NEW BUSINESS
MATTERS Yo u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s t o b u s i n e s s j o u r n a l
In this issue: • Help with your business by Business Link (p6) • Exporting goods by air by Andy Fletcher (p10) • The Cost of Lighting by John Bullock (p15) • How to save money on your Print? (p19) • Work Smarter from Home by Karl Fuller (p21) • FREE Interactive Sales Workshops (p24) • NBM Open Exhibition Wed 14th October (p28)
Issue 04/2009
August/September
NEW BUSINESS MATTERS
Editor’s Note
O
ut of this world! The electronic revolution over the last ten years has changed the way we do business! We are now able to communicate with anyone, at anytime, in any part of the world, whether on holiday in Barbados or down the road at Bognor Regis, it really does not matter. But are we really taking advantage of it or is it causing us problems? To be honest who would not like to run their company from a small office abroad, with a laptop, mobile phone and a cool glass of Pimms? However, there is one major flaw in this idyllic dream and that is people buy from people! In other words we have to put ourselves in front of potential customers as many times as possible to gain the credibility required to secure a deal. One to one meetings are good, but there is not enough time in the day to get round to everyone, so perhaps you should consider article writing? Visibility through advertising is one thing, but the credibility you get from placing an editorial in a local business journal like NEW BUSINESS MATTERS, giving businesses free tips and advice is huge! If you would like to participate in this unique marketing opportunity please do give me a call.
Enjoy the read
Peter Westwood
August/September
Contents 03 05 07 09 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 23 25 26 26 27 28 29
ACCOUNTANCY BANKING CAR CARE FITNESS FREIGHT FSB MATTERS LEGAL LETTINGS LIGHTING MARKETING NETWORKING PRINTING RECOVERY STORAGE TELECOMS TRAINING WORKING WRITING ROAMING NBM EXHIBITION TRADE SERVICES
To enjoy exclusive rights within NEW BUSINESS MATTERS, by being the only company advertising in your trade or profession, please contact Peter Westwood on 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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ACCOUNTANCY MATTERS
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
August/September
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BANKING MATTERS
August/September
Should you being doing time?
S
o, two months have passed since the last edition of New Business Matters. What have you been doing with your time?
Have you now reviewed your bank statements to see if there’s a way of reducing any bank charges? If you haven’t, it’s not necessarily a crime so long as you’re receiving an appropriate amount of interest on your funds. It’s easy to leave funds sitting dormant on a day to day account but if you have surplus funds that you don’t need to access on a daily basis then do make sure they work as hard as possible for you. Have you ever been locked up at all? In today’s climate of generally low interest rates it’s important to compare options available as there are accounts on offer which reward businesses who leave their money untouched with a higher rate of interest. Could this be appropriate for you?
Aspects in your decision-making about having confidence in a bank may include personal recommendations or endorsements from well respected publications. As an example, at the 2009 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, Abbey won the award for Best Bank in the UK and the Santander Group picked up the award for Best Bank in Western Europe. So, looking at your business, now ask yourself: • What are your key challenges regarding time and money? • Going forward 12 months, what could your business and banking look like? Contact Tim Noakes on 07903 849495 and make an appointment to see how Abbey Business Banking may be able to help save or even make your business money.
There are instant access, variable rate accounts which pay a higher rate of interest during months when you make no withdrawals but, if needed, you can access funds and receive a lower rate of interest for that month only. You may be surprised to learn there are also options available which offer a fixed rate of interest if you lock your money away for a set period of time, usually between 1 and 12 months. As an example, at the moment, for a minimum commitment of £50,000 there is an offer of a 12 month Fixed Rate Bond paying 3.20% gross p.a. Is it safe? Only you will know if you feel comfortable in having all your monies with one bank or if you wish to be multi-banked. As you know, there have been unprecedented changes in the UK banking industry and as well as well-managed, prudent institutions there are now nationalised and part-nationalised banks.
Tim Noakes, Relationship Manager Abbey Business Banking E: tim.noakes@abbey.com M: 07903 849495 With over 29 years banking experience, having worked as Relationship Manager, Abbey Business Banking for the past 4 years, Tim looks after a wide range of business types across Dorset including care homes, hotels, solicitors, accountants, manufacturing, restaurants etc.
