Microsoft UK SME News

IT upgrades designed to make efficiencies

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:16:18 GMT

Start-up firms and other small businesses are increasingly seeking operation efficiencies by using IT, new research has suggested.

According to research conducted by enterprise ICT provider Damovo UK, 76 per cent of businesses investing in IT systems do so in order to save money.

The survey findings echo the sentiment of a recent Gartner study which indicated that upgrades are driven more by a desire to increase efficiency than cut costs.

Damovo UK head of business development Tom Gutteridge said many small firms also value ease of implementation – hinting at a desire to use single-supplier solutions.

"As IT infrastructures become more complex, not only for medium sized companies but also for their smaller counterparts, the survey responses suggest this single supplier model will become more commonplace," he added.

Research carried out by Storage Expo in November 2008 also revealed that business continuity was a major concern for small business owners.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of running a business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

FSB calls for new business survival fund

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:12:18 GMT

A new £1billion fund to ensure the survival of small firms must be announced in the government's pre-budget report on November 24th, it has been suggested.

This, in addition to the abandonment of corporation tax rises, will help many start-up businesses survive the looming recession, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

All recapitalised banks should offer survival funding, the organisation has claimed.

FSB national chairman John Wright said the government must do everything it can "to ensure small firms do not need to turn to alternative and expensive sources of finance".

Adding that a proposed survival fund would provide a solution to current difficulties, he said entrepreneurs needed action rather than talk.

Last week, FSB national policy chairman John Walker said a lack of lending from UK banks could pose difficulties for those managing finances within small firms.

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Savings possible through storage-as-a-service

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:56:18 GMT

Storage-as-a-service remains an excellent option for small firms wishing to manage information, new research has indicated.

According to a study by IDC, demand for such products is particularly great among firms facing financial pressures – potentially small firms with a relatively constrained budget.

Customers are interested in storage-as-a-service as an alternative to buying a server, as it enables data to be preserved, shared and backed up in the long-term.

IDC program manager Brad Nisbet predicts that the growth of storage capacities delivered through storage-as-a-service offerings "will outpace" traditional options.

He adds: "Consumers and business organisations continue to generate vast amounts of data and seek optimum methods to store and protect them."

Earlier this month, a Guardian editorial article suggested that cloud computing could help small business save money.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of running a business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Data security can avert spam threat

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:53:18 GMT

Small business owners may wish to check they posses all the necessary data security software, after one IT expert predicted no immediate end to the threat posed by spamming.

Carole Theriault, a senior security consultant at Sophos, says individuals will continue to create spam providing there are potential financial incentives.

Web users can protect themselves from malicious software by ensuring they install all system updates and new security patches made available by service providers, she suggests.

Ms Theriault advises: "Make sure that you have anti-virus in place, make sure that you have a firewall turned on. Nothing's free. If it seems too good to be true then it probably is."

According to the Sophos security threat report, there were more than 11 million different malware threats in existence in July 2008, with new content being discovered every five seconds.

Microsoft issues updates for web vulnerabilities on a monthly basis, on what is known as Patch Tuesday.

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Microsoft launches small business solutions

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:45:17 GMT

Microsoft has released two new server solutions geared at offering support to entrepreneurs aiming to grow and develop their businesses.

Windows Small Business Server 2008 and Windows Essential Business Server 2008 can help start-ups save money and compete with larger firms, it is claimed.

According to chief executive Steve Ballmer, the "integrated, affordable" solutions are designed to meet the needs of firms restricted by a limited IT budget.

He added: "Small Business Server and Essential Business Server deliver a comprehensive set of capabilities that will help small and midsize businesses thrive and grow."

Payment for the new products can be staggered over five years, negating the need for a large capital investment.

Last week, Dot Net Solutions chief executive Dan Scarfe commented that Microsoft’s new Azure operating system could help cut costs for growing firms.

