Sister Business newsletter (UK) Feb 2006

8/6/2019 Sister Business newsletter (UK) Feb 2006

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February 2006

From The Editors Office

For women in business and those aspiring to be

SSIISSTTEERR BB UUSSIINNEESSSS UUKK

CHINESE NEW YEAR!


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WHATS INSIDE INTHIS MONTH

Editors Message & contactdetails

News round-up

What You Say Whats on The Editors Desk Stop Press: SBUK special offer

LEGAL: Watch out for legalchanges in 2006

TRAINING: Better training

'driving up productivity' HR: Job satisfaction on the up

FINANCE TECHNOLOGY

PR: Getting ready for a taste ofreality, part three

How I Got Here Media request/adverts Events & exhibitions

Useful business links

Links to journals & magazines

Writers & contributorsguidelines/deadlines

Newsletter advertising, prices,terms & conditions

Front cover picture: VisitLondon.co.uk

Want to contact SisterBusiness UK?

Central London office: Suite 109, 34Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1H0RH

Croydon office: Studio 190, 226 HighStreet, Croydon CR9 1DF

Telephone/fax: 0845 125 9493

Email:The Editor's Office

Web:The Editor's Office

Contact: Caroline Lashley

EDITORS MESSAGE

Hi, I'm Caroline Lashley, and welcome to SisterBusiness UK. Well, Im here to report Im still hangingon to my business baby despite being on thedreaded treadmill of looking for conventional andtraditional employment!

I recently took myself off to a small recruitment agency which deals with candidates dunecertain age (ie. over 40!) and was swiftly reminded why it was I decided to run for independence(even though right I could do with the money to match!) The consultant facing me was initiallyall smiles before announcing he couldnt quite make out my CV (it was chronological and Ivehad an interesting career its a rare person these days whos got a straight-line career) andsaid I needed to revamp it to put me in my best light. Fair enough point if I was going for a

high-profile post as the CEO of a FTSE-100 company, not some two-bit part-time admin post inAldgate! He asked me and Im not kidding and after he told me that the same very post that Ithought was relatively straightforward (in that I can do the work with my eyes closed for a limitednumber of hours per day and then leave!) had its goalposts changed and wasnt quite the job Ithought it was Strike one.

Then he asked me what I was looking for now for someone who intends to go back tobusiness, I wanted something flexible, that fitted in with my lifestyle, and not too arduous. Helooked at me as though Id just grown three heads this interview wasnt going well Strike two.

The finale was that killer question given this was a part-time post - What could I bring to theparty? (his words, not mine) Now, having left corporate UK just under three years ago for a

whole heap of reasons (not least that corporate UK wasnt quite prepared to develop my careerin the way I wanted), Imnowasked what could I bring to the party? And UK companieswonder why they get cant find good staff? If I could have slapped him and got away with it itwas a complete waste of time strike three.

For some of us who have been out of the corporate loop by enjoying our independence (and Ihave, in spite of my current situation), its quite a shock to realise at 40-plus, youre almostexpected to come down to the level of a school-leaver, and be paid like one. Im bringing to thetable small business experience, PR, legal knowledge, some marketing, media, enthusiasm,independent thinking and many more attributes besides for some company not to pay mewhat I think Im worth? On the day that Ken Livingstone et al was having a conference aboutwomens pay in London being less than mens, the minute I told this consultant I wanted no lessthan 10 an hour for what I was prepared to bring to the party, he looked at me like I wascrazy And you know what? For once in my life and despite the fact my cash flow isnt howId like it - I have a good feeling about how much Im worth and I like that very much.

As always, tell us what you want to see and read in SBUK - and share your success with ustoo. If you're still in corporate UK on that fast track to success, we haven't forgotten you either -we know it's tough! If you've enjoyed reading this, tell your friends and business associates andpass it on.


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News round-upLondon host to technology event

A series of events aimed at high-tech businesses looking forpartnerships will be coming to London for the first time ever inMay.

Technology World 06, the UKs only partnering event, arrivesat London on May 15 for a series of exhibitions, seminars andone to one meetings with cutting-edge companies.UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the government organisationthat provides support for UK firms wishing to expand overseas,is urging London businesses to sign up to the event.A spokesperson said: We urge London businesses to sign upto the Technology World 06. London is a key area where manyof our most talented research and development projects are

taking place and it will be an ideal location for UK businessesto showcase their innovative new products to the worldmarket.

Source: BL4L

Firms attack government support

The government's business support services are offeringinadequate services that are driving companies away frompublicly funded schemes, a pressure group has claimed.A new report from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)warns that businesses face a "baffling array of conflicting,confusing and inconsistent quangos, grants and agenciesacross the UK".Satisfaction with England's 2,650 schemes is so low, the CBIsays, that firms are turning away because they do not trust thequality of service or believe it matches their needs.Even more simply do not know what help is available to them,the group claims.According to the report, just one in seven firms uses Business

Links, despite being the government's chief business supportservice and collecting 140m in taxpayer funding each year.

"With UK levels of entrepreneurial activity stalling, and levelsrising elsewhere in the world, it is more crucial than ever thatgovernment services help to deliver productivity gains forbusiness," said Ian McCafferty, CBI chief economic adviser.

"Quality business support is proven to boost survival andgrowth prospects so it is essential to enabling an enterpriserevolution. However, there are too many overlapping,

confusing and inconsistent schemes."

The CBI is calling for better cooperation between governmentand regional support services to work more closely withbusiness.

The group said government should streamline its services tostart and improve training for its advisers, particularly thoselacking a business background. Many firms are seekingstrategic advice, when the regional bodies are offering mostly"nuts-and-bolts help", the report said.

Publicly funded initiatives must also reflect business demandand address failures or gaps in the market, according to theCBI. One such gap, it said, is the lack of a support network forsmall firms looking to grow.

Source: startups.co.uk

London to open womens businesscentre

The London Business School and a global investment bankhave announced joint plans to develop a support centre forwomen in business.

Lehman Brothers and the post-graduate business school willcommit 1.75m over five years toward establishing theLehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business. Organiserssay the new centre aims tot tackle the challenges businessesface in attracting and retaining talented women staff and willalso work to transform business education and practice, aswell as serve as a springboard for new ideas and debate.

