Business Tip – 27

When you're running a business, it makes sense to surround yourself with people who are experts in what they do, so that you can get on with the day to day building of your business.

Contact Laura Bolton, of Simple Accounting (NW) Ltd

Many people, when starting out in business, think that they can do all of their bookkeeping and returns themselves. But just think about the time you spend on this (and, most likely, tearing your hair out because it doesn't make sense). Then think how much business building you could do in that time.

Using a qualified accountant makes sense on a number of levels:

Of course, they're fully up to speed with the latest legislation, so can actually work to save you money. Then, of course, they do what they do, day in, day out, so can do it much faster and more efficiently.

For Laura Bolton, of Simple Accounting (NW) Ltd, based in Accrington, Lancashire, her interest in accounts began many years ago, Laura is a fully qualified CIMA accountant and grow up in the local area, so she is well aware of the difficulties companies have faced in recent years and the economic climate of the region.

Laura appreciates that not all businesses have large budgets, and prices her services to suit smaller businesses, as well as those who employ a large number of people. When speaking to her, it's clear that she gets a lot of enjoyment from the work that she does, and is very much a people person who ‘loves bumping into her clients when out and about'. She recognises that no two businesses are the same, that businesses don't simply operate 9-5, and likes to take time to explain to clients about how their accounts can work more efficiently.

Now in its third year, Simple Accounting (NW) Ltd offers everything that you'd expect an accountant to offer, meaning that they can take care of all your bookkeeping and payroll needs, as well as your management accounts, tax and VAT returns, advice, company formations and much more.

Also offered are bespoke new business start-up accounts packages, to help get new businesses off to a good start.

You can find out more about the services offered by Simple Accounting (NW) Ltd by visiting the Simple Accounting (NW) Ltd website, www.simpleaccountingnw.com or calling Laura on 07835 191381.

Business Tip – 19 Effective customer questionnaires

Business Tip – 19

How to create effective customer questionnaires

The humble questionnaire is a very powerful tool. Not only does it allow you to find out what your customers think but it’s also a great way to boost customer loyalty and build relationships.

But what makes a successful questionnaire?

Why questionnaires?

Some techniques — are so deceptively simple and obvious that marketers ignore them. They're not "creative" enough.

Well, forget "creative". I like things that work. And questionnaires work.

People love to give you their opinions. The questionnaire is a very unthreatening way to approach people.

You just have to ask nicely and often amazingly high percentages will reply.

When they do reply, this gives you an excuse to talk to them again.

So here’s our advice for you:

People agonise over making the survey short for maximum response, but do not fear a long survey. As long as the questions seem natural and logical to the reader, they will complete it, once the first few questions have been answered.

If you have some questions which are more important than others, make sure the survey has clear sections — the first with the main questions, then the next introduced with the words "You do not have to answer these, but if you do so, it'll mean x, y and z benefit...and will only take a few minutes more..."

Response can be increased by a variety of details. A lot depends on the honesty in the introduction, why you are doing the survey, what is in it for the responder (altruism, sense of helping self or fellows, and maybe even the chance to win something in a free draw, as a gesture of thanks), explaining how the results will be used, and even how they can see a copy of the results (usually a simple summary).

People love being asked for their opinion (“your opinion matters to us”), so use flattery to increase participation.

Make the introduction from someone they already might know and respect, rather than have no name at all. Even have it look like a letter, with a signature and photo for a touch of warmth.

Much depends on the layout, the clarity of typeface and typography, and the use of colours, tints and boxed sections make it look less daunting.

It sounds radical, but question how much response is really needed. Statistically a lower response sample may be fine, as long as the views are representative.

Try a reminder mailing/emailing after the natural response has dried up from the first survey. Non-responders are not against responding, they just have busy lives, are lazy, like all human beings, so a courteous reminder will typically get half as much response again.

Consider how/when the survey gets handed over, emailed or mailed. Is there a better moment, so they'll more disposed to take part?

Business Tip – 20 Events & Networking guide

Business Tip – 20

Events & Networking guide

When speaking to new businesses, the first piece of advice I give is to get out there and meet other businesses face to face. Even in this digital age of social media, real people still buy from real people and this is even more so the case if you set your potential customer sights higher up the ladder.

This can be daunting if you’re not a natural people person but in today’s world it is becoming more and more of a must as we are in a very competitive business environment and the race to get your brand noticed is harder than ever.

If you are new to networking or attending business events then here are my top 10 tips on networking and choosing the right event.

First rule of networking:

It is not all about sales. You are going to be with professionals from established businesses so ask them for advice and opinions. You will be surprised how much they want to help you when you’re not pushing a sales pitch down their ears.

Try informal events first:

If you’re new to networking, pick an informal fun event with an activity. This will allow you to meet other people in a relaxed atmosphere and get mixing with others sharing a common goal.

A good example of this are our Evening Chill-Time events or bowling nights.

Take a friend:

If you are a sole trader and not been to an event before then take a friend or even a friendly client/supplier for support.

Tweet your attendance:

If you are going to an event then use every social media feed you can and say that you’re looking forward to going. This is a great way to pre arrange an introduction and an excuse to just say hi.

Choose a wide range of events, not just your sector:

The best networkers I know go to all sorts of events ranging from fun to political, engineering to finance. You never know who you will meet so NEVER make assumptions.

NEVER avoid political or economic events/conferences: I have spoken to too many businesses who say that those types are events are boring and not for them. Yes that may be true to some people but here a theme that runs through the Chamber network:

Political/Economic events = Influential delegates, influential delegates = the big businesses, Big Business = Attracts the SME businesses and so on. This all equates to a huge range of opportunities.

