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BUSINESS BULLET: Focus. Focus. Focus

2012-01-30T06:54:00.003-08:00

Via Management Today

When you are overworked and overloaded, it's easy to get distracted, says serial entrepreneur Colin Turner. But you can only truly be your best if you learn to tune out the noise and focus on the task at hand.

If you were having an operation, would you want your surgeon to take a call while operating on you? Or to be distracted by someone making small talk as the scalpel hovered over your body?

The idea of a surgeon not finishing what has been started, to leave it to another day, to perform a rushed procedure, is anathema. Yet we do not apply the same discipline to our own professions.

Of course, most of us aren't working in the same life-threatening situations. But, by learning to focus your mind on single tasks, finish them, and then move on, you will find your working day becomes far more effective and rewarding. Instead of several half scribbles next to each item on your to-do list, you'll have ticked off the lot.

It's important to make sure that you're doing the right tasks too. Business is not about being active with minutiae. It is about being productive by doing what is important. Make sure you know the really core aspects of your role and responsibilities - the patients on the operating table, as it were - and always give those tasks your full attention.

Over half of Brits volunteer

2012-01-30T04:56:00.001-08:00

Via TheAppointment.co.uk

More than half of Britons did some form of voluntary work last year, with women and older people doing the most, according to a new report.

A survey of more than 2,000 adults by insurance firm Zurich found that 55% took part in at least one volunteering activity in 2011, including fund-raising, supporting school activities or helping out at a charity shop or hospital.

Paul Emery, of Zurich, said: "It is encouraging to see that despite time and money both being tight over the last year, so many people volunteer.

"It is essential that everyone can see the big range of volunteering activities they can take part in, whether it's watering next door's plants or caring for an elderly neighbour."

Civil Society Minister Nick Hurd said: "It's very positive news to hear that lots of people did voluntary work last year - especially in a time of economic difficulty.

"It just goes to show that we all want a bigger, stronger society where people get involved and do their bit so it's vital that we keep up the pace of reform and make it easier for more people to take part.

"The Government wants to support volunteers and to make it easier for people to do their bit.

"This summer up to 30,000 16-year-olds will take part in the National Citizen Service, and other schemes, such as the £10 million Innovation In Giving Fund and the £20 million Social Action Fund, are developing new ideas, making the most of technology and encouraging volunteering across the generations."

National Apprenticeship certification system launched for England

2012-01-30T04:55:00.001-08:00

Via TheAppointment.co.uk

The Alliance of Sector Skills Councils, the organisation responsible for representing the voice of Sector Skills Councils, Sector Skills Organisations and their employers across the UK skills system, in conjunction with the National Apprenticeship Service, have launched a new online system to support the statutory certification of Apprenticeships across England.

As the Certifying Authority for Apprenticeships in England, the Alliance will be responsible for issuing certificates upon the successful completion of each Apprenticeship. The new centralised Apprenticeship Certificates England (ACE) system will save Apprenticeship training providers and issuing authorities valuable time, resource and investment and will allow them to track the progress of Apprenticeship candidates.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, John Hayes MP, said: "The Government is restoring practical learning to its rightful place as a hallmark of personal attainment and national pride. Apprenticeships are a gold standard qualification, and it's right that the hard work of people who undertake them should be marked and celebrated.

"In this Olympic year, I am delighted to launch the new national gold, silver and bronze certificates to recognise the success of apprentices. The launch of these awards reflects the sterling achievements of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils and the National Apprenticeship Service in helping forge a revitalised skills system that meets - and raises - the aspirations of learners and employers."

John Rogers, executive chair of the Alliance, said: "I am delighted to be able to announce the launch of ACE, a system that will enable the certification of Apprenticeships in England and will underpin this vital programme.

"Apprenticeships play an important role in the provision of a highly skilled workforce in England and it is vital that we ensure individuals have the right skills, at the right time, to ensure they are best-placed to take advantage of the opportunities that arise as the economy continues to recover."

Career Masterclass: Get promoted

2012-01-27T05:04:00.000-08:00

via Management Today

Is this the year you finally get that promotion? Here's some tips to ensuring success.

Mould yourself. Reaching the top isn't just about results; it's about fitting in with those who are already there. Know your business leaders inside out: their working styles, past successes and failures and how these have shaped their judgement. Use every interaction to show you're one of them.

