Setting up a Business Blog | Great help on setting up a small business

What is Internet Marketing

On October 10, 2013, in Basic Startup Tips, Business Sales, Online Marketing, by admin

If you are already in business or looking at Setting up a Business regardless of the size of your company Internet Marketing of some form will be something that pops up in your business plan or general marketing plan. Yes we can still generate business through paper forms of advertising and it does still work, but performing or using a internet marketing company can be the best way to get the most out of your online success.

Internet Marketing Explained

Online Marketing is another form of the above, it simply means the way of promoting a brand, your products or even service over the internet. If you are looking for a general term, you’d take into consideration email marketing, search engine optimisation, social media activities or other promotional services.

It can also link together the techniques of search engine optimisation (SEO in short), for a website in the search engines. It is simply put the journey of raising your businesses profile online through various techniques. It also includes placing ads, this can be through Google adwords and can work for some businesses, especially when researching your best keywords online.

Online Marketing has different aspects and we have highlighted the most used:

Affiliate Marketing:
Display Advertising:
Email Marketing:
Inbound Marketing:
Search Engine Marketing:
Search Engine Optimization:
Social Media Marketing:

Why Internet Marketing is Important?

The World Wide Web in 2013 is or has truly become the number place to search for any given brand, product or service, and Google are the world leaders. Yahoo and Bing are also used, but at a smaller percentage. The Internet has grown and now has the power to connect millions and millions of people together in a instance, you can see this from facebook or Twitter or other social media websites.

Can I Track our Business Online Success?

When you compare the internet to paper forms of advertising it is miles apart from being the same, with any given website it is possible to track how many visitors a webpage has had, every minute every day and every year. Whereas with paper advertising there is no possible way to accurate way of tracking your readers. Measuring success can be done online through web analytics, every search engine will give you this for free, just open a webmaster account.

Where to Look for the Experts

If you are looking for a local company you may Google search for Internet Marketing Company Portsmouth, and work with a professional online SEO expert to help you improve your website ranking and work closely with a online marketing company to gain better online exposure. Possibly making every effort to gain the best possible return on investment for your business, especially when starting out in your new venture.

Electronic Emails and there Flaws

On October 10, 2013, in Business Problems & Services, by admin

Emailing and the dreaded pitfalls

In today’s world email offers a quick and easy method of communication between people and businesses, and is pretty much used by most companies and organisations worldwide. It however is important to realise that what may appear to be an informal method of communication between both parties, may accidentally enter a business or person into a legally binding contractual arrangement. There has been reported of many thousand cases in England of confirmed contracts entered into via email.

Contracts are the real heart of any company, from employment contracts to supplier contracts. An email of the legal relationship, their obligations and anything relevant between businesses or people does not always have to be in writing on paper, but an email can be sufficient, as does a verbal agreement.

An Electronic Signature

Since the start of the Electronic Communications Act which was formed back in the year 2000, an electronic signature has been admissible as evidence if it is incorporated into or it is logically associated with an electronic communication.

Texting, Facebook and Twitter to

Technically speaking there is no reason why contracts cannot be formed using your mobile phone in the form of a text message, or even by using a social network like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or Stumbleupon. Especially where social media is used for messaging between parties. There is likely to be a case law on this in the not so distant future as social media is becoming a crucial part of setting up a business, and the vaste majority of new and old businesses are using social media in some capacity.

An Innocent Error

On September 4, 2013, in Business Problems & Services, by admin

If you are looking to set up a new business and engage with someone to design a logo for print or even for a website, as a director or company owner you would probably presume that once you have paid your hard earned money over to the designer, you would actually own the rights to the logo?

The truth is no, although it can be an easy mistake to make, this is not the case. Under The Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988, it makes it very clear that the author of the work, for example the designer actually becomes the copyright owner, and not the business or director who actually commissions or pays for the work to be done.

We at setting up a business recently found out that the smoothie brand called Innocent drinks had similar difficulties themselves. The company in question actually lost its distinct ‘halo’ logo after it was trademark was invalidated. This was because they were under the completely false assumption that they owned the full copyright in the logo. Back many years ago in 1998 they hired a company to create their perfect logo design, with a briefing on what they were looking for and thus how the design was created.

With many issues arising in promised share returns, the trademark was subsequently cancelled and the copyright void. Accordingly to our sources the court actually made short work of finding that the copyright actually existed in the logo and that the design company was the original owner of the copyright because it had done the work.

When it comes down to owning a copyright, make sure that any third party assigns all their rights in the work over to your business, we suggest this is done from the outset. For this to be actually valid, it must be in writing, with dates, signatures and what was involved. This also includes and applies to anything designed by a third party by your company, including website design, brochures, adverts, photographs or anything similar.

