http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/ Daily updates from the BT Blog en http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Buy-Microsoft-Office-now-get-the-next-version-for-free/ <P>Despite the ongoing growth of <A href="/templates/PageTypes/ContentPages/SubTopicHub.aspx?id=6945">cloud computing</A>-based solutions for office documents, Microsoft Office remains the most-used package for word processing, spreadsheets and presentations.</P> <P>With a new version of Office coming down the pipeline, you might be wondering if it’s worth buying a copy at present. But the good news is that you can safely buy a copy of Office 2007 and <A href="http://blogs.technet.com/smallbusiness/archive/2010/03/12/buy-office-2007-and-download-office-2010-when-available.aspx">receive a free upgrade when Office 2010 comes out</A>.</P> <P>Simply go to <A href="http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-gb/tech-guarantee/microsoft-office-2010-technology-guaranteeunited-kingdom-FX101829423.aspx">Microsoft’s Tech Guarantee</A> page and find out all the details, check that you meet the <A href="http://office2010.microsoft.com/en-gb/tech-guarantee/redir/HA101830513.aspx">eligibility requirements</A>, and you can buy with the confidence that you can upgrade for free when Office 2010 is released.&nbsp; </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Buy-Microsoft-Office-now-get-the-next-version-for-free/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Buy Microsoft Office now, get the next version for free Ian Betteridge 2010-03-15 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Is-enterprise-education-the-key-to-building-better-business-in-Britain-/ <P>According to <A href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/enterprise-education-key-to-more-start-ups.html" orgurl="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/enterprise-education-key-to-more-start-ups.html">a report</A> published by the <A href="http://www.gemconsortium.org/" orgurl="http://www.gemconsortium.org/">Global Entrepreneurship Monitor</A> entrepreneurship education is a key factor in influencing people to start their own businesses. However the creation of such schemes is seen as inadequate. </P> <P>Only 18 per cent of adults have received any type of enterprise education in the UK, and this number only rises to 21 per cent across the 38 countries when quizzed as part of the research. So what’s going wrong? </P> <P>While traditional subjects are dying out, there is a case for introducing more vocational courses built around an individual’s future potential. Will physics play a significant part in the life of a businessman, or should you let young adults decide this for themselves? </P> <P>A course in entrepreneurialism is a great way to get set for the real world but surely old-fashioned subjects are the foundations on which to build a business mind?</P> <P>Report co-author and Babson Professor Donna Kelley definitely believes that training at a young age cultivates an entrepreneurial spirit early on. Do you agree? </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Is-enterprise-education-the-key-to-building-better-business-in-Britain-/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Is enterprise education the key to building better business in Britain? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-03-12 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/The-Perfect-CEO-Do-you-fit-the-formula-/ <P>According to new research by the financial website, <A href="http://www.fool.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.fool.co.uk/">The Motley Fool</A>, even FTSE 100 companies struggle with the winning formula. Like investing, finding the perfect fit for your company matters more in the long-term. Businesses want someone who’s share prices increase with experience and take a company’s stock up with it. </P> <P><A href="http://www.fool.co.uk/press-releases/2010/03/03/fifty-seven-minus-fourteen-britains-top-bosses.aspx" orgurl="http://www.fool.co.uk/press-releases/2010/03/03/fifty-seven-minus-fourteen-britains-top-bosses.aspx">The statistics show</A> that the perfect age for someone to join as a CEO is 43, while only after five years do they start to make a difference, with optimum results visible after 14 years. </P> <P>Yes, this does sound like finding a needle in a haystack, but as David Kuo, Director at The Motley Fool comments, it’s the combination of age and experience that is the key. </P> <P>‘Finding a good CEO can be as difficult as digging for gold,’ he said. ‘As our analysis shows, CEOs needs time to grow into their role and showing them the door before they have even got their feet under the table could prove detrimental.<BR>&nbsp;<BR>‘Understandably, many boards demand instant gratification from their CEOs. But our study shows that age is great, experience in the job is very important, but a combination of the two is vital if bosses are to deliver the best returns for shareholders.’</P> <P>Based on The Motley Fool’s winning formula, <A href="http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/inside-itv/itv-news/itv-appoints-adam-crozier-as-chief-executive" orgurl="http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/inside-itv/itv-news/itv-appoints-adam-crozier-as-chief-executive">newly appointed ITV boss Adam Crozier</A>, could be the perfect fit for the future of ITV. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/The-Perfect-CEO-Do-you-fit-the-formula-/">Comments</a> (0)</p> The Perfect CEO: Do you fit the formula? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-03-03 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/What-we-can-learn-from-PR-disasters/ <P>While the phrase all publicity is good publicity rings in your ears, any good business person knows that this isn’t always the case. A few heartfelt words from an angry customer’s acid tongue and you could find yourself in the eye of a storm. </P> <P>But don’t bury your head in the sand. In the time of <A href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8116869.stm" orgurl="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8116869.stm">24-hour news, word will get out sooner or later</A> and, most of the time, it’s a lot&nbsp;sooner than you think. Take every chance to prepare for such a disaster. Companies that try to figure out how to respond to a crisis after it's occurred will find themselves playing catch-up long after everybody stops caring (take note Tiger Woods). </P> <P>Managing a&nbsp;reputation is always about honesty. <A href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/may/08/marks-and-spencer-bras-facebook" orgurl="http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2009/may/08/marks-and-spencer-bras-facebook">Marks and Spencer</A> was quick to respond to its 2009 hike in the price of larger bra sizes. Following mounting pressure from its customers and the media, the old favourite scrapped the £2 surcharge and put out adverts in the national press admitting its mistake and offering customers 25 per cent off all underwear. </P> <P>Storm in a D cup? Or a response that inevitably increased sales? It was the speed of the response that turned around the fortunes of M&amp;S. Just like every other disaster, careful planning and preparation is what is necessary. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/What-we-can-learn-from-PR-disasters/">Comments</a> (0)</p> What we can learn from PR disasters Hannah Gilchrist 2010-03-02 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Overworked-on-overtime/ <P><A href="http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/employing-staff/news/1201343/businesses-admit-to-late-hours-culture.thtml" orgurl="http://www.smallbusiness.co.uk/channels/employing-staff/news/1201343/businesses-admit-to-late-hours-culture.thtml">Recent research of 2,000 SMEs</A> by software company <A href="http://www.sage.