Ditch the details. Always talk about outcomes and benefits over process and activity. Leaders want to know what they're getting from you, not what you're up to. Get personal. Position your promotion as the answer to your manager's problems. Does the department lack strategic focus? Being able to delegate would free up the boss for vital planning. Is it product knowledge he worries about? Run training sessions.

Take criticism on board. If you disagree, make minor (but visible) adjustments to show you're willing to change.

Save up successes. Build credibility over time by consistently exceeding expectations, but schedule big triumphs to coincide with your review as a well-timed reminder of your brilliance.

Focus, focus, focus.

Show devotion. Ooze commitment to the cause and those at the top will want you in a role where your energy can influence others. Not a true crusader? Fake it with vibrant language ('energised', 'inspired', 'thrilled') and a big smile. Bring proof. Demonstrate your contribution to the business with indisputable facts. Qualitative data is good; quantitative is better; results presented in pounds , dollars and EUR are best of all.

Stick at it. Staying power is one of the most important but least recognised attributes of successful leaders. If you don't make promotion this time, don't give up. Capture the insights, adapt and come back stronger.

Startup Britain launches 'What's the business in you?' campaign

2012-01-27T04:51:00.000-08:00

via Management Today

Riffing off the idea that everyone has at least one good book in them, the bright sparks at Startup Britain have come up with a new initiative to help people discover their great business idea.

If you could launch a business, any business, what would it be? This is the question posed by the Startup Britain bods.

The national campaign kicks off today in Leeds. The aim: to try and help people realise their entrepreneurial dreams and take their ideas to market. Some pretty impressive business owners have been drafted in to inspire and inform too. From Wendy Tan White, co-founder of Moonfruit (one of the few businesses to survive the dotcom bust) to Richard Moross, boss of custom business card firm Moo, nine entrepreneurs are lending their clout to the campaign.

What’s this? The PM’s waded in too? Well, no Startup Britain initiative would be the same without a David Cameron soundbite: ‘Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of the British economy,’ he says. ‘I am determined that we, working with the private sector, do everything we can to help them to start up and to grow in 2012.

‘I want to encourage people to go for it and make this the year of enterprise,’ he goes on, ‘whether that is fulfilling their dream of starting a new business or taking the leap to grow their business, to employ more staff, or to start exporting.’

Lots of good buzzwords in there. But will this campaign actually make a dent in the one million people that Startup Britain hopes to inspire to start a business over the next three years? Well, reach is a problem. There’s no budget for TV advertising, so the campaign is being promoted solely through billboards, radio, and trade and newspaper advertising in the UK’s major cities. And will the ‘What’s the business in you’ idea really inspire people to actually take the leap? Or is it just empty marketing fluff?

MT thinks it’s a nice idea, if somewhat fantastic. If you discover that the business ‘in you’ is a Mars-based uranium mining company, you may struggle to get that off the ground. Presumably, Startup Britain is hoping you’ll aim a little lower: a coffee shop, p’raps. Or a web design agency. Nice, achievable things. But that’s the problem with dreams, they’re rarely that pragmatic.

Social Media Week 13th - 17th February 2012

2012-01-03T07:34:00.000-08:00

"Empowering change through collaboration"

#SMW12

Were You Connected This Christmas?

2012-01-03T07:32:00.000-08:00

The Christmas and New Year party season has recently passed; did you seize the opportunity to network?

Effective networking could take your career to new heights. It might sound daunting but it’s an excellent way of making sure that people know who you are and what you do within your organisation, as well as helping you to develop relationships with colleagues that could positively affect your future career prospects. That’s because people tend to do business with people they trust, respect and like. The old saying, “It’s not what you know but who you know” still applies today.

Be on the radar!

It’s still important to be on your guard even within a relaxed social gathering, so don’t let it down too much by saying or doing the wrong thing. Instead talk to your boss about what he or she likes to do outside of work and about the plans for the company over the next year. However, avoid controversial jokes or topics that be taken the wrong way.

Think about your personal ‘brand’

What kind of image do you wish to present of yourself to those you are socialising with?

By developing good relationships with those you work with and for, you will be on the right path to showing why people should value you in your role and as an individual.

It’s not just about you

Remember that the key aspect of networking is that it is not just about you, but also about what you can do for others. Even if you can’t help them immediately, try to find out what makes them tick. You are not going to be popular or interesting if you just talk about yourself continuously. You should also avoid going on about boring or very specific things. Talking about a variety of topics will make your interaction with your colleagues more interesting.

