22nd August 2007 - Business in Berkshire News: www.businessinberkshire.co.uk/220807.html

Business in Berkshire News

UPDATE YOUR PROFILE
If you would like to change the profile of the newsletters you receive from us then please
Update Your Profile

   

Good morning <07 Name>

Thank you for all the great suggestions from last weeks newsletter about what we could do with our broken down car, my favourite was definitely to give it to the fire brigade for them to practice cutting through the metal and getting people out after a RTA, so we are looking into that.

This is the last full week of August and so should be the end of my position as guest editor of BinB, there are rumours that I am to become the permanent editor of Wednesdays newsletter, which I am really pleased about. Jon is back from hols and full of ideas so watch this space as BinB is going to get even bigger and better than ever!!

During August we have focussed on Environmental Issues. You can view all the articles we have produced this month on the topic at www.businessinberkshire.co.uk/environment. I think my top article of the month was Calculating Your Carbon Footprint, it includes a link to an online calculator that in a few minutes allows you to calculate your footprint. Mine was 10.02 tonnes and the average is 10.96 so I felt quite pleased with myself. Then I discovered the target is 2.5 tonnes, not sure how we are going to get to that level but I am hoping that in the Environment space we will be discussing this over the next months and giving ideas of how we can all live and work a little greener. If you have anything you would like to contribute do email me and the best will be published.

This week I received my first purely online enquiry for office support. It was a very exciting moment, up until now all my clients have come to me through networking or referrals. One of my new years resolutions was to work smarter and use online marketing more effectively. I started well but since then have only managed to commit about 4 hours a month to it at most. So how did I get this enquiry with so little commitment - they found not my website but my Business in Berkshire account: Fish In Custard.

If I had not done any other online marketing action I would of still got this enquiry. If had concentrated my 4 hours a month to just publishing articles and industry comment on BinB, rather than bobbing about between online portals, I would probably have received an enquiry before now. Hard facts to take but I am going to learn from them and start concentrating my time here.

For just £180 a year you can have webspace on BinB which is easy to use, fully optimised, search engine friendly, has a popular newsletter and feeds into other local media sources. Find out more about Annual Membership here or send me an email and I can discuss the opportunities with you.

Another major benefit to being a BinB member is you are entitled to significant reductions for our events. I am going to start running the BinB Networking Breakfast in Reading on the first Wednesday in October. I hope it will become a successful event; there will be no requirement to come every month just when you can. It will be £15 for members and £25 for non-members. If you are interested email me and let me know, I have collected quite a few names so far.

 

Today's Featured News

   

Iceland - Sustainable Energy in Action

Although one of the least habitable countries in the world, Iceland has achieved remarkable success through tapping into its natural resources. Indeed, almost 75% of Iceland's energy consumption comes from renewable power sources such as geothermic energy and hydroelectricity.

The country represents a unique approach to sustainability and economic success despite having less than 0.1% of arable land. Relying heavily on exports (Britain is one its biggest markets) the sea provides Iceland with 70% of its export earnings. But it's in the area of renewable energy where Iceland truly sets a leading example. The country has tapped into its most natural resource - the hot water that rises from underground as a result of volcanic activity.

Iceland - Sustainable Energy in Action

   

Planning Permission Easier for Green Projects

Businesses planning to install eco-friendly technology such as solar heating panels and wind turbines will find themselves given the 'green' light to proceed if recent proposed changes to planning rules go ahead.

The government recently announced planning hurdles will be minimized for offices, retail premises, and leisure businesses wishing to create renewable energy. The new rules are the result of plans to encourage more businesses to adopt eco-friendly equipment for micro-generation by removing many of the current barriers which have hitherto made many reluctant to embrace new green technologies.

Planning Permission Easier for Green Projects

   

New Support For Homeowners To Get Green Grants

A new system to help homebuyers get green grants worth hundreds of pounds to lower their fuel bills and make their homes greener has been announced following the introduction of Home Information Packs and Energy Performance Certificates.

Most people are unaware that there are typical grants of £100 to £300 for cut price loft and cavity wall insulation. The programme is expanding next year so even more home buyers will be able to benefit from hundreds of pounds off insulation.

New Support For Homeowners To Get Green Grants

   

Eco-Friendly International Travel

Last week saw an encampment of worthy eco-supporters setting up base on the outskirts of Heathrow airport in protest of emissions produced by air travel. Rightly or wrongly, some of the participants were stripped bare by the press when asked about their own travel habits: many of the demonstrators turned out to be fairly regular flyers themselves. So what can you do if you DO enjoy travelling but still wish to minimise long-term damage to the planet?

