Business Advice
Employment Law: The Agency Workers Regulations
Posted on 24. Aug, 2011 by editor.
Employment law specialist, John Buchanan of law firm Rothera Dowson, discusses forthcoming legal changes to how agency workers should be employed.
The Agency Workers Regulations (the Regulations) come into force on 1 October 2011. The principle feature of the Regulations is that agency workers will be entitled to the same basic employment conditions as if they had [...]
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The Cost of Bad Recruitment
Posted on 05. Aug, 2011 by editor.
The success of a business relies heavily on the strength of the staff it employs and, with the economy still proving temperamental, it is now more important than ever to have the best possible members of staff in place. However, companies are still making fundamental mistakes when it comes to the recruitment process.
Here, James Taylor [...]
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Suppliers Need To Act Quickly On Retail Insolvencies
Posted on 14. Jul, 2011 by editor.
Firms in the East Midlands who have supplied ailing retailers should act quickly to recoup stock, says a leading lawyer from Eversheds LLP.
Mark Wood, specialist restructuring lawyer, has issued advice following news of a string of retail insolvencies including womenswear retailer Jane Norman, Habitat, Moben Kitchens and Dolphin Bathrooms.
Mark (Pictured) said: “The news of the demise of these [...]
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SME’s ‘Overlooking’ LLP Structure
Posted on 05. Jul, 2011 by editor.
SMEs across the region could be missing out on a whole host of financial and motivational benefits by failing to consider limited liability partnerships (LLPs).
According to Lisa Richards, partner at Derby-based Dains LLP, there is a widespread lack of awareness amongst business owners about the benefits that the LLP structure can bring to businesses of [...]
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Employers At Risk Following Changes To DVLA Procedure
Posted on 09. Jun, 2011 by editor.
Recent changes by DVLA are putting companies who provide company cars and employees who are paid business mileage at risk of having invalid insurance policies warns Towergate Risk Solutions, based in Nottingham.
In the past, following a fixed penalty fine, drivers have enjoyed a period of up to 12 months to submit their driving licence to [...]
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Dealing With Defamation Via Social Media
Posted on 03. May, 2011 by editor.
There is no doubting that the past few years have seen a major increase in the use of social media channels in relation to business. Twitter, regular blogs and even Facebook have become a familiar part of the marketing and PR strategy for many companies. However, with the increased use, comes a greater risk of [...]
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Securing Success with a Succession Plan
Posted on 11. Apr, 2011 by editor.
Paul Franks, Partner at Gresham Private Equity, discusses the vital issue of succession planning
For owner-managers, wanting to realise value from their businesses, the hiatus in the M&A market has resulted in their plans being put on ice.
With access to capital restricted and the economic environment uncertain, long-term planning and exit strategy has taken a back [...]
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Starting Up a Successful Business
Posted on 23. Oct, 2010 by editor.
Roger Galbraith, area director for Lloyds TSB Commercial in East Midlands and Lincolnshire, considers the steps that should be taken when starting out on a new business venture, and suggests that times of economic uncertainty shouldn’t necessarily deter new start-ups.
Turning good ideas and passions into a successful business during a period of economic uncertainty might [...]
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A Beginners Guide to Asset Finance
Posted on 20. Oct, 2010 by editor.
Be it the need to replace old machinery to continue operating efficiently or indeed the need to purchase new equipment in order to expand, business owners should think carefully about the finance options available to them.
Here we look at how asset finance can really work for a business, and ask Neil Kimberley and Tom Adams [...]
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Turning Innovation and Creativity into Success
Posted on 08. Oct, 2010 by editor.
With the ever increasing creative sector playing a key role in the region’s economy, Andleeb Bhatti, Centre Manager at Friar Gate Studios, Derby, discusses how to create an environment in which creative spirit can be nurtured.
13th November 2006, my first day in my new job as centre manager at Friar Gate Studios. I liked the [...]
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How To Select The Right PR Agency For You
Posted on 09. Sep, 2010 by editor.
Greg Simpson, founder of Press For Attention PR, discusses the key considerations that should be made when looking to recruit a PR company.
Some fundamental things apply when selecting a PR agency and it is not all about who walks in through the door on pitch day – firstly take a look at yourself.
Why do you [...]
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Recruitment during Recession and Recovery
Posted on 29. Aug, 2010 by editor.
Whilst a downturn in the economy inevitably results in a reduction of job vacancies, the recruitment process remains key for those looking to seize upon opportunities during the following period of recovery.
Here, BEM asked Simon Gray, of financial recruitment specialists Cherry Professional, how the job market has changed recently, why the attitudes of employers may [...]
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Grow Your Business where Business Is Growing
Posted on 10. Jun, 2010 by editor.
Whilst the UK economy remains uncertain, Peter Hogarth, International Trade Director at UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in the East Midlands, explains why now might be the right time for businesses to seek out new overseas customers.
With Icelandic ash clouds interrupting not only the tourist traveler, but impacting on trade; and the economic fall-out from [...]
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Closing the Deal
Posted on 02. May, 2010 by editor.
CHRIS REES, a partner at Nelsons Solicitors, explains how to manage the completion process, following an offer of business investment.
So, after much pitching and selling to prospective investors and painful hours of honing your business plan and forecasts, you’ve done it. You have an offer of investment and are looking to close the deal. Hard [...]
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Pitch Perfect
Posted on 02. May, 2010 by editor.
PITCH PERFECT BY 1.Understanding what you are selling 2.Researching your investors 3.Exciting your Investors
Pitching for investment may seem a daunting task. However, here in our regular Business Funding feature, TOBY REID, operations manager at Growth Investment Network, explains the art of pitching to investors.
Here’s the situation, money is tight and the downturn continues. Competition for [...]
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Investment Readiness
Posted on 01. Feb, 2010 by admin.
PAUL JENKINSON, Regional Manager at Connect Midlands explains where a business should focus when preparing for investment
Wanting investment and being ready for it in the eyes of potential backers are two different things. This is being “investment ready” and is a key part of our understanding Finance for Business programme – part of Solutions for [...]
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