Ask good questions

Make sure you have some good questions prepared to keep the conversation flowing. Finding a common ground will always make building a relationship easier. Showing an interest in the business and what they do as part of that business will always be a good starting point but don’t keep the conversation ‘strictly business’ as after all your contact will be there to relax and enjoy the event. If you overtly sell, you may switch people off and make them disinterested in your conversation – show finesse and smart network!

Use the introduction to secure a future meeting

Don’t let your networking end at the party, the endgame is to ensure ongoing communication with your new contact. As you will be at a social event you will need to be clever when suggesting continued conversation/ a further business meeting. Asking if they have a LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook account and then adding them to your network can be a good way of continuing communication in an informal manner whilst developing your new business relationship.

Kick-start job creation through entrepreneurship

2012-01-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

via SocialMediaWeek

"Unemployment remains high. Attempts to create jobs are lackluster and ineffective. What is needed in this economic and political climate is a change in the way we do business. Entrepreneurship must return, and governments need to support this approach with supportive environments that increase access to the resources that start-ups and entrepreneurs need" ~ Don Tapscott

What kind of 'Secret Santa' are you?

2011-12-21T04:36:00.000-08:00

via Management Today

'Tis the season of giving and all that. But what does your 'Secret Santa' gift say about you?

This week, in offices across Britain, Secret Santa will be bringing joy and laughter to thousands of bright-eyed and pink-cheeked work colleagues as they celebrate the festive season. With budgets ranging from £1 to £20, thoughtful staff will find the perfect little gift to kick off the Christmas period. Ah, isn’t that lovely.

Well, either that or there will be tears, tantrums and inappropriate tinsel-lined undies flying across the office.

That’s the thing about ‘anonymous’ gifts, they can be personal, pointless or even a bit poisonous. So, what does your Secret Santa gift say about you? And what subliminal messages are betrayed by your reaction to the big reveal?

We asked Kevin Chapman, head honcho at Tinder-Box Business Coaching, to unravel the mysteries of the Secret Santa present.

‘Secret Santa is all about office dynamics,’ he explains. ‘Every present is a reflection of a relationship and even though we are tightening our belts, Secret Santa seems as popular as ever because it is a chance to express something from one to another.

‘Whatever that expression is, when you know the true intention behind it, you have the choice to do something about it.’

Intrigued? Here are the four most popular Secret Santa personality types. What kind of Secret Santa are you?

Secret Santa Style

The secret assassin

Gift given: A book. E.g. a dummy’s guide to management (may blow the £5 budget)

Intent: To tell you something they want to say every week.

Message: Read your colleagues better, listen more and ask others what they think of you.

Secret Santa profile: Sits coldly, like a World class poker player, as the gift is opened.

Secret Santa style

The quiet admirer

Gift given: Luxury biscuit selection (never goes over budget but looks for a bargain)

Intent: To say they admire your style and to thank you for not exposing them

Message: I want to be your friend, let’s go out for after work so I can get to know you better.

Secret Santa profile: Sits quietly blushing in the corner. Of course everyone has their suspicions about who the gift is from.

Secret Santa Style

The festive joker

Gift given: Over-sized, flashing Reindeer earrings

Intent: To make everyone laugh…

Message: I’d work better with you if you lighten up a little at work.

Secret Santa profile: Laughs loudly as you open the gift. Shouts, 'Brilliant or what!?'

Secret Santa Style

The weary worker

Gift given: Toiletries

Intent: To be seen to be joining in

Message: No message, we don’t really have a working relationship.

Secret Santa profile: Will be sitting at the back of the room grumbling that they will be the only one coming in between Christmas and New Year.

Stat of the day: 5th

2011-12-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

Britain's ranking in the table of the world's most charitable countries. What a generous lot us Brits may be suffering the twin indignities of pay-busting inflation and austerity measures that would put Ebeneezer Scrooge himself to shame, but it seems we’re still giving as generously as ever. According to the Charities Aid Foundation’s World Giving Index 2011, the UK is now the fifth most charitable country in the world.

Above us in the 153-nation ranking are the US at number one, followed by Ireland and Australia. According to the organisation’s findings, 79% of Britons give to charity each month (up from just under a quarter last year), while 28% of us volunteer each month, and 63% ‘help a stranger’.