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CAR CARE MATTERS
August/September
The restoration process! By Paul Booker MD of ooops.net limited
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f you have a vintage car then no doubt it is your pride and joy, but if you want it restored who do you trust to leave your vehicle with? I would suggest that you look for a specialist refurbishment and car body repair company who go through the following process.
Stripping
Detailing
Attention to detail, every nut, bolt, screw & clip is recorded so that they all get put back in exactly the same position.
After coming out of “intensive care” the spray booth, your car is “detailed” a quality check is carried out by the technician & then an extra one by the “shift manager”.
Prepping All surfaces to be painted are “sanded” back as far as necessary, like everything else in life “preparation” is 80% of the finished job. Priming All areas to be painted are primed, the car is then “baked” we then “flat” the primed areas ready to be painted. Painting Most vehicles today have a base coat, often a pearlescent or metallic paint; this is “waterbased” and environmentally friendly. After the base coat is “air dried” a top coat lacquer is applied and “baked off” this creates the protection that gives your paintwork resilience & clarity.
We have just given a facelift to our favourite car ever, a beautiful 1938 Jaguar SS 2.5 L. drop head in Old English White, which will be on show at the Bournemouth Vintage Fayre (weather permitting) on 5th September 2009 11.00am to 5.00pm at Winton Recreation Ground. Our dedicated repair specialists are passionate about bringing your car back to "show room condition", your pride and joy is ours; we are a spa for your car and our legendary attention to detail ensures that your vehicle leaves rejuvenated To see how ooops! can help you with restoration and car body repairs, please click on www.ooops.net or give the team a call on 01202 373 030. The 1938 Jaguar SS
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FITNESS MATTERS
August/September
Develop a positive personality! By Tiffany Longley, Sales and Marketing Manager, Esporta Health & Racquets Club Dorset encouraging working as a team and competitiveness.
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id you know that Tennis outperforms most other sports in developing positive personality characteristics and also burns more calories? It is also a game that provides you with the opportunity to learn new skills, exercise, have fun and partake in competition. Tennis is a great lifetime sport with excellent social benefits. It has been proven to benefit health mentally, physically and emotionally. People who participate in tennis 3 hours per week are less likely to fall ill from any cause. Tennis players score higher in optimism and self-esteem while scoring lower in depression, anxiety and tension than other athletes or non-athletes. With all this in mind, Tennis becomes a very attractive sport, especially for those who are looking for a corporate team building exercise. Tennis literally encompasses all levels of health and fitness as well as
At Tennis Team Building Events it is important to consider various factors. If you are from a large company you will need enough court space to be able to run the day efficiently. You may have a mixed ability therefore it may be important to have different coaches and various activities in order to provide a fun yet challenging environment. For example, ‘Cardio Tennis’ is a great activity for players of any standard (even beginners!) It involves doing a number of different tennis drills to music and in quick succession, this means that all participants get a good cardiovascular work out, while having fun and learning the basics of tennis as they go. This could be followed by a ‘coaching clinic’ which would be taken by a tennis professional where they would work on various skills with different abilities in mind, to ensure a level of learning was added to the day.
Doubles matches provides a nice way to encourage team work while still allowing a competitive edge. There are so many positive reasons to play Tennis, whether it is for a corporate day or even as an individual coaching session, the health benefits and social element make it a ‘sport for life.’ Various activities can be provided to ensure a fun, informative and successful day is run and obviously with all this activity it is important to provide participants with enough food and drink and also give them a social element to the programme. At Esporta Health & Racquets Club, Dorset, all Tennis events can be tailor made to suit each company or individual. With 7 indoor tennis courts, 3 outdoor courts and experienced tennis professionals, we provide an excellent facility and service. We can also offer you lunch and snacks in our premier restaurant and bar, so if you would like to find out more information regarding Tennis facilities, Coaching or Corporate Events then please contact us on 01202 642642.
To create a good atmosphere and a memorable event, a ‘Company Tournament’ is a great way to end the day.