"The Lehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business willbring together academic theory and real life practice in thecrucial area of gender diversity and the recognition of womens

importance in the work place," said Laura Tyson, dean of theLondon Business School. "As attracting, retaining andpromoting talented women becomes an increasingly pressingchallenge for business, it is important to ensure that there is adynamic interface between intellectual thought and industrypractice."Tyson and Lynda Gratton, Alternative Investment Market fellowand associate professor of organisational behaviour, will in-augurate the centre with a study of women in European busi-ness and attempt to explain gender differences in attitudes,behaviours and preferences. Part of the centre's focus will beto encourage international debate, which they will foment byinviting industry practitioners and academics worldwide.

SBUK legal columnist get published

Yvette Hoskings-James, SBUK legal columnist, has written herfirst book called Business agreements made easy.


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Free case studies

A series of free case studies to encourage companies to copybest practice has been launched by www.businesslink.gov.uk,the Government's national website providing practical guidance

for small and medium-sized organisations.Forward @ 50 course gets re-run

The next course of Forward at 50, training and support forwomen who want to make a success of being self - employed,starts in March. 2006. If you would like to know whathappened on the 2005 course, go online, there is a website at:http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/depts/mpd/research/micro_ent/f50

Help improve business support inLondon

Businesses are being invited to make a difference to the futureof business support in London.

The London Development Agency (LDA), the Mayors agencyfor business and jobs, is asking small firms to give theirfeedback on a series of proposals it has developed to improvebusiness support services which includes the provision ofassistance, advice and services.

The proposals have a number of aims, including

Ensuring businesses know where to go for help

Ensuring businesses quickly get the right support through referrals, enquiry handling

Ensuring businesses are offered the right type ofassistance by the right provider

Make better use of the private sector to deliverbusiness support

Further details of the LDAs recommendations are containedin its report How can the LDA improve support tobusinesses? (see attached document), which businesses areencouraged to read.

Firms are being asked to considered whether the LDAs visionis correct, whether it has addressed the right priorities andwhether these proposals will make a difference to Londonbusinesses.

Any comments, feedback or suggestions should be emailed to:[email protected] by 31 March 2006. For further info-rmation on the proposals, visit the LDA's website or read theattached document: LDABusiness_Support_Proposals.pdf(pdf, 438K)

Source: BL4L

British Library centre 'to cut start upcosts'

Industry minister Alun Michael and delegates from the LondonDevelopment Agency, Business Link for London, the PatentOffice and others were given a 'hard-hat' tour of the Library'snew Business & Intellectual Property (IP) Centre, due to openin early March.

The institution is aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, inventorsand creatives from their initial entrepreneurial idea through tothe successful launch of their business. They will have freeaccess to market research reports, industry journals,government statistics and online databases of patents,company and market sector information.

Source: BL4L

Jubilee line expands for 2012

London mayor Ken Livingstone has officially unveiled arevamped Jubilee line on the London Underground which hesays will be a "key transport link" for the 2012 Olympics.

All Jubilee line trains now carry an extra seventh carriage in anattempt to account for rising passenger numbers and to laygroundwork for the Olympic transport network.

During the morning and evening peak times, an extra 6,000people an hour - or 90,000 people a day - can travel "safelyand reliably" through central London and to Canary Wharf, themayor said.

The increased capacity could ferry the entire 65,000 workingpopulation of Canary Wharf, pack out the new Wembleystadium, or fill the Royal Albert Hall ten times over.

Since its modification, passenger numbers have increased by12% at Canary Wharf station, one of the busiest on the Jubileeline.

Livingstone said that as well as proving crucial to a successful2012 Olympic Games, the improved service also savesLondon a potential 1.6m hours every year, benefiting

businesses across the capital.

"After many years when London's public services were starvedof cash we are now investing heavily in the transport system,and the increased capacity on the Jubilee Line will be a majorboost for this key transport link, which connects up north westLondon, central London, Canary Wharf and the London 2012Olympic site," Livingstone said.

"An extra 90,000 passengers can now travel on the Jubilee lineevery day, which is great news for Londoners and businessesin the capital."

Source: Crimson Business Ltd/BL4L


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News round-up

Yana Cosmetics goes online .

Award-winning SBUK reader Yana Johnson of YanaCosmetics has recently launched her make-up and beautyservices website. To catch up with whats available, go tohttp://www.yanacosmetics.com

New health and safety guide

launched for managers

Small-business managers can help to reduce the impactcaused by workplace health and safety breaches,thanks to a new guide produced by the Institution ofOccupational Safety and Health.

The guide, Questioning performance - the director's essentialguide to health, safety and the environment, is aimed athelping to reduce the yearly cost of workplace incidents on UKbusinesses. This figure is approximately 30bn, or ten per centof company trading profits.

"Increasingly, company directors are seen to be responsible forthe health, safety and environmental record of theirbusinesses," said one of the guide's authors, formerConservative government minister John Gummer. "Customers,shareholders and the wider public know that the profitabilityand reputation of a company is put at risk when directors donot measure up to these growing expectations."

Co-author David Eves added: "Directors are responsible for thebig picture, and have to ensure that their company will surviveand prosper in a harsh, competitive world. They may reach the

boardroom with little or no experience of managing risks tohealth and safety. If they think this is best left to experts whilethey concentrate on the company's financial success, they doso at their peril."

The guide sets out to provide directors with information on theirhealth and safety responsibilities, and to improve their ability toevaluate the effectiveness of the health and safety measuresthey currently have in place. The guide covers areas including:

legal requirements;

enforcement agencies and penalties;

creating a health and safety policy; monitoring, measuring and benchmarking;

auditing, reviewing and reporting;

environmental management; and

major hazards.

The guide costs 35. For more information and to order acopy, visit the Institution of Occupational Safety and Healthwebsite at www.iosh.co.uk/books.

Source:Business Hotline Publications 2006

DTI kicks off enterprise contest

Some of the countrys most successful entrepreneurs haveteamed up with the government to pinpoint Britains most

enterprising areas.

The Department of Trade and Industrys (DTI) Small BusinessService kicks off its Enterprising Britain competition, thegovernments annual search for the town, city, place or area inthe UK that best encourages enterprise.

The scheme was launched in 2004 by chancellor GordonBrown to boost start-up business rates and overallentrepreneurial activity in the UK The competition runsnationally across England, Scotland, Wales and NorthernIreland, operating in two stages: a regional nomination stage

and a national competition between the regional finalists.

Candidate towns, cities, places or areas must demonstrate tojudges how they have supported and promoted enterprise overthe last three years and encourage an entrepreneurial spiritwithin their community.

Regional heats are scheduled to run from today to 31 May.Candidates may enter the competition through their localRegional Development Agency.

