Thank you for visiting my blog. I do hope you find my blog interesting and informative. Why not follow me to hear my latest news first?
Friday 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas
Friday 17 December 2010
Saturday 11 December 2010
Why should my website have a privacy policy?
Thursday 9 December 2010
How to write an eye-catching press release
The key to writing a good press release is to keep it short and to the point, well structured and relevant. The perfect press release would not only be related to the recipient's business area, but should also be newsworthy. Using my own experiences of reading several thousand releases over the past few years, here are some key steps to writing that perfect press release.
1. Make your Press Release Newsworthy
2. Write a Good Headline
3. Summarise the key points
4. First Paragraph is crucial
5. Quotes
6. Notes to Editors
7. Keep it Short and Sweet
8. Relevancy
9. Style & Formatting
10. Hire an Expert
To see a full copy of this article, please click here to visit the Bytestart.co.uk web site
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Closing the gap on knowing and doing
"The concept is that through a structured process and professional support, you develop new, effective work habits. I have certainly introduced new habits and changed many things as a result of this fresh approach.
My learns are summarised in the SMI overview of:
Improve your planning skills: Set real goals based around your priority activities, effectively implement and track your progress toward these goals.
Identify what is a High Payoff Activitiy for you and schedule time for them
Know exactly how much time you currently spend on your priorities vs. how much time you need to spend to ensure you achieve your targets.
Create a Plan of Action to allocate daily time more effectively: reduce time spent on Low Payoff Activities, develop disciplined work habits, take control of your professional and personal time.
For more details or if you want a great speaker, see www.smiuk.com
Friday 19 November 2010
Friday 12 November 2010
Thursday 11 November 2010
Keep your First Aid knowledge fresh in case of need
Friday 5 November 2010
New penalty regime for Pay As You Earn
Are you aware of the new penalty provisions for late PAYE payments?You could already be accruing penalties but not be made aware of them by HMRC until after the end of the tax year.Read the full article on our website to ensure you will not get caught out by the new system. Read more
Wednesday 3 November 2010
When times are hard
A1 Director, Mike, said "over the last few months I have spoken to many suppliers, asked for quite a few quotes and placed orders worth £,000's of pounds. I have been gobsmacked on the lack of interest in my contact, the minimal number of quote follow ups and even new suppliers with £'s promised to their bank account thinking they have a right to my business!".
Surely in these hard times, businesses need to be more focused on their sales enquiries and pipeline than ever before, as the choice is now greater, more competitive than ever and does not just walk through the door.
Friday 22 October 2010
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Keep your First Aid knowledge fresh in case of need
Friday 15 October 2010
Monday 11 October 2010
Didcot Play Centre
If you have children, grandchildren or friends that may be interested, please see www.didcotplaycentre.co.uk
A1 Group to open a second office in DidcotAs part of the above development, A1 will be opening its second office in Didcot Town centre, very close the the Orchard Centre at 76 Broadway, Didcot
Sunday 10 October 2010
Child and working tax credit awards
This income pattern can be achieved if you run your own company and take dividends from that company only every other tax year. In practice there are a number of difficulties as follows:
Your family may need the cash. If income is not taken as dividends, it will need to be extracted in another form.
If you take a loan from your company this can create tax charges for you and your company.
If you deliberately deprive yourself of income to increase a Tax Credit award you can be deemed to receive that income in the appropriate tax year.
This was of particular interest to A1 Director, Mike Foster, since the arrival of Molly. So if also relevant to you we recommend a discussion with your accountant before varying your income for tax credit purposes.
Friday 8 October 2010
Tuesday 5 October 2010
A1 First Aid continues as a membership benefit for Tourism businesses
For more details, please see A1 mentioned on the TSE benefits page
To join Tourism South East, then contact them direct or via Didcot Chamber of Commerce, who have a partnership scheme with TSE.
Friday 1 October 2010
Minimum wages increases
Friday 24 September 2010
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Monday 20 September 2010
Consider all the costs of taking a premises lease
Many business owners see the rent details, but do not consider the additional upfront costs such as Stamp Duty Land Tax, searches, land registry fee, legal fees, change of use planning fees, survey costs and rent deposits.
Marketing Plans
The Chartered Institute of Marketing offers a range of advice, guidance and free documents to help you plan your next effective marketing activity.
Their Marketing Planning Toolkit is a great example of the free support available.