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.sage.co.uk/">Sage</A> found that employees are working longer hours but are failing to be rewarded for their time. Over half of those questioned said their employees do work overtime, but two-fifths receive no additional pay for their dedication. </P> <P>Brendan Flattery, managing director of Sage’s Small Business Division, says: ‘In the current economic climate many employees feel the need to work long hours, but it is important that people continue to strike the right work-life balance.’</P> <P>It’s this work-life balance that most employees crave for. While there’s <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10028439" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/WorkingHoursAndTimeOff/DG_10028439">no legal right to request pay for extra hours</A>, or minimum levels of overtime pay, many employers offer Time Off in Lieu (TOIL). Many workers have been known to forego extra pay in favour of additional holiday or flexible working benefits. </P> <P>Listening to your staff and rewarding them in a way that is beneficial to them is the best way to boost morale, reduce absence and increase productivity. So next time you’re working late, make sure it’s you who suggests the pizzas not the other way around. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Overworked-on-overtime/">Comments</a> (1)</p> Overworked on overtime? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-25 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Bullying-in-the-workplace/ <P>The <A href="http://www.berr.gov.uk/" orgurl="http://www.berr.gov.uk/">Department for Business, Innovation and Skills</A>&nbsp;alleges that bullying disputes cost the UK £120 million per annum, with 19 million sick days lost due to bullying every year. But instead of pretending it never happens, employers should work towards creating an effective procedure that suits their business.</P> <P>The first step towards stopping bullying in the workplace is to <A href="http://www.bullyingbusiness.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.bullyingbusiness.co.uk/">create an awareness of it</A>. Most employees don’t understand the differences between bullying and harassment and these terms are often used interchangeably by most people. <A href="http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/dvsequl/harassmt/harrass.htm" orgurl="http://www.cipd.co.uk/subjects/dvsequl/harassmt/harrass.htm">Teach your staff what is meant by each term</A> and then how to spot potential problems.</P> <P><STRONG>Warning signs</STRONG></P> <P>Don’t presume all bullying and harassment will occur in face-to-face exchanges. Issues can arise in the form of emails, phone calls, or notes. Remember that one person's playful banter is another person's bullying.</P> <P>Also note that it’s not just what someone says, but also what people do, or don’t do, that can define bullying. Isolating the individual from information, opportunities, outings, or giving impossible deadlines or not giving credit where it’s due are some of the signs to watch out for. </P> <P><STRONG>Your response</STRONG></P> <P>People don’t always feel confident enough to complain about bullying or harassment, particularly if the person creating such events is in a senior position within the company. For this reason it’s essential that you document a fair and formal policy as part of an office handbook. </P> <P>Knowing that all complaints will be dealt with fairly, promptly and confidentially will <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026670" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026670">encourage more people to come forward to discuss problems</A>. It can also help to reduce absenteeism, poor morale and poor performance, common factors associated with workplace bullying. </P> <P><STRONG>The Law</STRONG></P> <P>It is also crucial that you, as an employer, know where you stand on reports of harassment or bullying. While it is not possible for an employee to make a claim to an employment tribunal on the grounds of bullying, it is possible for staff to take matters to a tribunal if covered under one of the following acts:</P> <P>-&nbsp;The <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026665" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026665">Sex Discrimination Act</A>, <BR>-&nbsp;The <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026667" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026667">Race Relations Act</A>, <BR>-&nbsp;The <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/YourEmploymentRights/DG_4001071" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/YourEmploymentRights/DG_4001071">Disability Discrimination Act</A>, <BR>-&nbsp;The <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026540" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026540">Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003</A>, <BR>-&nbsp;Or the <A href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026449" orgurl="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/ResolvingWorkplaceDisputes/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026449">Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003</A>. </P> <P>It is essential that no matter how small you deem the incident, it should correspond with the <A href="http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1043" orgurl="http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1043">Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures</A>. For more advice on your responsibilities as an employer and how to deal with workplace bullying or harassment visit <A href="http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=304&amp;p=0" orgurl="http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=304&amp;p=0">Acas.com</A><BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Business-law/>Business law</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Bullying-in-the-workplace/">Comments</a> (1)</p> How to spot bullying in the workplace Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-24 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Dress-for-success/ <P>Outrage and disgust were some of the words cried last month over <A href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8484116.stm" orgurl="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8484116.stm">Tesco’s plans to ban customers from shopping in their pyjamas or barefoot</A>. Although the company explained that it didn’t have a strict dress code, it claimed it didn’t want people shopping in their nightwear in case it offended other customers. </P> <P>A little extreme some might say, but aside from mooching around the house on a weekend, and of course in bed, when is it legitimate to wear your nightwear? Obviously not to the office, but how about when you’re working from home? </P> <P>Don’t get me wrong I’m all for <A href="/templates/PageTypes/ContentPages/SubTopicHub.aspx?id=5000" orgurl="/templates/PageTypes/ContentPages/SubTopicHub.aspx?id=5000">flexible working</A>, even workplaces that don’t have formal dress codes get my vote. But <A href="http://www.enterprisenation.com/detail/When_you_work_from_home_do_you_need_to_dress_for_success/3283/1.aspx" orgurl="http://www.enterprisenation.com/detail/When_you_work_from_home_do_you_need_to_dress_for_success/3283/1.aspx">working in your pyjamas</A> for the whole day? That’s just borderline lazy. </P> <P>To think like a professional you have to dress like one and if you’re <A href="/templates/PageTypes/ContentPages/SubTopicHub.aspx?id=5000" orgurl="/templates/PageTypes/ContentPages/SubTopicHub.aspx?id=5000">working from home</A> surely getting up and getting dressed is part of the structure to your day. Not to mention if your colleagues suggest a video call. </P> <P>And don’t even think about pairing a shirt and tie with pyjama bottoms and slippers. Take from a fashion expert:&nbsp;it's just plain wrong and can still be considered offensive if you have to nip to the shops. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Dress-for-success/">Comments</a> (1)</p> Dress for success Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-15 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Will-you-be-spending-your-marketing-money-online-in-2010/ <P>Given this, it's interesting that <A id=o.bg title="digital marketing is on the increase this year" href="http://www.silicon.com/management/sales-and-marketing/2010/02/09/social-media-and-seo-where-youll-spend-your-marketing-budget-this-year-39745439/?s_cid=106" orgurl="http://www.silicon.com/management/sales-and-marketing/2010/02/09/social-media-and-seo-where-youll-spend-your-marketing-budget-this-year-39745439/?s_cid=106">digital marketing is on the increase this year</A>, with offline marketing channels like direct mail, telemarketing, print media, television and radio likely to decrease. <BR><BR>The digital channels that most companies are interested in appear to be search engine optimisation (SEO) and "offsite" social networks (like Twitter and Facebook), all of which are seeing marketing spend.<BR><BR>But how do you make sure that your SEO campaigns are effective? It's worth starting with our article on <A id=a-0o title="getting the most from search engines" href="http://www.insight.bt.com/articles/Get-the-most-from-search-engines/" orgurl="http://www.insight.bt.com/articles/Get-the-most-from-search-engines/">getting the most from search engines</A> or, if you have already begun an SEO campaign, watching our <A id=e_.- title="series of videos from BT SEO expert Faith Evans" href="http://www.insight.bt.com/videos/Three-Minute-Mentor---Tips-for-Search-Engine-Optimisation/" orgurl="http://www.insight.bt.com/videos/Three-Minute-Mentor---Tips-for-Search-Engine-Optimisation/">series of videos from BT SEO expert Faith Evans</A>. And, if you're curious about using social networks for your business, we posted some <A id=ddy5 title="simple ideas for using social networks" href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Three-ways-to-use-social-networks-for-business/" orgurl="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Three-ways-to-use-social-networks-for-business/">simple ideas for using social networks</A> last year. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Will-you-be-spending-your-marketing-money-online-in-2010/">Comments</a> (1)</p> Will you be spending your marketing money online in 2010? Ian Betteridge 2010-02-10 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Office-romantics-proceed-with-caution/ <P>Given that some of us spend more than one-third of our lives at work, it’s hardly surprising that love blossoms over morning coffees, client meetings or even after work drinks. Hiring employees with similar mindsets and goals means that canoodling co-workers are becoming ever more frequent. </P> <P>Yet, as <A href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jan/24/dating-statistics" orgurl="http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/jan/24/dating-statistics">most office romances end within three months</A>, should businesses be taking a greater stance on the subject? The sharing of sensitive information can leave some in hot waters while claims of sexual harassment and discrimination can quickly turn an office environment sour. </P> <P>Some firms take the draconian stance on banning all workplace liaisons, with larger firms starting to include <A href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/new-rules-forcing-workers-to-declare-office-romances-610561.html" orgurl="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/new-rules-forcing-workers-to-declare-office-romances-610561.html">a clause in employment contracts</A> prohibiting relationships within the office.</P> <P>However while this sounds great in theory, love is blind and even signing a contract cannot <A href="http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article7018433.ece" orgurl="http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/columnists/article7018433.ece">keep budding Romeos and Juliets apart</A>. So, realistically, what can you do to limit the after-effects of a relationship meltdown? </P> <P>Whilst keeping the relationship a secret at the start can seem like a good idea, honesty and trust is the backbone of any workplace. Getting things out in the open, although sounds like a bold move, can actually stop gossip spreading like wildfire.&nbsp; </P> <P>Alternatively you can learn from our rom-com partners in the US and draw up a <A href="http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2010/02/how-should-hr-deal-with-office-romances.htm" orgurl="http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/2010/02/how-should-hr-deal-with-office-romances.htm">‘love contract’</A> confirming it is consensual and to avoid allegations of harassment or misconduct when (or if) the relationship fails. </P> <P>Who said love was dead. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Office-romantics-proceed-with-caution/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Office romantics, proceed with caution Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-10 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/BT-Business-Direct-Expo-coming-to-London-and-Manchester/ <P><A href="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010" orgurl="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010">BT Business Direct Expo 2010</A> takes place on Friday 12 March in London at Wembley Stadium, and Friday 19 March at Old Trafford. There are over 50 IT vendors exhibiting, including HP, Samsung, Microsoft, and Cisco so you can experience first hand all the latest cutting edge technologies from all areas of IT hardware, software and services. </P> <P>Attendees will be able to see and evaluate the latest computing, networking and infrastructure products and solutions first hand, whilst discussing potential fits with your business’ IT strategy directly with industry experts.</P> <P>The event includes a number of seminars throughout the day in which key note speakers from world-class manufacturers will share their product roadmaps and tackle some of the IT challenges facing today’s businesses head on. There’ll also be the chance to take part in product demonstrations and opportunities for professional networking – including meeting your BT Business Direct account manager face-to-face.</P> <P>Plus, there will be the chance to take a guided tour of the stadium and improve your skills with exclusive football lessons from high profile legends. To top off the day, have your photo taken with the original World Cup trophy, the Jules Rimet, at Wembley or the Premiership trophy at Old Trafford.</P> <P>Tickets are free, and available from the <A href="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010" orgurl="https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/formviewer.aspx?formid=expos2010">BT Business Direct website</A>.