When you own a motor trade business, it is vital to be adequately insured against risks such as theft or damage. Motoring trade insurance offers key protection for your business, whether you fit accessories, carry out mechanical repair work, valet cars, or sell them. This specialist insurance is broken down into road risks insurance and liabilities insurance.

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About road risks insurance

This is the core part of any motor trade insurance. For some businesses – smaller operations or those that operate on a part-time basis – it can be sufficient on its own. It provides the level of insurance cover that is required by law for anyone who drives a car. However, this type of insurance is restricted o the use of trading purposes and is only applicable to the driver named under the policy.

This type of insurance offers a blanket level of insurance for any vehicle that the named individual drives for the purposes of trade. It can also cover third-party, fire and theft risks as you wish, with options to add comprehensive cover. The cover can also be extended for test drives if you sell cars to customers and offer this feature.

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Liability insurance

There are various situations in which a motor trade business can be held financially liable for a customer’s loss – both physical and financial – even if they are a small business and only work part-time or occasionally. Compensation costs can be quite heavy in the event of a customer court win, so public liability insurance is usually built into insurance packages for the motor trade. Learn more at sites like quotemetoday.co.uk/motor-trade-insurance

This provides indemnity against any claims that are successfully made by your customers, along with any neighbours or members of the public who could sustain an injury to themselves or their property as a result of your business operation.

Typically, this level of cover is at least £1 million in value. However, if you employ staff at your business, you must ensure that your employer liability insurance is at least worth £5 million, which is in line with the law.

Last but not least, it is also possible to incorporate insurance cover for your specialist tools and equipment to further safeguard your business and the customers who use it.

Excellence in Customer Service Is Key

For restaurant owners, excellence in customer service is key to the success of your business. When visitors come to your restaurant to dine, they will want to feel welcomed and special. The staff should be respectful and polite while providing an excellent meal. This will be the memory they cling to when deciding to eat out, and if you have served them a sumptuous plate of food, they will return time and time again. Dissatisfied customers refuse to return to restaurants if they have had a bad experience, especially with poor-quality meals and negative customer service.

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While food is the important element, it is the overall experience that diners will assess. Those who work in hospitality should keep the focus on the customer, and everything should be done to please the diner. It’s important to greet the diners using respectful titles – sir and ma’am are appropriate to the setting.

Attention should be paid to what they ask for, and servers should be familiar with the menu. When taking the order, it should be repeated back to ensure everything has been taken down correctly.

It’s important not to make your diners wait. If they have to constantly glance at the clock, they will become irritated and hungry. According to The Morning Advertiser, the practice of eating out is increasing, so that means more pressure on the hospitality industry to demonstrate high levels of service and customer care.

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Sparkling Cutlery Shows Attention to Detail

Always make sure there is adequate cutlery. Restaurant Cutlery such as that from http://www.heritagesilverware.com/, which sparkles under the lighting, will show diners the standards to which the restaurant adheres.

And as soon as a problem arises, whether it’s to do with the quality of the food or a misunderstanding with the bill, it’s customary to rectify it as soon as possible. That means issuing perhaps a complimentary voucher or a round of free drinks, depending on the nature of the problem. If the problem is the fault of the restaurant, it’s important to stay calm and keep up eye contact. Always watch body language and make sure your actions aren’t demonstrating disapproval of the customer.

Customer comment cards and free Wi-Fi are also small additions which enhance the dining experience for the customer.

Have you ever wondered whether a cash injection could help your business? Let’s delve into the world of commercial loans.

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A loan for commercial purposes.

The term ‘commercial loan’ has a broad meaning, with many different types available for growing entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses in need of a lifeline or injection of cash. It is essentially a loan for use on anything commercial related, such as a building investment, new offices or a new packing machine; in fact, it can meet virtually any business need.

Where can you get a commercial loan?

You can take out commercial loans via standard routes such as banks and building societies; alternatively, there are many non-bank internet lenders that offer funding, such as commercial loans Northern Ireland.

With lots of avenues to choose from, which type of commercial loan is right for you? There are several different types – one size does not fit all, and it is important to find the right one. With a huge number of internet providers available to explore, check out brokers such as https://www.assetfinanceni.com/Commercial-Loans to find out about the types of loan available in support of commercial growth.

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The most common types are term loans, with short or long repayment periods. Equipment loans are generally a good approach when you have equipment to buy, as the personal risk is limited due to the physical asset available. Another type is a business credit flexible approach loan, which is where you obtain an up-front agreed line of business credit. This can sit dormant in your account for months on end, but the flexibility to dip in and out of a financial arrangement can be helpful. Interest is only accrued when you go into the loan amount.

The Financial Services Trade and Investment Board (FSTIB) is part of HM Treasury. A partnership between industry and government, its remit is to continually improve the UK’s position in the finance sector, delivering jobs and growth.

