“The Energy Secretary should be sacked”, said consumer champion Martin Lewis in May 2017[1]. This wasn’t about smart meters though. Greg Clark had told breakfast TV viewers that switching energy suppliers is “quite a hassle to do”. It isn’t, even for your gran, as explained on Lewis’s MoneySavingExpert site [4].

Will anyone be sacked over the decision to roll out smart meters?

We’ve all done it haven’t we, become convinced that the expensive new gizmo will make our lives better. After a few hours of the kids shouting “Hey Google”, we start to wonder. It’s expensive for sure. Householders will be paying £11bn for the rollout of smart meters and even this is set to rise [2].

Well before UK government took the plunge with smart meters, the Germans had already decided that they were too expensive, compared to the savings [3]. So why did the UK go ahead?

The main reason cited for smart meters was that householders would be able to see their energy usage, and cost, in real time. That’s fair enough, but which householders were they targeting?

– The money saving experts who had already switched suppliers? They were already clued up about not leaving the TV on standby and buying A+ rated white goods.
– The ones who hadn’t bothered to switch? Would they take any notice of a box that you can’t shout “Hey Google” at?

What’s worse is that the SMETS 1 boxes will “go dumb” when switching supplier! Householders will still be able to see usage (if they are interested) but not the cost. Penalising the people who actually care. The final straw is that, according to the BBC, smart meters will cut annual energy bills by just £11 – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44903471.

So, what are the benefits? Energy companies won’t have to read meters. Great. Householders won’t either. Yay. A side benefit might be that they can replace that broken gas meterbox and make the outside of the house look more presentable, see here https://www.meterbox.co.uk/.

Love ‘em or loathe ‘em smart meters are here to stay. We’ll see whether the SMETS 1 boxes can be upgraded. Greg Clark is still the Secretary of State for Energy, and you can bet no one will be sacked for the decision to roll out smart meters.

[1] https://inews.co.uk/news/martin-lewis-calls-energy-switch-minister-sacked/
[2] https://utilityweek.co.uk/smart-meter-rollout-costs-1bn-higher-expected-2016/
[3] http://stopsmartmeters.org.uk/germany-rejects-eu-smart-meter-plan-too-expensive-no-payback-in-savings/
[4] https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/cheap-energy-offline/

Defining a buyer persona helps you to identify the attributes of your ideal customer. This will be based on your industry sector and data regarding your current customers and aids in understanding the demographics so that the content and campaigns you create are engaging and effective.

Why are buyer personas useful?

Buyer personas can help you to understand what your customers want, what concerns them and whether there are any factors that could prevent them from buying your product or service. In digital marketing Manchester could be said to lead the field. Knowing your customers and being able to create a strong relationship with them gives you a definite advantage over other companies.

Creating a buyer persona

The first step towards creating a buyer persona is to research your existing customers. This can be done by various methods including interviews, polls and surveys. Social media now provides very effective ways of conducting surveys and polls, but face to face and telephone interviews are still popular, so the choice is yours.

If you feel you need professional help with the process, contacting a company such as https://htpdigital.com will provide the solution you need.

Using a template to record information can be very helpful. The fields included can be varied depending on your individual business and your customers. Basic information for a B2C persona template would normally include name, age, gender, marital status and occupation. Other fields might focus on education, location, income, family size and less concrete items such as interests, lifestyle and personality traits. According to Marketing Week, Sainsbury’s increased sales by using location to deliver personalised offers to customers.

If you are selling to another business rather than to consumers, a B2B persona template might have additional fields such as whether the person is a decision maker in their company and their job title.

Using a buyer persona

A buyer persona can be used to increase traffic and target your advertising to where it will be most relevant and effective. Content can be created for the personas you have identified based on what the customer engages with and is interested in. This can be presented in the format they prefer whether this is through blog posts, an eBook or a video guide.

Negative buyer personas are also useful to identify customers that are not a good fit with your business.

