Jul 18 2010

Lifestyle businesses are fine – you have permission to start one

I have never understood the antipathy and dislike that otherwise rational people have for lifestyle business. The heart of the issue is this question: what constitutes business success? I guess for some it’s size; others  have other measures. In an age of growing awareness of carbon footprint, in a time when the fastest growing businesses are [...]

Jul 5 2010

Incapacity claimant cheats to end; whoever they are..

The government has signalled its intention to intensify the assessment of incapacity benefit and encourage those who are fit for work back into employment. George Osborne said it was important to protect those with “genuine needs”, while cutting the welfare bill in order to reduce the budget deficit. Last year £12.5 billion was spent on [...]

Jul 4 2010

Find solid businesses in recession

What types of franchises traditionally are more solid during a recession? Let’s face it, the mere word “recession” strikes fear into many people, because it implies hardship, job loss, and therefore, loss of income. So, in times of recession, those without jobs, but with the economic means, will seek to replace routine employment with self-employment. [...]

Jun 30 2010

Business Link goes – thank god for that.

Mark Prisk said the network, subject to speculation about its future for several weeks, is to be shut down due to the amount of money spent on telling entrepreneurs where to get advice. “The regional Business Links have spent too much time signposting and not enough time actually advising,” the MP told Real Business. “We’re going [...]

Jun 21 2010

The Chasm

It is fairly common for people who are considering business or franchise ownership to look at a directory of business or franchises; magazine lists of “top” franchises and businesses.  Many in business are severely skeptical about these lists. I am one of them. Is that really a smart way to find a business or franchise that is [...]

Jun 18 2010

Best holiday in England – Which

Which Website and magazine makes Blackpool top seaside town Blackpool puts Brighton in second place Blackpool Brassy, kitsch and fun – Blackpool has been given the thumbs up by the seaside-loving British public to become the nation’s favourite seaside town. Boasting annual visitor numbers of 10 million, this well-loved resort beat 150 British seaside destinations [...]

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Jun 16 2010

Yes – let’s get some flow in the economy. Houses up again.

Annual house price inflation is back in double-digits, according to government figures. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said prices in April were 10.1% higher than a year ago. That was the highest rate of inflation since October 2007, when prices were on a downward trend. UK house prices rose by another 0.4% in April, [...]