If you are thinking about a commercial loan, make sure you pull together a well-represented business plan, laying out all the needs and expectations for the invested money. Ensure you can show you have fully thought through the type of loan that is right for you and the factors that play a significant part in your ability to meet the financial repayment plan.

Starting a small business is a difficult venture. Did you know that over half of new start-ups cease trading within the first five years? That is proof that it’s not an easy decision to make. The reasons for business failure can be down to many factors but one major cause is a lack of capital and by extension, an inability to invest. For success in business, these are the main things you will need to invest in:

1. Logo Design

Many small businesses mistakenly believe that design isn’t important. However, customers pay a lot of attention to branding and logos. Find a reputable and professional design company and invest in an eye-catching, consistent brand logo which will appear right across the board on business card, advertising, the website, apps and everything else. Design is essential in a visual-driven digital era to make you stand-out, look professional and build a good reputation.

2. Marketing

Closely linked to design, marketing is often seriously under-invested in by small companies. Marketing is absolutely essential. It’s no good having the best product/service in town, if nobody knows you exist. Effective marketing involves identifying your target audience and having accessible, brand-consistent and relevant ads reaching those people for maximum sales.

3. Technology

We rely on technology hugely in our personal lives, so your business should be no different. If you cannot keep up in the fast-paced online business world then your revenue will suffer as a result. Whether you need content management systems, instant messaging, social media, document organisation, an updated website, adequate mobile phone coverage, faster broadband speeds or printers – don’t put you and your staff at a tech disadvantage. Investing in technology is essential.

4. Accounting service

It’s crucial that small businesses are not losing out, optimising their capital and reducing any waste and inefficiency with their accounting. Hiring an accountant can free up time for you to focus on other things, help you to avoid missing deadlines or being fined and even help with payroll and investment opportunities. Being without access to good accountancy services could really harm your business. For Accountants Cheltenham, visit https://www.randall-payne.co.uk/

5. Legal advice

Legal matters are hugely important, and yet many businesses think it’s an expense they can live without. It’s imperative to protect your business from legal issues and receive help with things like drawing up legal contracts. A legal advisor can help make sure your business is not in violation of any laws or regulations, protect against disputes or act as a mediator and help keep you on the path to success.

6. Insurance

Don’t waste money on an inadequate insurance plan just to save a few pounds. Many small businesses think they don’t need insurance, but it pays to do your research, so you don’t get left out of pocket should the worst happen.

An office fit out involves a lot more than a simple redecoration. With the right refurbishment, you can launch a rebrand and invest in your future.

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Here are 10 easy steps to follow to help you achieve the most successful office fit out.

1. Initial planning stages

Appoint a competent project manager, preferably with experience handling similar projects. You need a team comprising of individuals with key skills to get the job done, then you need to decide on a clear budget for the project.

2. Detailed planning stages

This is when the real work starts. Office fit out companies will analyse your workplace to determine what suits your way of working. They will discuss your aspirations with you, look carefully at technology, workflows and opinions and identify needs.

3. Choose a building

You don’t have to stay in your current building if it isn’t meeting your needs. According to property expert Damian Lloyd, most commercial properties are sold by national agents who use specialist investment surveyors, so contact one.

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4. Choose an office fit out specialist

Office fit out companies will look at your architectural workspace options and determine what is physically possible.

5. Developing the designs and seeking approval

At this stage, a detailed design scheme is put together. The colour schemes, materials and designation of space is decided.

6. Minimise disruption

If you have to continue running your business in the space that is being fitted out, you need to make arrangements to minimise disruption. Limits could be put on the hours that fit out workers are on site, or employees could work from home.

7. Office furniture installation

Get involved in all the decisions about office furniture. The only person who knows what chair they need is the person who is going to sit on it! Ask your employees for opinions.

8. Setbacks

There will be unexpected events and potential delays in any office fit out. Make sure that your fit out specialist has contingency plans.

9: Moving to the new fit out

To achieve a seamless transition to your new office setup, you need to be organised. Back up your data, brief all the staff and delegate tasks.

10. Learn lessons

Sort out any remaining niggles and learn lessons from what went wrong. Enjoy your new office!

The rise and rise of the internet means more of us than ever are making purchases online each year. It’s convenient, often cheaper than shopping on the high street, and opens up millions more products to us than we had access to before. If you’re an online retailer, you’re probably aware of the limitless possibilities of the internet for your business and you might even have some exciting plans for the future. However, as competition increases and consumers become more demanding, the service you provide increases in importance. Poor service can break an internet retailer, while strong customer support – such as swift resolution to disputes and straightforward returns – can win you loyal customers and new fans.

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New legislation

New legislation has been added at numerous times over the last few years to deal with the rise in internet retailing.