He claimed that remote data storage could help many businesses to reduce infrastructure expenditure.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Ministers mark the start of Enterprise Week

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:43:17 GMT

Prime minister Gordon Brown and the secretary of state for business Lord Peter Mandelson have today launched the fifth annual Enterprise Week, part of the inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Business leaders and entrepreneurs from around the country were meeting today in London at the launch of the event, which is designed to encourage people to start a business.

Gordon Brown expressed pride that Enterprise Week had, within four years, transformed into a global campaign involving millions of people around the world.

He added: "Global Entrepreneurship Week is a shining example of Britain leading the world in enterprise and innovation."

Lord Mandelson commented that enterprise and innovation were the key to the UK's future economic growth and success.

In October 2008, Computing Magazine suggested that firms which are innovative with their IT resources are best placed to ride the wave of economic uncertainty.

The editorial statement suggested that small businesses must attempt to maximise the value of their systems, while closing the gap between IT other business functions.

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Search marketing can generate business, says PAC

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:02:17 GMT

Low-cost search marketing can help small business owners to expand their operations and increase turnover, it has been claimed.

Presidents Advisory Committee (PAC) chairman Mike Montgomery suggests that potential customers use search engines as a matter of course when using the internet to seek solutions to problems.

Search engine optimisation, he claimed, could be used to direct consumers to particular business websites through their use of specific "key words".

Meanwhile, he added that pay per click advertising could be a low cost way of driving custom, given that a fee is only payable to the host site when a user follows the link.

Jay Kelly, senior consultant with human resources services and outsourcing firm Administaff, proposed that successful marketing required not only an efficient website but also "the discipline" to regularly update it.

He added: "It is so important to constantly monitor what works, continually tweaking to improve your content."

According to a BusinessZone.co.uk study, half of the start-ups surveyed expressed an intention to dedicate more time to online networking during 2009.

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Remote workers may be risking internet security

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:51:14 GMT

Small business owners may wish to monitor the downloading habits of their employees in a bid to mitigate data and network security risks, it has been claimed.

A Vodafone UK study has revealed that employers working remotely are more likely to access adult, gambling, social networking and dating sites than when they are in the workplace, potentially exposing company equipment to malware.

IT devices need to be "appropriately managed" by business managers, according to Vodafone's head of enterprise mobility solutions Curt Hopkins.

He suggests that with mobility helping small firms to stay ahead of the competition, workers should be responsible with their use of IT outside of the office.

Mr Hopkins adds: "Employees are not always aware of the risks associated with accessing certain content whether it is for legitimate reasons or not."

He suggests that centralised security management is "the safest approach" for firms to adopt where their IT systems are concerned.

According to Scansafe's latest global threat report, internet malware increased by 337 per cent during the third quarter of 2008.

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FSB: Web use can aid business growth

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:48:14 GMT

Using the internet can help raise a company's turnover, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

A study conducted by the organisation revealed that up to half of all firms possessing a business website see takings increase by up to a fifth.

It appears that start-up owners may be recognising this, as the number of firms with an online presence has risen by 70 per cent since the survey was last conducted two years ago.

Dr Gary Packham, head of enterprise at the University of Glamorgan, said the figures showed a "very clear link" between new technologies and growing a business.

He added: "If the country's 4.7 million small firms are to take advantage of the internet to grow their businesses and the economy, they will need good quality services to be in place, as well as good information and education about how to use them."

FSB national policy chairman John Walker echoed these comments, stating that despite the economic downturn, all businesses should use the internet to "maximise their sales and increase efficiency".

Earlier in the week, Social Media Portal co-founder Rachel Hawkes commented that the number of older people using the internet is increasing.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Tax hike 'should be scrapped'

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:16:13 GMT

Abandoning plans to increase corporation tax for small businesses could help protect many enterprises and potentially encourage of new start-ups to emergence, it has been suggested.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has been an angry critic of moves to raise taxation levels from 21 to 22 per cent among firms earning up to £300,000 per year.

