Issue 30

NEW BUSINESS

MATTERS Your local business to business journal

Points of Interest in this Issue: • Seafront locations - ideal for any type of event! (p5) • Ring-Ring!! Can somebody answer that?? (p7) • Electrical safety - no laughing matter! (p10) • How Can Businesses Gain More Clients Because Of Smart Phones? (p13) • Only The Mint Makes Money Without Advertising! (p17) • Cost vs Value (p19) • Avoiding a Christmas debt hangover (p20)

BUSINESS TIPS & ADVICE! Issue 30/2013

December/January

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NEW BUSINESS MATTERS

Editor’s Note

Building Relationships!

In the last edition, I focussed on the need to reach out for new business in the current climate. Having made those new contacts, the wise among us will see the benefits of building lasting relationships.

Whether these be as supplier/client or maybe even as potential partners, should the fit be right, the long term gains of such relationships far outway the effort taken to nuture them in the first place.

Having started our own business over eight years ago and still having many of our original clients, we have seen first hand how these can be the bedrock of future business.

As this year draws to a close, we hope that you have had a chance to take time to enjoy the summer and look forward to gathering with the family over the Christmas break.

Our article from the FSB this month suggests that we should build on economic optimism and we hope that your businesses are gleaning some of this energy towards renewed growth. Do grab a coffee and take time to read the business tips & advice available in this issue.

It only leaves me to wish you and your families all the very best for this seasonal time of year from myself, Debbie and Peter. We hope you flourish and prosper through 2014!

Best wishes,

December/January

CONTENTS 02 BUSINESS ENERGY SAVING 03 CONTENTS & EDITORS NOTES 04 R & D TAX RELIEF AVAILABLE 05 A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS AWAITS 06 BENEFITS OF OFFICE CLEANING 07 RING-RING!! ANYONE ANSWERING? 08 KEEPING CUSTOMERS 09 REGISTER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP 10 ELECTRICAL SAFETY - NO LAUGHS 11 BUILD ON ECONOMIC OPTIMISM 12 PLANNING FOR SUCCESS 12 BAN THE XMAS PARTY? 13 GAIN CLIENTS FROM SMART PHONES 14 THE FUTURE OF PAPER? 15 INDICATIONS OF HOUSING BUBBLE? 16 VIRTUAL OFFICE SOLUTIONS 17 Only The Mint Makes Money...

18 DESIGN & PRINT SERVICES 19 COST VS VALUE 20 AVOIDING A DEBT HANGOVER 21 SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER IS DEAD(?)

22 Christmas is cominG...

23 BARCLAYS BUSINESS BANKING

Stephen Corney

You can be the only company of your trade or profession represented in this local business to business journal.

For details on the ‘marketing packages’ available, please contact: Stephen Corney on 01202 233580 or email sales@newbusinessmatters.com New Business Matters UK Ltd 1 Moorlands Rise, West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset, BH22 0JR Tel: 01202 233580

24 SAVE MONEY ON INTERNAL PRINT The information contained within this publication is not intended to be complete. Whilst the publisher endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this publication, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and the publisher accepts no liability for the use of, reliance on or the accuracy of such information. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and therefore the publisher accepts no responsibility for them. All artwork and editorial is copywrite and may not be reproduced without prior permission from the publisher. © New Business Matters UK Limited January 2009 Designed by: Stephen Corney Printed by: Remous Limited, Sherborne Published by: New Business Matters UK Limited

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 3

ACCOUNTANCY MATTERS

December/January

Research and Development Tax Relief Avaliable

By James Hill, Director at Hill Osborne

Research and Development (R&D) Relief is an enhanced corporate tax relief of 225% applicable to small and medium sized businesses.

Broadly speaking, for each ÂŁ100 of qualifying expenditure your company incurs, an additional deduction to your taxable profits can be made of ÂŁ125. This is a government incentive to encourage innovation, yet recent studies suggest only a small percentage of eligible businesses are currently claiming R&D Relief.

What qualifies?

The project should seek to advance an overall knowledge or capability in a field of science or technology. It must satisfy certain criteria set out by HMRC, as described in detail on their website.

Eligible costs include materials, staff costs, software used for R&D and payments to subcontractors.

Many companies wrongly believe that R&D +LOO 2VERUQH Relief can only be claimed on new products; however expenditure can be claimed on product improvements and new production processes. /RJR 9DULDQW

How much is the tax relief worth?