The basic rules are:

Online retailers must accept any returns made within 14 days.
Online retailers must pay for any faulty or damaged goods returned within 30 days.
Online retailers do not have to pay for the cost of returning goods simply because the customer changed their mind.

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Although you are not under any legal obligation to pay for customer returns (unless the goods are faulty), many larger retailers do offer free returns to encourage customers to buy more and to increase brand loyalty. Many businesses also extend the 14-day returns rule as a gesture of goodwill to customers, according to Which.co.uk.

Finding a trusted courier firm

Perhaps the most important thing to think about when setting up any internet retail business is delivery. You’ll need to consider costs, returns and delivery times. You can help your business stand out from the crowd by offering a Same Day Courier Service, such as that offered by http://allaboutfreight.co.uk/same-day-courier-service/.

By using a reliable and trustworthy courier service, you will keep your customers happy and make your life less stressful, too. You do not have to provide a free courier return service by law, but doing so could allow your customers to purchase high-end or expensive items from you in confidence without worrying about what to do if they don’t like the item once it arrives. The extra customers you win over by offering generous delivery and returns terms could outweigh the cost of the service.

Businesses want more from their CRM systems in simplified features, focusing on goals such as relationship optimisation.

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The key to achieving this is by being proactive: anticipating your customers’ requirements and then acting on them, rather than re-actively responding to their basic needs.

With businesses struggling to overcome challenges due to the current economic conditions, companies are forced to evaluate CRM solutions with a more critical eye like never before.

1. Campaign Management

CRM systems should provide comprehensive campaign management functionality which enables workflow from initial campaign concepts to building, testing, deployment and measuring.

Mobile capability is becoming a vital aspect of CRM systems, with results delivery to PDAs and handhelds proving critical to businesses.

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Cross-sell and up-sell functionality will also be important to consumer-direct companies operating an online marketplace. Collecting data from previous customer behaviour is no longer effective – CRM solutions must now reach out and seek new customers.

2. Master Data Management

A CRM system should enable the management of multiple lists. This allows users to establish lists and utilise real-time data management and list segmentation.

When it comes to CRM for property management, contact a company such as https://propertydeck.com/ to find out how CRM systems can help your business.

3. Customisation and Flexibility

Each successful CRM system should be customised to fit your business. It is vital that the solution you purchase is both flexible and customisable.

A CRM system must support your organisation’s processes – otherwise you will fail to achieve the full value of your investment.

However, the ability to customise must be in a straightforward and simple form that can be applied throughout the system. An easy customisable dashboard is of vital importance.

4. Follow-up Tracking and Lead Generation

Relying solely on a solution to do all processes can be a disastrous approach in business. However, a CRM system that is strong in follow-through and lead generation for reminders for sales people and automated customer communication can be instrumental in conducting efficient processes.

There may be a number of sales representatives in your organisation who are resistant to changing their methods and processes of selling. Some may miss follow-up opportunities due to inefficient systems, badly kept records and lack of staff members.

Implementing an effective and efficient CRM system ensures you can make the most of sales opportunities.

Beginners to networking will undoubtedly be wary and anxious about what it means and feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of networking avenues. But business networking needn’t be as daunting as you may think, and a bit of networking is unavoidable if you want success and is hugely valuable if done well. From how to get started and top tips for networking success, read on for our beginner’s guide.

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What Kind of Networking Do You Need?

There are three main networking areas, and you first need to decide which is your priority.

Profile Building is about raising your profile, either locally, regionally or globally. This kind of networking is simply for those who want to become better known in their industry.

Brain Building is all about gaining knowledge or skills which can help you run a more successful business. This can include support from peer groups or picking up skills and knowledge from professional development offered by industry groups.

Referral Building is a traditional sort of networking which is for those looking to develop a network of influencers who will essentially bring you leads.

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Local Networking

A great starting point will also be your local environment. Use a directory, such as the Cheltenham Business Directory from http://www.thepagesgroup.co.uk/about-us/, which is used by firms all over the Cotswolds and beyond.

Can’t I Just Do My Networking Online?

In today’s era many businesses network online, but this should be an additional networking tool – not a replacement. The strongest bonds with humans are made in the real world, where eye contact and authenticity go much further than a Like or Share on Facebook ever can.

Stay Active

Networking isn’t a tick-off-the-list task which is then done. It’s a constant job that needs nurturing and feeding all the time. You can’t just sign up to a network and sit back, nor can you turn up to an event and sit in the corner. You need to go out and make ties with new people all the time whilst holding on to those already forged ties that are valuable too.

The first steps, as you can see, are to use your local business networking pages and to also think about what you need from networking. After that, it’s all about building bridges and keeping bonds alive with regular contact.