Source: Startups.co.uk


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Whats on The Editors Desk

Well, thats my self-assessment

form sorted until next year.These things are really sent totry us! As Ive said in theEditors Message, Im now job-hunting for a simple,straightforward part-time job thatI can do to bring in regular billsmoney until my business picksup! Not quite the place I hadplanned to find myself but heyneeds must! Given my recentexperience at registering with arecruitment agency aimed at

those of us over 40, I think Illtake my chances with thecompanies direct, thanksandincrease the number ofspeculative job applications forfreelance writing!

One thing I did this month wasto catch with the girls I met onthe Elevate Leadership &Management training: it was alively session with lots of gossip,

news, tea, coffee and chocolatechip cookies! All of us are onthe move in one way or another- and on my way out of theWomens Resource Centre(WRC), I picked up the latestedition of the Source (their bi-monthly magazine) only to findmyself on the front cover on avery small picture (and no, Ididnt take up the entirespace!) Theyve done a

feature on the programme andyes, Im featured being veryassertive As far as I know,WRCs currently recruiting forthe next intake, so if youreinterested, details are includedin the feature in the nextcolumn!

Until next month, happybusiness


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STOP PRESS: Extension of SBUKs January offer!In case for whatever reason you didnt get a chance to take advantage of last monthsoffer (and as a thank you as our loyal readers, were offering all of you - and yes, you can

extend this offer to your business friends and associates, so let them know!) an email-basedPR consultation plus a FREEcustomised press release template for only 100! Offer c losesat the close of business, 24 February 2006. For more details, email [email protected] Extended SBUK offer in the subject line

Legal: Watch out for legal changes in 2006You might have thought that, after hundreds of years of tweaking, British law would be approaching something pretty near toperfection. Sadly, this isnt quite the case and so in 2006 another raft of new laws and amendments to existing ones will beintroduced. In this hot tip these are the legal changes that will directly affect smaller businesses.

Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2005 and Date of implementation: 1 February 2006

Change: This update increases the compensation limit for unfair dismissal from 56,800 to 58,400. It also increases the cap ona weeks statutory redundancy pay from 280 to 290.

Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay andDate of implementation: 2 April 2006

Change: The rates have increased by around 2.5%, from 106 to 108.85 per week (or 90% of average earnings, if less).

Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 and Date of implementation: 6April 2006

Change: This will provide more clarity as to whether TUPE applies to contracting out.

Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 and Date of implementation: 1 October 2006

Change: Probably the key change of 2006, this will outlaw unjustified employment discrimination on the grounds of age. A newprocedure will also be introduced that applies when retiring an employee.

National Minimum Wage andDate of implementation: 1 October 2006

Change: Another rise could be on the way. The Low Payment Commission will report to Government this month withrecommendations.

Work and Families Bill and Date of implementation: 1 October 2006

Change: The Bill is on its way through Parliament. One of the key changes proposed is to extend maternity pay from six to ninemonths, though this change would not be implemented until April 2007.

Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and Date of implementation: 1 October 2006

Change: An amendment will be made relating to an ECJ decision on when notice can be given to employees during collectiveredundancies.

SOURCE: FPB news lelter and Mace & Jones For details on Mace & Jones range of legal services, click here.


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Training : Better training 'driving up productivity' Businesses' improved employee training strategies may be helping to close the UK's productivity gap with its global competitors,new research suggests.

According to the report by the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF), there is a clear link between the productivity andprofitability of firms which place a high priority on training staff. The poll of UK manufacturers found that companies relatingtraining plans to their strategic business goals performed the best.

Two thirds of respondents said improving productivity was the main driver in their increased focus on training, with half saying ithad improved as a result.

The vast majority of firms, for example, signed up to the Investors in People (IiP) Standard, a government-backed initiative whichpromotes good employee management, had experienced increased productivity over the past year compared to only 20% notfollowing the Standard. Another third of participating companies said profitability had also improved.

EEF said the findings showed the UK may finally be starting to close the productivity gap with its international competitors.According to Office of National Statistics figures, UK productivity is 10% below the average for the G7 nations.

Martin Templeman, EEF director general, said: This report demonstrates that increasing the amount spent on training is notenough on its own to improve performance. The companies that are able to steal a march on their competitors are those with abusiness culture which clearly aligns their investment in skills and training to their overall business goals."

Ruth Spellman, chief executive of IiP UK, added: "There is good evidence from this work and our own research to suggest thatcompanies who invest in their staff's training and development enjoy lower employee turnover, higher productivity and improvedstaff morale. "All of these elements affect a company's financial performance and can make the difference between businesssuccess and failure."

The survey revealed that most firms increased their training spend over the past 12 months and were planning to do so againduring the coming year.

SOURCE:

NEWS EXTRA: High Street bank launches Start-up StarsHSBC has launched its annual search for outstanding new UK businesses, with a prize of 25,000 on off er for thewinner.

The Start-up Stars awards set out to identify and reward young businesses from across the UK which have used a combination ofcreativity and sound business practice to become successful in their field.

The awards, which are in their sixth year and are supported by the Daily Express and Sky News, are open to any business,provided they are less than three years old - whether or not they bank with HSBC.

HSBC stresses that size and growth rate are not the key factors in choosing the winning business. Instead, HSBC suggests thewinner should have an 'X-Factor that others can look to for inspiration if they are contemplating turning their own businessdreams into a reality'. Last year's winner was Club Asia, a London-based radio station launched by two sisters which, withinthree years, went on to become London's fastest-growing commercial radio station.

This year, the awards have been expanded to include a regional focus, to initially identify 25 regional winners which are then putforward to compete for the national title. In September, a final list of ten national finalists will be announced, each of whom will beinvited to attend the awards ceremony in London in October. The winner receives a 25,000 top prize with 5,000 for the runner-up. Entry forms can be obtained by calling 0870 9023333 or visit http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/business/accounts/startup-stars-2006.

SOURCE: Microsoft Small Business News Online


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HR FEATURE: Job satisfaction on the up The vast majority of employees are content in their current job, largely due to the quality of their work environment, according to anew survey.

A poll of nearly 3,000 workers by employment law firm Peninsula found that 77% are happy where they are, up from 59% lastyear. Almost a third of employees attributed their job satisfaction to a good relationship with colleagues and an overall pleasantworking environment, while a quarter said their salary and job perks kept them happy.

But while pay still remains a top motivator, the report found that other traditional desires, such as promotion opportunities and jobsecurity, have given way to workers' stronger need for a better quality of life. Staff are keen to avoid the commuter lifestyle andachieve a greater work-life balance, said Danny Done, portfolio payroll director at Peninsula.