With the legislative change set to come into effect on April 1st 2009, the organisation has reiterated its desire to see the government take note of the economic slowdown and change tack.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, FSB spokesperson Stephen Alambritis described the tax increase as an "awful" move, at a time when many businesses were experiencing greater difficulties managing finances.

He added: "We cannot see how the government can say they want to do all they can to support small businesses, but hike taxes at the same time."

Small businesses were given a boost last month when the government announced it would pay all outstanding bills within ten working days rather than 30.

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Banks urged to support small businesses

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:35:13 GMT

Growing firms must receive greater levels of financial support from banks and other financial institutions, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The organisation has called for greater lending provisions for start-ups and individuals growing a business, with FSB national policy chairman John Walker claiming that a shortage of available finance can be the biggest barrier to development and prolonged commercial success.

He says that start-ups "thrive on personal relationships" when seeking support such as marketing, recruitment and access to finance - and not all banks are playing their part in this respect.

Commenting on the needs of start-ups, Mr Walker said: "The first step to help this crucial sector could be to immediately pass on the recent cut in interest rates which could save small businesses £750 million and help get the economy back on track."

Individuals growing a business may benefit from the decision of the Bank of England to cut interest rates from 4.5 per cent to three per cent last week.

One month previously, the Bank's monetary policy committee reduced rates by half a percentage point from their previous level of five per cent.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Instant messaging may improve business efficiency

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:29:13 GMT

Small business employees can work together better and open up new channels to clients by using instant messaging technology, it has been suggested.

According to ProcessOne chief executive Mickael Remond, such technology software is becoming increasingly important for small firms aiming to generate new business.

Internally, he commented that workers were using instant messaging on their desktops to facilitate communication with colleagues and ensure that urgent tasks are carried out as efficiently and effectively as possible.

"Adding a mobile client allows other mobile people to get some kind of back channel to the office and co-workers in the office," he suggested.

Instant messaging is a fast and effective way of getting information, both from customers and for the purposes of online collaboration, Mr Remond proposed.

A study conducted by Forrester Research in January 2008 predicted a significant uptake in such technology over the next six years.

It estimated that the number of users would increase from 26.7 million in 2007 to 80 million in 2013.

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Female entrepreneurs told to be more confident

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:47:12 GMT

Women need to be more confident when starting a business, one Yorkshire entrepreneur has suggested.

According to Deidre Bounds, founder of i-to-i.com, female businesswomen tend to be more cautious than men in their business dealings and this can be to their detriment.

Speaking at the Yorkshire Women in Business seminar, held at Alea Casino in Leeds, she claimed that some women worried they could not put as much time and energy into their business because of other life commitments.

Ms Bounds commented upon her own experiences, which saw her progress form living in a bedsit to selling ethical travel company i-to-i.com for millions.

She said: "I initially found it difficult as a woman in business because I didn't have huge confidence in my abilities and the more women I speak to, especially in start-ups, that's what they say to me."

Ms Bounds added that there was "no best time" to start a business, adding that if individuals are passionate about it, there will be nothing to stop them from being successful.

All businesses need to thrive is good management, according to British Chambers of Commerce economic advisor David Kern.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Internet use increasing among older people

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:43:12 GMT

Older people are increasingly engaging with the internet, according to Social Media Portal.

Rachel Hawkes, co-founder and editor of the site, says more senior generations are "most certainly participating" with the web as they become more and more comfortable with online technology."

She adds: "This is evident through the growth of niche social networking sites that are age-dependant such as groups for the over-55s and baby boomers."

With the 2008 Digital Entertainment Survey, conducted by Entertainment Media Research, revealing that half the UK population now has wireless broadband access, more business owners may be interested in turning to information technology to improve their business.

Virtual working and increased mobility may be able to help entrepreneurs make the most of their working day, while the use of products such as Microsoft Office Live may improve customer relationship management techniques.