At A1 we help business owners implement and project manage their marketing plans. If we can help, then please call us on 01865 378559.
Saturday 18 September 2010
Five ways to ensure success for your small business in 2010
Mark Dixon, CEO of Regus, the world’s leading global provider of innovative workspace solutions has put together five essential tips for any budding entrepreneur and small business owner on how to maximize their long-term success, stand out from the crowd and minimise potential financial risks in 2010.
1. Focus on what you do best and outsource the rest
2. Project a professional image on par with your services
3. Spend wisely
4. Grow wisely
5. Network, Network, Network
To see the full article go to the bytestart web site
Friday 17 September 2010
Wednesday 15 September 2010
Increase set for national minimum wage
As from 1 October 2010, the hourly adult rate will go up from £5.80 to £5.93.
There are new rates for workers aged 21, for 18-20 year olds and for 16-17 year olds. An apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour is also to be introduced.
Sunday 12 September 2010
Compulsory retirement age is under review
At the moment employers can force employees to retire once they reach the age of 65 whatever their circumstances and without paying any compensation
Friday 10 September 2010
Apprenticeships
There are real business benefits to taking on apprentices, whilst funding exists to support your investment. For more details why not take a look at the web site
Thursday 9 September 2010
Monday 6 September 2010
Help to refresh your First Aid knowledge
It is the HSE’s "strong" recommendation that first aiders are to refresh their first aid knowledge on an annual basis. So this comprehensive guide to First Aid DVD can easily support this requirement.
The introductory price is only £49.99.For more information, a trailer and to buy now, please see www.firstaiddvd.co.uk
Evaluation copies and free prize draws are now available on the web site.
Friday 3 September 2010
Friday 27 August 2010
Sunday 22 August 2010
5 trends to make money this year
bytestart.co.uk have published their findings on what is considered to be the top 5 trends to make money in 2010.
They are:
1. Target green to save the environment
2. Package to take advantage of the current economic climate
3. 24/7 Health concerns
4. Look after the difficult (often most profitable) consumer
5. Digital technology
Friday 20 August 2010
Saturday 14 August 2010
Mini play centre in Didcot
Thank you for visiting our research page. Your feedback for our final research would be most appreciated. This blog posting includes the location, floor plan and design ideas. Your comments on these would be welcome. Please read more below:
Proposed layout
Entry door from car park at bottom, reception, tables and toilets to the left. Baby & toddler zone in yellow and the 4 yr + Play frame in green, with party room & offices to right.
Please see below 4 design ideas that we have developed for the play frame inside the mini play centre for Didcot, due to open for October half term. Which and what do you like?
From our initial market research, we have found an accessible building, that offers a much needed facility for the town. You will see that our proposed design enables the parents or carers to sit and relax with a coffee (Lavazza brand) whilst being able to view 95% of the play frame, by looking over the baby / toddler area (3’s & under) and into the play frame providing you with peace of mind that your children are safe.
We would be grateful if you had time to review all 4 designs and let us know by email to mike@a1-group.co.uk or comment below, what you (and perhaps your children also) like or dislike about each.
Your views and help with this final research is very much appreciated, as we want to ensure we get it right first time!
Friday 13 August 2010
Tuesday 10 August 2010
Happy Birthday to the Oxford Business Network
The network aimed at relationship building and the fact that 'people buy people' continues to grow. For more information, please see the OBN web site
Monday 9 August 2010
Cupcakes for a celebration or as a gift
The Oxford Cupcake Company, offers a range of delicious homemade cupcakes for all occasions. To see the flavours available and the type of occasions covered, then please visit her cupcake web site www.theoxfordcupcakecompany.co.uk
Friday 6 August 2010
Thursday 5 August 2010
Planning your success
The foundation of the SMI Success Planner system is the Ten commitments:
1. Use only one planning system
2. Keep it with you at all times
3. Block out time for planning each month
4. Schedule your priorities
5. Organise every day based on your goals and 'high pay off' activities
6. Prioritise each day
7. Close out each day with decisions
8. Record your commitments and promises
9. Organise your communications
10. Track your progress towards your goals
For more information about this and other SMI programmes, then we would suggest a conversation with John Harris on 01235 854045 www.smiuk.com
Monday 2 August 2010
Recognition from the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Last year, A1 were shortlisted for Bookkeeping Practice of the Year 2009. This was as a top 5 practice from over 3200 in the UK.