To celebrate 150 years at – literally – the top of their profession, outdoor specialists Mammut have completed the 150 Peaks Project, with 150 teams tackling 150 peaks all over the world, from Argentina to Austria, Tajikistan to Tanzania, in what has been the biggest summit challenge of all time.

Mammut have been in business for a century and a half, with an almost unparalleled history in the world of outdoor clothing and equipment.

The Swiss mountain sports specialists who started out in the 1860s are renowned for a comprehensive range of equipment, from hiking boots and rock shoes to climbing ropes and carabiners.

Recognition from all over the world has followed in the wake of their pioneering footsteps – not least after the launch of the world-renowned Ajungalak sleeping bags, which have been tried and tested in the most hostile conditions on the planet.

Sixty Summits Equalled the Height of Mount Everest
Their record-breaking Peak Project has involved more than 1,500 climbers who have taken on more than 500,000 metres of ascents right across the world – including 60 summits which each equalled the height of Mount Everest – to complete the unique challenge.

Also billed as the Ultimate Test Event, participants took part with the support of professional mountain guides from the Mammut Alpine School.

In Argentina, teams took on the Aguja Guillaumet and Aconcogua, in Canada it was Mounts Columbia and Logan, and in Japan they climbed Akadake, Tsurugidake and Mount Funagata.

The newly-named Mammut Peak in the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan was officially climbed for the first time, while New Zealand’s Mount Aspiring, North Korea’s Baedu Spa, and Huascaran and the almost unpronounceable Chopicalqui in Peru were all conquered.

Closer to home, the Cuillin Ridge, Ben Nevis and Llanberis were all part of the UK challenge, and in the U.S. successful attempts were made on Mounts Baker, St. Helens and Washington.

In all, 1,563 mountaineers were involved in the project, ascending a total of 518,322 metres.

Mammut are justifiably proud of their unique achievement…and as they announced at the end of their extraordinary anniversary year – it was very much a case of ‘Mission Accomplished.’

Mammut’s Alpine School offers comprehensive courses for both beginners and more experienced mountain sports enthusiasts in Alpine climbing, ski touring, ice climbing, snow shoeing and glacier trekking.

To mark their anniversary, Mammut have launched a major new fund-raising campaign.
‘Roped Together in Solidarity’ will work with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association, donating one per cent of turnover to provide equipment and training for new mountain guides from emerging countries including Peru and Kyrgyzstan.

In the unlikely event of any of us ever hitting the jackpot in Euro Millions, what would you spend the money on? As proven by history, most people don’t tend to think too rationally when exposed to extortionate amounts of money so, instead of renewing your wardrobe or travelling the world why not blow all your money on something as irrational as the house of your childhood idol?

The only problem is, even with all that money in your pocket, you might still not be able to do it simply because the celebrities have their own secretive ways of selling their property.

Privacy, Privacy and Again Privacy
Why be so secretive about it, one may wonder. It’s not like those houses haven’t been snapped from every angle by ever-lurking paparazzi or their value scrutinized in every tabloid. However, there is still that little chunk of time in between them moving in and first getting snapped on their doorstep by a sensation-hungry photographer and, apparently, because of that they’re willing to go to that extra mile and keep their identities disguised.

Knock, knock…
So what’s the big fuss about? Celebrities, of all people, seem to have mastered the disguising techniques reasonably well, so could they not just pull another neon-coloured wig over their locks or a baseball cap over it? (I do catch myself wondering if there’s some class left in Hollywood)

Apparently, it’s not that simple as the real estate market turns out to be one of the few places where it’s considerably hard to keep your identity anonymous – even for the rich and the famous – hence they seek more radical steps of doing so.

VIP Only
Back in the days, methods like word-of-mouth exclusive listings seemed to work quite well, but as more and more celebs are struggling to sell their property, like Pierce Brosnan, Christina Aguilera or 50 cent, this can be harder to do.

Some blame the estate slump or the eccentric tastes (a mini-bar in every bedroom, *cough-Britney Spears-cough*) or it may be just the fact that the rich and the famous want to be the initial inhabitants of the house they’re buying.

How it Happens
First and foremost a challenge for the stars is to find a non-traditional capital source – not mortgage otherwise their identities are instantly given away – to fund their own enterprise. Then they pick a trustee that would publicly look after the transaction. Celebrities like Madonna, Meg Ryan, Randy Phillips have sold their properties exactly like this through “pocket listings”.

However, when those methods don’t work, estate agents are still ready to go to great lengths to protect their client’s privacy, such as hiding details through incomplete or inaccurate information in the listing, a fake house number or posting completely unrelated pictures rather than the house image.

This can be reminiscent of the bad advertisements on Gumtree or Craigslist, which makes you wonder whether they’re actually trying to sell house online or just use it as an excuse to showcase their pets, poster collection or worse – themselves.

So, if you were to win those millions whose house would you buy?