Free websites and small business data protection may also be of benefit for those interested in capitalising on their online presence.

A poll carried out by BusinessZone.co.uk in conjunction with WeCanDo.Biz and UK Business Forums last month indicated that three-fifths of business owners have attracted customers through online networking sites.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of running a business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Azure operating system can cut storage costs

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:39:12 GMT

Small businesses owners seeking to manage finances may benefit from investment in Microsoft’s new Azure operating system and Cloud data centre server system, it has been suggested.

According to Dan Scarfe, chief executive of Dot Net Solutions, the software will enable growing firms to reduce infrastructure costs.

Commenting on the benefits of remote data storage, he says: "Traditionally a company would have to maintain all its own equipment, potentially in its own data centre or on its own premises.

"There are obviously a lot of investment costs in their hardware and maintenance."

Earlier this month, a Guardian editorial article reported that cloud computing can relieve firms of the need to purchase an internet server.

Over the past year, Microsoft has opened data centres in Quincy, Wash, and San Antonio, while additional facilities are scheduled to open in Chicago and Dublin.

Microsoft Office Accounting 2008 works seamlessly with your other Office applications to make it easy to keep track of cashflow, manage and pay tax and VAT, send invoices on time and manage your finances better. Get Office Accounting 2008 Express FREE or download the Professional version for just £149.95

Home working saves commuting time

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:02:11 GMT

Individuals who found a business may save a number of working weeks per year by doing so, a new study has revealed.

Research conducted by Abbey Business Banking has indicated that the average commuting time for entrepreneurs is five hours and 25 minutes per week, rising to seven hours 55 minutes for employees.

Businesspeople who invest in mobile working software may be able to eliminate the journey to work altogether if they work at, or close to home - potentially saving money in the process.

According to Paula Ickinger of Abbey Business Banking, the "considerable time savings" obtained through home working enable start-up bosses "to invest more time into their business and also their personal lives".

"The result, in many cases, is an improved standard of living," she adds.

Last month, the Trades Union Congress reported that an estimated 5,517,000 people in the UK embark on a commute of longer than one hour to work each day.

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Many IT firms shielded from economic downturn

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:01:11 GMT

The current global economic slowdown may not affect all small firms, while some may even benefit from new commercial opportunities, a new study has revealed.

Research conducted by LaunchLab.co.uk has suggested start-ups in the IT sector in particular may be shielded from the effects of the impending recession, reports Contractoruk.com.

The majority of firms surveyed claimed the economic downturn had not adversely affected their profitability, while around a third said they were positive about prospects for short-term growth.

LaunchLab.co.uk founder Dan Matthews says many small businesses have "adapted to the gloom" and are performing well despite market conditions.

He adds: "While the economy as a whole is slipping into negative growth, there are pockets of success everywhere. It is inspiring to find that in amongst all the frightening headlines a good proportion of entrepreneurs are thriving."

Last month, BusinessZone.co.uk claimed that start-ups could use the internet to establish and maintain profitable business relationships, comments which may have encouraged some entrepreneurs to found a start-up website.

Microsoft software can help you turn your passion into profit. Find out more about our solutions for small business and download a FREE trial of Office 2007 Small Business

Reward schemes can improve employee morale

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:58:11 GMT

Employers can potentially improve collaboration with employees and, subsequently, staff attrition rates by recognising contributions within the workplace, it is suggested.

Sheila Sheldon, director of European operations at the global employee reward and recognition provider Michael C Fina, says reward schemes can be used to motivate staff members, especially during times of economic difficulty.

Employers do not need to spend large amounts of money on gifts and incentives, she claims, as it is more the recognition of achievement that is important.

Ms Sheldon adds that rewards could come in the form of letters, small gifts, certificates or any other medium – the exact form was not important.

"It just has to be something that makes [the employee] think 'gosh, they really do care – they have bothered to recognise that I have stayed until midnight for the last two weeks to get a job done' and makes them feel valued," she comments.