Clearly this varies depending on the size of your business and the level of qualifying expenditure that the company incurs. Claims can be substantial - one of our clients has saved in excess of ÂŁ60,000 in tax over the past 3 years.

How do I make a claim?

Usually this would be submitted as part of your company’s annual corporation tax return.

However, retrospective claims can be made up to two years from the end of the accounting year that the R&D costs were incurred.

Your company should examine carefully the type of projects and expenditure it undertakes to determine the suitability for claiming R&D Tax Relief.

For more information on R&D Tax Relief and to find out how much tax your business could save, please contact James on 01202 678555 or send an e-mail to: james@hill-osborne.co.uk.

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Page 4

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

CHRISTMAS MATTERS

December/January

Seafront locations - ideal for any type of event

By Ali Burridge, Business Development Co-ordinator Oceana Hotels is a privately owned group of 4 seafront properties. Cumberland, Suncliff, Cliffeside and Hotel Gleneagles.

3 of the 4 are situated up on the Eastcliff in Bournemouth, prime location with easy access to the beach front and the town centre. The 4th is placed in a similar location in Torquay.

Each Hotel boasts its own individual character with plenty of Restaurants and leisure facilities to choose from.

We have a dedicated sales team based at one of the Bournemouth properties that will help you book, plan and prepare for any type of event. The personal service we offer would leave you relaxed and confident that your event would run smoothly and professionally. Our function rooms vary in

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size and no function is too big or too small. The co-ordinators take the time to listen to your needs to provide you with their best advice as to which Hotel and which function room would work best for you. We also run our own events throughout the Year which have proved very popular. For every event there are always regular faces that our Co-ordinators know by sight and name. Going that extra mile to greet each person individually when they arrive. Dedication, care, understanding and attention to detail are what make this Hotel chain very hard to beat.

We still have space for Christmas parties (although limited - see advert) so please try our service - I guarantee you will come back.

Call 01202 298350 for any enquiries.

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

19/11/2013 13:06

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CLEANING MATTERS

December/January

The Benefits of Office Cleaning

By Sebastian Popa, MD of TotalClean Solutions Just like a house, the office requires regular care and maintenance. Most people spend about the same time at the office as they do in their own homes, so the office does turn into an important aspect of their lives.

An office can hardly stay spotless, but it can be clean enough to welcome visitors, clients or business partners on a daily basis. So what are the advantages of cleaning services and why should an employer invest in a good cleaning company?

The Health Factor Does this benefit surprise you slightly? It really shouldn’t as this is a major concern for any employer.

A clean office is a healthy office, where the employees are not exposed to bacteria and thus suffer from colds and flu much less. Every employer prefers to have their employees at their workplace regularly.

Good cleaning companies offer professional services that ensure the clean environment in the office.

Page 6

The Client Factor If you are still not convinced why professional office cleaning services are absolutely essential or you consider the investment too much, think about your clients, business partners and everyone else who enters the office, apart from the employees. Would you like them to see dirty floors, muddy footprints, overflowing trash bins, dirty toilets with no toilet paper, dusty computer screens and stained windows?

This doesn’t sound like the office of a reputable company where professionals work. How clean an office is sends a direct message to anyone who enters it for the first time – you can be sure of that.

If your office is not clean and tidy don’t get surprised if your employees are lacking motivation and productivity.

For more information about how TotalClean Solutions can help provide a clean and healthy workplace, call Sebastian on 01202 509091.

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

CALL ANSWERING MATTERS

Ring-Ring-Ring!!

Can somebody answer that??

By Mark Scott of Technovox

Many business people’s lives frequently extend beyond 9-5, taking them out of the office and on the road. For some of us, the nature of our work means we have no fixed location, turning our transportation into a mobile office. But when we're busy or out of the office, who is manning the phones? Customer engagement is a priority for us all and if we want our business to attract and retain customers, we need to make the most of modern communication technologies.

It's well known that people don't like talking to voicemail and will often hang up without leaving a message. The problem with voicemail is that it’s not interactive, which is why telephone answering by a real person works much better. Virtual receptionist is a well-established concept that solves several call answering problems.

• Key people frequently travelling and in client meetings • Working in a noisy environment - trying to talk to a customer under these circumstances is very unprofessional • Provides overflow capacity when the office phones are busy • Maintains a presence during holidays • Can free up time for office staff to do other tasks Typically, a virtual receptionist will take a message and forward it via e-mail or text. They can put calls through to you if it’s appropriate. Some providers can even do diary management and fulfilment.