"Technological advances, such as the internet, have made working from home possible, and this has been embraced byworkers," Done said.

A stable economy over the last six years has helped allay many workers' fears over job security and concerns about money, headded, with recent legislation weighed in favour of employees giving them further confidence. A third of all staff said flexibilityand broader rights have made them content where they are.

SOURCE: BL4L

Sales Staff Most at R isk From W orkplace Ageism

Sales representatives, who have an average age of just 30, top the league table of occupations believed to be most at riskfrom age discrimination. This was voted by over six in ten employers in a survey by employment law experts and HR advisors,Croner.

The UKs 1.4 million construction workers follow close behind sales reps (voted by 50%). Waiting staff, of which four in ten areunder 19 years old, come in third (voted by 40%).

People whose jobs involve face-to-face customer interaction emerged as being by far the most at risk of age discrimination,with these roles representing three of the top four in the survey. Customer service staff appear fourth, voted by nearly 30%.The public sector fares much better, with teachers thought to be at risk of age discrimination by only 13% and nurses by evenless at one in ten. And it seems cleaners can pick up a duster no matter what their age, voted at risk by just 8%.The survey was conducted among 10,000 human resources directors and managers working in organisations of all sizes inthe UK. It asked them how vulnerable they thought individuals - young or old - are to age discrimination because of theiroccupation.

The findings echo a traditional view that employers looking to fill a customer-facing role, such as a shop assistant orbarperson, could be influenced by a persons age. And when it comes to more manual blue-collar occupations it seems thatsomeone younger could be perceived as physically fitter for the job. However, when age discrimination laws come into forcein October this year, it will be illegal for age to be a factor in any employment decision, meaning employers must judge staffpurely on their ability, not their youthful looks or perceived sprightliness.

Richard Smith, employment services director at Croner, believes the new law will come as a shock to some professions,especially those which already lag behind others in employing an age diverse workforce, such as construction and hospitality.He says: Its not exactly surprising that jobs considered to be most at risk from age discrimination are those traditionallyassociated with physical appearance and exertion. This is a reflection of our society which links youthfulness to energy,attractiveness and sometimes even ability. But attitudes towards more mature people are changing. This combined withtodays longer life expectancy means we now have a new older generation who have just as much to offer society as theyever did. This needs to be recognised in the workplace. What this means is that employers, especially those in our high riskprofessions, need to change the way they think about a candidates age and ensure that too young or too old is no longer afactor in ANY employment decision they make, such as hiring and firing.The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006 will:

Prohibit unjustified age discrimination in employment and vocational training


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Require employers who set their retirement age below the default age of 65 to justify or change it

Introduce a new duty on employers to consider an employees request to continue working beyond retirement

Require employers to inform employees in writing, and at least 6 months in advance, of their intended retirementdate. This will allow people to plan for their retirement

Remove the upper age limit for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights, giving older workers the same rights toclaim unfair dismissal or receive a redundancy payment as younger workers, unless there is a genuine retirement

Include provisions relating to service related benefits and occupational pensions.

SOURCE: CRONER-i Human Resources

FINANCE FEATURE: Firms fail to speed up paymentsBusinesses are failing to reduce the time taken to pay their bills with larger firms the worst offenders, new research shows.

Companies currently take an average 60 days to settle invoices, almost exactly the same as last year, according to the study bybusiness information specialists Experian. The analysis of 366,633 companies showed despite legislation introduced in 1999 totackle late payment, the average time taken to pay debts is still two days longer than before the regulations became law.

Firms of all sizes have got worse at paying up, Experian said, but large businesses are the tardiest.Big firms take an average 80.6 days to pay their suppliers - often smaller businesses - while small companies don't pay up for anaverage 59.2 days. Both figures were up on that recorded in 2005 although the gap between large and small companies iswidening, the report showed.

In 1997, large corporates took an average 72.5 days to pay their bills, eight days less than they do now. Small companies settleddebts after 55.2 days, four days less than currently.

Richard Lloyd, managing director of Experian's Business Information Division, said: "Late payment by suppliers plays a majorpart in business failure and a rapidly deteriorating payment trend is very often a warning sign that a company is in financialdifficulties and heading towards insolvency.

"Companies owe it to their shareholders and employees to ensure that they protect themselves from customers that simply paylate and those that are suffering cash flow problems by checking the payment record of prospects and customers - even if they'vebeen customers for years."SOURCE:BL4L

Almost a third of UK firms chase debtors in court

Almost a third (31 per cent) of UK companies have been to court in the past year to chase outstanding debts from businesscustomers - that's the startling conclusion of an online survey from the Better Payment Practice Group (BPPG). But theorganisation argues that legal action should always be a last resort.

"Going to court can be an effective method of recovering money, but it can also be expensive, stressful and time-consuming,"said Clive Lewis, BPPG member and head of small business at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Lewis added that some firms surveyed might have avoided court action by improving their credit management procedures."Businesses need to credit-check new customers, agree terms of trade at the outset, invoice promptly and be persistent aboutchasing late payments. If further action is required, then alternatives to court should be considered first, such as employing acollection agent or getting a solicitor who specialises in debt collection to write a strongly-worded letter on your behalf."

Richard Wilson, chairman of the BPPG, added: "The prospect of being summoned to court on a late payment charge is a gooddeterrent, but by recognising the early warning signs of a financially troubled customer, firms can take steps to minimise theeffects of possible default and insolvency. "Armed with this information, businesses are in a much better position to weigh up thepotential risks of trading with their customers."

For more information on late payments and to calculate interest on overdue invoices visit www.payontime.co.ukSOURCE: Business Hotline Publications 2006/Microsoft Small Business News


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TECHNOLOGY: Micros ' ignoring e-pay benefits'

Small companies have made great strides in getting their business online, but some of the smallest have yet to embrace theinternet when it comes to paying taxes, a study claims.

More than half of micro-businesses, or companies with fewer than five employees, admit they are either financially oradministratively unprepared for a tax or VAT bill, even though 63% control their bank accounts via the internet. The survey bysoftware firm Two Oars found that while these small businesses have embraced the internet for business and personal banking,they have not matched this approach across other activities.

Owners overwhelmingly agreed that their business finances are managed better than their personal accounts, yet the study foundthat 37% of micro-business have transferred a debt to a credit card to fund their operations.

Two Oars' chief executive, Nick Doddy, said that small businesses' perception of financial control may not be matched by thereality. "Small firms intimately know their business, after all for sole traders they are their business," Doddy said. "But thisfamiliarity, as we see regularly with personal debt, doesn't necessarily mean that these businesses have an accurate picture of

their true spending or tax liabilities.