Now Mike and the team have been asked to coordinate the Oxfordshire member events for social or continued professional development.
Mike said "we are delighted with this recognition from our professional body and we are pleased to make our contribution to the objective of promoting bookkeeping as a profession and continually improving industry standards"
ICB members can contact Mike for more information on the forthcoming events.
Friday 30 July 2010
Friday 23 July 2010
Monday 19 July 2010
Friday 16 July 2010
Thursday 15 July 2010
Monday 12 July 2010
Warning signs of fraud in your business
Mr Davies advises businesses to look out for the following possible warning signs in the behaviour of their staff:
• Increased levels of stress
• Lifestyle not commensurate with salary
• Personal financial problems
• Reluctance to take annual leave
• Unwillingness to delegate
• Cosy relationship with contractors and suppliers
Business owners should also watch out for possible financial indicators of fraud, such as:
• A rise in cash transactions
• Large variations in expense claims between offices
• Poorly reconciled cash expenses
• Rising costs with no explanation, or that are not commensurate with increases in revenue
• Customer complaints and large volume of refunds to customers
Friday 9 July 2010
Wednesday 7 July 2010
Late payment the key concern for small business owners
In all, 42% of FPB members who took part in the survey reported a deterioration in prompt payments from customers – typically bigger businesses.
However few business owners in the UK take an assertive approach with their credit control and allow the customer to dictate the terms. A low percentage charge interest to their debtors in the fear that customers will simply take their business elsewhere.
Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, small businesses have a Statutory Right to Interest (SRI), meaning they can in theory charge for late payments. The payontime web site provides more details and a calculator to see what you could charge.
Sunday 4 July 2010
First Aid DVD is now available to buy
It is ideal for enhancing new skills or providing a revision of your existing skills and is designed to support the HSE’s "strong" recommendation that first aiders are to refresh their first aid knowledge on an annual basis.
This is a comprehensive guide to First Aid and the introductory price is only £49.99.
For more information, a trailer and a link to buy from Amazon, please see www.firstaiddvd.co.uk
Friday 2 July 2010
Thursday 1 July 2010
Budget Highlights
Friday 25 June 2010
Sunday 20 June 2010
First Aid DVD is launched
Our easy to navigate DVD covers all the latest protocol and techniques in a clear step by step guide, combining video, demonstrations, presentations, voiceover, text and high quality graphics to give you the knowledge and importantly the confidence to act in a first aid situation. It is suitable for first aid in the workplace or at home with your family.
It is ideal for enhancing new skills or providing a revision of your existing skills and is designed to support the HSE’s strong recommendation that first aiders are to refresh their first aid knowledge on an annual basis.
The design enables you to learn at your own pace, watching the DVD in full or you can pick and choose the areas you need to refresh your own knowledge or support your own learning.
For more information and a trailer, please see www.firstaiddvd.co.uk
Friday 18 June 2010
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Taking legal action to collect debts
We were delighted when our client received the full amount for their debt (in excess of £30k), when Withy King solicitors recovered the gross amount plus costs for their fees. We fully recommend a conversation with Stephen Woods and his colleagues if assistance is needed.
Friday 11 June 2010
Thursday 10 June 2010
Using social media
If you are not using Social media, then we recommend a look at the way of marketing your business as soon as possible.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
VAT – Cash accounting
Friday 4 June 2010
Thursday 3 June 2010
Oxford Marketing Conference 2010
For more information please see www.oxfordmarketingconference.co.uk
Friday 28 May 2010
Thursday 27 May 2010
Saturday 22 May 2010
Minimum wage to rise
The government has announced that the national minimum wage is to rise by 2.2 per cent. As from 1 October 2010, the hourly adult rate will increase from £5.80 to £5.90.
Friday 21 May 2010
Thursday 20 May 2010
A1 Financials Bookkeeping Franchise
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Tuesday 18 May 2010
VAT - Fuel Scale Charges
Friday 14 May 2010
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Landing or lead pages for your web presence
Lead pages are one page web sites designed to provide only enough information to attract attention, develop their curiosity and inspire them to enquire or opt in to your specifically targeted opportunity. They are:
• a way to maximize conversions
• a method of dynamically customising the content per visitor or lead
• a proven way of having specific keyword driven pages
• a way to increase your return on investment immediately
• an opportunity to really test your campaigns
Saturday 8 May 2010
Annual refresher training for your first aiders
To solve this issue for employers, we are just about to launch a First Aid Training DVD, that will cover all the topics of the EFAW or FAW course. The DVD will allow you to pick and choose the areas of most relevance to your business or where the first-aider feels their personal knowledge needs refreshing.