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FREIGHT MATTERS
August/September
Do you export goods by air? By Andy Fletcher from Transworld GB Aviation Security is uppermost in the eyes of those who export their goods by Air. Following the tragedy at Lockerbie, when an aircraft was brought down by an improvised explosive device carried by a passenger, the UK Authorities implemented a system for the checking of air cargo.
To avoid the additional cost of the screening (routinely by x-ray) and the in-built delay, there is a system whereby your company could be considered as one who could ship it's freight direct without more screening, assuming that your premises, staff, policies and procedures equal or exceed the Department for Transport's requirements.
Over the years this system has been tweaked and improved to the point where we are now. Basically every piece of cargo is screened before taking to the air in order to ensure it is safe to fly and that it wouldn't "pose a threat” to passengers and crew of the aircraft it was being carried in. It is a staggering thought that 80% of the world's air cargo is carried on scheduled passenger aircraft.
If you were to sign up to this elite group of exporters you can 1) save money and 2) save precious time. All it takes is to be a responsible organisation ready and willing to assist in the reduction of terrorist activities. To learn more about this scheme give Andy a call on 07980 382049 to see what it can do for you and what you can do to increase the safety levels when exporting your goods by air.
INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT FORWARDING, SHIPPING AND HAULAGE / COURIERS • • • • • • •
International Removals Pet Relocation Domestic and International Couriers Freight Forwarder Overseas Shipping Full Packing Service Department for Transport Approved Aviation Security Validation Assessment
T. Lewisham is a fiercely independent international freight forwarder and haulage courier company, offering an enormous range of International Air Freight, Shipping, Road Movement and Forward Services in the UK and around the world. Our knowledge and experience gained over 35 years in international freight forwarding, has enabled us to stay at the forefront of the specialised haulage / courier and shipping industry.
“On time, On cost, and to your Total Satisfaction” Contact us Now – you’ll profit from the experience! T. Lewisham Ltd PO Box 5391, Ebblake Industrial Estate, VERWOOD, UK, BH31 6ZX Tel: 01725 517066 • Mobile: 07980 382049 • Skype: transworldgb • Fax: 08717301941 Email: info@transworldgb.com • www.transworldgb.com
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FSB MATTERS
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August/September
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LEGAL MATTERS
August/September
Lease arrangements and liabilities By Mark Daniels, Dickinson Manser
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any businesses operate out of leased premises or lease out their own properties. Such lease arrangements bring with them significant liabilities and this article highlights a few issues which businesses should consider in this regard.
Lease Negotiations Whether you are a landlord or tenant negotiating a new lease or a renewal or assignment of an existing lease, you will always be looking to obtain the best deal possible from those negotiations. It is therefore important that you enter such negotiations prepared and with a clear picture of your objectives. You should ensure that you have a clear view of the local rental market and get as much information about the other party as possible. For instance if you are a tenant you might want to ascertain how long the property has been on the market and whether the landlord has a stock of empty properties he is desperate to let. If you are the landlord you will need to assess whether the tenant is one that you actually want, for instance do they have a good financial history and is the business they will be carrying on from your premises really suitable? You should also remember that there may be scope to negotiate things other than the headline rent. For instance can you agree things such as:-
1. monthly rather than quarterly rent payment if that suits your business better; 2. a rent free period to allow you to get the property ready; 3. a break clause to allow you to terminate the lease early if circumstances change or you simply find the property is no longer suitable; or 4. amendments to the repair obligations to lessen the impact of dilapidations claims at the end of the lease. Lease Assignments Lease assignments occur when a business has entered into a lease which is no longer wanted for some reason. In such situations landlords now routinely require the outgoing tenant to enter into an Authorised Guarantee Agreement (AGA) whereby they guarantee the obligations of the new tenant (the assignee). Such AGA’s carry with them significant liability and should not be entered into lightly. A recent Court of Appeal decision highlights this issue. The case involved an assignee which went into insolvent liquidation. The assignee’s liquidator disclaimed the lease, meaning the assignee was no longer liable for the future rents. On the facts the Court of Appeal held that the Landlord could have required the old tenant to enter into a new lease and that even if the landlord did not require this the old tenant was still liable for the ongoing rent and other obligations under the disclaimed lease.
