Archive for the ‘News’ Category
Social Media marketing provides growth for young entrepreneur
david.gray on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010Digital magazine “Growing Business” have recently announced the winners of their marketing competition, one of whom was young entrepreneur Fraser Doherty, with his enterprise Superjam, which specializes in pure fruit jam.
Doherty’s approach was simple; when asked about his target audience, he explained that he used social media to encourage loyal customers to assist him [...]
‘It is wrong to suppress enterprise in any way.’ – Alan Sugar
david.gray on Monday, June 21st, 2010Last week Lord Sugar expressed his concerns about the Coalition plan to raise CGT from 18% to around 40%.
He explained that he felt confused that the Tories should wish to diminish entrepreneurial motivation, but acknowledged that there is a problem with ‘individuals who manage private equity funds who somehow magically turn their commissions made [...]
Stupid employment law?
by Editor on Saturday, June 12th, 2010Quote from today’s FT “Lawyers have warned that employers who extend facilities for employees to watch England games must also consider requests to watch other fixtures to avoid discrimination claims”
Okay – the logical conclusion of this is therefore; no employees (so no rights) or no England football games.
Stupid, but true.
Junior Apprentice – final tonight
by Editor on Thursday, June 10th, 2010For fans of live business programmes, Alan (Lord) Sugar’s Junior Apprentice finishes tonight on BB1. If you miss it, catch it on iplayer
Employee pensions problems lead to sale of Harrods
by Editor on Wednesday, May 26th, 2010London’s iconic department store, Harrods, has been sold by current owner successful entrepreneur, Al Fayed due to problems with pension trustees. Not because it went bust – but because it became ungovernable.
IR35 History – say PCG
by Editor on Friday, May 21st, 2010PCG have been lobbying to get the hated IR35 tax legislation reformed and today they are hopeful of success after a clear mention in the coalition government’s joint manifesto stating that they will…
“Review IR35 as part of a wholesale review of all small business taxation, and seek to replace it with simpler measures that prevent [...]
New Government Expected to Review IR35 Legislation
by Editor on Wednesday, May 12th, 2010PCG, the tradebody representing freelancers and contractors, believe that the new government will review and remove the unfair aspects of the IR35 tax legislation.
John Brazier, MD said “both parties have expressed the need for change with regards to IR35, and both parties value the flexible, skilled workforce PCG members provide.”
UK Budget within 50 days plus £6bn of cuts
by Editor on Wednesday, May 12th, 2010The new UK coalition government will cut £6bn of non-front line services and set out plans in an emergency budget within 50 days (or by the end of June).
At greatest risk are thought to be Government quangos, regional development agencies and associated organisations.
Austerity starts here…
by Editor on Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Now the UK election is out of the way, and indeed, a new Prime Minister has started work, UK businesses are being warned to expect austerity.
In addition to the known cuts, the events in Greece and Europe have put further pressure on Governments (especially Spain and Portugal and hence, implicitly UK) such that cuts will [...]
Surge in Construction Sector Insolvences in 2010 2nd Half – says FT
by Editor on Friday, April 30th, 2010The FT is reporting most construcion businesses will be struggling late 2010 and 2011.
Entrepreneurs: How to engage your freelancers
by Editor on Tuesday, April 27th, 2010The PCG have a launched a useful guide on how to engage freealancers. Now, there is no excuse!
Is Employer’s National Insurance the Achilles’ heel of small businesses?
david.gray on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010In their monthly newsletter, People Per Hour have recently found freelancing to be ‘the winner of the recession’, amidst their findings in a survey of 530 small businesses. The statistics show that since the beginning of the recession, the temp sector has gained a 5% market share, whilst all other recruitment sectors have shrunk, and [...]
Change Management is ‘driven by fear’ – but is that a good thing?
david.gray on Monday, March 29th, 2010In the current economic environment, businesses are driven to change “by fear rather than ambition” says Executives Online. But is this a good thing? Does a fear of failure drive us to make the business survive?
The survey also claims that 85% of UK companies are either average or poor at managing change. Is that why [...]
Independent newspapers would have cost £28m to £40m to close
by Editor on Thursday, March 25th, 2010Following the sale of the Independent Newspaper (UK’s 5th most popular quality daily newspaper) for £1, it has been revealed to the FT that the cost of closing the paper would have been between £28 and £40 million.
This explains why the current owners will also meet £9m worth of liabilities as part of the sale.
However, [...]
Smaller firms hiring sales and marketing talent
by Editor on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010The UK’s Forum of Private Business reports that ‘after cutting operating costs to the bare minimum, many smaller firms are hiring sales staff, improving their websites and boosting marketing activities in an effort to tackle tough trading conditions’.
Let’s hope they are hiring these guys on a freelance or agency basis…
UK plc still missing the benefit of Interim Management
by Editor on Monday, March 8th, 2010A new report from Executives Online and produced by the Institute of Directors (IOD) says that “UK plc uses change management defensively, not proactively”. In other words, the interims are used to cover gaps and holes, they are not yet being used to help grow business… which is the missed opportunity… which is why successful [...]
FSB resist National Insurance Rise – when using freelancers is easier
by Editor on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010The Federation of Small Businesses is asking members to sign a petition against the rise in National Insurance at http://www.no-nics-rise.co.uk/.
However, as Rags to Wreckages readers know, there is an easier way – use freelancers instead. What you can’t achieve with your vote, you can achieve with your feet. Change the way you do business!
Business Support comes under fire
by Editor on Monday, March 1st, 2010Fine individuals doing their best – but the policy of business support as a Government funded activity is flawed because it fails to focus on the 1 in 10 new businesses that really will create jobs.
That’s what Robert Craven says at
http://robert-craven.blogspot.com/2009/06/business-support-bsbis-industry.html
Pompy Football Club’s Lesson on How Business Goes Wrong
sean on Friday, February 26th, 2010If you are a director of company – or aspire to be one – then you need to understand the rules which govern how companies get wound up or closed down.
This is a very complex area, so thanks are due to Portsmouth Football Club for their public problems as it helps us all understand the [...]
PCG Launch campaign to show business benefit of freelancers
sean on Friday, February 26th, 2010The PCG – trade body for freelancers and contractors – has launched a powerfully argued new campaign to show business leaders the value of using freelancers. The new research shows there are 1.4 million freelancers in the UK and they add £21 billion to UK GDP. However, it is the potential of freelancers to add [...]