Never assume:

Never think just because you may be a small business that the larger corporate members won’t want to talk to you or even do business with you. They will be looking out for that bright new idea or suppler to help them grow as well.

Maximise your exposure:

Go to breakfasts, lunches and evening events if you can as you will catch the early risers and the night owls.

Have an opinion:

At many Chamber events you will get the opportunity to ask a panel of speakers a question. If you are brave and do so, then I will guarantee that like-minded people will approach you afterwards to talk to you.

Research the Delegate list:

The unique thing about many Chamber events is that you get a delegate list, possible in advance. Use it and research a bit about the people or businesses attending. It will go a long way into making first and lasting impressions if you know about their business values and passions.

If you decide to just take one of these tips on board, then I am sure that you will come away from a Chamber event, with lots of opportunities and contacts to keep you going for ages

Business Tip – 21 Tax Allowance

Business Tax Allowancce

We've been asked this question a couple of times now by our clients, so we thought we better write about it!

The short answer is yes, you can claim your seasonal decorations as a tax deductible expense, especially if your business is one in which you regularly have customers visit you.

If you work from home, then you can claim your Halloween/Christmas decorations as a tax deductible expense ONLY for rooms that are used solely for business purposes.

However, if you have your own business premises, then obviously every room is used for business purposes, so you can claim any seasonal decorations you decide to put up against your taxable liability!

In fact, any costs of decorating your business premises will be allowable.

This can even extend to items such as paintings & antiques that you use to decorate areas which will be seen by customers and the general public.

You will need to make a business case for the expenditure, and larger items will only attract relief under the capital allowances system, but, nonetheless, provided you don't purchase a solid gold, diamond-encrusted mummy or pumpkin, you will be able to claim the cost of your Halloween decorations as a deductible business expense.

As always with this sort of thing, if you are every in any doubt, you are better off asking a professional first, contact your accountant for further details.

Weekend News.

Well its weekend again and also the start of a new month, February is here already, soon be Valentines day so we hope you will make it special for someone you love and care about.

A quick mention to some of our friends, hoping they had a great week: Rubicon in Rossendale, Twizzlez and Trevor Adams Studios in Accrington, WebCats Design Studio and the team there, RAFT over there in Rossendale lots going on for them at the moment.

We are hopeing to put together some information during the weekend about both RAFT and Rubicon.

Look for Rubicon and RAFT on Twitter as well as all our other friends and give them a FOLLOW.

Have a great Friday evening everyone and a good weekend.

Charity Events

Anyone organising a charity event over the coming year? Yes of course.

Why not contact Trevor Adams at his portrait studio in Accrington on 01254 396406, Why?

Well over the last few years Trevor has been donating Family Portrait Vouchers to both local and national charities across the UK.

Each voucher is to a value of £ 125.00, and includes both a family or pet shoot and a free image, once redeemed at the studio.

Each voucher is customised for your event or fundraiser with details of the event/charity and the date, you can either raffle them or auction them to raise funds for your good cause.

The shoot takes about 30 - 40 mins and then the lucky winners get a preliminary viewing in the comfort of the studio. Then Trevor works his magic and from perhaps 100 - 150 images you are able to choose a selection as a short list. And then Trevor goes to work again making great images into fantastic single or framed multiple images for you to enjoy with the aid of his sophisticated system.

Trevor supports a wide range of charities: Rubicon, RAFT and East Lancs Hospice, NSPCC, McMillan Nurses, Save The Heroes, SALUTE, Derian House and many, many others, its a successful combination.

Latest News From Accrington

Trevor Adams Studios in Accrington and Twizzlez Mobile Hair Stylist have joined forces to provide a new service to both corporate and individuals alike in the Rossendale and Lancashire region.

The portrait studio has been a valuable contributor to the business landscape in Accrington for 30 years, situated at 32 Warner Street, Trevor is renowned for his skill with both the camera and lighting effects, has a portrait photographer.

Whilst Twizzlez owned by Terrie Evangelista has recently celebrated its first year in business, and what a great start to any business it’s been.

But there's a great history behind Terrie, an hairdresser for over 25 years having worked in some of East Lancashire’s most renowned salons she decided to take the plunge on her own.

(Model Image)

For the mother of three, "being mobile fits perfectly with my family commitments and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of visiting my clients at home" she says.

The two teams are collaborating and merging their skills, Trevor will provide the fantastic Corporate and PR images whilst Terrie uses her skills as a make-up artist and hair stylist to give clients fantastic images either full body, headshots or staged business images. These can be used for PR brochures, websites, and social media profiles: Dating or professional sites e.g. LinkedIn

As Trevor says " Image is everything and more often than not it's the first glimpse of you a prospective client or person may see, get it wright and your half way there especially in this electronic age".

The majority of the shoots will it is hoped take place in the relaxed atmosphere of Trevor’s studio on Warner Street, fully equipped with lighting, back drops and props and changing facilities the two entrepreneurs are looking forward to a great 2013 with this new collaborative venture.

For further details contact either Trevor or Terrie:

Email: terrie@twizzlez.co.uk or trevor@trevoradamsstusios.co.uk

Telephone: Trevor on 01254 369406 or Terrie on 07999535724

Visit their Websites

www.twizzlez.co.uk//news%20&%20views.html

Or

www.trevoradamsstudios.co.uk/corporate.html