The key to success with communications is to look beyond the way it’s always been done, to allow room for a fresh approach that will enable your business to thrive and grow.

For help and advice please send an email to info@technovox.co.uk or call Mark at:

Tel: 01202 901888 Web: www.technovox.co.uk 52 Warland Way, Wimborne, BH21 3NZ

December/January

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE? SHOWCASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE! Block out the competition and be the only company of your trade or profession represented in this local business to business journal.

For details on our ‘advertising packages’ and the ‘marketing packages’ available please contact: Stephen on 01202 233580 or send an email to sales@newbusinessmatters.com "Advertising in New Business Matters magazine has been great for my business. I’ve been surprised by the scope of the readership and wide ranging business sectors it is distributed amongst. I sincerely recommend New Business Matters as both an interesting read and an effective means of generating good business."

Sarah Simpson, Spare Desk Ltd

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 7

COMMUNITY MAG MATTERS

December/January

Keeping customers... and getting them to come back for more!

By Stephen Corney, Director at Dorset Publications

"Courteous treatment will make a customer a walking advertisement." - James Cash Penney In our last article, I wrote about the fact that there are customers waiting to be reached. However, once you have got in contact and perhaps made the first sale, what then?

Experts say, it takes 5 to 10 times more time, effort and expense to win new customers than it takes to keep existing ones.

In today's competitive business world and challenging economy, retaining your customer base is critical to your success. If you don't give your customers some good reasons to stay, your competitors will give them a reason to leave.

If you can create that excellent customer experience then not only will they keep coming back time and time again, but also they will tell others and your will find a whole new source of potential customers.

Delivering results and good service are the key aspects of which most customers will take notice.

I am sure that we all love the client who asks you not to call, but to keep invoicing them on a regular basis. This can only be achieved by working hard on the client relationship and creating that feeling of confidence and security in your business.

Whilst sometimes this can be achieved in a single transaction, more likely this will be the product of multiple contact points. So good service must be part of your company's whole ethos and maintained throughout all client communications.

The whole goal here is therefore to develop and nuture that "holy grail" in business - the loyal customer. These are the ones whose value can extend over years and help bring in more clients.

At Dorset Publications, we can help businesses reach local residents on a regular basis in the comfort of their own homes!

Would you like your business to reach 1000s of potential residential clients on a monthly basis?

Full colour A5 glossy magazines distributed by our own team of distributors - you can rely on us! » Free artwork design » A free article, the same size as the advert booked in one of the months, with a 3 months booking » Free advertising on our magazine Facebook pages » A free listing on our Website Directory pages » Each magazine is fully uploaded every month on the internet via our website

Call Debbie or Stephen on

01202 894397 info@dorsetpublications.co.uk

West Moors • Ferndown & West Parley • Bournemouth • Poole • Southbourne • Christchurch Page 8

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

COMPANY LAW MATTERS

December/January

Register of Beneficial Ownership

By Mark Daniels, Dickinson Manser LLP Solicitors At this summer’s G8 summit, the UK Government announced its wish to create a new central registry of company beneficial ownership, which it has recently announced will be publicly available to view.

It is currently possible to find out who legally owns or controls a company by checking the names of shareholders and directors of companies at Companies House. However, the new registry will hold details of who really owns and controls a company. A ‘beneficial owner’ is a person who holds an interest in more than 25% of the company’s shares or voting rights or who controls the management of the company in some other way.

Although the new registry is aimed at identifying owners of companies i.e. shareholders, it will also cover directors who control the company on behalf of another person. This will include nominee directors and corporate directors (a company acting as a director of another company).

The Government has already consulted on its plans but will publish a discussion paper in early 2014.

Ads A/W_Layout 1 10/07/2013 15:32 Page 7 This paper will reveal details on how the registry will

work in practice. It is sure to generate responses from interested parties, which are likely to lead to further amendments being made before it eventually becomes law. It will also be interesting to hear the reaction to the plans from the UK’s crown dependencies, which have thriving markets in companies that frequently have complicated ownership structures.

The Government’s plan to introduce this registry is part of the ripple effect caused by the banking crisis.

Its aim is to increase ‘transparency and trust’ in business, further improve corporate governance and to help boost the UK’s economic growth rate. It is also designed in part to target attempts to evade tax and laundering of money by the use of highly complicated corporate structures designed to hide the ultimate owner of a company. Some though might be puzzled how this fits with the Government’s stated aim to reduce business ‘red tape’.