</P> <P></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/BT-Business-Direct-Expo-coming-to-London-and-Manchester/">Comments</a> (0)</p> BT Business Direct Expo coming to London and Manchester BT Editorial 2010-02-09 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Calling-time-on-the-Time-to-Pay-scheme/ <P><A href="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/taxlegal/9_20/bpss-60000-businesses.shtml" orgurl="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/taxlegal/9_20/bpss-60000-businesses.shtml">The £4.8 billion scheme</A> has helped 160,000 businesses employing 1.2 million people throughout the recession. But with the predicted general election in May, many are worrying that the scheme will be axed forcing companies to repay money immediately. </P> <P>Currently the programme allows struggling businesses to delay their VAT, national insurance and other tax payments. Yet, is this initiative just prolonging the inevitable?&nbsp; </P> <P>Britain officially returned to economic growth in the final quarter of last year, and while the numbers of failing companies has levelled off, this latest news could see greater levels of financial distress in the second half of 2010. Malcolm Shierson, a partner at <A href="http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.grant-thornton.co.uk/">Grant Thornton's recovery and reorganisation practice</A>, agrees. </P> <P>‘We expect the number of liquidations to shoot up even further when the future government stops extending the 'time to pay' tax scheme,’ he said. </P> <P>However, while scrapping the scheme seems likely, the Government has insisted that they will ensure as much flexibility as possible. </P> <P>A Treasury spokesman told <A href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/tidal-wave-of-business-failure-feared--as-tax-help-scheme-ends-1892249.html" orgurl="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/tidal-wave-of-business-failure-feared--as-tax-help-scheme-ends-1892249.html">the Independent</A>: ‘The 'time to pay' scheme has been hugely beneficial for businesses facing difficulties and will continue to run as long as necessary. Any suggestion that it will end suddenly and businesses forced to repay is incorrect and runs counter to what the scheme was set up to achieve.’</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Dealing-with-finance/>Dealing with finance</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Calling-time-on-the-Time-to-Pay-scheme/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Calling time on the ‘Time to Pay’ scheme Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-08 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-travellers-want-high-speed-rail/ <P>According to a report the group issued this week, <A href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article7009212.ece">70 per cent of business travellers believe high-speed rail should be a government priority</A> over airport expansion.</P> <P>I think that few people who have used high-speed rail services would disagree. When everything goes according to plan (and with new lines, it mostly does) the experience of turning up to a station ten minutes before your train leaves and being right in the centre of the city you need to get to quickly is much less stressful than its airport equivalent.</P> <P>Over the weekend, for example, I journeyed from London to Derby – a distance of 112 miles – in one hour and thirty minutes. This is less than the time that many people take to get into work, and that’s without the benefit of the kind of dedicated high-speed line that, for example, is now reducing Kentish commute times.</P> <P>Using rail travel also means that a larger proportion of your journey time is spent sat down, rather than checking in and out, collecting tickets and bags, and hanging around at terminals. This means you have more opportunity to do productive work on your journey.</P> <P>But if you’re going to do work, it’s important to ensure that you have the right tools for the job with you. Make sure you have <A href="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-internet/">mobile internet</A>: although reception in rural areas isn’t going to be as good as in a city, you should still have a few windows of opportunity for sending and receiving email.</P> <P>A good <A href="http://www.businessdirect.bt.com/category/computers,laptops-and-pdas,laptops/11105">laptop</A> is, of course, an essential. But make sure you also have the ability to synchronise files with your office network, via services like <A href="http://www.dropbox.com">Dropbox</A> or <A href="http://www.sugarsync.com">Sugarsync</A>, so you can be sure you have the latest versions of documents your need. </P> <P>But the one essential that I would never travel without is my <A href="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-email/">smartphone</A>. Even on a short journey where work isn’t a priority, it allows me to ensure that there’s no big backlog of email waiting for me when I go back into the office. That, alone, is a benefit to my peace of mind. <BR></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-travellers-want-high-speed-rail/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Business travellers want high-speed rail Ian Betteridge 2010-02-08 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-events-not-to-miss/ <P>The latest list of events from the <A href="http://www.iabuk.net/en/1/home.html?mobile=false" orgurl="http://www.iabuk.net/en/1/home.html?mobile=false">Internet Advertising Bureau</A> could help you discover the easiest way to pull your business into the new decade. </P> <P><A href="http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/london/?code=iabuk20&amp;utm_source=iabuk" orgurl="http://www.searchenginestrategies.com/london/?code=iabuk20&amp;utm_source=iabuk">Search Engine Strategies London Conference and Expo</A><BR>15 – 19 February: London</P> <P>The leading search marketing conference in Europe is even bigger and better this year. Learn how to optimise your web site for the most efficient crawling and indexing. Use keyword analysis to discover the top converting words and phrases for optimum conversion and quiz the experts on how to make your site better. </P> <P><A href="http://www.socialmedia-forum.com/" orgurl="http://www.socialmedia-forum.com/">Social Media World Forum</A><BR>15 – 16 March: London</P> <P>With over 300 speakers, free to attend workshops and exhibitions, what these experts don’t know about social media isn’t worth knowing. The future of social media isn’t just about Twitter and Facebook, learn how your business needs to engage with the future of social networking and the opportunities this can present. But don’t just take our word for it. </P> <P><A href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/changingmediasummit" orgurl="http://www.guardian.co.uk/changingmediasummit">Changing Media Summit 2010</A> <BR>18 March: London</P> <P>The Guardian brings you all things digital in this one-day fix for creative and commercial success in the digital age. Speakers include founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, director of BBC FutureMedia and Technology, Erik Huggers, and head of consumer marketing, Google EMEA, Obi Felten.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Business-events-not-to-miss/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Business events not to miss Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-04 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/More-financial-help-for-SMEs-thanks-to-the-EIB/ <P>In the <A href="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/prebud_pbr08_index.htm" orgurl="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/prebud_pbr08_index.htm">2008 Pre-Budget Report</A> the Government outlined £4 billion of EIB finance to be made available for small businesses between 2008 and 2011. So far nearly 3,000 small businesses have already secured <A href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/700m-lending-boost-for-small-firms.html" orgurl="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/700m-lending-boost-for-small-firms.html">loans worth up to £700 million</A>, funds that are generally cheaper than other forms of credit.