What’s interesting is that worldwide, the number of people helping strangers increased by 2%, while those volunteering went up by 1% - but giving to charity fell by 1%, which suggests that we’re not the only ones feeling the squeeze.

Britain's youngest small businesses add £360m to UK economy

2011-12-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

via Management Today

Nicknamed TOTs by Henley business School, these bright young ventures are going gangbusters, turning over more than £360m and creating 70,000 new jobs over the next 12 months.

The acronym may be dire (TOT stands for Twelve months old, Optimistic and Technologically-minded) but these bouncing baby businesses are one of the few good news stories for UK plc.

According to the latest Henley Business School small business research, the TOT, a new breed of agile and tech-savvy British business, is growing quicker than the average start-up and raking in the pennies with uncharacteristic speed.

HBS surveyed 253 start-up business owners (11-16 months old) in October and found that over half of TOTs (51%) predict they will increase revenues by 30% or more in the next 12 months. That’s an extra £30,000 to £75,000 in turnover per firm. If just 10% of firms started in 2011 achieve ‘TOT’ status, it will add a minimum of £360 million to the British economy.

TOTs are also creating jobs to service this growth. The study reveals the average TOT employs four permanent staff, with the majority (89%) planning to recruit at least two to three more over the next year.

The top five ‘TOTspot locations in the UK are:

London 3 to 4 new jobs created per TOT
Manchester 3 to 4 new jobs created per TOT
Liverpool 3 to 4 new jobs created per TOT
Leeds 2 to 3 new jobs created per TOT
Bristol 2 to 3 new jobs created per TOT

So, what does it really mean to be a TOT? Mobile technology is at the heart of these zippy new firms. Nearly all TOTs (98%) rely on smartphones for emails, organising their day and accessing business apps like Salesforce.com. They also use social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to promote products, network with potential customers and get real-time feedback. The benefits of this approach have been highlighted by Accenture which claims companies that invest early in social media reap returns as high as 20 to 1.

Henley Business School’s Professor Dominic Swords says: ‘TOTs have made it through the teething phase and have a different mindset that will challenge traditional businesses. They see opportunities in challenges, showing the benefits of a positive attitude in winning market share and leading a growing business.’

And these TOTs are no fools: ‘They’re realistic about the challenges they face,’ adds Swords. ‘82% are developing strategies to manage the risks and uncertainties in the future.’

TOTs may be small, but they have global ambitions. Nine out of ten TOTs export goods and services to markets around the world - 49% trade with Western Europe and 44% with Eastern Europe. And they are keen negotiators too, bartering for cut-price stock, services and suppliers: two thirds (77%) refuse to commit to any long-term contracts or leases. It’s all about being nimble and running rings around the dinosaur businesses, they say.

The top ten office products facing extinction

2011-12-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

via Management Today

From Post-Its to water coolers, check out this 'Most Endangered' list of iconic office products that could disappear from desks by 2012.

You may scoff at the idea of 'endangered office products' but ask yourself this: when did you last use a hand-held calculator? Is a scanner still an integral gadget in your office? Is your filing cabinet gathering dust in a corner?

Office supplies firm Pixmania Pro has enlisted a panel of specialists to sift through sales data for popular and 'iconic' office products to see which ones will stand the test of time in years to come. They found that many office stalwarts are approaching total extinction.

Here's the definitive list:

1. Desk phones

2. USB sticks

3. Blank CDs

4. Scanners

5. Calculators

6. Filing cabinets

7. Paper in-trays

8. The office notice board

9. Post-It notes

10. Water coolers

Interesting, isn't it? Desk phones are declining the fastest, mostly because of the rise of smartphones. Who wants to be tethered to a desk when VoIP or a plain old mobile can let you roam free? Over a quarter of consumers have already abandoned ye olde desk phone. Could they be gone forever in a year's time?

In second and third place are USB sticks and blank CDs. The increasing use of cloud networks, which allow users to remotely access and store files, is expected to spell the end for these once essential PC accessories. Their days are already numbered: the rate of small companies signing up for cloud-based services has doubled in the past six months.

Paper products are no longer in vogue either. Scanners, in-trays and filing cabinets are finding themsleves increasingly unloved. The 'paperless office' is on its way; these are the casualties. Messaging through sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as company intranet and email, have also rendered the office notice board - and even Post-Its - defunct. Digital communication is faster, and less subject to the vicissitudes of squiggly handwriting.

