Online retailers don't deliver the goods
Inflexible delivery options could be hampering online retail growth in the UK.
A study by Royal Mail, which surveyed 123 online retailers and 1,515 shoppers, found that more than half of commercial websites fail to meet the needs of consumers when it comes to delivery services.
A total of 58 per cent of shoppers say that greater flexibility over delivery options would encourage buying more online. According to the survey, just 15 per cent of online retailers allow customers to choose a specific delivery date.
Moreover, less than a third of online retailers don’t display delivery charge information until checkout and 16 per cent don’t offer online order tracking.
David Smith, managing director of IMRG, a membership community for the e-retail industry, says: ‘In order to support the continued growth of our industry it’s vital that online retailers regularly evaluate the scope of their delivery offerings and look for new ways to satisfy customer expectations.’
8 Sep 2010 | 3:19 pm BST
SMEs at odds with government goals
The government needs to focus more on helping small businesses, suggests research.
In a study by software provider Iris Software of more than 100 UK firms, a third cite employment legislation as the area of business that most needs a reduction in government regulation.
Health and safety legislation (33 per cent) is an area respondents feel the government should focus on first.
Only 27 per cent of respondents support plans to formalise flexible working hours, while just 26 per cent support the government’s plans to make pension provision and contributions compulsory among all employers in 2012.
On PAYE reforms, 85 per cent of SMEs find the current system satisfactory, suggesting little appetite for proposed changes.
Oliver Shaw, managing director of Iris SME Solutions, says: ‘What this research demonstrates is a worrying disconnect between what small businesses really need now, which is to be allowed to focus on growing their businesses and, in some cases, merely surviving, and the Government’s agenda.’
8 Sep 2010 | 12:21 pm BST
Start-ups are set to save thousands on National Insurance payments in a scheme to encourage new businesses in key UK regions.
New companies that take advantage of the regional NIC holiday for new businesses scheme can save up to £50,000 in employer NICs, equating to £5,000 per employee up to a maximum of ten new employees.
Eligible businesses will be able to take a ‘holiday’ for each of the first ten employees they hire in their first year of business, lasting for the first 52 weeks the employee is in post, providing these weeks fall within the three-year amnesty period.
The regions that will benefit include the north east, Yorkshire, the northwest, West Midlands and Scotland.
Businesses set up on or after June 22 2010 can apply, with the scheme running until September 5 2013.
David Gauke, exchequer secretary to the treasury, says: ‘The NICs holiday for new businesses, in addition to cuts in corporation tax, will help provide a valuable boost to start up businesses and help foster the private sector led recovery that will drive growth in the UK over the coming years.’
7 Sep 2010 | 12:47 pm BST
Fraudsters target UK businesses
The threat of fraud continues to be a concern for many businesses.
Research by commercial credit referencing agency Graydon UK found that fake credit applications account for 45 per cent of fraudulent incidents over the past 18 months.
Among the 373 companies surveyed, 16 per cent said that internet fraud poses a significant threat, while 13 per cent had been affected by “corporate hijacking”, when criminals change a company's official registration details with Companies House to impersonate that company. Twenty-two per cent claim that commercial fraud is on the rise.
Martin Williams, managing director of Graydon UK, says: ‘Fraud remains a persistent threat to business stability. Although fraud levels typically rise during economic downturns, measures like the 2006 Fraud Act, and the setting up of the National Fraud Authority, appear to have made little impact.’
6 Sep 2010 | 2:48 pm BST
Bosses opt for power breakfast
Breakfast meetings are on the rise as bosses bid to boost productivity levels.
According to a study of 3,000 workers conducted by One Poll on behalf of Costa Coffee, more than two thirds of respondents say breakfast meetings are becoming more common.
Nearly two thirds report that breakfast or morning meetings have more positive outcomes than those held later in the day. Almost a quarter of those surveyed admit to cancelling an afternoon meeting because they struggle to concentrate.
Kevin Hydes, spokesman for Costa Coffee, says: ‘People tend to be much more alert once they’ve had…a good breakfast and a cup of coffee, so not only are people more likely to pay attention, but they are likely to be more enthusiastic about what is being discussed.’
6 Sep 2010 | 1:43 pm BST
Offices to rent and business support in the South West
Starting or growing a business? We operate purpose-designed business incubator centres providing working space with a range of support services to help businesses develop and prosper. We currently have Innovation Centres in Ivybridge, Paignton and Torquay with:
- first-class desk and office space to rent from £132 pcm
- fully equipped meeting rooms bookable by the hour
- an unparalleled range of business support services including:
- networking events - training courses - 1 to 1 advice - mentoring
Whatever your needs, if you are involved in business in the South West, we can make a difference.
Elena Cooper chose Paignton Innovation Centre as the base for her business, Atlas Language Centres."Moving to the Centre has been fantastic for me", said Elena. "Having quality advice and support in the early stages is so valuable. I also love talking to the other tenants as we all learn and grow together".