"Most simply aren't big enough to have dedicated departments to track these things, meaning that for the majority their actualtrading position is only known once their accountant has trawled through their 'shoe-box' full of receipts in January and completedtheir income tax return."SOURCE: Startups.co.uk

Is your IT support up to stratch?

One in 10 small firms decides what technology to invest in on the basis of nothing more than gut feeling, research by CiscoSystems suggests. More than four in 10 small businesses believe they are left in the lurch when purchasing new technology andfeel they are not given the option of having products specifically designed for their own needs.

Research conducted by internet networking company Cisco suggests that despite seeing the benefit of new technologies, 42% ofsmall companies complain they receive insufficient after-sales support, while 41% resent having enterprise-scale technologydesigned to fit larger organisations forced on them.

Considering that 99% of businesses in the UK employ less than 250 staff, it is woefully inadequate for technology providers to bejust providing products designed for businesses with 1,000+ workforces, said Bernadette Wightman, head of SMB sales forCisco Systems. Once businesses have invested they need continued access to technical engineers, operating system softwaremaintenance and easy-to-understand configuration instructions.

As well as having to overcome these obstacles, the research also revealed that more one in 10 (13%) small companies rely ontheir gut feeling when it comes to investing in new technology, with the worst offenders start-up firms where the figure rose to21%.

Larger SMEs tend to do a bit more research, Cisco claims, with 57% consulting journals or magazines, 38% seeking advice fromtheir peers and external business consultants. Small businesses must do more with less and simply cannot afford to make ill-considered judgements around IT, Wightman added.

The majority (20%) of small firms only employ an IT or network manager when they employ 75 members of staff, the surveyadded, with the managing director or business owner being responsible for IT purchases in 32% of companies.

But despite the challenge of buying IT and ensuring they get proper after-sales support, small business acknowledge the roletechnology plays in helping their business. Of those firms polled by Cisco, 77% said IT had improved their levels of customerservice, 76% had seen a rise in productivity and 45% used technology to allow them to compete with bigger rivals on a more level

playing field.SOURCE: New Business Magazine Online


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Getting ready for a taste of reality part threeBy Caroline Lashley, The Editors Office

Now that were all making inroads into 2006, one of the things on my to-do list was to

raise my own profile and that of The Editors Office. As far as that goes, Im still waitingto hear whether or not Ive made the short list for Gordon Ramseys The F Word; apartfrom one phone in the run-up to the festivities, Ive not heard anything. Unfortunately, Icant tell you anything other than its the nature of the beast. You can put yourselfforward for all sorts of media opportunities (and this year, Ive decided to up thenumbers of such opportunities) but you cant put the rest of your life on hold while youregetting ready for your close-up and fifteen minutes of fame!

As Ive said before, there are plenty of media opportunities out there if you know where to look. The trick is, to balance that withrunning your business. Being on TV is good (not least because it puts you in other peoples homes and give the TV critics among others something to write about if they can be bothered to watch the programme in the first place) but you must knowthat youre there essentially to be that nights entertainment and more so if youre appearing on one of these reality-TV

programmes. Take it for what it is a chance to get some TV exposure, but realise that you have no say in how theprogrammes edited, produced, making you look good or incidentally, when its transmitted. And one major thing before I forgetto mention this: if youre involved in a documentary of any sort, the crew (and it may be the researchers job) will get you to sign arelease consent form. From my understanding of it (bearing in mind this is for me the first time Ive ever been involved in a doc)This basically means that in exchange for the chance of being seen on TV, you have no say in how the programmes edited,youre not necessarily going to get paid (your payment is the chance to be on telly and tell your mum and the rest of the worldwho cares to listen to pay attention, otherwise blink and you may miss seeing that debut) and if you get notice of yourappearance prior to the transmission or broadcast date, you can write a brief press release or news alert and let others know(especially local newspapers as they might be interested in interviewing you for a larger article) to bundle the whole thing up. Ifyoure really smart (and/or lucky), ask them if its possible for you to have a copy for posterity. If you intend to use for your ownpublicity purposes, then it might be wise to ask for permission as its their copyright not yours! before you find yourself in courtfor breach of copyright. not a good PR move!

So far this year, Ive had phone calls from a TV production company who have finally got the go-ahead to do their documentaryon beauty, fashion, and the more voluptuous woman for Channel 4. I decided to put in my tuppences worth because Ive gotsomething to say on this (and it gives me the chance to write about being involved in a documentary as opposed to reality TV) and I recently had a meeting with them to bounce some initial ideas. The time elapsed between meeting the TV crew last monthand the initial 45-minute call I had with them last autumn? Oooohhhh a good three-four months! Life in the world of TV, likeeverything, has its own rhythm. Hence the need to get on your life while retaining a degree of flexibility so that if things do pickup, you can still take advantage of the media opportunity! However, as with any media opportunity, make sure you know whyyoure going for it remember to tie this bit of publicity with the aims and objectives of your company, and not necessarily withthe aims and objectives of your ego!

As for me (given my current situation and wanting to stay independent!), Ive applied to appear for a business boot-campprogramme (currently going thru the phone interview stage), and a possible interview with The Times (SME MOT, but well see)

for some high-profile help (while hopefully helping others in a similar position I cant be the only person whos finding it hard toget the right sort of clients and get paid too!) and Im upping my personal profile by contributing online to a blog written by aTimes journalist turned entrepreneur and similarly with the Daily Telegraph (if I can find something worthwhile to say!) so that atleast once a week my name or The Editors Office is picked up by Google and those other search engines

Yes, handling your own PR and running your own business can be difficult, time-consuming and a challenge theres no gettingaway from it. But get really good at it and it can eventually pay dividends in the long run.

CONTACT DETAILS: Featured inThe Voice in November 2004 and in the new Business Link No-Nonsense Guide to SmallBusiness Funding 2005,Caroline Lashley runs The Editors Office, a virtual press office aimed at sole traders and small businesses

in the creative industries and can be contacted on 0845 125 9493, on 07931 648440 (call or text) and via email [email protected] [email protected]


13/19

HOW I GOT HERE.Simi Belo, Imiis (NewHair) Ltd

I first met this glamorous sis ter over a late morning, round-table breakfast meeting in a tucked awaycorner of the City. After a series of quick delegate intros, Simi Belo of Imiis Ltd showed off her partytrick (aka NewHair) and left many of us present open-mouthed and silently thanking God theresanother option to spending p recious Saturdays in the hairdressers getting our crowning glory sleek and

sexy Simi Belo (pictured above with her collection of mannequins sporting her hair invention) whohas since won a clutch of awards - shares with SBUK her entrepreneurial journey

Id prefer to call this article How Ive made it so far because I havent retired yet, so as far as I am concerned, I havent made ityet. When my days consist of frolicking with the toy boys on that beach in Brazil, living off a business that is running itself withoutmy daily input, then Ill write about how I made it.