Finally, the humble water cooler makes tenth place. Filtered water is seen as better for the environment and plumbed in systems offer significant cost-savings for savvy business owners. Goodbye water cooler moment, hello tap chat.

Think there's life in the calculator yet? Got a product's to add to the endangered list?

Fact

2011-12-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

Proportion of FTSE 100 directorships held by women, up from 12.5 per cent in 2010.

The Davies Review's target is for this to reach 25 per cent by 2015.

REC response to latest unemployment figures

2011-12-16T08:34:00.000-08:00

Via rec.uk.com

UK unemployment rose by 128,000 to 2.64 million in the three months to October according to the new figures issued by the Office for National Statistics. The figures also show that the number of people in employment fell by 63,000 to 29.11 million.

Commenting on the latest figures, REC Chief Executive Kevin Green says:
"Today's data confirms that the first part of 2012 will continue to be a difficult time for the jobs market. This is borne out by the number of people working in the public sector falling by 67,000 over the quarter while at the same time, those employed in the private sector only increased by 5,000.

“According to feedback from recruitment professionals, demand remains strong in high-skilled sectors such as technology and engineering. This is because of the disconnect between the jobs currently on offer and the skills of job-seekers.

On youth unemployment, which has risen again by 54,000 to 1.03 million, over 22 per cent of that age group, Green says:

"Fiscal incentives to take on young people don't take effect until April. The Government needs to bring these forward to stop a terrible situation becoming a crisis.

"With the jobs market set to remain extremely competitive, it is crucial to up the ante in terms of the guidance and support offered to job seekers. This is a real area of weakness that the Government needs to urgently address in 2012."

A Very Merry Christmas To All!

2011-12-16T06:52:00.001-08:00

£19m an hour spent on Cyber Monday

2011-12-06T12:47:00.000-08:00

Via Telegraph

Yesterday marked the biggest online shopping day of the year, with consumers spending £19 million an hour.

On Cyber Monday, shoppers spent a total of £456 million in just 24 hours, with sales peaking between 1pm and 2pm when office staff logged on during their lunch breaks – an increase of 14pc from 2010.

The biggest selling items were the Kindle, Apple iPad 2, iPod touch, Harry Potter DVD and Lego.

Argos dubbed the day Mobile Monday as it was its busiest day of the year for shopping via smart phones and iPads, with more than 200,000 items reserved online.

The Centre for Retail Research predicts that £1.64 billion of shopping will be done via mobile phone this Christmas.

Staff at Amazon's warehouse in Milton Keynes also were under pressure to deal with more than 2.3 million orders. The warehouse, which has a roof the size of eight football pitches and a thousand staff, had huge numbers of orders for the concluding part of Harry Potter, cookery books and board games such as Twister, Scrabble and Monopoly.

Its bestselling toys included Moshi Monsters and Harry Potter Lego.

Bargains could be found on many online stores such as Play.com, which was selling the Take That Progress Live CD for just £6.99 and M&S, which offered 25pc off all its Christmas hampers and women's coats.

A spokeswoman for M&S said peak buying times were lunchtime and the evening and the most popular items were the Cook hamper, reduced from £200 to £100 and the 6ft Christmas tree which was reduced to £140.

Brits are a nation of online shoppers with research by KPMG revealing nearly eight in ten British consumers prefer to buy goods like CDs, DVDs, books and video games online – compared with six in ten shoppers globally.

Data collected from 9,600 consumers aged between the ages of 16 and 65, across 31 countries, also found that nearly three quarters of UK consumers said they were more likely to buy flights and holidays online, and two-thirds used some form of online grocery shopping.

9 Things That Motivate Employees More Than Money

2011-12-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

Via LinkedIn

Be generous with praise. Everyone wants it and it’s one of the easiest things to give. Plus, praise from the CEO goes a lot farther than you might think. Praise every improvement that you see your team members make. Once you’re comfortable delivering praise one-on-one to an employee, try praising them in front of others.

Get rid of the managers. Projects without project managers? That doesn’t seem right! Try it. Removing the project lead or supervisor and empowering your staff to work together as a team rather then everyone reporting to one individual can do wonders. Think about it. What’s worse than letting your supervisor down? Letting your team down! Allowing people to work together as a team, on an equal level with their co-workers, will often produce better projects faster. People will come in early, stay late, and devote more of their energy to solving problems.