Thursday 6 May 2010
What are people saying about you
Discover, learn and share new web sites and ideas.
So not only can you establish what people are saying about you, but also about your industry, product or service.
Tuesday 4 May 2010
Oxford Marketing Conference 2010
Do not miss your opportunity to maximise your marketing at OMC 2010.
Places are limited, so to book your place today PLUS if you book before 21st May, you will receive a marketing pack worth over £1,000 including:
• FREE or discounted consultations
• FREE website marketing review
• FREE or discounted seminars & workshops
• FREE online CRM database software
• A range of FREE expert articles
For more information, please see www.oxfordmarketingconference.co.uk
Please feel free to pass on the details to colleagues, clients and contacts you think may be interested in developing their marketing as part of an interactive conference day.
Friday 30 April 2010
Monday 26 April 2010
Friday 23 April 2010
Wednesday 21 April 2010
First aid training for Tourism South East Members
We have agreed to offer a 10% discount against our usual first aid training prices, so this presents a further saving for Tourism businesses for their first aid provision.
For more details please see the TSE membership benefits pack
Monday 19 April 2010
Friday 16 April 2010
Thursday 15 April 2010
New rights to training for employees
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Oxford Marketing Conference 2010
For more information please see www.a1-marketing.co.uk/Marketing_Conference.asp
Tuesday 13 April 2010
Monday 12 April 2010
10 reasons for losing a business pitch
2. Too much 'we' and not enough 'you'
3. Appears just another pitch - No passion or interest demonstrated
4. Poor presentation structure
5. The “gift of the gab" front man
6. Not knowing your audience
7. The information dump
8. Failure to back up sales quotes
9. Failing the “so what” test
10. Missing the appointment time
Friday 9 April 2010
Thursday 8 April 2010
New fit note scheme
The DWP has produced guidance for both employers and doctors on the fit note scheme, which can be found at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/fitnote
Thursday 1 April 2010
The top 10 reasons to be email marketing
I have just finished reading a great book from Ed Rivis titled ‘email marketing dynamite’
He provides his top 10 reasons why almost every business should be email marketing.
1. It is easy to get started - within hours
2. Low cost set up
3. It powerfully increases traffic to your web site
4. Responses can be instant
5. It can increase brand recognition
6. It can increase customer loyalty and retention
7. It can be used to nurture prospects
8. Other people can easily promote you at no cost to you or them
9. It can be 100% automated
10. It can be scientifically tracked and optimized from results
He goes on to share his experience of how entrepreneurs are using email marketing to build multi million pound businesses.
If this is an area that interests you, then please take a look at our InTouch email communication product on our web site for more details call us on 01865 378559.
Employer Annual Return P35
In addition this year, virtually all employers must now send their employer annual return for 09/10 by online submission.
Don't leave your preparation to the last minute as you will first have to register for HMRC's online services which can take a week or more to activate depending on the post.
It is unlikely you will receive the paper copy of the P35 as a reminder and penalties will apply for late submission.
Also remember to order your paper P60's as these still have to be issued direct to employees.
Friday 26 March 2010
Tuesday 23 March 2010
First Aid Training is not just something you have to do to meet regulations
Both Deborah and I would like to express our appreciation of the course that Deborah attended in February. This morning on of our tutors arrived and collapsed immediately with a suspected heart attack. Thanks to the course, Deborah dealt with him calmly and in a professional manner – she was amazing - that is the opinion of everyone here. The ambulance arrived very quickly but without Deborah’s actions who knows?
Once again, thank you for the quality of the course provided.
Carole Seward, Bursar, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
Carole is right when she says we are grateful for all you did in running the training so effectively and helping the procedures to become second nature. I truly believe that we have not lost a dear friend today purely thanks to the training you gave me.
He was unconscious, unresponsive and lying in a very awkward manner when I arrived on the scene. He was not breathing, had no pulse, had partially swallowed his teeth and was turning a strange colour. If I am honest, I really only ever expected to stick plasters on people when I came on the course. But when I left the hospital once his wife was with him this afternoon, I realise that what you gave us was the ability to help people to hold on to life and reason until the professionals arrived. He was able to recognise me when he came round at about 3pm this afternoon. Considering we thought we had lost him, that is a truly awesome experience.