Entrepreneur Justin Francis may have the answer. Recognising the conflict experienced by those of us that genuinely enjoy travelling but realise the effects air travel has on climate change, Justin launched www.responsibletravel.com in 2001. Essentially, it's an online travel company offering eco-friendly holiday ideas.

Eco-Friendly International Travel

   

Are Small Firms Making the Most of the Internet?

Fear of online fraud is thought to be responsible for a general reluctance among small businesses to embrace ecommerce. With figures from the House of Lords Science & Technology Committee, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) say that only 18% of small business sell products or services online. Less than 1% made all of their sales through the Internet.

The wide geographical reach of the internet makes it possible for small businesses to compete successfully in the worldwide market, yet despite these advantages it seems many are reluctant to seriously embrace ecommerce as a viable revenue stream. The perceived risk of online fraud is seen as stumbling block, with 19% of businesses citing it as a significant concern. That said, only 6% of businesses had actually experienced online credit card fraud themselves.

Are Small Firms Making the Most of the Internet?

   

For Great Design LiaiseOnline

¥ Do your PDF's reflect your business?
¥ Are you presenting a clear message?
¥ Is that complimented by a great design?

Liaiseonline can help you with your online and offline communications. Internet marketing experts, they understand the need to present a clear message to readers.

The design draws people close so they can see the words, the words paint the bigger picture.

For Great Design LiaiseOnline

   

Musical Milestones - 25 Years of the CD

This week saw the 30th anniversary of the passing of the King of Rock n Roll - and according to the latest sales figures it seems Elvis is more popular now than he's ever been before. The past week also marked another milestone for music lovers, although it passed almost unnoticed: it's 25 years since the launch of the CD.

For those of us that still get misty-eyed at the mention of vinyl records, this week saw the anniversary of a musical milestone: can you believe it's 25 years since the launch of the CD?

Musical Milestones - 25 Years of the CD

   

Expenses System

Keeping expenses and mileage records is very important, without accurate data you will never know exactly how much you have spent on your business.

Most business professionals hate typing up their expenses and put it off for months on end. When finally they cannot be put off any longer it takes ages to get them all in order and then because months of passed details maybe lost or forgotten.

Keeping your expenses up to date should not take more than a couple of hours at most a month. A good habit for any small business is to have one accounts day a month, which includes updating expenses, invoices, banking, supplier payments, cash flow etc.

Expenses System

   

Bank Charges

The ongoing saga of bank charges has made the headlines yet again and this time it's bad news for the customers. These charges have seen a turbulent history over the last year with some calling for them to be scrapped. Now the Financial Services Authority has issued a statement saying that banks "are no longer obliged to deal with these claims."

Bank charges explained
These charges refer to the amount of money people have to pay when they exceed an agreed overdraft limit, although it does apply to other things as well. The amount varies, but it is usually £12-£40. These charges have been seen as unfair as the actual cost to the bank can be as little as £5.

Bank Charges

   

Practical & Sensible Approach

The HSE are moving towards trying to convince people that a sensible risk management approach should be adopted. Absolute Health and Safety Solutions Ltd believe in the Practical Approach, it's our motto. We are finding time and time again that managers and business owners are missing the issue when it comes to risk management.

Practical & Sensible Approach

   

Managing Director Gets 15 Months

The defendant was the managing director of a stone masonry business who had a direct management style and was heavily involved at the shop floor.

One of his employees was fatally injured when his head became trapped in one of the stone cutting machines. Safety features which would have prevented the accident were disabled when the CNC machine was installed several years previously.

Managing Director Gets 15 Months

   

Other News

New Crocs in Stock with more to follow
The popularity of super-comfy. lightweight Crocs shows no sign of slowing down. As well as the original 'Cayman' style, Crocs have introduced some exciting new designs including Croclings, Scutes, and Disney Crocs - all of which we have in stock NOW.

Home Thoughts from...?
Just been away for a short break to Dorset, a favourite part of the country. Although we've only spent 3 days away from home the experience opened our eyes to a whole new range of possibilities for the future - along with some potential frustrations of course.

Administration Job
We are looking for experienced PA's, Secretaries, Office Managers, Book Keepers and Administrators to fulfil a variety of regular and ad hoc projects for small businesses.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
There's a lot you can do - as a business or individual - straightaway to reduce your carbon footprint. Things you can start doing today to reduce your contribution to global warming. In most cases, it won't cost you any money at all - and may in fact save you money. Let's take a closer look...