Make your ideas theirs. People hate being told what to do. Instead of telling people what you want done; ask them in a way that will make them feel like they came up with the idea. “I’d like you to do it this way” turns into “Do you think it’s a good idea if we do it this way?”

Never criticize or correct. No one, and I mean no one, wants to hear that they did something wrong. If you’re looking for a de-motivator, this is it. Try an indirect approach to get people to improve, learn from their mistakes, and fix them. Ask, “Was that the best way to approach the problem? Why not? Have any ideas on what you could have done differently?” Then you’re having a conversation and talking through solutions, not pointing a finger.

Make everyone a leader. Highlight your top performers’ strengths and let them know that because of their excellence, you want them to be the example for others. You’ll set the bar high and they’ll be motivated to live up to their reputation as a leader.

Take an employee to lunch once a week. Surprise them. Don’t make an announcement that you’re establishing a new policy. Literally walk up to one of your employees, and invite them to lunch with you. It’s an easy way to remind them that you notice and appreciate their work.

Give recognition and small rewards. These two things come in many forms: Give a shout out to someone in a company meeting for what she has accomplished. Run contests or internal games and keep track of the results on a whiteboard that everyone can see. Tangible awards that don’t break the bank can work too. Try things like dinner, trophies, spa services, and plaques.

Throw company parties. Doing things as a group can go a long way. Have a company picnic. Organize birthday parties. Hold a happy hour. Don’t just wait until the holidays to do a company activity; organize events throughout the year to remind your staff that you’re all in it together.

Share the rewards—and the pain. When your company does well, celebrate. This is the best time to let everyone know that you’re thankful for their hard work. Go out of your way to show how far you will go when people help your company succeed. If there are disappointments, share those too. If you expect high performance, your team deserves to know where the company stands. Be honest and transparent.

George Osborne's Autumn Statement: What you need to know

2011-11-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

via Management Today

Let’s start with the surprises. Chancellor George Osborne has kept a few cards close to his chest over the past fortnight, namely his plans to cap public sector wages. Against a backdrop of mass strikes by unions across the UK, Osborne announced that after the two-year pay freeze, rises would thereafter be capped at 1%. ‘Public sector pay has risen at twice the rate of the private sector,’ he said. ‘We need to make the system fairer to the people who pay their taxes to fund that increase.’ So if you work for the state that is going to hurt.

It’s an interesting time to land another blow to public sector workers. The Chancellor is making it very clear that government will not bow to strong-arm tactics by the unions. His ire was palpable in the Commons today: ‘Once again I ask the unions why they are damaging our economy at a time like this and putting jobs at risk?’ he demanded. ‘Call off the strikes and let’s agree generous pensions that are affordable to the taxpayer.’

State pensions came under scrutiny in Osborne’s statement too. From 2026, the pension age will be increased from 66 to 67, saving ‘a staggering £59bn,’ says Osborne. But the amount paid out to British pensioners is set to rise by £5.35 – ‘the largest ever rise in state pension and proof of our commitment to those who have worked hard all their lives,’ he adds. Contrary to predictions, however, benefits are set to increase in line with inflation.

Other key revelations today include:

The current rate relief holiday for small firms is to be extended to April 2013.

The planned rise in regulated rail fares will be capped at 6.2% - 1% above inflation - in January to help commuters.

A new mortgage indemnity scheme will help up to 100,000 people buy homes with just a 5% deposit.

On to the things we suspected that are now confirmed:

A £400m scheme to kick-start stalled construction projects in England

Return to previous social housing policy that with allow social tenants to buy their homes at a 50% discount

New credit easing programme to underwrite up to £40bn in loans to small and medium-sized firms.

Government plans to pass on the low interest it pays on borrowing to SMEs

Regional Growth regeneration fund to get £1bn in extra funding to help firms grow outside of the south east. ‘Every pound we spend is matched by £6 of private investment,’ says Osborne

In the wake of a raft of green initiatives, Osborne today announces a £250m support package for energy-intensive firms

All the proposed changes to employment red tape are going ahead

No EU transactions tax, which Osborne dubs a ‘tax on pensions, not a tax on bankers’. Instead there will be an increase in bank levy in January

A new £1bn "youth contract" to subsidise six-month work placements for 410,000 young people

£5bn new spending over three years, including £1bn for the rail network

Plans for 35 road and rail projects across England

Osborne is working with pension funds to unlock a further £20bn for infrastructure investment.