For further information on how this may affect your company or indeed advice on any other corporate or commercial matter, please contact Mark Daniels on 01202 673071 or by email at mjd@dmsolicitors.co.uk

C o m p a ny a n d C o m m e rc i a l S e r v i c e s .

Our company and commercial team act for a wide range of clients from sole traders to large owner managed businesses.

Our clients include professional par tnerships, schools, charities, proper ty developers, retail, leisure and manufacturing businesses.

Our team is experienced in dealing with business acquisitions, disposals and all forms of commercial, shareholder and par tnership agreements.

We can assist in producing terms of business, advising on directors responsibilities and par tnership or company formation,financing and restructuring.

For fur ther information on what we can do for your business, please contact Mark Daniels on 01202 673071 or mjd@dmsolicitors.co.uk Dickinson Manser. Ready when you need us.

Poole. 5 Parkstone Road. T. 01202 673071 Broadstone. 221 The Broadway T. 01202 692308 www.dickinsonmanser.co.uk

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 9

ELECTRICAL MATTERS

December/January

Electrical safety no laughing matter!

By Kelvyn Green of Green Light Electrical Installations So what’s all the fuss about electrical safety? How many times have you or your workplace colleagues said; '…that old unit’s been going for years – it’ll go on forever.' Unfortunately, they often don’t. Not only are employers responsible under UK Law for ensuring the safety of their employees and the public, they are also liable if things go wrong. In the news recently, a company was fined £27,000 by the Health and Safety Executive for not properly maintaining their electrical equipment. The hazards highlighted in that case presented immediate and potentially fatal risks to their employees. Could your company afford this and possibly more - plus the negative press that goes with it?

Take a look around your workplace or shop floor right now. Can you see any obvious trip hazards such as trailing leads across walkways, or loose sockets with overloaded plugs? Just got the old heaters down from the store for the winter? Or how about your computer systems and printers for example – how many leads and wires does each one host? Are they

safe? How would you recognise the dangers? Get a qualified electrician to carry out a full electrical safety inspection so that you don’t have to.

They should discuss their findings with you and make sure that you are happy with what is proposed to make you, your staff, customers and the public safe, and legally compliant.

Also remember that regular testing and inspections are a key part to ensuring that all installations are up to date. Did you know that in the event of an incident, insurance assessors are likely to ask for evidence that certain inspections have taken place, in line with current recommendations? Many insurance companies are now looking to be sure that due diligence has taken place, can you demonstrate this in your business?

For more help and advice on all electrical matters in your business, contact Kelvyn Green at Green Light Electrical Installations Ltd on 01425 477943 or email him at kelvyn.green@gle-uk.co.uk

Green Light Electrical Installations Limited have 25 years of experience in the Electrical Industry. We offer a full range of commercial and industrial electrical services and are dedicated to providing a first class electrical service to all our customers.

• Inspection and Testing Services • Planned Maintenance • Office and car park lighting • Security and Emergency lighting • 400 volt / 3-phase supplies • Skirting and dado trunking

• Data and Voice Cabling • Distribution boards • CCTV Systems

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now 1 Stag Business Park, Christchurch Road k u yo Ringwood, Hampshire se, u f BH24 3AS wa

Tel: 01425 477943 Page 10

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To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

FSB MATTERS

December/January

The Federation of Small Businesses The FSB is Britain's leading business organisation with over 200,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run small businesses.

The FSB in Dorset has 4,000 small businesses as members.

Autumn Statement the opportunity to build on growing economic optimism Ahead of the Autumn Statement (5 December 2013), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called on the Chancellor to take action on energy and business rates, and to press forward with tax simplification to help further strengthen economic recovery.

Set against a backdrop of increased economic confidence, the FSB has welcomed Government’s recent moves to support small businesses, notably the Employers’ Allowance. The FSB believes the key now is for the momentum for pro-enterprise policies to be maintained to encourage growth and job creation.

FSB research suggests business rates are an area which needs addressing as a priority. They are a significant cost for small firms and unrelated to their economic activity, with some paying more in business rates than in rent. More than a quarter of a million firms rely on 100 per cent rate relief to survive, but relief at this rate is due to expire next year. The impact of this would be equivalent to introducing a new tax on 293,000 small and micro businesses just as the economy is starting to recover. With rates bills set to increase by 3.2 per cent in 2014 – as set by September’s RPI inflation figure – the FSB wants to see the temporary doubling of small business rates relief made permanent, and a freeze in rates for firms in properties below £18,000.