I am where I am thanks to the usual: hard work, tenacity, determination, a strong belief in myself and what I am doing; and thelove, support and patience of family and friends. And tons of Nurofen and white wine, not necessarily in that order. No, seriouslythough, its been a sheer slog so far, but I have loved every minute of it.

Since I set up Imiis Limited in September 2003, and since we launched NewHair in January 2004, my feet have not touched

the ground. Ive set myself tough targets, most of which I have met, some I have surpassed, and others I am struggling to deliver.No two days are the same and I am still loving the buzz of having turned a figment of my imagination into a reality. Not just areality, but something that many self-respecting women would not be seen without! Ive met some incredible people and sometotal dipsticks; Ive been on great business trips to places Id been dying to visit (e.g. South Africa, China) and Ive had to dropeverything and dash to a-shop-up-North-like where someone swore they saw a pirate copy of NewHair; Ive been showeredwith praise from customers, and business people I thought I knew and trusted have disappeared without paying our invoices.

Ive seen that women in business tend to be pre-occupied with a fear of failure. But my outlook is very positive and I credit myparents for that. They brought me up to believe that you can do anything you want to on this earth; the only limitations are thoseyou set yourself. So my approach is that sometimes you win and sometimes you learn, and all the mottos I follow are along thelines of The only regrets you should have should be in relation to things youve never done and not the things you have done.Clichd, I know, but all true. Heres one I made earlier, Rules made by men were meant to be broken by women.

CONTACT DETAILS: Simi Belo can be contacted at Imiis Ltd v ia email : the address is [email protected] .Via post, itsP O Box 43858, London, NW6 2WP, UK and by phone, its 0845 345 0414!


14/19

MEDIA REQUESTS

BBC is looking for teams of 6 for the new series ofEGGHEADS.

Why not create a team from family members, friends, workcolleagues or your local pub quiz team?

You never know you could defeat out General KnowledgeGoliaths and walk away with the cash prize?

If youre up for the challenge contact us NOW as auditions areabout to start.

Call 0900 10 200 42 or email [email protected]. Allapplicants must be 18 and over. Calls cost 60p with BT.

Mobile and other network costs may vary.

MEDIA REQUEST

BBC Radio 4 is making a documentary on t he history of'The Voice' and we need your help.

As well as looking at the history of this extraordinary paperover the last 25 years, the documentary will chart what 'TheVoice' has meant to the everyday life of its readers. We wantyour story.

How has 'The Voice' changed your life? Have you found lovethrough the personal ads? Or found a dream job through theclassifieds? Has it helped you find a long lost relative? Or hasit helped you fight an important campaign?

Call Emily Jeal now on 020 7453 1659 or [email protected]

Possible free PR from Robert Craven, author

I am writing because you attended one of the Barclays 'BrightMarketing' or 'Kick-Start Your Business' Seminars run bymyself, Robert Craven, or my colleague, Kiki Maurey.

I am looking far case studies for my new book.... and... we arenow writing a series of articles on the impact of the seminarswhich will feature several case studies of participants likeyourself... and that is why I am writing now.

We are looking for these case studies and thought that youmight be interested in taking part. So, if you wish to take partplease, write back answering the following:

- what is your business, what does it do, turnover, number ofemployees?- which programme did you attend and when?- what did you get out of the workshop?- what changes did you make in the business?- what was the impact on the business?

Email address to send replies is [email protected] puttingPossible free PR for you: Follow Up Case Studies After BrightMarketing/Kick-Start Seminars with Robert Craven andBarclays in subject line.

We will notify you and get your approval before we use any ofthis information for publication - if you prefer to remainanonymous please let us know.

Thanks for your help in this matter.

Regards, Robert

ITV CALLING ALL PARENTS WITH DIFFICULTCHILDREN!

DRIVING MUM & DAD MAD, ITVs highly-acclaimedparenting programme is back.

We are working with a top child expert on a course tohelp families with very naughty children. If you wouldlike to take part and your child is between the ages of 3and 9 years old, please call us in strict confidence on:0870 881 0865 or [email protected]

ARE YOU HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH A MARRIED

MAN?

I am currently researching an understanding, insightfuldocumentary about the lives of mistresses and would like tohear from women who are currently involved with a marriedman or who have had a significant affair as such in the past.

If you are or have been a mistress and are willing to tell your

story to help further my research and possibly with a view totaking part, please do contact me to find out more about thefilm. I fully appreciate that given the sensitive subject matterany involvement would need to be handled with tact anddiscretion.

Contact Jess - Telephone: 020 7153 4561: Email:[email protected]


15/19

ADVERTS

USEFUL BUSINESS LINKS Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) http://www.acas.org.uk Business Link for Londonhttp://www.bl4l.com Business Linkhttp://www.businesslink.org Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk Commission for Racial Equality (CRE)http://www.cre.gov.uk Government Office for Londonhttp://www.go-london.gov.uk Greater London Authority (GLA) http://www.london.gov.uk Health and Safety Executive (HSE) http://www.hse.gov.uk Learning and Skills Council http://www.lsc.gov.uk London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) http://www.londonchamber.co.uk London Development Agency (LDA)http://www.lda.gov.uk The Applied Industrial Research Trading Organisations (AIRTO)http://www.airto.org The Capital Fund http://www.thecapitalfund.co.uk

Design Council http://www.designcouncil.org.uk DTI http://www.dti.gov.uk


16/19

Fit for the Future http://www.fitforthefuture.org.uk New Media Knowledgehttp://www.nmk.co.uk UK Online for Business http://www.ukonlineforbusiness.gov.uk Patent Officehttp://www.patent.gov.uk London Biotechnology Network (LBN)http://www.londonbiotechnology.co.uk Manufacturing Advisory Service http://www.mas-london.co.uk