Research conducted by YouGov in September 2008 indicated that 30 per cent of workers do not feel engaged by their employer, potentially highlighting the need to work together better.

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FPB: Rental flexibility needed for start-ups

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:56:11 GMT

The small enterprise sector could benefit from increased flexibility in commercial property contracts, according to the Forum of Private Business.

A spokesperson for the organisation claims firms can sometimes be forced to vacate premises because landlords are unwilling to accommodate their needs.

He comments that tenants are usually tied to a particular level of expenditure regardless of the wider economic climate, adding that in recessionary periods some firms can struggle to meet costs.

The spokesperson said smaller businesses in particular could be disadvantage by early rent reviews, which could force them away from prime properties on high streets and business parks.

Such lettings could only be afforded by those with larger incomes, the spokesperson suggested, creating a further challenge for entrepreneurs growing a business.

In October 2008, CB Richard Ellis reported that commercial property values fell by 6.7 per cent during the third quarter of the year.

This came after a three per cent drop in the April to June quarter earlier this year.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Major concerns of IT businesses revealed

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:51:11 GMT

Implementing a successful business continuity strategy is the primary concern among small businesses operating within the IT sector, according to a new report.

Research carried out by Storage Expo reveals 83 per cent of organisations see this as being highly important, hinting at the potential demand for remote data storage services and other back-up software.

Ensuring a high level of information security followed close behind in the poll, with 82 per cent of respondents expressing concern about protecting their network, while 81 per cent were worried about how best to manage large amounts of data, reports Security Park.

Respondents saw centralised data access as another major concern (79 per cent), while 77 per cent claimed to concentrate heavily on ensuring the cost-effectiveness of storage.

The study revealed that professionals see storage legislation compliance as a further priority.

Research published last month by professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers reported that around a third of businesses have not reviewed information security processes during the last year.

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Calls for transitional allowances for start-ups

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:09:10 GMT

Small businesses should be given a transitional allowance to allow them to grow gradually, it has been claimed.

Roger Povey, owner of Mayhem Board Store, said many small businesses in York believed they lacked council support where business rates were concerned.

He commented that by gradually increasing the amount paid over a number of years, firms could better establish themselves.

Mr Povey said: "A small business owner would be given the chance to succeed in the long term and not have to make incredible success rate, straight away."

Research conducted by CDW last year indicated that technology skills can be a competitive advantage for growing businesses, reports IT Business Edge.

The study revealed that those firms which invested heavily in IT systems and expertise grew at a faster rate than those which did not.

Only employee retention was seen as a more immediate concern than IT investment among the most successful start-ups.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Debate over high-speed broadband funding

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:06:10 GMT

Providing the UK with super-fast broadband may require both public and private sector investment, Ofcom has claimed.

According to Roger Darlington, a member of the media regulator's Consumer Panel, a "mix" of investors may be required to fund improvements in the internet infrastructure, rather than simply the major telecommunications firms.

Speaking at the Westminster eForum keynote seminar entitled Next Generation Broadband, he commented that a number of local initiatives were being developed by Regional Development Agencies and community organisations due to "frustration" over a lack of progress on the national project.

He added: "Investors should not put money into areas where there is not a sensible business case, but we should acknowledge it is hard to prove and plan for exactly what consumers want and what they will pay."

According to an Ofcom consultation on the high-speed scheme, 58 per cent of UK homes have adopted broadband in the last eight years, a move that has increased the potential for mobile working.

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Data loss has affected millions

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:03:10 GMT

Up to 280 million people around the world have become victims of information loss during the last three years, a new study has revealed.

According to KPMG's first Data Loss Barometer, 62 per cent of the losses concerned information being misplaced rather than stolen.

In 46 per cent of instances, the information was not password-protected; indicating that more can be done in terms of small business data protection.

KPMG partner Malcolm Marshall said data loss poses "a serious threat" to businesses and organisations of all sizes.