</P> <P>Economic secretary to the Treasury, Ian Pearson MP believes that businesses need to <A href="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_10_10.htm" orgurl="http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/press_10_10.htm">be made aware of the types of funding on offer</A>. </P> <P>‘I want to encourage all businesses to get in touch with their local banks to find out if they can get access to this funding; it’s an easy process and certainly worth pursuing, he said. </P> <P>Banks that are involved in the scheme include Barclays, Close Brothers, HBOS, Lloyds TSB, NatWest, RBS, Santander and Ulster Bank.</P> <P>John Wright, national chairman of the <A href="http://www.fsb.org.uk/" orgurl="http://www.fsb.org.uk/">Federation of Small Businesses</A> agrees that more needs to be done to get this funding out to the small businesses that need it.&nbsp; </P> <P>‘We continue to urge non-participating banks to enter the scheme to make the loans available to more SME clients,’ he told <A href="http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/finance-and-banking/5756443/eib-opens-doors-to-cheaper-funding.thtml" orgurl="http://www.realbusiness.co.uk/news/finance-and-banking/5756443/eib-opens-doors-to-cheaper-funding.thtml">Real Business</A>. ‘Further promotion of EIB loans will continue to help the smallest companies through the recovery.’</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Dealing-with-finance/>Dealing with finance</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Planning-your-business/>Planning your business</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/More-financial-help-for-SMEs-thanks-to-the-EIB/">Comments</a> (0)</p> More financial help for SMEs thanks to the EIB Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-03 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Sick-of-it-Why-today-will-be-a-quiet-day-in-the-office/ <P>In case you haven’t realised this already, today, 1 February is when statistics suggest employees are most likely to call in sick at <A href="http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/news/rss/980832/Phoning-sick-replaced-explaining-absence-email-text-message/" orgurl="http://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/news/rss/980832/Phoning-sick-replaced-explaining-absence-email-text-message/">a cost of £30 billion to the UK economy.</A></P> <P>But judging by the <A href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8489763.stm" orgurl="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8489763.stm">likelihood that most of today’s illnesses will be faux</A> should employers be keeping checks on how workers report absent days? The actual notion of ‘phoning-in sick’ is becoming a thing of the past with many opting for texts or emails. </P> <P>Peter Mooney, head of consultancy at the <A href="http://www.employment-law.uk.com/" orgurl="http://www.employment-law.uk.com/">Employment Law Advisory Service</A> (ELAS), believes that many employees are using emails or texts to report illnesses and so requires more employer-employee trust. ‘The traditional phone call was always a way for bosses to decipher whether staff members were bluffing or genuinely ill,’ he said. </P> <P>When 350,000 people are predicted to call in sick today, and with statistics revealing that only 50 per cent of managers believe employees who complain when they are ill, it is clear that trusting your employees is becoming harder. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Sick-of-it-Why-today-will-be-a-quiet-day-in-the-office/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Sick of it: Why today will be a quiet day in the office Hannah Gilchrist 2010-02-01 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Is-the-iPad-good-for-business/ <P>Given the media-frenzy that surrounded it, you'll have done well if you avoided the fact that Apple has unveiled a new product. The <A href="http://www.apple.com/ipad" orgurl="http://www.apple.com/ipad">iPad</A>, as the machine is named, is a keyboardless "slate" computer, resembling a 10in iPhone, and running the same operating system. So is it something that could work for your business, or more of a consumer plaything?<BR goog_docs_charIndex="391"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="392">The first thing to note is that it doesn't run Mac OS X, and it's not a "keyboardless Mac laptop". That's disappointed some who wanted the power and capabilities of a portable computer in a slate format. But it makes sense: unlike the iPhone OS, OS X wasn't designed around a touch interface. And using Mac applications with a touchscreen can be a difficult experience, too.<BR goog_docs_charIndex="769"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="770">For business users, that might appear to make the iPad a poor option. But it's worth noting that the iPhone has started to accrue a strong library of business applications, all of which should run unaltered on the iPad. <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/salesforce-crm" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications/salesforce-crm">Salesforce</A>, for example, has an iPhone application which lets you access all your <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/business-applications">CRM</A> data from your phone. Using this on the bigger screen of an iPad would prove to be an excellent experience.<BR goog_docs_charIndex="1194"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="1195">And although Apple's prime focus is on the consumer market, it clearly believes that there is scope for the iPad to be used as a serious business tool. As part of the launch, it showed off versions of its excellent iWork suite of word processor, spreadsheet and presentation software that have been built from the ground up for the iPad. <BR goog_docs_charIndex="1540"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="1541">This means it will be easy to take office documents with you anywhere, and work on them on the iPad. Certainly, reading and editing a word processing document on the 9.7in screen of the iPad will be more pleasant than doing the same thing on a phone. <BR goog_docs_charIndex="1797"><BR goog_docs_charIndex="1798">The iPad isn't a machine to replace your laptop. However, for business users who want something that allows them to travel a little lighter and yet have more document-editing capabilities than a <A href="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-email" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/mobile/mobile-email">smartphone</A>, it might prove to be a good option.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Is-the-iPad-good-for-business/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Is the iPad good for business? Ian Betteridge 2010-01-29 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Apprenticeship-Week-2010-/ <P><A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010.aspx">The week</A> celebrates the talents and skills of apprentices and how they are playing a key role in today’s business world, despite difficult economic circumstances. The skills provided by apprentices are crucial in helping UK businesses, no matter what their size, to remain competitive. </P> <P>Next week, every day will have a <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Daily-Themes.