I had one moment’s panic when I was first called and saw that he was in such a bad way - that I might not remember everything perfectly. But it was over in an instant as I remembered all the clear steps you taught us to take.
Anyway. Thank you.
Deborah Lake
Friday 19 March 2010
Thursday 18 March 2010
HMRC latest Security messages re Scams
The email contains a link to a fraudulent website that requests the disclosure of personal account information and password. The email is not from HMRC. If you have received a copy please forward it to us at phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.
HMRC are also aware of a company that is issuing emails to advertise their service that applies for a rebate of National Insurance on the customer’s behalf, usually for a fee. These companies are not affiliated with HMRC in any way.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Monday 15 March 2010
PAYE Annual Coding - Multiple or Incorrect Coding Notices:
For more information about those likely to be affected and what is happening, visit the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/annual-coding.htm
Friday 12 March 2010
Wednesday 10 March 2010
Business Improvement
The event demonstrated how empowering an audience of like minded people can be and how willing business owners are to support each other.
It was interesting to hear the research results and feedback indicating the current key issues facing small firms, which are:
Personal - work/life, time, lonely at top, exit strategy
Direction - vision, key decision making information
Cashflow - to survive, to grow
Profitability - margins, pricing, external factors
Employees - key people, selection, trust,
Friday 5 March 2010
Are you using social networking?
There was concern about the time commitment, however Alice made the important point about "controlling the noise" and managing your time to maximise its effectiveness.
Follow Alice on her blog at Thoughts of a Visual Marketer or her helpful Alice's blogging blog
Follow Mike Foster and A1 at LinkedIn or Twitter http://twitter.com/A1groupoxford
Monday 1 March 2010
What's in your first aid box?
The HSE state there is no mandatory list of contents and deciding what to include should be based on an employer's assessment of first-aid needs. As a guide, a minimum stock of first-aid items is given in HSE's free leaflet: First aid at work: your questions answered. You should make a regular check of your box and always check the 'sterile' contents ! are in date and sufficient.
It is recommended that you don’t keep tablets and medicines in the first-aid box. Also ensure scissors are also 'sterile'.
Our range of first aid supplies can be seen at our web siteComing soon: A new First aid DVD in partnership with Concept Filming and the Just Do It guides.
Friday 26 February 2010
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Monday 22 February 2010
Friday 19 February 2010
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Business networking with a small difference
We administer the Oxford Business Network, where the focus is on getting to know personalities on the basis of 'people buy people'. The events are more social, although we do have a regular business breakfast meeting.
If you would like to know more, then please take a look at the web site or call us on 01865 378559.
Friday 12 February 2010
Thursday 11 February 2010
Sending email communications
Have you considered the impact of using email to maintain regular contact with your network, promote a product or service, make special offers, simply send good wishes and thanks or distribute your own newsletter?
Here at A1 we can now offer you the online software to make this happen. All from only £17.99 + vat per month.
All our clients use the software in a persoanlised way to meet their requirements and we are positive your business would also benefit from using InTouch.
For more details, please see our web site or for a demo, please call Mike on 01865 378559.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Converting leads to sales
Our enquiries with clients and contacts tells us that the enquiries have not dropped off as much as expected, but the conversation is much more difficult with greater competition for the business. So here are our 7 areas to help improve your chances of converting your enquiries.
Measure and be aware of your conversion rates.
Track enquiries to sale with a lead mangement system as it can take a few contacts to close.
Know your target audience, why you can truly help them and focus on it.
Never over promise what you can deliver.
Know what presentation of your business wins more often than not, systemise the approach and use it.
Observe your sales people winning, share success and develop others.
Don't forget to ASK for the business.
Sunday 7 February 2010
Saturday 6 February 2010
Sage made easy
Basic Windows keys
Cut Crtl+X
Copy Crtl+C
Paste Crtl+V
Open Ctrl+O
Print Ctrl+P
Save Ctrl+S
Select all Ctrl+A
Shortcut keys
F1 - Help
F2 - Open Windows Calculator
F3 - Pop up invoice item screen
F4 - Lookup
F5 - Current System Date
F6 - Copy previous line or F6 + shift for increment (big time saver!)
F7 - Insert a line
F8 - Delete a Line
F9 - Calculate Net (reverse calc VAT)
F10 - File
F11 - Control Panel
F12 - Report Designer