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If you are considering assigning a lease then you should ensure that you thoroughly look in to the financial status of the proposed assignee. For instance, you may wish to consider obtaining credit checks and references and requesting copies of things such as their accounts and business plan. Leases normally provide that tenants can only assign with the consent of the landlord and before granting such consent the landlord will normally require much of this information in any case. Therefore if tenants have already gathered all the relevant information for themselves and they then submit it to the landlord with the request for consent this should also have the benefit of speeding up the processing of the consent application. For further information please contact Mark Daniels at Dickinson Manser at Poole (01202) 673 071 or email m.daniels@dickinsonmanser.co.uk.
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LETTINGS MATTERS
August/September
Are rented properties electrically safe? By Sharon Moore from Move on Rentals A mother recently died from being electrocuted by bathroom taps at a rental home. The woman aged 33 died instantly when she was hit by 175 volts when running a bath. Her five year old daughter found her and raised the alarm! The coroner said what he found inexplicable was that whilst gas safety checks and annual gas safety certificates are a specific legal requirement, electrical checks are not. The owner of the property said he remained deeply concerned that there is a gap in the legislation, which permitted this incident to occur and which puts others at risk. It breaks my heart
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to think this young mum could have been saved. For years I have said that I wish they would make it a legal requirement, because although I understand that Landlords need to keep their costs down, it can sometimes be frustrating to convince a landlord that we are not trying to take more of his money, but instead we want to ensure the safety of the tenant and protect the interest of the Landlord. A new campaign has been launched urging that the electric systems of all rental properties be checked on change of tenancy and at least every five years. I welcome this with open arms and hope the campaign will be heard. At Move On we explain to all our Landlords that although there is no legal requirement, it is a criminal offence if someone died or was seriously hurt through them letting a property that is not electrically safe and the only way to prove the property is safe – is to have an electrical certificate.
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
LIGHTING MATTERS
August/September
The Cost of Lighting? By John Bullock Lighting Design With rising electricity costs its time that we examine the energy used in our businesses, and that includes the cost of lighting. Lighting isn’t something we can just switch off, unless we’re happy to be sitting in darkened offices, or wondering why customers are walking past our unlit shops, or why our bar/food takings have plummeted. Lighting is an essential, so it’s vital that we invest in cost-saving technologies to make sure that the meter goes round slower without risking our business.
Until very recently, energy saving lighting meant turning to fluorescent lamps in all their guises, though the fluorescent lamp hasn’t yet been made that can produce a decent spotlight. But LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps are said to be our ultimate saviour. The LED is a natural spotlight, so that’s a good place to start. The latest generation of 9W LEDs just about match the output of a 35W tungsten halogen lamp and the industry is confident of matching the 50W lamp within the year.
The heaviest business lighting energy cost comes from the ubiquitous tungsten halogen reflector lamp – you know the ones, they’re probably all over your kitchen ceiling – but we need to replace those lamps with something that not only saves energy but also produces good quality light.
But a word of warning: although there are some very good LED lamps around, there are many cheap and nasty versions. If a lamp only cost pennies then, for certain, that is all its worth. So make sure you get a quality product. For help and advice on lighting for your business or home, please contact John Bullock
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MARKETING MATTERS
August/September
Is Linkedin right for you? By David Dean from greenmessage
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inkedin is a professional network which is growing by the second, in fact a new member joins every second creating a global network of professionals throughout over 200 countries and in excess of 43 million members – so what, how does that help me in Dorset you say? Well you can access this trusted network asking questions of people who are in the whole network and getting great results. I asked recently for a particular skill and got a recommendation from a professional in South Africa, pointing me to a person in Ireland and bingo the project has moved on to greater things. Could I have got that connection without Linkedin, no, not in a month of Sundays!
and use it to connect to other members and keep up to date with local discussions, or may start one yourself. If you are not on it, then sign up, it’s free! Create your own profile, add photos, experience, history etc and start linking in to other members to create your network, why not link in with me, David Dean, and then join the Buy Dorset group and any other group that you would find of interest. Then just watch your connections and knowledge grow, it’s a great place to connect with trusted friends and to access other people who can help you with opportunities in your business life. Linkedin will become part of your personal marketing strategy adding value to your knowledge and helping you achieve your goals.