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Daily-Themes.aspx">themed focus</A>, starting on Monday with competitive advantage. This will focus on the benefits that businesses receive by investing in skills during the recession. The rest of the week will look at how businesses and apprentices are benefiting directly, the power of ambition, apprenticeships driving business, and the community benefits of employing apprentices. </P> <P>Throughout the week there will also be a <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Events-search-map.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/Events-search-map.aspx">range of events nationwide</A> to help businesses discover the talents and value of apprentices, from expert talks to career days.</P> <P>The National Apprenticeships Service has developed a <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/The-Hub.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/The-Hub.aspx">hub of tools and practical support</A> to help your business think differently about the potential of apprentices. Download the Toolkit for free at <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/~/media/Documents/ApprenticeshipWeek2010Toolkit.ashx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Apprenticeship-Week-2010/~/media/Documents/ApprenticeshipWeek2010Toolkit.ashx">Apprenticeships.org.uk</A></P> <P>And, if your business is already in-tune with the benefits of apprenticeships then why not enter the <A href="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Awards-2010.aspx" orgurl="http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Awards/Awards-2010.aspx">2010 Apprenticeship Awards</A>. The closing date for entries is Friday 26 February 2010. </P> <P>Apprenticeship Week will take place from Monday 1 February to Friday 5 February 2010.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Apprenticeship-Week-2010-/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Apprenticeship Week 2010 Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-28 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/How-to-target-your-PR-effectively/ <P>You probably know who they are already. The people in your industry who are constantly in the newspapers, always mentioned in blog posts, and even end up on TV or radio. They are the PR magnets - capable of attracting attention at the drop of a Twitter.<BR><BR>How do they do it? And, more importantly, how do they avoid the kind of PR mishaps that everyone else seems to wander into occasionally?<BR><BR>Mickie Kennedy, founder of <A id=ojm7 title=eReleases href="http://www.ereleases.com/" orgurl="http://www.ereleases.com/">eReleases</A>, has written an excellent post which gives his <A id=cbtc title="seven secrets of highly effective PR magnets" href="http://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/highly-effective-pr-magnets/" orgurl="http://www.ereleases.com/prfuel/highly-effective-pr-magnets/">seven secrets of highly effective PR magnets</A>, which is well worth reading if you want to do better PR for your company. One of his suggestions is to ensure that you "know the media" - "understand who the major media players are, what type of stories their target audience likes, and where the conversations are happening."<BR><BR>However, it can be hard to work out exactly what media you should be talking to, especially online. So how can you find the most popular sites which address your market?<BR><BR>Google's advertising search tools can be a very good first place to start. Build a list of the kinds of keywords that your existing or potential customers are likely to be searching for. You might be able to get a head start on this by looking at the keywords which people are already finding your site on, with a site analytics tools like Google Analytics.<BR><BR>Next, go to the <A id=t19h title="Google Adwords Keyword Tool" href="https://adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal" orgurl="https://adwords.google.co.uk/select/KeywordToolExternal">Google Adwords Keyword Tool</A> and enter some of your list. Find the most popular associated keywords, until you have a list of around ten highly popular searches related to your business. <BR><BR>Now, on Google's main search page, start doing searches based on your list of keywords. Look at the sites which come on the first couple of pages, and if there are any media sites on there, write them down. These are popular, highly-ranked content sites related to your business - and they should be top of your list of targets for PR. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/How-to-target-your-PR-effectively/">Comments</a> (0)</p> How to target your PR effectively Ian Betteridge 2010-01-27 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/What-will-fibre-do-for-you/ <P>Broadband is the lifeblood of many small businesses. It's their connection to suppliers, customers, and the rest of the world. For some it's a sales channel, for others a way of reaching out to the widest-possible potential market.</P> <P>That's why the <A href="http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=402E2736-94FF-44DE-9233-EAC32D8EF01B" orgurl="http://www.btplc.com/News/Articles/Showarticle.cfm?ArticleID=402E2736-94FF-44DE-9233-EAC32D8EF01B">announcement</A> of <A href="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/internet-access/fibre-broadband" orgurl="http://business.bt.com/broadband-and-internet/internet-access/fibre-broadband">BT Business Total Broadband Fibre</A> could make a big difference to small businesses across the country. It's not just about being able to download at speeds of up to 40Mbits/sec, although of course that's more than welcome. The upstream speeds of up to 10Mbits/sec will allow you to get your message out faster than before.</P> <P>And the fact that it uses a dedicated broadband "fast lane" which puts business user traffic first at times of contention will help firms continue to work faster, do more, reduce operational costs and boost productivity.</P> <P>As fibre is rolled out around the country and more and more businesses make the move, we hope to meet up with a few of them and tell their stories, showing how it's made a real difference to their business. So stay tuned, and find out more about what fibre could be doing for you.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/What-will-fibre-do-for-you/">Comments</a> (0)</p> What will fibre do for you? BT Editorial 2010-01-26 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Jelly/ <P>Is working from your home office giving you cabin fever? Fear not, the latest addition to the freelancing and working-from-home network looks set to revolutionise the way we work in the new decade.</P> <P>First dreamt-up four years ago by two IT freelancers from New York who were missing workplace interaction, <A href="http://workatjelly.com/">the Jelly event</A> is perfect for those who find a hired office space a financial commitment too far. </P> <P>With events cropping up every month in UK cities, the casual working day is big news for those who have come to the realisation that life within your own four walls can be lonely. </P> <P>Designed for freelancers, home workers and people running small businesses, each event is a place where workers can bounce ideas, spark conversation, seek help, or even discover a new business idea, all while getting on with their work. </P> <P><A href="http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/news/2007/07/coworking">But do you actually get any work done?