dob of pork lard or beef dripping.
(Goose or duck fat is OK, as well. Cooking oils
are for Mediterranean types and lubricating
bike chains.)
A couple of fresh baps or slices of bread.
Or several, even.
Put
your frying pan on the heat. While this comes
up to temperature, butter your bread. Make
sure you have pre-dried your bacon and when
your pan and fat are up to a good, high temperature,
chuck it in. Do NOT muck it about. Let the heat
get into it. Unless you have a super-supplier
of bacon these days, you will have to put up
with white scum and water oozing out of the
meat. This is all part of the modern farming
scam which you pay taxes for. However, with
a high temperature, this will evaporate quickly
and if it leaves your frying pan looking a bit
dry, add more fat. When the scum has all but
disappeared, turn the bacon onto the other side.
It will need less time now but keep it going
until both sides are brown and crisp. Crisp
is a must for me. (Although not blackened or
charred.)
When
it's ready, whop it immediately out of the frying
pan onto your buttered bread. The heat and the
juices from the bacon together with the melting
butter will penetrate deep into the bread. And
that's it. Close it up and stuff your face.
I
usually wait a few minutes for the butty to
cool down before eating to avoid wet fingers
and a greasy face. If you want that extra taste
dimension, scatter some chopped spring onion
or chives over the bacon before closing your
butty. Mayo, ketchup and mustard ('made', English
mustard preferably) are also favourite additions
although when I make bacon butties for my friends,
I add a spoon of soured cream with a generous
scattering of coarsely chopped, home-grown chives.
Horseradish is another good bet, especially
if you want to slip in a couple of slices of
tomato, as well.
Beautifully
simple and one of those traditional fast foods
which relies upon just two, good quality products
to work deliciously every time. Unfortunately,
as with most traditional British recipes, getting
good quality products these days is a real problem.
As are dieticians.
FSA
closes down sale-and-rent-back market. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/02/03/fsa-closes-sale-and-rent-back-market/
03.02.2012:
1.1 million face HMRC £100 late filing
fines. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16874744
Personal
insolvencies down 11%; business bankruptcies
up 1.3%. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16868567
T-Mobile
launches unlimited phone tariff. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/02/02/t-mobile-launched-unlimited-tariff/
New
research confirms social media users are social
inadequates. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2095614/Facebook-People-use-site-make-new-friends-end-MORE-lonely.html#comments
What we've been saying for years; and now that
the Arsebook flotation has made £ billions
out of selling its members' personal details,
will the shine start coming off this trend for
dummies?
02.02.2012:
Latest generation virus - no click required.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2094982/Threat-new-virus-infected-emails-PC-DONT-open-attachments.html
Irregular
gains in UK broadband speeds. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16842463
01.02.2012:
What a brilliant way to start a new month! Did
you know that UK workers are richer but more
stressed? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16814565
31.01.2012:
End of 'flood pact' leaves 200,000 homes
at insurance risk. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/31/end-of-flood-pact-leaves-200-000-at-risk/
UK
top for smartphone shopping. http://money-news.money.aol.co.uk/article/2012/01/31/uk_top_for_smartphone_shopping
How
to play the mortgage market - and win. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/30/how-to-play-the-mortgage-market-and-win/
30.01.2012:
Threat of fines for credit offer text.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16759025
29.01.2012:
Tax breaks to encourage 'mumpreneurs' to
start their own business. http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/tax-break-to-encourage-mumpreneurs-to-start-their-own-businesses-6296341.html
Amazon
bullying small businesses. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2093226/Amazon-accused-bullying-small-firms-inflating-prices.html
Slight
growth in online retail sales for small business.
http://www.actinic.co.uk/news.html Online
sales for small and medium-sized businesses
grew slightly in the fourth quarter of 2011
compared to the same point in 2010, according
to a survey by e-commerce specialist Atinic.
The survey found that online sales revenues
rose by 1.5%, while the number of orders processed
grew by 1.6% over the same period. The average
order value had changed little, remaining at
£76.30 compared to £76.38 in 2010.
Simon Armstrong of Actinic said that while online
sales were faring well compared to the high
street, the figures suggest that small and medium-sized
enterprises owning online stores were also facing
difficult times.
28.01.2012:
A bit of light weekend reading for you. Do
PC system optimisers cause more problems than
they solve? http://nls.cnet.com/pageservices/viewOnlineNewsletter.sc?list_id=e497&send_date=01/27/2012
VAT
registration requirement for non-UK suppliers.
http://www.shoosmiths.co.uk/news/3939.asp
Non-UK businesses supplying goods in the UK
could be required to register for VAT regardless
of the value of the supplies, under draft legislation
which has been published by the Government.