January can feel like a pretty blue month without returning to a grubby and messy workplace after the Christmas festivities. While it’s currently the time for planning the office Christmas party, you should spare a thought for the aftermath too. Once the tinsel has come down and the tree stripped of its baubles and lights, it’s time to set to work cleaning the office and making it welcoming and attractive for returning staff. There’s nothing quite as depressing as the sight of withered decorations and empty bottles.

Declutter

It is time to stow the tree, decorations and lights for another 365 days until the festivities return. In addition to the parts you will keep for next year, there will be multiple one-time use items that will need to be discarded of accordingly such as cups, plates, napkins, food and drink etc. Remember to make sure to recycle anything that can be and reuse whenever available. By tackling the party bits and bobs, you will create a clear space to then clean thoroughly.

Disinfect all surfaces

Now the areas are clear, you can implement an intense cleaning schedule to ensure the office is brought back to efficient levels of cleanliness and sense of professionalism. A standard clean will not suffice, you will need to use disinfecting cleaning products to ensure all germs and bacteria are removed. Due to there being a variety of people, a variety of germs would have been deposited within the office, therefore, ensure anyone who visits the office after the party is not left contaminated. For help with this and ongoing tasks, consider Office cleaning Gloucester and Click here for more information.

Clean bathrooms

As well as the office itself, the bathrooms will also need a thorough clean to ensure all germs and bacteria are removed and the toilets become safe to use. They will visually need a spruce up as well as require a deep clean of all surfaces. Items to clean include:

Light fixtures

Vent fans

Sink taps

Sinks

Hand dryer

Soap dispenser

Countertops

Walls

Toilet and urinals

Floor

Fixtures

Drain caps

Handles & knobs

Mirrors

Empty bins

Now the office is clear and clean, ensure you empty the bins so that they are not an eyesore and produce an odour into the office. Also, by having a bin filled with waste for long periods of time they become a breeding ground for aggressive germs. Some of those germs could become a risk to staff if not properly disposed of and washed, therefore ensure you are thorough with your post-party cleanup schedule.

If you want to be a successful waiter, it is important to act a certain way. After all, tradition, respect and culture all play an important role in hospitality.

Here are 10 things all great restaurant waiters do.

They greet people when they arrive

Don’t let anyone enter the building without a friendly greeting. Manners are very important as they show people that you care about them and appreciate their custom, so they are more likely to visit again – http://www.goodchoicesgoodlife.org/choices-for-young-people/the-magic-of-manners/.

They are helpful

Great waiters are always helpful and if they don’t know the answer to a question, they don’t say ‘I don’t know’; they say ‘I will go and find out’.

They don’t assume

If a customer asks a good waiter for more of something such as cheese, gravy or sauce, they bring a dish so the customer can serve themselves. This is better than pouring for them and guessing how much they want.

They don’t take plates until everyone has finished eating

A good waiter will always wait until everyone has finished their meal before they start collecting plates. This means customers can enjoy their full meal without feeling rushed.

They help to keep things clean

Restaurants are very busy, and things can quickly get dirty or messy. A good waiter will help to prevent this from happening by helping to keep things clean, such as the stainless steel grease traps, when they have a free moment.

If you own a restaurant and you want to buy new stainless steel grease traps, head to https://www.ukgreasetrapsdirect.co.uk/stainless-steel-grease-traps or similar.

They know who ordered what

A great waiter will know who ordered what before they approach the table, so they don’t have to interrupt the conversation to ask ‘who ordered the pizza?’.

They provide extras

They will provide customers with extras for them to enjoy. For instance, they will always offer bread with olive oil or butter.

They don’t question customers

If a customer comes in alone, they don’t question when someone else will arrive; they simply take the reservation.

They are friendly

They always have a smile on their face, and they never make customers feel bad for asking for extra service.

They don’t touch the rims of the glasses

This is a basic hygiene point that all great waiters are aware of.

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.