On a local level it’s a great way of keeping contacts, Buy Dorset has its own group, sign up
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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
NETWORKING MATTERS
August/September
Networking Manners! By Janet Peacock from BPB Networking Club
poking and stifled giggles is not much fun. So, if your speaker is talking at length about the mating rituals of whales and how that can improve your sales targets, stick a smile on your face, look interested and clap when it’s over.
Thank your host
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etworking manners…do they exist? In a world where you are invited to get amongst your peers and thrust business cards in their faces, can it exist? Yes is the simple answer. I was once told that all normal rules of etiquette are suspended in a networking situation. You can eavesdrop, butt in and join conversations without invitation. This is the norm. A real nightmare for a girl who minds her P’s and Q’s. But there is a balance and below are the simple manners that should never be forgotten…
Hello to your left and right Sometimes manners are allowed to be forgotten, and other times, it’s just rude. Always introduce yourself to the person to your left, and the person to your right. You are about to eat a meal with these people, how awful is it to not even know their names? (Really, there have been events where people have sat next to me and we’ve not spoken for the whole time)
Listen to the speaker I know that not every speaker has the right topic for you, but if this is the case, listen anyway. It’s not easy standing in front of a room full of people, and to be faced with an audience of yawns,
Would you leave a party without saying thank you to the person that hosted it? I would hope not. The same goes for networking. It takes a lot of organisation to put a networking event on, and just a simple recognition of that to your host will mean you are a favoured guest whenever you go.
About BPBNC Bournemouth Peacock Business Networking Club (BPBNC) is a monthly networking breakfast hosted by Griffin and King, as well as a different monthly sponsor. The breakfast begins at 7.30am, and is held in the Gladstone suite at The Royal Bath Hotel. Guests are invited to mingle for 20 minutes at the start of the event, after which guests are seated for breakfast and there are four options to choose from. During the breakfast, each attendee stands up and has one minute to introduce themselves to the room. Once the introductions have been completed, the speaker is introduced. Speakers come from a variety of businesses, and offer an insight into their industry and often provide an interactive and interesting session. BPBNC is a well attended group that attracts businesses from all over Dorset, so it’s well worth a visit and an early morning start. Those who wish to find out more should send an email to: janetpeacock@i-resources.co.uk.
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DO YOU BUY ON PRICE OR THE BEST ADVICE? We are Independent, Impartial and Incisive Print Brokers, who provide clients with professional advice and assistance for the production of all full colour printed material. With over 30 years experience in the print trade Authentic Colour can recommend the best way to produce printed products, that will help you to present and promote your business in the best light, without it costing you a fortune. Having established your individual requirements and understood your budget constraints, we then source, through our vast network of appointed trade printers, the best 'value for money' deal available. The print world is a complex one, due to the many types of printing processes you have to consider. Choose the wrong process and it will cost you money, but choose the right process and it will save you money. Allow Authentic Colour to act as your print buyer and we will then help you select the correct process, quickly and efficiently, to source the ideal supplier to meet your specific needs. Whatever you require, in quantities large or small, contact Authentic Colour Print for a service that is truly ‘above and beyond’ our competitors. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
PRINTING MATTERS
August/September
How to save money on your Print? By Peter Westwood, Authentic Colour Print Ltd
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ow can all of the stationery and promotional print items, you need to run your business, be purchased more cost effectively? There are many little tricks that can save you money and I would like to show you how to get the best economy possible in this challenging climate, so here are a few useful tips to show you how to get more for your money.
• Full colour both sides of the material is no longer a huge expense. Most printers have machines that will print both sides in one pass, giving you better value for money. • Consider buying in bulk! Think how many you will use long term, as buying for 12 months will be cheaper than buying a 3 or 6 months supply.
• Discuss all artwork projects with your chosen printer before confirming specification with a graphic artist, as a few words of technical advice could save you lots of time and money.