Currently, non-UK businesses supplying goods
up to an annual value of £73,000 are exempt
from VAT registration. During the consultation
process concerns were raised that the change
could prompt affected businesses to pull out
of the UK. The measures are to be included in
the forthcoming Finance Bill and could be effective
from 1 December 2012. (EnterpriseQuest)
27.01.2012:
Taxman fumes at UK's practice of cash-in-hand.
http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/27/cash-in-hand-danger-for-the-uk-and-you/
Firstly, let's bear in mind that this outburst
comes from the disgraced head of HMRC, David
Hairnet, or, he of letting tax avoidance specialists
like Goldman Sachs and Vodafone off their tax
bills.
How
do the actual figures stack up, though? Estimates
of black market value are notoriously awkward
but taking one that's fairly middle of the road
-
http://www.havocscope.com/regions-main/europe/united-kingdom/
- let's
say , £62 billion. (And
at least this is money which stays and circulates
within the national economy and isn't just stashed
away in secret Swiss bank accounts.)
UK
tax avoidance (offshore monkey-business by Hairnet's
friends), on the other hand - http://money.aol.co.uk/2011/11/25/the-real-cost-of-uk-tax-avoidance/
- or, £70 billion.
Public
sector incompetence and inefficiency (by types
like Hairnet) - various sources - but around
£60 billion.
So,
from a simplistic point of view, I admit, the
taxman and his cronies cause twice as much loss
to the country's economy as the black market
or 'cash-in-hand'. I wouldn't wish to be seen
as overly-cynical but I suspect that Hairnet
is feeling just a bit peeved at having been
handed his cards recently and will miss making
his customary contribution to the status
quo.
9%
surge in UK fraud levels. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/26/fraud-at-record-level-the-risks/
That's the Government being 'bold' in encouraging
economic growth and supporting the entrepreneurial
spirit for you.
EU
right-to-be-forgotten internet privacy law spells
trouble for Arsebook-style business models.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2092120 /Don-t-like-online-You-ll-soon-able-delete-sweeping-new-EU-laws-data-privacy.html
Weekend larf: David Cameron, the
court jester of Europe, speaks. (BBC
version). http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16736260
National debt goes through £1 trillion
ceiling; growth down to 0.02% (even that's an
exaggerated figure); bonuses to taxpayer-owned
banks continue unabated; etc, etc. Just what's
needed to lecture the Europeans - although it'll
be good enough to impress UK iDummies and tabloid
readers. (Aside:
The face of David Cameron's 'Broken Britain'
and 'Snout-In-Trough' economic policy, boss
of taxpayer-owned banking catastrophe RBS, Stephen
Hester, in line for a £1 million management
failure bonus.)
26.01.2012:
Tax deadline leniency vow from HMRC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16730443
Welsh
micro-businesses don't know where to find support.
http://www.enterprisequest.com/news/2012/01/welsh_micro_firms_dont_know_wh.html
It's all online, don't-you-know. So that the
Government can pass on your details to marketing
agencies and tabloid rags.
Top
20 advertising slogans. (Courtesy of
AOL.)
1. Beanz Meanz Heinz - Heinz [1967]
2. Just Do It - Nike [1987]
3. Does Exactly What It Says On the tin - Ronseal
[1994]
4. Make Love Not War [1965]
5. Every Little Helps - Tesco [1993]
6. Have a Break. Have a Kit Kat - Kit Kat [1957]
7. Vorsprung Durch Technik - Audi [1982]
8. Think Different - Apple [1997]
9. It is. Are You? - The Independent [1986]
10. It's Finger Lickin' Good - KFC [1950s]
11. Say It With Flowers - FTD [1917]
12. Keep Calm and Carry On - HM Gov [1939]
13. It's The Real Thing - Coca-Cola [1940]
14. You Either Love It Or Hate It - Marmite
[1996]
15. Because I'm Worth It - L'Oreal [1971]
16. Snap! Crackle! Pop!- Kellogg's [1932]
17. Never Knowingly Undersold - John Lewis [1925]
18. Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite - France [1789]
19. Refreshes the Parts Other Beers Cannot Reach
- Heineken [1973]
20. No One Likes Us, We Don't Care - Millwall
FC [1970s]
25.01.2012:
Facebook to offer £millions of free
advertising to small, new businesses across
Europe in conjunction with British Chambers
of Commerce. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/24/facebook-to-offer-free-adverts/
(Couldn't find anything about this in the
news section of the BCC website, though. Ed.)