It’s not just business rates that add a strain on small businesses. Utilities bills are one of the

main causes of rising business costs. These are set to rise further as energy companies have announced above inflation price increases.

To help offset these harmful effects, the FSB has called for reforms to make it far easier for the smallest of businesses to get a competitive energy deal. Unlike household tariffs, business energy prices are not published so small firms have to get quotes from each supplier in order to get a good deal. The FSB is calling for the energy companies to publish tariffs which are meaningfully comparable from one supplier to the next as a much needed first step to introducing transparency to the murky SME retail energy market.

Neil Eames, Development Manager for the FSB Wessex Region, said: ‘Although there is currently an encouraging economic background, we are still very conscious of the urgency to implement reforms in areas such as business rates, energy and banking. We obviously have welcomed the Government’s pro-enterprise measures and efforts to address barriers to small firms’ growth, however longstanding issues remain in key areas of the economy. Energy and business rates are an increasing cost burden for firms up and down the country and are two areas we have highlighted to the Chancellor as needing particular attention.

We therefore want to see recognition that Government understands the huge impact these issues have on businesses.’

FSB Local Contacts: FSB Regional Office, Christchurch - Tel: 01425 280080 - Email: wessex@fsb.org.uk Neil Eames, Development Manager, Wessex Tel: 07920 846684 - Email: neil.eames@fsb.org.uk FSB website: www.fsb.org.uk/wessex - Twitter: @FSBWessex To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 11

GROWTH MATTERS

HR MATTERS

Ban the Xmas party?

Planning for Success

By Chris Wilkinson from The HR Dept

By Tony Field from The Growth Sage Consultancy How many of you have looked back on 2013 and been able to say, 'I hit my targets!'

Another question would be, did you have targets?

Not just one but many. Without targets all you can hope for is mediocrity. So if that is all you want, stop reading.

For those with ambition and drive read-on and take action: 1. Set action orientated goals, do it now and monitor them regularly, at least weekly 2. Plan to stand out from the crowd. You can only do this if you truly know your market, your competitors and where you want to position your business.

3. Leverage partnerships with winners. Really work at understanding to which business you could add value and how this might be reciprocated. There will be many companies out there knowing waiting to hear from you because they know your product or service can add value to their clients.

4. Review your successes in 2013 and remind everyone who has helped you how important they are. This list will include, networkers, partners, your accountant, your financial advisor and most important of all your clients.

And please NEVER forget your family!

5. Smell success by leaving your doubts firmly locked up in the bottom drawer. Start to only think about positives and if any negatives do emerge work out how to eradicate them.

So January 1st gives us a motive to start afresh, but remember, each working day we can decide to be positive about the future or negative. Those that think positively are the WINNERS. For help and advice please send an email to tonyfield@growthsage.co.uk or call Tony at:

We have dealt with multiple fall-outs from Christmas party antics over the years, as a result of a punch being thrown or people upsetting each other by fuelling the rumour mill – and most of it is alcohol related. Despite warnings every year, it appears people forget a business Christmas party is actually an extension of the workplace, and the same rules apply as in the workplace.

It is of course not about ruining the Christmas spirit or stopping employees enjoying themselves, but trying to protect the business from unwanted tribunal claims or difficult and probably avoidable scenarios within the workforce.

Our top tips for an easier Christmas time are: • Warn everyone about their behaviour – you aren’t a horrible boss for doing it, you’re just making sure you reinforce the rules • Make sure everyone is included and invited to whatever you do, they can be great team building events and a great way to say thank you • Be aware of religious sensitivities • If there is an issue, use common sense and note down what has happened and take appropriate action. Regardless of the situation, don’t sack someone on the spot • Be mindful that Christmas can be a difficult time of year for many people • No mistletoe, it just asks for trouble “It’s a busy time of year for The HR Dept. Most business owners want to get their busy Christmas period over with and start planning for the New Year, they don’t want to deal with the fall-out from a Christmas party. Many of our customers have opted to have a celebration in January as it then doesn’t have the stigma attached to Christmas and represents more of a thank you”, says Chris Wilkinson.

For your FREE HR health check and review please call Chris on 0845 194 9294 or send an email to: chris.wilkinson@hrdept.co.uk

HR Dept (Bournemouth) 7 Summer Fields Verwood Dorset, BH31 6LG

Tel: 0330 220 2802 Web: www.growth-sage.co.uk Page 12

Tel: 0845 194 9294 Web: www.hrdept.co.uk

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

INTERNET MATTERS

December/January

How Can Businesses Gain More Clients Because Of Smart Phones?