</A> As it exists for only one day every other week or month, the day shouldn’t be seen as the answer to your productivity prayers. More likely to give you inspiration, the beauty of each event is that it’s not necessarily the same members every time. One week you may be talking to a web designer, the next a writer or photographer. </P> <P>So take your laptop, a pile of work, a to-do list and an open mind and see where it gets you. As they say, sometimes a change is as good as a rest.</P> <P>For more information and to find your nearest Jelly event visit: <A href="http://wiki.workatjelly.com">wiki.workatjelly.com</A></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Jelly/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Should you Jelly-fy your business? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-25 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Are-you-ready-for-new-discrimination-laws/ <P>For small businesses the Equality Bill is potentially ‘<A href="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml" orgurl="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml">the biggest change in discrimination law in a generation’</A>. The new law will cover every area of discrimination to include race, gender, religion and belief, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, age and disability. </P> <P><A href="http://www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/changes/sea.htm" orgurl="http://www.stammeringlaw.org.uk/changes/sea.htm">The Bill</A> would replace more than nine existing laws with more than 100 new measures, so businesses will need to do their research to avoid discrimination in the workplace. Experts are urging businesses to seek expert legal advice to ensure they are fully prepared for the changes when they come into force, this should include an <A href="http://www.samtosha.co.uk/diversity_audit.htm" orgurl="http://www.samtosha.co.uk/diversity_audit.htm">equality audit.</A> </P> <P>Phil Allen, employment law adviser from law firm <A href="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml" orgurl="http://www.bytestart.co.uk/content/legal/35_1/equality-bill-2010.shtml">Mace and Jones</A> said: ‘Employers must not underestimate the depth and scope of this new legislation, which makes several fundamental changes to the law. </P> <P>‘Businesses and organisations can then put the necessary procedures in place so they are seen as good employers and supportive of equality and opportunity for all,’ he added. ‘Moreover, being fully prepared helps prevent employers tripping up on the legal changes which could result in costly, time consuming and disruptive disputes with employees.’</P> <P>Businesses should be prepared for the changes to become law before the predicted <A href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/" orgurl="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/">May general election</A>.&nbsp; </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Employing-people/>Employing people</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Business-law/>Business law</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Are-you-ready-for-new-discrimination-laws/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Are you ready for new discrimination laws? Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-22 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/2009-ends-on-record-high-for-online-retail/ <P>While most of the business world was sitting around bemoaning a bad year and looking forward to 2010, online retailers were celebrating one of their best years yet.</P> <P>Figures from the annual <A href="http://www.imrg.org/8025741F0065E9B8/%28httpNews%29/3A610E865F0C66F7802576B3004EA5F7?OpenDocument">IMRG (Interactive Media In Retail Group) Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index</A>, show that UK shoppers spent £5.46 billion online in December – an equivalent of £88.93 for every man, woman and child in the UK - with figures for December 2009 up 17 per cent up on December 2008. </P> <P>Year-on-year growth for 2009 was an average of 14 per cent with some retailers, like John Lewis, comfortably exceeding the average with 20 per cent growth and WaitroseDirect hitting 95 per cent growth.</P> <P>Jon Parry, Principal Retail Consultant at Capgemini, said: ‘Once again, consumers have <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/news/Bumper-Christmas-for-e-tailers/">turned to the internet to do their Christmas shopping</A>, with 17 per cent growth year on year this December. </P> <P>An interesting shift <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/news/Online-businesses-get-ready-for-Cyber-Monday/">during this festive period</A> is the strength of the month-on-month performance for multi-channel retailers (up 13 per cent) versus their pure-play competitors (down 8 per cent). This shows both the high value consumers place on a multi channel proposition, particularly when it comes to gift returns, and the trust advantage our high street brands have if they can get their online proposition right.’</P> <P>While the now “traditional” peak times, around the first week of December with <A href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Cyber-Monday--Failed-delivery-Wednesday/">Cyber Monday</A> were successful, the period between Christmas and New Year is starting to be just as profitable. Jonathon Brown, head of online selling, John Lewis Direct said: ‘It is worth noting that the launch of Clearance online (from Christmas Eve) saw <A href="http://www.JohnLewis.com">JohnLewis.com</A> take over one order a minute in the first hour and continued to see strong sales throughout the festive period – we recorded our highest ever traffic day on the Boxing Day.’</P> <P>One other change this year is the last posting date - where traffic drops off significantly just before Christmas Day - seems to be less of a worry, and online shoppers are buying almost right until the last moments. </P> <P>Christian Robinson, managing director of <A href="http://www.firebox.com/">Firebox</A>, said: ‘December was a record-breaking month at Firebox.com with sales up 31 per cent on 2008. We saw our most profitable Christmas in Firebox's 11-year history and order volumes were sustained from our peak on December 7th (when we made a record-breaking number of orders in one day) right up until December 23rd, which is unprecedented.’</P> <P>The main growth area for the index was in the clothing sector (up 18 per cent year on year) with accessories growing by 101 per cent and footwear hitting 37 per cent growth. </P> <P>James Roper, Chief Executive of IMRG comments: ‘The latest Index figures prove yet again that online shopping thrives on adversity. The sector managed to deliver strong double-digit growth in 2009 despite the economy being in recession, aggressive high street competition, extreme weather and even postal strikes in the run-up to Christmas.’&nbsp;&nbsp; </P> <P>It seems like we’ve all stopped spending on high-ticket flat-screen TVs to help us get over the recession with a cheap night in, and are now going out in our new clothes to celebrate the end of the recession. Here’s to a successful 2010.</P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/2009-ends-on-record-high-for-online-retail/">Comments</a> (0)</p> 2009 ends on record high for online retail Marcus Austin 2010-01-22 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Better-on-the-web-in-Feb/ <P><A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/index.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/index.html">The British Library Business and IP centre</A> in London is offering a host of courses in February designed to help you make your business better online.&nbsp; </P> <P>From the basics of <A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/onlinebranding.