Business Matters RSS feed

Late payments having a ripple effect

2009-07-02 10:40:42

Late payments to businesses are causing a ‘ripple effect’ impacting on more than half UK businesses which could be costing them as much as £2 billion a year.

Vodafone customers to see a reduction in overseas internet costs

2009-06-30 16:11:25

Travellers are now set to get even better value and greater clarity on costs when accessing the internet around the world from their mobile phones or laptops from Vodafone UK.

Britain's workers on six day weeks to keep jobs

2009-06-30 11:25:48

Overtime is becoming the norm for almost 50% of staff since the financial crisis began, according to new research from BT Business. More than a third of those Brits feel compelled to work over their contracted hours every week because of the current climate, with most working an average of 7 extra hours per week – the equivalent of an extra day - and collectively putting £200 million in extra hours into the British economy each week.

Threshers fails to deliver for franchisees

2009-06-30 02:18:46

Some franchisees of the off-licence chain Threshers are suffering a stock crisis and are furious about how its private equity-owned parent, First Quench Group, is running the operation.

How naivety may have helped one couple set up their business

2009-06-30 01:55:13

We talk to Henry Braham and Glynis Murray who work in the film industry – but launched Good Oil in 2004 after stumbling across hemp seed oil's nutty taste and nutritional benefits. Today, the company has a turnover of £1m

Young Enterprise company finalists

2009-06-30 01:38:15

The prestigious HSBC Young Enterprise Regional Company winners have been announced.

Don't like your clothes? Just tweet us...

2009-06-30 01:24:37

Online clothing retailer ASOS is now addressing customer complaints and comments through micro-blogging site Twitter. Is this the start of a change in dealing with customer complaints and something that other companies should follow?

Business owners bang on the money with employee claims

2009-06-30 00:51:22

As MPs continue to face the aftermath of the expenses scandal, new research has highlighted that small businesses are well ahead of the government when it comes to transparency and expenses claims. More than eight out of ten (84%) business owners say they have always closely scrutinised expense claims forms and will continue to do so.

Smart technology can give businesses the edge

2009-06-29 21:23:19

Paul Bray looks at how if you prang your new BMW and the air bags deploy, the car can automatically tell the manufacturers so they can alert the emergency services. If you're in hospital in Madrid and a nurse tries to administer the wrong drug, an alarm automatically sounds. If you buy a chop in a Norwegian supermarket, you could be told the name of the pig it came from.

Can you sell with integrity?

2009-06-29 21:09:17

Leading sales expert Grant Leboff looks at how, regardless of the economic conditions, you can boost your sales by selling with integrity,