He added: "Finding possible leakages and ensuring that internal procedures are in place with clear definitions will reduce companies' risk of becoming a victim of data loss."

Mr Marshall added that policies and controls should be "continually reviewed" due to changes in technologies, processes and personnel.

In the latest high-profile data loss, a memory stick containing access information for the government's Gateway website was discovered last week in a Staffordshire pub car park.

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Interest rate cut could help small businesses

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:57:07 GMT

The decision of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) to slash interest rates by 1.5 percentage points will help the UK economy, it has been reported.

In comments which may buoy small business owners aiming to remain on budget, Vicky Redwood of Capital Economics has claimed the committee's move will increase business and consumer confidence.

She said it was "not too late" to help business owners charged with the task of managing finance as an impending economic contraction looms over the UK.

Referring to the MPC, Ms Redwood said: "As long as it moves aggressively now then that should help to prevent a very deep recession."

Meanwhile, the Council of Mortgage Lenders welcomed the rate reduction, with director general Michael Coogan describing it a "bold and decisive move".

The level of interest charged on small business overdrafts could now be reduced, helping firms to reduce outgoings, reports the BBC.

Email advertising can increase sales

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:50:07 GMT

Businesses seeking to improve their sales and marketing strategies could benefit from using email advertising, it has been suggested.

Stephanie Miller of Return Path describes email as a "great tool" which can help firms engage with customers.

Industry advice and dialogue prompts can be included as part of email marketing information, it is suggested, while offering a small number of "simple, actionable tips" can aid customer relationship management.

Writing in a blog on the Return Path website, Ms Miller says: "Tailor the tips to be about the business you are in, and the benefits you provide, but not sales pitches for products."

Last month, E-consultancy.com editor in chief Chris Lake claimed online advertising is a more effective marketing medium than television and print.

One benefit, he claimed, was the fact that the impact upon an audience is more easily measured, via such innovations as web counting.
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Old hard drives are still storing data

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:02:06 GMT

Redundant computer hard drives are often found to store large amounts of sensitive data, new research has indicated.

A new study conducted by International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry has raised this new data security concern, claiming that only 33 per cent of hard drives were effectively cleared of information compared to 45 per cent a year ago.

In addition, computers passing to second-hand users are often found to contain files created by the previous owner.

Commenting on the study, researchers said: "A significant proportion of the disks that were examined still contained considerable amounts of information, much of which would have been of a sensitive nature to the organisation or individual that had previously owned the disk."

According to Science Daily, computer users need to "digitally shred" files to ensure that they are cleared from the hard drive, as deleting them from desktop programmes does not remove them from the computer memory.

The PricewaterhouseCoopers Global State of Information Security Survey 2008 recently revealed that almost a third of businesses have failed to review data security policies during the last 12 months.

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Manchester toy firm an example to start-ups

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:59:06 GMT

Establishing and growing a business need not be difficult, as one Manchester student has demonstrated.

Using a £1,500 overdraft, 20-year-old Vernon Kerswell established a successful toy firm called Extreme Flyers, which sells gadgets available in the Far East Asian market.

After spending time in China getting to know the market better, he returned to the UK to sell more than 2,000 remote-controlled mini helicopters and UFOs.

Mr Kerswell said his start-up business "emerged through an opportunity to shake things up, create high value products which people love and offer a top first class service for customers and outlets".

Over the last two years he has spent time hiring staff, finding partners and improving his Chinese language skills in order that the firm can continue to grow and expand.

Despite still attending Manchester Business School, Mr Kerswell has shown what can be achieved with hard work and a little initiative.

Last month, BusinessZone.co.uk reported that small businesses can use the internet to establish and improve customer relationships.

Microsoft software can help you turn your passion into profit. Find out more about our solutions for small business and download a FREE trial of Office 2007 Small Business

Campaign urges parents to start new businesses

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:56:06 GMT

A campaign has been launched in the north-east of England geared at encouraging more parents to enter the world of entrepreneurism, it has been reported.