So, in conclusion. Osborne maintains that paying our way must still be the guiding principle. But this was probably a day that Osborne was dreading because the sand seems to be slipping between his fingers and having Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor bellow at him – "you given us all of the pain and none of the gain" will have made him really smart.

REALLY & Market Makers Charity Event - 25.11.12

2011-11-29T06:21:00.000-08:00

On the 25th of November 2011 our client REALLY had a black tie charity event at Marriott hotel in Portsmouth to raise funds to build a school, water treatment centre, children’s nursery and health centre to transform the lives of the entire community in the Nseh village in Cameroon.

As you can see by the following photographs a fun time was had....

Speed Recruitment Event 03.12.11 {in association with Protected}

2011-11-24T00:57:00.000-08:00

**Ever been tempted by SPEED RECRUITMENT?**

Saturday 3rd December we are holding an event at our Commercial Road, Portsmouth office.

Are you popping into the crowded shops to do some Christmas shopping?!
Come along to our event and you could be going home with more than just shopping.... A FANTASTIC NEW JOB!

Vane are working in partnership with the edgroup to source the very *BEST* SALES EXECUTIVES and CUSTOMER SERVICE EXECUTIVES and TELEMARKETERS.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES
Upto 35K!
Awesome staff benefits inclusive of:
Gym membership
Pension
Medical cover

Dont miss this opportunity to work for a refreshing vibrant company.
For further details please contact fran@vaneltd.com
Tel: 023 9236 1115

Exercise In Disguise: The Little Black Dress Season

2011-11-14T02:02:00.000-08:00

Via Weight Watchers

Good news for gym-avoiders! By sneaking clever mini-moves into your routine, you can be increasing your activity without even realising.

Let’s face it, even if we’ve got the time, the last thing some of us fancy after a busy day is a full work-out.
But getting fit doesn’t have to mean hours at the gym - just get a little more active.

Small Moves, Big Difference

Reaching your fitness goal, whether that’s toning up or losing weight, can be as simple as slipping little tricks into your normal routine. Everyday living – for example, popping out for some milk or sweeping the patio - gives us numerous opportunities to shape up.

Experts refer to this as "lifestyle activity" – the unplanned activities of daily life that can make a big contribution to fitness. “A person can expend energy both by going to the gym and through everyday activities,” says Dr James Levine, an endocrinologist and researcher at the Mayo Clinic in the US. “Our studies show that the energy burnt through everyday activities is far more important than we previously imagined.” Fitness editor and author of Exercise and the F word... Fun! Martha Lourey-Bird explains, “The secret is to reduce the time you spend being sedentary, and replace it with active time. Even swapping 10 minutes of couch time with 10 minutes of walking is a great start.”

At Home

Find Your Groove
Turn on some music while you work. Research by Dr Costas Karageorghis, a sports psychologist at Brunel University in Bristol, suggests that the right music can increase a person’s athletic performance by as much as 20%. He found that athletes who ran while listening to music with a beat that fitted the rhythm of their body movements could endure a fifth more exertion than those without. The message? Put on your favourite tunes and go with the beat.

Tone Your Legs
Get moving while waiting for the kettle to boil. From a standing position, lunge forward with one leg, lowering your back knee towards the floor and dropping your body. Make sure your front knee does not extend beyond your toes. Raise, and repeat with the other leg. Build up to 15 repetitions.

Strengthen Your Calves
Don’t let time spent brushing your teeth go to waste: do some heel raises. Place your feet hip-width apart, look ahead and hold your tummy in. Raise your heels from the ground until you’re on the balls of your feet. Hold for a second, then lower your feet to the ground. Continue until you’ve finished cleaning your teeth – which should be about three minutes.

Bye Bye Batwings
Work out with your benchtop: Stand at arm’s length from your kitchen counter with your hands shoulder-width apart on the edge. Bend your elbows so your chest moves closer to the worktop, then extend your arms and move away. Think of it as a standing press-up, making sure you keep your body straight from head to heels. Do up to three sets of 15. Alternatively, why not try a spot of shadow boxing? Unlike traditional weight training, shadow boxing builds core strength, with the added benefit of improving balance, coordination and agility, plus endurance, flexibility and, of course, stronger, more toned arms.

Work Your Glutes
Help tone the muscles in your bottom while you’re on the phone. With a cordless phone or mobile, you can pace about or walk up and down stairs while chatting.

Outdoors
Play in the park with a thirty-minute game of frisbee. Delight your toddler with hard, constant pushes on the swings to work your arms.