By Gino Cirelli from Website Internet Marketing

More and more people are using smart phones in the UK, Ofcom stated that “Two fifths of UK adults now own a smart phone, with the same proportion saying their phone is the most important device for accessing the internet.�

Consumer habits are changing with more and more internet searches being carried out on smart phones, from a personal perspective, when I go out and I am looking for a restaurant, I will search online with my smart phone first.

There are a number of ways that businesses can gain more custom because of smart phones, the first consideration is to make sure that the website looks good on a smart phone screen. The screens are much smaller than computer screens, so the text will seem very small. Some users will tire quickly of searching for what they want and go off the web site, resulting in lost sales. This can be remedied quickly with a website that detects

when it is being accessed with a mobile device and either automatically redirects the user to a different page or website; or changes the page layout.

If you are having a new website built ask for a responsive site as this will detect the small screen and change the layout accordingly.

Another consideration is having a mobile phone app for your business to help tie the customer in to the business brand. Apps can be used to promote a product and they can also be used to entice customers to come back for more. Apps can be designed to be simple and convenient to use and can get customers hooked on browsing offers, using coupons or buying.

Call Gino on 023 8097 0351 or send an email to gino@webiml.co.uk for more information.

To receive a FREE copy go to www.newbusinessmatters.com

Page 13

IT MATTERS

December/January

The Future of Paper?

By Ben Summerfield, Copyrite Business Solutions The concept of the paperless office was first thought of in 1975 – it has yet to be realised!

Our love of paper is as strong as ever despite the development and advancement in technology that has the potential to make it redundant. This is in the face of the fact that not only does the cost associated with print account for a firm’s third largest overhead, but there is a greater need than ever for collaborative and remote working.

Creating the possibility for staff and offices to share documents and access them remotely can help unlock efficiencies as well as becoming part of an increasingly important environmental policy. Naturally all of this needs to be done in a controlled and audited manner in order to make it a viable alternative to the standard methods of document storage.

Generally businesses today have several areas for their documentation – typically some documentation stored on centralised hard drive space, some stored in an email system, some stored in paper files and possibly some data stored in accounting or CRM packages. In an ideal world, to achieve the best efficiencies, these areas need to be centrally accessible and have securities applied before a truly viable solution can become apparent.

There are several factors that are brought into play to achieve this in the most efficient manner: • How can we get documents in?

• What can be done to automate this?

• What security can we apply?

• Can the system be audited?

• A re the documents stored legally permissible?

Different technologies exist to help answer all the above questions – in order to get the correct solution, it is necessary to carefully consider your firms’ individual requirements before you set out on a project. Copyrite Business Solutions are able to provide tailor made solutions and consultancy to help your firm make the best decisions throughout the process.

For a better insight to Document Management, contact us for a free no obligation appointment and we would be delighted appointment and we would be delighted to see if we are able to help with your requirements.

• How can we recall documents?

• How quickly can we recall documents?

Page 14

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

LETTINGS MATTERS

December/January

Housing Bubble?

What are the early indications?

By Sharon Canning from Move on Rentals

Figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), recently published, showed that mortgage lending for house purchases continued its summer strength.

Gross mortgage lending in the UK stood at £16.2bn in September, slightly below lending of £16.4bn in August, but 41% higher than lending of £11.5bn in September last year, with first time buyers reaching their highest level in more than five years.

Interestingly, 27 per cent of Buy to Let mortgage applications were by first time landlords in a recent research by Paragon Mortgages, this is up from 22 per cent in the previous quarter and the highest recorded level since the financial crisis struck.

At the same time rents across England and Wales hit record levels in September in Wales, the West Midlands, London and the south-east with the average rental being paid by private tenants hitting £787 a month, according to LSL, who monitors

around 18,000 rental properties and prepares a monthly analysis.

Higher rents in various regions show that despite the new government schemes for first time buyers it is still out of most people’s reach due to low salary growth and a general shortage of supply, although there is no denying it has caused a flurry of interest. If the first ring of the ladder in home ownership is ignited this will in turn encourage the movement all the way up the ladder! Official statistics are already indicating UK house prices in some areas are at a record high and critics are concerned the new Help to Buy scheme could create a housing market bubble that will not only fuel the increase in property prices., but could also fuel rental increases. Whichever way it goes the long term rental market looks unlikely to change in the near future.

My recommendation... Whatever your situation, always use a good reputable Letting Agent. Call us on 01202 711169 for expert advice.