Should I Stay at Work or go on Holiday?

On August 8, 2013, in Financial Information, Management, by admin

How much holiday entitlement are Employees legally allowed?

At Setting up a Business we always strive to give the very best information, but did you know or realise that from their first day of employment, all employees begin accruing statutory holiday entitlement under the Working Time Regulations (WTR as it’s known). Every leave year they’re entitled to 5.6 weeks annual leave, or as it is known ‘statutory holiday’. For example if you have employees working 5 days a working week, this is 28 days each year that can also include public and also bank holidays. With those part time workers entitled to a pro-rata which is the equivalent. So if you have a worker that works Monday through Wednesday which is on a three day week, would of course receive3/5ths of a 5.6 weeks leave, or 17 days.

How much should we pay our staff when they take an annual Holiday?

All employees are entitles to a week’s pay for each week of leave. The way this is calculated will of course depend on the circumstances of the employee. Employees with normal working hours, usually means their basic salary without commission or bonuses, if that applies. However, if there pay changes from week to week due to the amount of work completed in their hours of work, the holiday pay will be based on an average pay during those previous 12 weeks. This would include any commission and similar payment which varies in amount. Overtime pay would only be included when the overtime is guaranteed regularly. Rolled-up pay for holidays is actually unlawful becuase a worker receives no pay while actually on holiday: their holiday pay being ‘rolled up’ into the pay they receive whilst working.

Are Public or Bank Holidays entitled as well?

There is not currently a statutory right to include bank or public holidays. If the contract of employment states the staff are entitled to ‘x amount of days holiday’ plus bank and public holidays then employees are entitled to them. If no written contract is in place, then the employee has no legal right to bank or public holidays being taken.

Holiday pay and Maternity Leave

Women on their maternity leave continue to accrue holidays during their leave, so if a lady takes her full 52 weeks maternity leave will accrue a full year’s holiday entitlement during her time with her baby.

I have unused Holiday pay, do I loose it?

Under the Working Time Regulations unused statutory holiday expires at the end of the holiday year, meaning a worker isn’t entitled to carry this holiday allowance over or be paid in lieu. Although their is some exceptions in the case of maternity and long term absence by sickness, However if you or the employer agree that the member of staff can carry over any unused holiday into the next year, a simple condition might be that it is taken within a certain timescale or set days.

On termination of any kind of employment, the employee is always entitled to be paid in lieu of any accrued but untaken holidays entitlement.

Why to get a Small Business Website

On August 1, 2013, in Online Marketing, Setting up a Online Business, by admin

website design havant

Website Design in Havant

When starting any business think websites, if your a business in Havant then do a local Google search for Website Design in Havant. This is the obvious search term to type in, as working closely with any web designer should be simple and easy to build a relationship with, rather than working with someone up North. Yes these days emails and skype are great, but there simply isn’t anything better than building a local relationship with someone, it can bode well for the future.

When you start a business from the planned foundations it is important to think about all aspects of internet marketing, with the fierce competition online it is really a must. It’s no good finding a website design in Havant, or areas within Leigh Park, Bedhampton, Denvilles, Warblington, getting your online presence is crucial to any success online. In 2013 Google still dominate the online searches, the only way forward is to implement SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), but that’s a different story for another day!

Stand Out From the Crowd Online, not be Part of it

We just suggest finding someone or a company locally to where ever you may live, and get your business a new website design that fits well with your desires and ambitions. Even a simple one page website can very much help, or at least get you started. Then simply build upon what you already have later on, or when you have built a larger money pot! The way to find what suits your business is to search for your competitors, and see where your business could fit in or better still stand out from the crowd. If you have decided on blue and black for your business and after doing a competitor analysis you might discover blue and black is used too much, then simply change to blue and green, keeping it fresh and simple and get business from being different.

How to Setup a Limited Company

On July 24, 2013, in Basic Startup Tips, by admin

Setting up a limited company is much easier than you may think, and can be one of the best ways to build your business. It can also make you look more professional in your business approach to, as it can give you an official status within the business world. The great thing about running your own business as a ltd company is that you can truly define your own brand, and you can also become more tax efficient over being a sole trader, but we always suggest talking directly with an accountant to get the very best advise. Something you may want to think about when setting up a business is the cost, some companies or accountants charge a fortune to do this for you, but it is actually easier than you may think, and here’s why…

Follow our simple procedures to be up and running in no time at all…

1. Choose your desired Limited Status

There are two main types of companies:

Private Limited Companies – Ltd’s
Public Limited Companies – PLC’s

With the majority of freelancers like website designers, contractors for example builders who start up a business going for a private company Ltd, and by using this choice you only need one director and this director can also be the secretary. In the old days you would have need 2 people. As PLC’s companies must have a larger share capital of over £50,000, and at least two shareholders, two directors and also a qualified secretary, there are definitely more hoops to hop through here.