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/onlinebranding.html">building an online brand</A>; to <A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/buildblog.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/buildblog.html">starting a blog</A> with advice from <A href="http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/" orgurl="http://www.women-unlimited.co.uk/">Women Unlimited</A> and Springmedia; to understanding your rights on <A href="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/understanding.html" orgurl="http://www.bl.uk/bipc/workevents/understanding.html">copyright and trademarks</A> thanks to law firm <A href="http://www.halebury.com/" orgurl="http://www.halebury.com/">Halebury</A>, the future of your online business has never looked so exciting. </P> <P>Find out how you can sign up for these and a whole host of other business courses&nbsp;visit the <A href="https://www.bl.uk/bipcreg/2.2/?app_cd=BIPCREG2&amp;page_cd=_HOME" orgurl="https://www.bl.uk/bipcreg/2.2/?app_cd=BIPCREG2&amp;page_cd=_HOME">British Library</A>. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Better-on-the-web-in-Feb/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Better on the web in Feb Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-21 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/I-want-out-Five-reasons-not-to-leave-the-country-if-youre-a-SME-/ <P><STRONG>1. Building a business</STRONG></P> <P>True, on first look, the UK regulatory and tax environment makes the UK seem an <A href="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/one-in-10-entrepreneurs-thinking-of-quitting-uk.html" orgurl="http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/business-news/one-in-10-entrepreneurs-thinking-of-quitting-uk.html">unattractive arena to launch a new business</A>, but research shows it’s the easiest place to set up and run a business in Europe. </P> <P>According to <A href="http://www.doingbusiness.org/features/Highlights2010.aspx" orgurl="http://www.doingbusiness.org/features/Highlights2010.aspx">the World Bank</A>, it takes 13 days to set up a business in UK, compared to a European average of 15 days. It also ranks the UK first in Europe to operate a business. </P> <P><STRONG>2. Entrepreneurialism&nbsp; </STRONG></P> <P>With programmes such as Dragon’s Den and The Apprentice, it would appear that we’re crying out for more entrepreneurs. Not so. </P> <P>The UK has the least number of barriers to entrepreneurship in the world. The <A href="http://www.oecd.org/home/0,3305,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html" orgurl="http://www.oecd.org/home/0,3305,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html">Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development</A> (OECD) found that the UK is fifth in the world for Product Market Regulation, and has the fewest hurdles to entrepreneurship in the world. </P> <P><STRONG>3. Communication</STRONG></P> <P>It’s good to talk, and don’t we know it. Not only are we obsessed with talking and texting but our internet access allows the UK to be at the forefront of the technology world too. </P> <P>Thanks to our progressive communications network, the UK has <A href="http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_34225_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html" orgurl="http://www.oecd.org/document/54/0,3343,en_2649_34225_38690102_1_1_1_1,00.html">one of the strongest ICT infrastructures in the world</A>.</P> <P><STRONG>4. Finance</STRONG></P> <P>OK, so now is not&nbsp;the best&nbsp;time to talk about financial affairs, but when you’re a small business the UK is one of the best places to be right now. </P> <P>Our well-established financial systems enable businesses of all sizes to raise equity finance easily. Plus, with resources from the likes of <A href="http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&amp;r.lc=en&amp;topicId=1073858790" orgurl="http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.s=tl&amp;r.lc=en&amp;topicId=1073858790">Business Link</A> and <A href="http://www.bbaa.org.uk/" orgurl="http://www.bbaa.org.uk/">Business Angels</A>, access to knowledge about financial support couldn’t be more readily available. </P> <P><STRONG>5. Transportation</STRONG></P> <P>As if it wasn’t good enough that our lines of communication are always open the world over, if you need to make that important meeting in Brussels, New York or even just at the other end of the country, <A href="http://www.ukinvest.gov.uk/Information-sheets/4016069/en-GB.html" orgurl="http://www.ukinvest.gov.uk/Information-sheets/4016069/en-GB.html">the UK’s transport links are world-class</A>. </P> <P>From Heathrow's new Terminal 5 to the additional expansion planned for international airports at Stansted and London City; to the ports at London Gateway and Felixstowe; and for the rail network, with investment in London Cross Rail and rail freight infrastructure. Mobility is on the agenda for the future of UK business. </P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Where-you-work/>Where you work</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/I-want-out-Five-reasons-not-to-leave-the-country-if-youre-a-SME-/">Comments</a> (2)</p> I want out! Five reasons not to leave the country if you’re a SME Hannah Gilchrist 2010-01-20 http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Why-2010-will-be-the-of-mobile-marketing/ <P><A href="http://www.internetretailing.net/2010/01/more-than-half-of-shoppers-used-their-mobile-in-store-this-christmas/" orgurl="http://www.internetretailing.net/2010/01/more-than-half-of-shoppers-used-their-mobile-in-store-this-christmas/">Research from Motorola</A> has revealed that in a broad selection of consumers across 11 countries, 51% of those surveyed had used their mobile phone in-store for comparison shopping, finding out product information, peer-reviews, and getting coupons. Amongst the young, this is even more obvious a trend: 64% of those between the ages of 18 and 34 had used their mobiles in-store. </P> <P>One of the best-selling applications for the iPhone recently was a product called RedLaser. This clever little applications used the phone’s camera to scan product bar codes, and then checked the Internet to find the cheapest online prices for the same product. </P> <P>The natural reaction of some retailers would be annoyance at this. One way to look at it is that it allows customers to use your shop as a showroom for goods, while checking out exactly what the likes of Amazon are charging – and buying directly from them without even leaving your store.</P> <P>But short of banning mobiles from being used in-store (something that’s not going to endear you to customers) there’s nothing you can do about it. The best option, in fact, is to try and take advantage of mobile use by people both outside and inside. Can you make it easy for them to find offer vouchers on their mobiles, for example? Or could you use location-aware advertising to draw people into your shop in the first place with a time-limited, one-off voucher when they’re nearby?</P> <P>One thing’s for certain: with over half of customers already using mobiles in stores, you need to ensure that you have a plan in place to take advantage of this in 2010.</P> <P></P><p>Topics: <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Sales-and-marketing/>Sales and marketing</a>, <a href=http://www.insight.bt.com/Topics/Technology/>Technology</a></p><p><a href="http://www.insight.bt.com/blog/Why-2010-will-be-the-of-mobile-marketing/">Comments</a> (0)</p> Why 2010 will be the year of mobile marketing Ian Betteridge 2010-01-19