National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) http://www.nesta.org.uk Research Councils UK http://www.rcuk.ac.uk London Technology Network (LTN) http://www.ltnetwork.org Street-UK (Micro-finance) http://www.street-uk.com Working broadband GBhttp://www.e-mpowerment.org Braveheart (Scottish Business Angel)http://www.braveheart-ventures.co.uk Cambridge Angels (Cambridge region) http://www.cambridgeangels.net Pi Capital http://www.picapital.co.uk Beer & Partnershttp://www.beerandpartners.co.uk Hotbedhttp://www.hotbed.uk.com Angelboursehttp://www.angelbourse.com The Parrot Clubhttp://www.thebasil.com

London Ladies Club http://www.londonladies.co.uk The University Womens Club http://www.universitywomenclub.co.uk The Kensington Chelsea Womens Club http://www.kcwc.org.uk 1&1 Internet Limited http://www.1and1.co.uk/?k_id=5449558 The Womens Company http://www.thewomenscompany.co.uk

LINKS TO JOURNALS & MAGAZINES www.businessweek.com www.businesstech.com www.industryweek.com www.meansbusiness.com

www.busjour.com/fashiongroup.text.htm www.economist.com

www.businesswire.com www.businessjournal.com

www.mad.co.uk/publication/mw/index.aspx www.creditman.co.uk/news www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/business

www.thisismoney.com/index.asp

www.bankofengland.co.uk/qb/index.htm www.businessfinancemag.com

www.fbmagazine.com www.forbes.com/forbes www.ingenta.com www.lib.lsu.edu/bus/biznews.html

www.news.yahoo.com/headlines.bs www.newstatesman.com

www.spectator.co.uk www.theweek.co.uk

www.portal.telegraph.co.uk www.guardian.co.uk/business www.news.independent.co.uk/business

www.businessmag.co.uk

www.bolmagazine.com www.startups.co.uk

LONDONEDGE SPRING - Alternative Fashion & LIfestyle Exbn Olympia, London 5 - 7 February2006

Londonedge Ltd 01162 898249 Fax: 020 8537 0064 wwwLONDONCENTRAL SPRING - Streetwear Market Fashion Trade Olympia, London 5 - 7February 2006

Londonedge Ltd 01162 898249 Fax: 020 8537 0064 wwwSPATEX 06 - Swimming Pool Industry Show Hilton Metropole Brighton 5 - 7 February 2006

Spatex Ltd 01264 358 558 Fax: 01264 353 403 wwwSpring Fair Birmingham 2006 NEC Birmingham 5 - 9 February 2006

Trade Promotion Services Ltd. 020 8277 5830 Fax: 020 8277 5888 wwwLOGISTICS LINK SOUTH 2006 Sandown Exhibition Cent. Esher 7 - 8 February 2006Centaur Publishing Ltd 020 7970 4000 www

EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS FEBRUARY 2006


17/19

TFM 2006 - Technology for Marketing Olympia, London 7 - 8 February 2006CMP Information Ltd 01732 364422 Fax: 020 7921 8058 www

VIDEO FORUM - Videon Equipment Trade Show Earls Court, London 7 - 9 February 2006VCM Events 01273 836 800 Fax: 01273 836 801 www

TV TECH Earls Court, London 7 - 9 February 2006VCM Events 01273 836 800 Fax: 01273 836 801 www

Legal IT London Business Design Centre, London 8 - 9 February 2006Cordial Events Ltd 01491 575522 Fax: 01491 575544 www

Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition Stoneleigh, Coventry 8 - 10 February 2006Resources Exhibitions Ltd. 01844 271476 Fax: 01844 344 988 www

enviro2006 G-MEX Centre, Manchester 8 - 9 February 2006SJS Business Services Ltd 0870 043 3874 Fax: 0870 043 3875 www

INTERHOL - International Holiday Show & Overseas Property Show Bournemouth Int. Centre10 - 12 February 2006

Premier Exhibitions. 01242 516 738 Fax: 01242 222 305 wwwCAROLE NASH - Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show Shepton Mallett, Somerset 11 - 12 February2006

Mortons Motorcycle Media Ltd 01507 523456 Fax: 01507 525002 wwwThe Asian Wedding Fair Wembley Exhibition Ctr, London 11 - 12 February 2006The Asian Wedding Exhibition Ltd 0870 064 2237 Fax: 020 8335 3433 www

ARC06 - Architectural Retail & Corporate Lighting Trade Show Business Design Centre,London 13 - 14 February 2006

Mondiale Publishing 0161 480 3344 Fax: 0161 429 7214 wwwCHASE 2006 - The Charities & Associations Exhibition Business Design Centre, London 15 - 16February 2006

Conference House Ltd 08707 300 377 Fax: 08707 300 379 wwwMedical Device Technology & 3C Contamination Control & Cleanroom NEC Birmingham 15 -16 February 2006

Octo Media Limited 0208 987 0900 Fax: 0208 987 0901 www

Displays Technology, IPOT, Machine Vision, Machine Bldg, MTEC,DM NEC Birmingham 15 -16 February 2006

Trident Exhibitions Ltd. 01822 614 671 Fax: 01822 614 818 wwwSelfBuild Extend & Renovate Show The King's Hall , Belfast 17 - 19 February 2006

Corry Homebuilding Ltd 028 9751 0570 Fax: 028 9751 0576 wwwICE International Craft Exhibition Alexandra Palace, London 17 - 19 February 2006

Highbury Leisure Publishing Ltd 01689 886645 Fax: 01689 886666 wwwIWE International Woodworking Exhibition Alexandra Palace, London 17 - 19 February 2006

Highbury Leisure Publishing Ltd 01689 886645 Fax: 01689 886666 wwwThe National Wedding Show NEC Birmingham 17 - 19 February 2006

Inside Communications Ltd 020 7772 8300 Fax: 020 7772 8599 wwwINVEST - Investment Show Business Design Centre, London 17 - 18 February 2006

Mash Events 020 8971 8286 Fax: 020 8971 8286 wwwScottish Dog Show SECC Glasgow 18 - 19 February 2006

Clarion Events Scotland Ltd 0141 248 3000 Fax: 0141 204 0077 wwwCountry Homes & Gardens Show Sandown Exhibition Cent. Esher 18 - 19 February 2006

HD Events Ltd 01494 450504 Fax: 01628 680702 wwwThe National Boat, Caravan & Outdoor Show 2006 NEC Birmingham 18 - 26 February 2006

Inside Communications Ltd 02476 571157 Fax: 02476 571150 wwwRAILWAY - Festival of British Railway Modelling Doncaster Exhibition Centre 18 - 19 February2006

Warners Group Publications Plc 01778 391123 Fax: 01778 392079 wwwBeta International 2006 - World Trade Event for Horse & Country NEC Birmingham 19 - 21