• Choose a printer who has the right equipment to print the right quality and produce your job cost effectively, especially when the quantity required is larger than normal.
• Always supply your artwork as a print ready PDF, with ink bleed and crop marks. This saves time & enables the printer to supply proofs and make plates straight from your files.
• If you have specialist finishing requirements, such as laminating, spot varnishing, block foiling, or shapes to cut, then choose a printer who has these facilities in house.
• Ask about ‘stock papers’ as there is an abundance of coated and uncoated 'house sheets’ that are bought in bulk and at better prices, which are cheaper than specialist papers.
• Consider printing several items at the same time. Grouping up Business Cards is one thing, but think of putting Compliment Slips or Continuation Sheets up with Letterheads.
• Choose standard sizes like A3, A4 & A5, A6 or DL & 210mm square. Printing presses accept international metric sizes, so this means you use the raw sheet more effectively.
• Have you thought about using a Print Management Company? Their buying power with specialist Trade Printers allows them to pass on the cost savings direct to you.
I hope you will contemplate these ten tips before ordering your next print job and I trust that in the long run you will buy on the best advice as opposed to the best price! Printing is not cheap and therefore I honestly want you to get the most from your investment, allowing you to obtain true value for money every time. If you want independent, impartial and incisive advice for the production of all full colour or spot colour printing, then you should consider having a FREE one hour consultation, to discuss all your print requirements with a Print Broker like Peter Westwood from Authentic Colour, who promise to give a service that is truly ‘above and beyond’ the competition!
Authentic Colour Print Limited Spacemaker House 518 Wallisdown Road Bournemouth Dorset BH11 8PT Tel: 01202 532277 E: info@authenticcolour.co.uk www.authenticcolour.co.uk
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RECOVERY MATTERS
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August/September
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
STORAGE MATTERS
August/September
Work Smarter From Home! By Karl Fuller, Space Maker Self Storage
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o you work from home and need more space? Are you looking to take the next step with your business and thinking of the extra cost to rent an office? Perhaps the first thing you should do is consider working smarter? Working from home can give you the freedom to have the best of both worlds where you can work with flexibility, which allows you to balance your work with your home life, so you are obviously reluctant to give up this way of life! However, a problem can arise when work takes over the home and this is especially common if you have a business that requires you to hold stock. Suddenly you feel like your work is invading your home as you struggle for space and this will have an impact on your home life.
A smart solution to this problem is low cost secure self storage units, which can be accessed seven days a week. Space Maker Self Storage offer such a service, even on a short term basis, where you can free up the space in your home and have peace of mind with fully alarmed units. Whether it’s for seasonal stock, paperwork or surplus furniture Space Maker Self Storage have the answer. For further information or details about business discounts, contact Karl Fuller on 01202 524242.
on self storage units
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TELECOM MATTERS
August/September
Business on the move! By Anita Potten, Director, TX Installations
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ndustry experts estimate that 60 per cent of calls end up in voice mail and more than half of mobile phone minutes are used within a company’s own walls! With so many employees away from their desks and on the road many companies are finding that an increasing slice of their communication budget is devoted to mobility. The ability to communicate while on the move improves and enhances productivity as increasing numbers of employees are mobile, calls end up in voicemail leading to telephone tag, wasted time and reduced customer satisfaction. In today’s tight economy deploying an effective unified mobile solution can help workers increase productivity, improve customer satisfaction and reduce communications costs. Where ever your workers are, working from home, on the road or in the office, more effective communications means that workers are always available to do their jobs. Utilising solutions such as WPA Mobiles Mobility for Service Companies and the right mobile tariff combined with the remote access, voice mail to email and find me follow me features, available within Hosted Voice over IP, really delivers the flexibility that the modern business expects. The UK networks offer a confusing array of tariffs, so it’s not surprising that many companies large and small are paying too much for their mobile communications because they have just renewed
their contract rather than spend valuable time trying to navigate their way around the various offerings. TXI are offering a free of charge tariff analysis for New Business Matters readers to ensure that companies are in the best position possible to take advantage of any promotions available from the UK Networks. The first 10 readers to request the Tariff Analysis Service will receive a FREE OPTIX PACK: • Contains a Premium Microfibre Cloth, and a 35ml Device & Screen Cleaner all in an EVA case • Keeps your Microfibre Cloth contaminate free • Great for cleaning on the move • Carabineer for easy attachment to your bag / case • Will quickly remove dust, dirt, grime and fingerprints from all screens & devices For more details please contact the sales team at TX Installations (TXI) on 01202 233550 or email info@txiltd.co.uk. complete communications solutions
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TRAINING MATTERS
August/September
How to stay in front of the competition? By Tom Ross, Dale Carnegie Training a long period you can achieve permanent behavioural changes.