Setup your New Limited Company

2. Start the new company process

Simply go online and do a search for “Setting up a new company” or similar and you have pages of results and there are some great companies online.

We suggest choosing your name first, and checking it is available. This can be done via Companies House Web Check.
Use a Company Formation agent.
Or even go direct to Companies House.

You can check with either the formation agent or your accountant on the correct procedures when setting up a new business, especially when you get stuck online!

3. Completing the Incorporation Procedure

With Companies House being responsible for all Limited Company Registration in the UK. Their online website which is regularly updated can give any further detailed information.

The following documents must be completed and returned to Companies House, although if you are using them direct, a formations agent or your accountant they will do this automatically for you.

Memorandum of Association – Limited Company name and contact details
Articles of Association – basically outlining the directors, shareholders etc. (This is normally provided by the Company Act that sets up the Limited Company).

4. Remember the other legal bits too!

All Limited Companies must be registered at Companies House.
Annual returns and annual accounts must be completed and filled also. You should at this point get a local accountant, if you haven’t already, as they will take care of all this for you. But if you decide to do this yourself then you should get reminders about specific filling dates, if you don’t get in contact near the time, you won’t any fines or poenalties for late returns!

Be Successful and Make your New Business Succeed from Day One.

The key to a successful new company is to get the correct advise, ideally look up 3 local accountants and see all three in person to gauge their knowledge, expertise and helpfulness. Also note there fees and charges for various accountancy works throughout the year, some will offer a monthly charge at a set fee, others will simply charge per job. Either way find someone who can grow with you and help your business in years to come. Ideally once you setup your brand new business you will need some kind of marketing or website design, find a local business that can grow your initial thoughts and ideas, and truly build your new company.

Starting a Business

On July 3, 2013, in Basic Startup Tips, by admin

Starting a Business

Top Tips for Starting a Business

After reading today that business confidence is back at 2007 level, Starting a Business should be high on the agenda. There is fresh evidence that the UK’s economy is starting to recover from the past few years financial crisis, and why wait for a new job to come up when you could start up a business and employ yourself tomorrow. But for many this is a dilemma and here is some top tips on how to start your very own company.

The honest way most entrepreneurs will tell you is that anyone should give it a go, and if it fails then try something else. Not everything works, sometimes you can find something niche and get lucky, but other times finding something to do as a business is harder to pin down, but simply taking an existing business model and doing it better can sometimes be an option.

We are in a recession, should I wait to set up a business?

The truth is any business setting up in the harder times can be tricky, but look at it on the flipside, after the downturn things can only get better. You can use all of your gained experience you have learnt in these times to give you an advantage later on in your business. Then also when it booms again, the knowledge of poor times will keep you focussed.

Is there a business idea in front of you, but you just can’t see it?

Sometimes a business can be staring you directly in your face and you may not even know it, just look around you there is probably something you need, that simply isn’t out there. It is true that it is the niche businesses online and in the retail shops that can do very well. Or if you can’t find something to start with, then go out and look around the high streets, ask people questions, go to the universities and do research, research and more research. Once you find something then go out 100% on it, and enjoy starting up a business.

Getting all the correct business tools for the job

Building any business from the ground up can be very exciting, and luckily nowadays most of us have all the tools need for the job at home for example; paper, pens, computers, printers, phones and broadband connections are a good start and are the basics. Even if you need computer software, most companies give out a free 30 day trial; this will work great to see if it works well for your business and also gives your 30 days to boost your cash reserves. The biggest mistake most businesses make early on is either spending too much from the outset on expensive and unnecessary goods or simply doing too much too soon. A typical example of this is what we once heard someone say, they honestly believed that they needed professional equipment to become a quality car cleaner! The honest truth is that all you need to get started is simple bucket and sponge from the local diy shop costing only pence and pounds. Then simply charge a low fee until you can buy a better soap, sponge and wax. Just get started make some money and invest some back, business is actually quite simple.

Starting up in business as a contractor?

On June 23, 2013, in Business Problems & Services, Financial Information, by admin

Did you know there are around 200,000 freelancers and contractors working through umbrella companies in the UK, and the majority would be better off forming a limited company!