Deal
secures Post Office future. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/24/deal-secures-post-office-future/
The official statement can be found here: http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=422949&NewsAreaID=2&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bis-news+%28BIS+News%29
Nemesis
of the bog-roll dollar.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/the-demise-of-the-dollar-1798175.html
Looks like the invasions of Iraq, Afghanistan
and Libya and the Arab Spring were all for nothing,
then, (ephemeral weapons, re-construction, oil
and psycopath security contracts apart) as China
heads a new currency basket for pricing oil.
So, after years of suppression the story finally
hits the mainstream western propaganda.
24.01.2012.
Unskilled 'odd-jobbers' drive growth in self-employment.
http://www.cipd.co.uk/pressoffice/_articles/SelfemploymentWorkAudit18January2012.htm
A large increase in handymen and people doing
'odd jobs' is behind the recent rise in self-employment,
the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
(CIPD) has claimed. According to official figures,
self-employment rose by 8% between spring 2008
and autumn 2011 to reach a record 4.14 million.
But the CIPD says 20% of the net rise consists
of unskilled workers, and 89% work fewer than
30 hours a week. Dr John Philpott of the CIPD
said: "While some of these newly self-employed
may make a long-term commitment to being their
own boss, or at least gain the necessary experience
to do so, it's likely that most would take a
job with an employer if only they could find
one."
OPINION:
Read 'Enterprise in disguise and reluctant entrepreneurship'
at: http://cobwebinfo.com/site/article_detail/item15714/
enterprise-in-disguise-and-reluctant-entrepreneurship/?link_466=15714
A
quarter of self-employed contemplating return
to full-time employment. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2090809/Small-business-owners-ready-employees-bleak-economic-state.html
This is much closer to the reality of running
a business in the UK rather than yesterday's
official There's
A Business In Everyone announcements. Which
is of course, why the media campaign was launched
in the first place.
23.01.2012:
Sobering article about self-employment in
the UK. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jan/22/self-employment-proper-jobs-cameron
With claims in certain quarters that self-employment
had reached 4.14 million in the UK by last autumn
- a good half a million or so more than the
figure usually associated with this sector when
it is in good health - now perhaps, one can
see more clearly how precarious the country's
unemployment statistics really are. It also
demonstrates how this irresponsible government
and its cheerleaders are prepared to be in encouraging
self-employment as the road to nirvana when
in reality, it is the hardest option of all.
Just
to emphasise this point I received the latest
news only this morning, of an extension to the
Government's earlier cheap-skate, business support
Ponzi scheme called Cock Up Britain. http://businessinyou.bis.gov.uk/
Even uses the same sort of language as a doomed-to-fail
bogus investment plan - There's A Business In
Everyone.
Oh
no, there isn't. In fact, I would call this
statement 'criminally irresponsible' although
when one glances at all the logos of the corporate
gannets backing the scheme, one can understand
how much sweaty-palmed self-interest there is
out there.
ON
THE OTHER HAND, a later press release from
the same initiative, reveals that the Prime
Minister is going to make empty government office
space available to start-ups and small businesses.
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/Detail.aspx?ReleaseID=422944&NewsAreaID=2&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bis-news+%28BIS+News%29
Now
that's another matter altogether and a damn
good idea, sir! (Assuming these taxpayer-funded
facilities don't start charging rip-off rents.
And that there is a significant amount of suitably
located office space available. Which there
shouldn't be if government departments are being
run efficiently.)
Monday
morning voucher roundup. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/21/voucher-round-up/
22.01.2012:
Swapping websites and tips. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/21/swapping-get-in-on-the-new-trend/
Quicker
Farepak payouts being sought. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16669291
Having been shafted just once by the directors,
the government decided to show the scheme's
savers what being shafted really meant!
21.01.2012:
Co-op Energy offering to pay switching penalties.
http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/21/co-op-offers-to-pay-moving-penalty/
Business
support for social enterprises: findings from
a longitudinal study. URN: 12/566. Publication
date: 20 Jan 2012. Report of qualitative research
over the course of a year, with a heterogeneous
set of social enterprises (SEs) covering the
variety of size, growth rates, enterprise focus,
mission goals and legal structures. Aims to
provide a fuller understanding of the opportunities
and challenges SEs face and to examine the availability
and quality of business support to overcome
those challenges. For other current BIS publications
please visit: http://www.bis.gov.uk/publications.