Offsetting Your Carbon Footprint
Scientists agree that global warming and climate change are very real issues that can only be addressed if each and every one of us takes responsible steps to reduce their CO2 emissions. But for businesses, complete avoidance of all CO2 emissions is almost impossible - but there is an answer to this dilemma : Carbon Offsetting.

Why You Should Get on that Bike and RIDE
It's cheap transport, it's environmentally friendly, and it's far quicker than walking. It's also one of the best ways to get fit (and stay fit) and makes a viable and fun means of transport for the short local trips that make up most of our journeys. If you don't already own a bike - or worse, if you DO own one but it's gathering dust in the back of the shed - then please read on...

A Zero-Emissions High-Powered Sports Car?
Think 'Sports Car' and you don't necessarily think 'environmentally-friendly'. More likely you envisage a noisy gas-guzzler built for speed clogging up the town centre with its potent exhaust emissions. But classic car firm Morgan have been developing what they claim will be the world's first emission-free sports car.

Disaster Recovery - The floodwater has receded. What now?
The latest figures from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) indicate that the UK floods in June & July are expected to cost in the region of £3billion. There have been some 60,000 claims, of which 15,000 have affected commercial premises.

SEEDA Supports Business Recovery In The Face Of Flooding
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is providing grants of up to £2,500 to businesses affected by the floods as part of an initial package to help businesses to make as swift as possible a recovery from flooding.

MERL Annual Lecture: Tomorrow's Low-Carbon Countryside
The Museum of English Rural Life will be holding their annual lecture at the University of Reading in the autumn. This year's subject is 'Exploring Tomorrow's Low-Carbon Countryside' and the event takes place on October 10th.

Virtual Office Support?
Swamped, over-stretched businesses in need of support have the option of taking on an employee to relieve the pressure. However most small businesses shy away from this option and continue to try and complete everything with their available resources. This can lead to mounting stress levels and the increased likelihood of important actions being delayed or even forgotten.

House Repossessions Rise with Interest Rates
House repossessions have risen a staggering 30% surged by 30 per cent in just 6 months as a result of rising interest rates. Last week the Council of Mortgage Lenders said over 14,000 homes have been repossessed throughout the UK in the first 6 months of this year.

Home Information Packs
August 1st saw the launch of the Home Information Packs, or "HIPS" in England and Wales. These packs will be compulsory for all properties on the market with four bedrooms or more. Originally due in June, the "HIPS" have already received much criticism. As a result of this criticism and the need for domestic energy assessors, the HIPS will be slowly phased in starting with larger properties.

6 steps to improve your sales results
Bryan McCrae from Cognitive Sales Consulting recently delivered a presentation to the Business Link Peer Group Learning meeting.

We Need You for a Business Visioning Group
Silent Partners want to set up a Business Visioning Group consisting of different sized businesses. There is no cost and it is envisaged that the group will meet for about 2 hours once a month.

   

Bronze Membership

Membership starts at Bronze level for £180 + Vat per year for which you get:

  1. A home page
  2. Product / Services area - up to 30 pages
  3. Testimonials area - up to 30 pages
  4. A FREE listing in The Search Engine for Berkshire
  5. www.thesearchengineforberkshire.co.uk


We can also help you promote your events, include your articles and much more at Silver membership level, or even provide the toolkit to get you started on your own email newsletters or campaigns. Call us on 01753 852904 to discuss your internet marketing requirements and we'll be happy to suggest a plan to suit your particular need.

Become a Member TODAY

   

Account Management

If you have a Business in Berkshire account. Please login via the main website home page.

User Name:

You should have your password... if not you can request it via the login.

Keep changing / adding your information and Google will keep coming back to see what you have to say... do nothing and that's what will happen!

Log on here | Help Document

   

Thanks for reading today's News

Have you considered getting your news out via Business in Berkshire?

June 2007 should see around 100,000 visitors to our website!

Enjoy today's news...

Hannah Lewis

Guest Editor
0118 966 1178
www.liaiseonline.co.uk
Producers of www.businessinberkshire.co.uk

Portrait by Suepix

   

Created and managed by LiaiseOnline Limited, 1 Clewer Hill Road Windsor, Berkshire SL4 4BU
Tel: 01753 852904
Company no 4625218 registered in England and Wales.
Registered office: Claremont House, Alma Road, Windsor SL4 3EZ.
Vat registration no. 697 8409 64
'BusinessinBerkshire.co.uk' is a trading name of LiaiseOnline Limited.

   

To unsubscribe please click here.