Setting up your own limited company is the best approach for most contractors. Don’t be fooled by Umbrella Companies claiming greater tax saving – that’s simply not true. If you are unsure of whether contracting is for you or are just between permanent jobs, then an Umbrella Company may be the option, but it is the most expensive way to work.

Various accounting companies specialise in contractor accounting. A limited company can be set up within 3 hours for as little as £39.99. Our full compliance service for contractors will ensure you pay the minimum tax & national insurance necessary, while preparing all your accounting & tax returns to comply with Companies House & HMRC rules for your company.

The main savings with a Limited Company over an Umbrella are related to National Insurance and the Flat Rate VAT Scheme. With a Limited Company you are able to pay zero National Insurance (while still gaining credits for the state pension). So the savings in National Insurance can be significant e.g. if you are a contractor on £200 per day you’ll save around £9,000 per year or if on £600 a day save around £20,000 per year. In addition, by joining the Flat Rate VAT scheme, you are also able to increase your earnings e.g. a contractor on £200 per day will have £1,710 extra income per year or if on £600 a day will have £5,130 extra income per year.

So setting up a business as your own limited company will increase your take home pay significantly. A good accountant will guide you through the process, ensure you minimise your tax & optimise your take home pay.

Small Claims Court threshold limit raised

On June 14, 2013, in Business Problems & Services, Financial Information, by admin

Small Claims Court threshold limit raised

Did you know that from April 1st 2013 the Small Claims threshold limit has changed from £5,000 to £10,000, this means the cases that started before the limit stay the same and the ones that have started get the increase. There will be more cases which will now be dealt within the small claims court track, as you are probably aware the main choice for going down this route is the court will usually be a little bit more involved, along with being helpful and sympathetic towards people representing themselves. This is turn will also save time and money on both sides. It is also thought that the lawyers costs will unlikely to given.

Setting up a Business believes that while in some cases it will be allocated to a track accordingly to their specific value, it is possible for a court judge to allocate claims of under £10,000 to the “fast track” or for claims greater than £10,000 to go to the small claims track, if at all the court deems it appropriate. If both parties are in agreement regarding the track then this is a factor the court will take into account.

On another note their is a procedure that is now in place that can change slightly, accordingly to the case. There will now be a preliminary allocation to track by a court clerk, with the opportunity for that to be altered after considering direction questionnaires, of which both parties are to complete. This replace the allocation questionnaires. With the expert witnesses now being only allowed to claim up to £750 capped.

Exclusions for the Small Claims Track

There are certain actions seeking a remedy for harassment or unlawful eviction relating to residential properties, disrepair claims relating to residential premises that exceed £1000, and personal injury claims where the claim for damages is more than £1,000 remain completely excluded from the small claims court track.

If you have setup a small business being new or old, and are having any kind of trouble like bad debts and may want debt collection then we always suggest talking with a solicitor, most do give a free initial review to see how they can help.

Keep your Blog Content Consistent

On June 6, 2013, in Basic Startup Tips, Online Marketing, by admin

Write Website Content that is Relevant to your Website or Blog

When writing your website content for your blog, it is very important to be consistent in what you write. This doesn’t mean you can’t, on some occasions write something that doesn’t exactly relate to your theme or story for your website, or have a website that encompasses everything, but it does mean you need to think and consider being consistent in what you insert online most of the time.

Keeping your blog content consistent content means keeping with the same theme for your entire web space. For example for this blog website, I am purely focusing on things that have to do with helping people in setting up a business and showing how to succeed online. For us we believe in giving, guiding and helping people start up a new business and helping them improve, we also believe in finding others businesses out there that can also help improve, and we would direct them to there.

Shall I just start talking about Dog Beds and Walking my Dog….No!

Web Design companies say… What it doesn’t really mean is that I suddenly start writing about pet products for your dog or cat, their accessories and where to have a wonderful walk with you dog! Although we have helped a lovely little dog business recently. The reason why we wouldn’t keep talking about dogs is because that is not consistent content, and we are a all about business in this website. Plus it may also hurt our rankings and put off our current readers, they may even not come back. You have to think about who your reader is, keep it sustainable, new and fresh, this in turn will also help your rankings too.

How can I write something within a business them, but about something not relevant?

So you may ask how can I write about something different to add to my website, without completely ruining the style of the content. Think about every day life and where you have been, for example you may go to the local butchers and get some meat, but you can’t really write about the meat. But what you can do to keep it in the business theme is to ask the business owner how he started, his pressures and what motivates him. This is then directly talking all about this local company, telling your readers (Or ours) all about your findings, every start up has to start somewhere even a butcher, you may even find it very interesting in telling his or her story.

Thanks for reading, and until next time………….