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n today’s tough economic climate it is very important for all of us to work smarter, harder and stay in front of our competition. Would you like to unleash the full power of your business and team? An engaged and motivated team is 83% more effective and efficient than a disengaged team, when the going gets tough and the engaged team get going, often the pressures of this modern fast paced working life can affect people’s performance and health! If you want to strive for excellence and have a motivated and engaged team you need to develop in these five areas, these areas are called the drivers for success. Communication, self-confidence, people skills, leadership skills and dealing with stress and worry. So how can you help your team develop more of these skills? You can do it by applying some time spaced learning techniques this means having the right positive attitude to want to make a difference, using a little bit of knowledge and then practicing as much as possible when you space the knowledge and practice over
Use these timeless principles to build stronger working relationships with people, when you have a solid relationship with anyone in your structure between you results will be easier to achieve, • Don’t criticise condemn or complain • Give honest sincere appreciation • Arouse in the other person an eager want • Become genuinely interested in other people • Smile • Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language • Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves
recession. What kind of challenges do you face when you’re selling? A top tip for selling is making the selling process become a buying process! Can you imagine the time when all your customers start buying from you again rather than you having to try and make that hard sale!! So how do we do this? Again we need to gain willing cooperation from people, so build the relationship and always sell from the customer’s point of view! Imagine how do we feel when sales people sell to us from their agenda and not ours? Below are more timeless principles that will help you develop existing accounts and penetrate new accounts. • Show respect for the other person’s opinion; Never say “you’re wrong” • Begin in a friendly way
• Talk in terms of the other person’s interest
• Get the other person saying “yes, yes” immediately
• Make the other person feel important – and do it sincerely
• Let the other person do a great deal of the talking
There is a whole generation that has never had to sell in a
• Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view
For further information or to download your free copy of Dale Carnegie Success Secrets please visit our website http://www.southernengland.dalecarnegie.co.uk or alternatively call our office on: 01202 892891.
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WRITING MATTERS
August/September
The Write Message! By Sarah Simpson, The Spare Desk Ltd.
D
id you know that Shakespeare simply made-up over 500 words, many of which are now common place in the English language today? With the new craze for ‘text-speak’ and abbreviation, not to mention the influence of our American cousins on our native tongue, it is naive to get hung-up on the rigidity and rules of our English and Latin masters. Of course, spelling, grammar and punctuation will always be crucial; to the trained eye they can speak volumes, yet particularly in a business context, it is the underlying message which carries far greater weight with perspective clients. The beauty of the English language is its fluidity, much like business, language is continually adapting and involving. It is this ability to change, which keeps it fresh and more importantly, which keeps it alive. Therefore, when writing for your
business, be it advertising, editorials, web-content or even simple letters to clients, by all means run it through the spell check, but first and foremost, focus on the voice. The written word is very different from the spoken word – they are poles apart. Very often the ethos and enthusiasm which businesses find so effective in a networking environment get lost in translation to the page. A coherent and unified voice throughout all of your businesses written material will be far more effective at selling your business than worrying about the odd spelling mistak! If you need assistance to enhance or update the written words you require for your brochure or website then please give Sarah a call on 07738 980 566 or 01202 566 032.