The £1 million Flexible Family project, funded by regional development agency One NorthEast and the European Regional Development Fund, will operate workshops to show how individuals can commit to their childcare responsibilities while starting a business.

Organisers hope the initiative will help meet an objective of establishing 22,000 start-up businesses by 2016, as outlined in the Regional Economic Strategy.

Tim Pain, One NorthEast's head of business enterprise and skills, said: "The idea of starting a business can seem overwhelming, with lots of concerns and questions – but in fact, there are many parents with young children in this region who are proving that enterprise can really work."

He commented that self-employment could make it easier for individuals to work flexibly and maintain a suitable work/life balance.

Last week, the government announced that up to £4 billion in loans would be made available to small businesses in the UK courtesy of the European Investment Bank.

Microsoft software can help you turn your passion into profit. Find out more about our solutions for small business and download a FREE trial of Office 2007 Small Business

Online advertising taking small firms forward

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:10:05 GMT

Small businesses may be able to boost their market position by having a strong online presence.

This is the claim of dotMailer business development director Tink Taylor, who advocates the benefits of web marketing for individuals wishing to grow a business and provide better customer service.

He says: "Online marketing allows small savvy businesses to punch above their weight. For example, viral marketing tactics, such as forward-to-a-friend and adding content to social networking links in emails, allows businesses to use their captive audiences to target new, like-minded recipients."

According to Mr Taylor, the growth of social media businesses to build their brands and develop market-share "in ways that just are not possible or effective offline".

Research conducted by the Internet Advertising Bureau indicated that the online advertising market was worth nearly £1.7 billion between January and June 2008.

The report stated that web marketing has grown faster than any other mainstream advertising medium.

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Quality service should enable small business success

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:08:05 GMT

Small businesses should constantly strive to provide better customer service, especially in the current economic climate, it has been suggested.

According to George Derbyshire, chief executive of the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies (NFEA), the long-term success of any enterprise depends upon supplying customers with high quality products and services.

Commitment to this principle of quality must not be jeopardised for any reason, he states, adding that firms which fail to meet consumer desires do so at their peril.

Using the Royal Mail's latest profits report as a case study, Mr Derbyshire also comments that "careful cost control is a good business discipline, especially in today’s conditions, as is the highest levels of business efficiency."

The postal group recently announced a doubling in operating profits from £86 million to £177 million for the first half of the 2008-09 financial year, despite a fall in mail volumes.

Rising earnings have been attributed to better customer service levels, demonstrated by wide success in terms of hitting targets during the last six months.

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Cloud computing can save money

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:06:05 GMT

Entrepreneurs growing a business may be able to take advantage of the potential cost benefits of cloud computing, it has been claimed.

Used successfully, it can provide significant benefits for business owners and individual computer users, especially those seeking to store data, according to a Guardian editorial article.

Cloud computing allows computer users to buy access to computer software stored online in another place, potentially in a different jurisdiction, where it can easily be accessed over the internet.

Since it negates the requirement to purchase a server, there are clear financial advantages to this approach for small businesses seeking to avoid large capital investments, the article states.

IT services may be accessible via desktop computers, mobile phones and other devices with internet access, meaning it is flexible and straightforward to use.

Microsoft announced plans to launch a cloud computing service earlier in 2008, aiming to provide business owners with an alternative way to purchase software.

The right software can help you tackle the challenges of a growing business. Microsoft offers familiar and affordable software tools which help you and your team work more effectively together, whether you’re in or out of the office, give better customer service and run the business efficiently. Learn More

Ambitious businesspeople can have bright futures

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:25:04 GMT

The outlook for entrepreneurs need not be negative despite the economic downturn, according to one expert.

Writing for the Birmingham Post, Dr Gideon Maas, co-director of the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship at Coventry University, says new products and services offered by energetic start-ups remain a major positive in the current UK market.