Shape Up In The Garden
Your garden is already an aerobics course, but to get even more out of it, do wide-leg squats when weeding instead of bending from the waist, which can cause back pain. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and point your toes out. Keeping your upper body stretched upwards, lower yourself to a 90-degree angle at the knees.

Squeeze While You Queue
Whether you’re waiting in the doctor’s office or just queuing for a coffee or a bus, use the time to work those gluteal muscles. Just squeeze and release your buttocks for one minute, then draw your belly button towards your spine to work the deep abdominal muscles as well.

Shop Till You Drop
Shop locally instead of driving to the supermarket. Walk briskly to the shops and give your arms some strength training by carrying your shopping home – just make sure you don’t overload yourself, and balance yourself on each side.

Walk
A slow stroll is pleasant, but walking at a constant, brisk pace until you’re slightly breathless tones and strengthens the whole body. Next time you’re out walking, increase your pace and take in some hills to get your heart working and burn more kilojoules in less time.

Drive Time
Your abdominals are one of the easiest muscle groups to train. When you’re in your car, imagine you’re putting on a tight pair of jeans, suck in your tummy and hold the contraction. Then try to sing along with a song on the radio for about three minutes.

At Work
Park as far from the office as possible. Walk the rest of the way and you’ll burn some energy and save petrol. If you use public transport, get off a stop or two earlier.

Walkie Talkies
Schedule ‘walk and talk’ meetings instead of sit-down boardroom meetings, where appropriate. Arrange to walk with colleagues at lunchtime – and remember, walking around the shops counts!

Avoid Escalators And Lifts
These save time, but don’t make you fitter. If you use them all the time, break the habit slowly. If you work on the 10th floor of an office block, take the lift to the ninth and walk up the last flight of stairs. Then add more floors – you’ll get puffed at first, but it does get easier, honestly!

De-Feng Shui Your Office
Make sure your bin, filing cabinet, fax machine and photocopier are as far from your desk as possible, and instead of going to pick up all your print-outs at once, collect them every time you hit ‘print’. Stand to take phone calls when you can or use a bathroom on another floor.

Keep Refreshing
Have a glass of something on your desk at all times; it provides two opportunities to get moving: one to fill the glass to keep your fluid intake up, the other to go to the loo!

Vane Recruitment

Long Term Unemployment

2011-11-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

The latest tally of people out of work is an astonishing 2.57 million people which was announced for the period of June to August by the office of national statistics. Britain has experienced high levels of unemployment in the past, however this time around unemployment seems to be for the long haul.

Although the statistics show a clear view of the position that the labour market is currently in and its effect on the economy, it is not always clear why the situation occurs and its direct relationship to the population who are without jobs.

It initially originated from the companies who employ us in the first place. When a company starts to suffer from high costs of production they look to reduce cost, and one way in doing so is to cut back on the amount of wages they have to pay. Another way is to increase the prices of their goods or services, however this way would limit their competitiveness in the market. The unfortunate outcome was that they chose to reduce the cost of wages by reducing their work force.

This seems to explain how unemployment rises, but what it does not explain is how unemployment became long term.

Long term unemployment is what an economist dreads. Technically long term unemployment is when an individual has been out of work from 12 months or more. The two main reasons why unemployment in Britain became long term are due to changes in skill sets and changes to the setting of wages.

Firstly when the skills needed for work change, individuals outside of work find it harder to get jobs due to lacking these specific skills. Employers avoid employing individuals without the skill sets as it costs time and money to train that person up, so would rather hold onto the current employees.

Secondly employers are likely to increase the wages of their current workers to increase the effort they put in. This creates a barrier for the unemployed population to enter back into employment, because now employers can employ less people to achieve the same productivity. This eliminates the need for retraining costs.

So the longer an individual spends out of employment the more likely they will have the insufficient skill sets to keep up with the changing technologies within the work place, furthermore the added effect of rising wages for current workers causes the difficulty of getting the unemployed who might even be willing to work for less into work. This economically inefficient labour market then leads to a number of other issues with the economy.

by Stuart Hunter

Vane Recruitment

Armistice Day 11.11.11 {Laurence Binyon}

2011-11-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

For The Fallen
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Quote

2011-11-09T03:13:00.001-08:00

Vane Recruitment

Quote {Anthony J D'Angelo}

2011-11-09T02:48:00.000-08:00