420 Poole Road, Branksome, Poole BH12 1DF

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MAIL BOXES MATTERS

December/January

When to consider a virtual office solution for your business

By Howard Woodward, Mail Boxes Etc.

When you’re starting out, keeping your set-up costs low is crucial. But you also need to project the right image from day one. Here are some compelling reasons why a virtual office solution could be right for your business: • Renting a mailbox means you get a professional address to put on your website, corporate stationery and business cards.

• You’ll be able to keep your business and personal lives separate, while resting assured that all your mail and signed-for deliveries will be accepted and held for you to collect at your convenience – or we can forward them anywhere in the world.

• In this way, you’ll never miss an important delivery and you know your mail is safe and secure.

• If you’re thinking of establishing a presence in a new area, a mailbox can help you get started while keeping your overheads to an absolute minimum.

• But a ‘virtual office’ solution is so much more than an address. We offer a wide range of services from internet access to fax sending and receipt, and from company registration to OS mapping, print and copy, Royal Mail postal services, export advice and shipping via the world’s best-known carriers, plus stationery and business supplies.

• With back-up like this, you’re free to concentrate your time and resources on growing your business.

For more information about our virtual office solution, visit www.mbebh1.co.uk, send an email to info@mbebh1.co.uk or call 01202 299151.

A Central Bournemouth Street Address for your Business - without the Overheads

To rent a secure mailbox with 24 hr access contact us now

Bournemouth Triangle t: 01202 292831 Bournemouth Lansdowne t: 01202 299151 Page 16

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

PAY PER CLICK MATTERS

December/January

Only The Mint Makes Money Without Advertising

By Adrian Stephenson from Done for You PPC

Everyone who drives a car at 70mph is taking a risk, no matter how careful they are.Take your hands off the wheel at 70mph becomes ‘risky’.

In the same way, running a business has risks. Yet it only becomes ‘risky’ when you stop trying to attract new customers or looking after your old ones.

Only crazy people take it for granted that people will find them without any advertising. So there has to be a way, a system, a method for getting customers. Something that guarantees new business.

Most businesses are online these days. But what brings potential customers to their site? Hope?

Hope is not a strategy.

By definition, business is what you don’t have, you go out of. If you don’t have any customers, you will go out of business. Getting and keeping hold of customers is the number one priority for any business. It is insanity to ignore this basic principle.

So where will these customers come from?

Imagine owning a shop on an out of town road.

Somewhere off the beaten track. Then imagine a coach full of people stopping outside your door to allow everyone to get off. But these are no ordinary passengers; they all want to do business with you.

Suppose that the coach regularly drops off its charges at your doorstep. How would that help you as the business owner?

This is what I have been doing with my clients since I started my business. So think of me as the coach driver who rounds up all of the people who are looking for a business like yours, and then drops them off at your door. Ready and willing to buy.

If you would like to find out more about how to get new clients and you have or want a website, call Adrian on 07956 908888 or send an email to adrian@doneforyouppc.co.uk. For 20 minutes of your time and a free coffee, this could be as good as starting your own mint!

Special Google Adwords Offer for NBM Readers FREE £100 Adwords voucher included with all new accounts set up before 31st January 2014

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Remous Limited, Wyvern Buildings, North Street, Milborne Port, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 5EP

Page 18

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

PRINTING MATTERS

December/January

Cost vs Value

By Alan Bunter, MD of Remous Limited There is an expression that some people know the cost of everything and the value of nothing.

In highly competitive situations, like print sales, it is not always easy to demonstrate to the customer why they should change suppliers and give you an opportunity to win their work. So often today, it comes down to price and we have all had experience of trying to compete with ridiculous prices from fly-by-night companies. So, it helps to have an edge, a special advantage, a way of demonstrating how your company will add value to someone else’s business.

We know there is no 100% guaranteed method to succeed in selling, but you can make it a little easier to sell more, to gain that small advantage over your competitors, by demonstrating just why it is that your clients and prospects should choose you and your company to do business with.

Take the story of the wealthy lady in Paris who needed a hat urgently for an important occasion. She telephoned her milliner and requested she came immediately to her apartment and, within twenty minutes of arriving, had created an amazing and beautiful new hat from a single strand of ribbon. The wealthy lady was delighted and asked the milliner the fee, to which she

replied "One thousand Francs". The lady gasped, "But that's so much money for a piece of ribbon!" The milliner unpinned the ribbon and handed it to her, "Madam the ribbon is free, it's the 'know-how' that you're paying for."