Work Days Lost? By Anne-Marie Samuel, Body in Motion
M
usculoskeletal disorders (aches and pain in neck, back and arms) are the single biggest cause of absenteeism at work and over 9.5 million work days were lost due to work related pain in 2005/6. Therefore, with business life becoming increasingly stressful and long days spent in the office, it is more important than ever to look after your health. Aching necks and backs, along with tiredness and repetitive keyboard strain, will cause a decrease in performance and increase in your stress levels. Fortunately it is very quick and easy to treat most of these problems, provided they are seen early. Evidence based research has shown that early physiotherapy treatment is the most effective way to address these niggling aches before they develop into a major problem requiring time off work.
can provide both on site and off site treatment, thereby assisting you to prevent and manage workplace injuries, such as Body in Motion who is Bournemouth’s leading centre of excellence for physiotherapy and sports massage. They are able to re-energize your body, help you work pain free and enhance your productivity. Cost is also kept to a minimum as they provide fast track physiotherapy when you need it, with return to work rehabilitation programmes, including ergonomic assessment and training where required ensuring your pain does not return. For individual treatment or to take advantage of their special on-site corporate offers simply call Anne-Marie on 01202 720300 for an appointment.
When looking for a physiotherapist you would be wise to choose someone who has a wealth of experience in the corporate arena and someone who
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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
ROAMING MATTERS
August/September
FREE Roaming charges for ever!!! By Andrew Holford from Remedi Go CUCKOO! © simply loads onto a mobile handset (which still works as normal) to give you a second line. With low cost calls as standard Go CUCKOO! can be used as a home office or family room line but, with its ability to keep working “cordlessly” even when 12,500 miles away, the best savings are that you don’t pay roaming charges, ever! Calls made with Go CUCKOO! can show either your existing home, office or mobile number, which is great for disguising your location or making it look as though your property is occupied when you’re on holiday; and if you are abroad with Go CUCKOO! at least you will not come back to find an expensive mobile bill on your doormat!
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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NBM EXHIBITION
August/September
NEW BUSINESS
MATTERS Open Exhibition Yo u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s t o b u s i n e s s j o u r n a l
(Plus ‘Minute Networking’ sessions throughout the day)
Wednesday 14th October (Starts at 8.30am & Finishes at 6.30pm)
Bournemouth AFC Dean Court, Bournemouth, BH7 7AF For £95 + Vat you can have an Exhibitors Package, which includes one exhibition space, a buffet lunch with refreshments, one parking space and entry in to one of our ‘Minute Networking’ sessions. Please ask about discounts for multiple packages.
All business people are welcome to visit the exhibition and entry is FREE! You can also attend one of our ‘Minute Networking’ sessions for just £5 with discounts available for attending more than one session. There will be eight ‘Minute Networking’ sessions throughout the day and they will be held every hour, on the hour, starting at 9am with the last one at 5pm.
To enquire about an Exhibitor Package, attend one of our ‘Minute Networking’ sessions, or to simply register visitor names, please telephone 01202 233580 or send an email to sales@newbusinessmatters.com 10% Early Bird Discount for Exhibitors who book and pay by 14th Sept’09 Page 28
New Business Matters UK Ltd Spacemaker House 518 Wallisdown Road Bournemouth, BH11 8PT
To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580
TRADE MATTERS
August/September
Freephone: 0800 0025 192 Getting cleaner... the true blue way! 42 Glenmeadows Drive Northbourne Bournemouth BH10 5HQ
info@aussieclean.co.uk www.aussieclean.co.uk
Commercial & Domestic cleaning packages tailored to suit your budget.
Your Local Centre of Excellence • Physiotherapy • Sports Massage • Personal Training £10 off your first session on production of this advert
Tel: 01202 720300 info@bodyinmotion.co.uk www.bodyinmotion.co.uk
Do you have BAD DEBTS/SLOW PAYERS? Personal visits and collections Professional, Commercial & Private
Tel: 01202 420183 Email: tony@ddr-ltd.co.uk
ADVERTISE HERE FOR £31.50 + VAT PER MONTH To find out more, please contact Peter Westwood
Tel: 01202 233580 sales@newbusinessmatters.com
NEW BUSINESS MATTERS Exclusive rights allow you to be the only company advertising in your trade or profession, to over 3000 companies within the local conurbation on a regular bi-monthly basis.
To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com
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