He states that the very nature of businesspeople helps them, and their start-ups, survive the worst of economies – given that their business being about "identifying a need and fulfilling it".

Dr Maas states: "The environment is right to create more entrepreneurs. In times of 'chaos' entrepreneurs will grow because chaos means there are opportunities to be exploited."

He adds that those who have suffered setbacks in their business career, even those who have seen businesses fail as a result of the slowing economy, may emerge better equipped for future successes in their chosen field.

Recent research conducted by the Entrepreneurs’ Forum discovered that 55 per cent of those who have started a business rate themselves as average academically, illustrating the point that potentially anyone can start a business.

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Hackers struggling with Vista operating system

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:19:04 GMT

Computer hackers are finding it increasingly difficult to expose vulnerabilities within Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system, it has been suggested.

According to the firm's fifth Security Intelligence Report, only six per cent of global hacker attacks target Vista, compared to 42 per cent for predecessor Windows XP.

Bret Arsenault, Microsoft's National Security Team general manager, told vnunet.com that the firm had seen "significant improvements" in Vista.

He added: "These results show just how good it is, particularly as the data has been normalised between the two operating systems in light of the installed base."

The Microsoft report also revealed that the volume of malware seen in 2008 is up by 43 per cent on last year's figures, potentially making improvements in network security levels all the more important.

Scansafe's recent Global Threat Report highlighted a supposed 338 per cent rise in malware during the second and third quarters of 2008.

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Good management helps businesses thrive

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:16:04 GMT

Small and medium-sized enterprises need not fear the impacts of recession, providing they are led by skilled managers, it has been suggested.

Commenting on the opening of the new London Westfield shopping centre, British Chambers of Commerce economic advisor David Kern played down the risk of economic contraction to many firms.

He said recessionary periods "test management" skills, but noted that, on the whole, there was often "too much doom and gloom around" over the economy, words which may encourage those considering starting a business.

Mr Kern said the economy could be "challenging for the mangers in question", although he said it was "totally ludicrous" to suggest that recession had to mean "the end of life" for many businesses.

Recent Office for National Statistics revealed that Gross Domestic Product decreased by 0.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2008.

This followed the 0.0 per cent movement recorded between April and June.

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North-east firm wins award for intranet efforts

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:10:03 GMT

A north-east company has been praised for its internal communication mechanisms at the Northern Marketing Awards.

J Barbour and Sons received the award for Best Use of Internal Communications, in light of its progressive use of intranet and internal news documents, reports the Journal.

The firm's internal email etiquette was also praised, as was a willingness to accept creative input from staff members, at the awards ceremony held in Newcastle on October 30th.

According to the news provider, J Barbour and Sons uses existing communication channels "to keep budgets low".

Recently it was claimed that businesses should maximise the potential of their intranet systems, with two potential uses being to raise staff morale and increase employee efficiency – which in turn can lead to better customer service.

Writing for Business Week, Carmino Gallo proposed that managers can utilise such sites to demonstrate they are addressing workplace issues.

He added that it was essential for managers to increase levels of communication with employees as the economy enters a period of downturn.

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Inquiry follows latest data loss

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:08:03 GMT

An inquiry has been launched after a Department of Work and Pensions USB stick containing confidential information was discovered in a pub car park.

Usernames and passwords to the government's Gateway website, which allows access to pensions information and tax services, were contained on the item, which was handed to the Mail on Sunday.

A government spokesperson played down the data security risk, saying that moves had been made to ensure there is "no conceivable risk" to users of the site.

She said: "We are taking this issue extremely seriously and a full and urgent investigation is under way."

Last month, BitDefender's Global Security Survey 2008 revealed that viruses remained the top IT security concern, although more consumers are now equipped with the knowledge necessary to ensure small business data protection.

Research indicated that 68 per cent of computer users were better equipped to deal with threats to computer networks and systems than 12 months previously.

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