So, demonstrate to your clients and prospects that you can transform their “ordinary” situation into an eye-catching, winning one, by using your expertise and experience. Convince the client that they can be confident that although there is a cost element involved, by making that investment in your company’s experience, the future value to their company will far outweigh any cost.

If you would like to gain that extra edge in your design, print, finishing or mailing by using the wealth of experience and 'knowhow' at Remous, give Alan a call on 01963 250920 or email alan@remous.com

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RECOVERY MATTERS

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December/January

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

SOCIAL MEDIA MATTERS

December/January

Ding Dong the Social Media Manager is Dead(?)

By Katherine Hanson – Soci@lite

According to the CEO of Hootsuite, there has been a ‘sea change in the way that Social Media itself is used within organisations’. The paradox however is a skills shortage, as many businesses expect job applicants to possess Social Media skills. But there is a big difference between using Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends and effectively communicate your business’ marketing messages via a Facebook Business Page.

For other businesses, Social Media is still seen as an obligatory annoyance that gets in the way of the day job, rather than a pivotal part of their overarching communications and marketing strategy. Yet they aren’t willing to pay somebody else to manage their Social Media, offering instead a lacklustre and illthought out series of messages and communication to their followers.

Using Social Media does not equate to using it well.

In fact, a recent Harvard Business Review survey revealed that just 12% of companies using Social Media felt they actually use it effectively. Rather than

sending your staff on a ‘how to’ workshop, think about engaging with a Social Media specialist who has the testimonials and the case studies to back it up, i.e. a Social Media Manager.

Perhaps a rethink of the job title ‘Social Media Manager’ is now necessary to ensure that the role does not become obsolete because the terminology has got lost in translation.

Contact hello@social-ite.info / 0333 321 4991 to find out how Soci@lite can manage your business’ Social Media.

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TRAINING MATTERS

December/January

Christmas is coming and more stress!

By Audrey Davies from The Way Ahead “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you…”

(Rudyard Kipling) It’s acknowledged that Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year. Finances might be tight, loved ones might no longer be around to share in the festivities, someone in the family may have lost their job… And if you have a demanding job, and are hoping for a relaxing break, perhaps you won’t get what you wish for!

A definition of stress is what you experience when you believe you cannot cope efficiently with a threatening situation. It’s a natural reaction to excessive pressure and kicks. Think of it like a guitar string; you keep turning the key to make a sweeter sound – but turn it just that bit too much and – ping! – it’s broken.

Of course we all need a certain degree of stress to make our bodies function. The problem is that our bodies are made for fight or flight. And – unless

you have to pit yourself against a passing tiger to provide food for your fellow cave-dwellers – all the adrenaline and others chemicals you’re producing are left washing around your system. Result: ulcers, high blood pressure, alcoholism, obesity, hypertension, insomnia... etc.

During the Christmas break, stop and think what triggers your own stress. Try and sort out your worries, take control and get more organised. Get a different perspective – but remember also what you have achieved so far. Find a way to be more active and take time out to enjoy yourself, and feel good. Happy Christmas!

If you feel you need some outside help, we have specialist skills available to support you.

Please call Audrey at The Way Ahead, Tel: 01202 788277. We would love to be of help to reduce your stress!

Training today’s people for tomorrow’s world Does your business have the resources and skills needed to capitalise on any economic upturn?

Have you reviewed your workforce and feel you need to inject new ideas, enthusiasm and energy?

Maybe you do have the skills - lurking, or hidden somewhere…?

WE can help!

• 1-2-1 coaching & mentoring • 1-day group-led workshops • Tailored programmes for your own specific business needs • Leadership & management qualifications

Call us to talk about how we can help you develop your people – whatever their age and need.

We’ll guide your business to The Way Ahead and success!

Tel: 0845 803 7768 www.thewayahead.org.uk Page 22

To advertise in this local journal telephone 01202 233580

N E P O up to business success talk to our local business experts Whether you are opening a business or are already up and running, talk to Barclays about how we can help make your business a success.

Barclays, proud supporter of businesses in the Dorset region.

Use our expertise to help make your business idea a success too.

Andrew Tapsell Business Development Manager Tel: +44 (0)7775 545851 Email: andrew.d.tapsell@barclays.com

Mark Churcher Area Business Manager Tel: +44 (0)7775 541601 Email: mark.a.churcher@barclays.com

Barclays Business is a trading name of Barclays Bank PLC. Barclays Bank PLC is registered in England and authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered No.1026167. Registered Office: 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP.

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