February 2006Equestrian Management Consultants Ltd 01937 582111 Fax: 01937 582147 wwwHOTELYMPIA - International Hospitality Exhibition ExCel, London 19 - 23 February 2006


18/19

Fresh RM 020 7886 3066 Fax: 020 7886 3091 www EmailHostec-EurHotec ExCel, London 19 - 23 February 2006

Fresh RM 020 7886 3033 Fax: 020 7886 3031 wwwCraft, Hobby & Stitch International NEC Birmingham 19 - 21 February 2006

International Craft & Hobby Fair Ltd 01425 272 711 Fax: 01425 279 369 wwwMODA UK & MODA MENSWEAR, MODA FOOTWEAR & MODA ACCESSORIES NECBirmingham 19 - 21 February 2006

ITE MODA Ltd 01484 846 069 Fax: 01484 846 232 wwwSOLTEX 2006 - Snowsport & Outdoor Fashion Trade Exhibition G-MEX Centre, Manchester 19- 22 February 2006

Rare Management 0131 557 3012 Fax: 0131 557 9466 wwwThe London Floor Show Olympia, London 21 - 22 February 2006

CMP Information Ltd 01732 364422 Fax: 01732 364422 wwwINTERNATIONAL CONFEX - Meetings & Events Conf & Exbn Earls Court, London 21 - 23February 2006

CMP Information Ltd 01732 364422 Fax: 020 7921 8058 wwwECOBUILD 2006 - Environmental Houses, Architecture & Cities Exbn Earls Court, London 21 -

23 February 2006International Business Events 020 8822 6919 Fax: 020 7850 7502 wwwFUTUREBUILD 2006 - Innovations in Modern Methods of Construction Earls Court, London 21- 23 February 2006

International Business Events 020 8822 6919 Fax: 020 7850 7502 wwwREGEN-EX Revitalising Britains Towns & Cities Conf & Exbn Earls Court, London 21 - 23February 2006

International Business Events 020 8822 6915 Fax: 020 7850 7502 wwwREGEN-EX - Revitalising Britains Towns & Cities Conf & Exbn Earls Court, London 21 - 23February 2006

International Business Events 020 8822 6919 Fax: 020 7850 7502 wwwThe Promota Show NEC Birmingham 21 - 22 February 2006

Maggie Regan Exhibitions 01635 33791 Fax: 01635 33792 wwwThe Wedding Journal Show The King's Hall , Belfast 22 - 26 February 2006

Penton Exhibitions Ltd 028 9045 7457 Fax: 028 9045 6611 wwwHomes Overseas Exhibition NEC Birmingham 24 - 26 February 2006

Blendon Communications Ltd 020 7002 8300 Fax: 020 7002 8310 wwwScotland's Careers & Jobs Fair SECC Glasgow 24 - 26 February 2006

Jarvis Exhibitions Ltd. 020 8464 4129 Fax: 020 8466 5970 wwwThe Scottish Wedding Show SECC Glasgow 25 - 26 February 2006

Clarion Events Scotland Ltd 0141 248 3000 Fax: 0141 204 0077 wwwLingerie & Swimwear Trade Exhibition Harrogate Int. Centre 26 - 28 February 2006

Brintex Ltd 020 7973 6401 Fax: 020 7233 5054 wwwPrintwear & Promotion 2006 NEC Birmingham 26 - 28 February 2006

Datateam Publishing Ltd 01622 687031 Fax: 01622 757646 wwwToy Collectors Fair NEC Birmingham 26 February 2006 (1 day only)

DJ Fairs Ltd 01949 851 770 Fax: 01949 851 770 wwwFocus on Imaging 2006 NEC Birmingham 26 February 2006 - 1 March 2006

Mary Walker Exhibitions Ltd 0208 681 2619 Fax: 0208 667 1590 wwwThe Northern Fast Food Show G-MEX Centre, Manchester 26 - 27 February 2006

Spaciba Ltd 01225 428581 Fax: 01225 463773 wwwThe Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair - Spring Olympia, London 28 February 2006 - 5 March2006

Clarion Events Ltd. 020 7370 8208 Fax: 020 7370 8142 www


19/19

WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS GUIDELINES

Thank you for your interest in writing forSister Business UK, the newsletter aimed predominately but not exclusively at blackand minority female entrepreneurs and those aspiring to be entrepreneurs in the future. The newsletter a mix of based the

styles of US magazines Essence and Black Enterprise - will feature articles on business, personal, and legal matters, events,profiles, political and social issues.

Please send a query email rather than submitting a completed article please clearly outline your idea; two paragraphs shouldbe sufficient. It would also help to include a brief biography that describes you, your area of experience and brief company detailsif any. Submitted articles forSister Business UK should be no longer than 500 words and should be clearly addressed to theeditor. Profiles forHow I got here should be 450 words max, together with a good quality digital pix (300 dpi min) these shouldbe emailed to the editor. If you would like to submit more than one idea, please email each one separately.

All articles must be typed and proofread before emailing. (Please keep a copy of your original manuscript.). Be sure to includeyour name and email address when submitting your article.

DEADLINESCopy (including articles and adverts) and payments should be received by the 15th day of the previous month before newsletteris emailed to subscribers. Despatch date: first Monday of the month UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE. Max word count forarticles from subscribers and contributors: 400 words. Please note that The Editor's Office is unable to pay for contributions atpresent.

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISINGprices, terms and conditions

PRICES AND WORD COUNT

List your services, products or events (up to sixty [60] words, excluding contact details) in this edition of Sister Business UK emailnewsletter.

No of issues Price No of issues PriceSingle issue 60 Six issues 350Two issues 110 Twelve issues 650

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. All advertisements must be pre-paid.

2. Newsletter ads and payment must be received one week prior to dispatch of the issue in which you wish your ad tobe included. Each will be emailed to subscribers on the first Monday of every month.

3. Please review and proofread your ad carefully. The Editors Office is not responsible for errors in your ad, and willprovide only one free change to your ad prior to posting.

4. The Editors Office does not accept advertising for any products or service that it believes may be illegal in anyway.

5. Cheques to be made payable to The Editor's Office and sent to The Editor's Office Central London office:address is at the top of the newsletter under contact details.

6. To place an ad or for more information, please contact Caroline Lashley at The Editor's Office

The Editor's Office reserves the right to change the Terms & Conditions from time to time, and post a new version in thenewsletter. Subscribers will be given notice in the previous edition of the newsletter prior to the changes and the new version will

take effect from the time of despatch of the following issue.

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