Friday 27 August 2010

week included too many visits to the solicitor for my lease! First aid supplies service, A1 Bookkeeping franchise, First aid DVD

Sunday 22 August 2010

5 trends to make money this year

At the start of every period of growth, experts always identify a series of trends that businesses will move towards. Hot trends tend to mean hot demand – and where there’s demand, there are profits to be made.
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

week included Didcot Play Centre lease, Didcot Chamber, New clients, Email marketing campaigns, Golf with Withy King Solicitors & Birthday!

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 location near the Orchard centre in Didcot



Proposed building facing the SODC car park







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.




Your feedback please
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

week included networking, another Tourism South East event, DVD sales, online learning platform to support first aid DVD.

Tuesday 10 August 2010

First aid DVD signed up by another industry distributer. Online learning module in development. see www.firstaiddvd.co.uk

Happy Birthday to the Oxford Business Network

The local business networking group, the Oxford Business Network, has recently celebrated its first anniversary with 94% of the members renewing their membership.
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

Mike's wife, Sally, has recently launched her new business venture.
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
Our DVD, A comprehensive guide to First Aid, is now available via Amazon.co.uk

Friday 6 August 2010

week included bookkeeping, first aid DVD sales, email marketing software demo, lease negotiation, Bookkeeping franchisee meetings,

Thursday 5 August 2010

Planning your success

Unless you are lucky, rarely does success come without planning. It is generally linked to effectiveness, organisation and productivity and has strong reference to good goal setting, vision, tracking and 'high pay off' action.

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

Further recognition has been given to A1 by 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.