No
taking the mickey in the back row there! This
will be the expensive fruits of one of those
ubiquitous Government cunsultants, I imagine.
(What's a 'longitudinal study', by the way?
An outcome produced under the influence of?)
20.01.2012:
UK firms shunning overseas business. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/20/uk-firms-shunning-overseas-business/
Which just about sums it up - and which corresponds
to my own experience of the majority of UK companies,
going back now, 40 years or so. And no amount
of internetting, smart-phoning or social mediatising
is going to make the slightest bit of difference
because in order to succeed as an entrepreneur
you have got to GET OFF YOUR ARSE. (Which is
why British employers prefer non-British employees.)
MOD
surplus sale. http://money.aol.co.uk/2012/01/20/mod-surplus-sale-everything-must-go/
Credit
union lending to be free of 'common link'.
http://www.abcul.org/media-and-research/news/view/208
Changes to the Credit Unions Act means that
credit unions are no longer restricted to offering
financial services to individuals and businesses
linked by a common factor and can now lend to
a range of organisations.
Further
changes include allowing credit unions to charge
interest instead of a dividend, making their
saving products easier to compare with banks'
offerings. Mark Lyonette, chief executive of
the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL)
commented: "The new rules mean credit
unions can now compete more effectively with
banks and other lenders to provide fair and
affordable financial services to individuals
and organisations." (EnterpriseQuest)
With
our usual gratitude and thanks to BAD News and Cobweb
Info. Len
Tondel
Viewpoint
December 2011/January 2012
Viewpoint
November 2011
Viewpoint
October 2011 Viewpoint
September 2011 Viewpoint
August 2011 Viewpoint
July 2011 Viewpoint
June 2011
eBOSS
February 2012 contents:
Introduction:
Business plans; Sources of business ideas; Business
reading freebies.
AIMS
for Home Business Alliance members:
(now includes Autumn Update)
Pick
of the News
Market
stalls for £10 is first response to Portas
Review; Olympic contracts worth £50 million
remain for small firms; Professionals
question the thinking behind 'Business In You';
Treasury
releases funds for LEPs to invest in local firms;
Business
confidence in building sector continues to fall;
Late
payments to small business hit new high;
Late
payments to engineering firms average 76 days;
'Worrying'
increase in hospitality sector insolvencies;
UK
hospitality industry neglects over-65 market;
Tenant
farming roadshow kicks off new support initiative;
Funding
for social enterprises in Bristol and London;
Foreign
lorry drivers face charge to use British roads;
Readers' Choice nominations
and awards
'Gone
to India . . .', by Rachael Ross and
the 'How To Work Successfully From Home
Guide'
Rachael's
Guest Article, February 2011:
'Is Your Office
Working For You?'
Tax and VAT News
Latest news; Tax
free income from solar panel installations under
government threat;
Tax
cheats - where are we now?; tax
amnesty NOT just for 'plumbers'; 'plumbing'
profession to tighten up tax affairs; HMRC
guidance - can it be relied on?
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hope you get chance to use our shots and if not, pass this on to somebody who
might benefit. Kindest
Regards
Free Stock Photos
ASBAH
Rooms for hire A
range of rooms are now available in the city centre for hire for meeting, conferences,
exhibitions, interviews, community use. Competitive
rates (from £20 per hour). Refreshments
or buffet menus can also be arranged. Fully accessible and close to car parks.
For more information
or to arrange a visit contact Maureen Jobson on 01733 555 988, or email maureenj@asbah.org
at ASBAH, ASBAH House, 42 Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2UQ ASBAH
House is the national headquarters for registered charity, the Association for
Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus. By
hiring our rooms you are also supporting the unique work of this national charity
based in Peterborough. Regards The
Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, 42 Park Road, Peterborough PE1
2UQ
Tel: 0845 450 7755 Fax: (01733) 555985 ASBAH
is Europe’s largest organisation dedicated to supporting individuals and
families as they face the challenges arising from spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Join our community now – the bigger we are the stronger we are and together
we can take on those challenges. Try
a free course with it-training.com
IT-Training.com provides the
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Twitter
launches guide for businesses Micro-blogging
site Twitter has published a guide on how the service can help businesses. The
guide includes a brief overview on what Twitter is and how it works as well as
how to get started on the site and best practices for using the site to reach
customers. To
read the guide go to: http://business.twitter.com/twitter101/ 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 22
Ways to Save Energy with Gadgets . . . and other things on the internet to avoid 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.
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.
Farmers'
markets and where to find them 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 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 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
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. 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) back
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