Living paycheck to paycheck? Try these company car maintenance tips!

Car maintenance is not something most people think about on a daily basis. However, keeping up with your fleets car maintenance can save your business money in the long run. By arranging regular car maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs down the road. In addition, regular maintenance can extend the life of the vehicles. With the current cost of living crisis, many businesses across the UK are looking for ways to save money. Car maintenance can be expensive, but repairing or replacing a car completely can require a significant outlay that would put a strain on a small business during the current climate. 

Here we have put together some simple tips to help keep your company cars maintained and performing at their best.

BATTERY TERMINAL MAINTENANCE

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your car is to keep the battery terminals clean. Over time, they can become corroded and cause all sorts of problems. Not only will this help your car run better, but it can also save you money in the long run. Members of your team can easily maintain the battery terminals themselves by doing the following:

1. Use a wire brush to remove any corrosion that has built up on the terminals.

2. Make sure the terminals are tight and secure. Loose terminals can cause all sorts of electrical problems.

3. Use a good quality battery terminal protector to keep the terminals from corroding in the future. This is especially important if you live in an area with high humidity or salt air.

REGULAR CHECKS

Regular checks of your car’s fluids, tires, and lights can help prevent larger problems down the road. Keeping your car’s fluids at the proper levels helps ensure that all of its parts are lubricated and working together smoothly. Checking your tire pressure regularly can improve your gas mileage and extend the life of your tires. Making sure your headlights and taillights are working properly not only keeps you safe on the road, but also helps you avoid getting a ticket.

By taking just a few minutes each month to check on these things, you can save yourself time and money in the long run.

COOLING SYSTEM REPAIRS

Your cooling system has several important jobs, such as keeping the engine from overheating and preventing the formation of rust and corrosion. A properly functioning cooling system is essential to the longevity of your car. There are a few simple things you can do to keep your cooling system in tip-top shape. First, check the level of coolant regularly and top off as needed. You should also flush the coolant periodically to remove any build-up of dirt or debris. Lastly, have a certified mechanic check your cooling system for any potential problems.

In conclusion, regular car maintenance can help you avoid more expensive repairs, so don’t neglect your cars—give them the love and care it needs to keep running smoothly for years to come.

5 Top Cities to Start a New Business in 2022

The UK is recognized as one of the most business-friendly nations globally, and with these five cities at the forefront of this movement, it will be an excellent place to launch your new business. From fast growth to vast start-up hubs, these five places offer serious advantages for anyone looking for a new home for their business.

1. Leeds

Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK and has a vibrant economy with a promising future. The city’s economy is diverse, bringing together education, business, retail and creative industries. With an entrepreneurial spirit running throughout the city, Leeds hosts a huge range of networking events that should aid any budding entrepreneurs.

2. Glasgow

Glasgow has a rapidly growing economy with a diverse yet united business sector. There are many networking and promotional events for anyone looking to start a new business. The city is also home to one of Europe’s largest start-up hubs, giving aspiring entrepreneurs the tools and platform.

3. Manchester

Manchester is a fantastic place for anyone looking to start a business, with one of the highest rates of entrepreneurship in the UK and strong business communities across the city. Events are run regularly in Manchester to promote entrepreneurship, especially in the creative industries. There are also plenty of creative networking events that help promote start-ups.

4. Birmingham

Birmingham has recently seen an explosion in new businesses seeking premises and has one of the biggest start-ups per head of population in Europe. There is an array of vibrant and creative enterprises within the city. New and reclaimed industrial buildings are becoming home to some of the most innovative new companies.

5. Bristol

Bristol has a booming economy right now, with many businesses up and running well and successful within the city. It’s one of the top start-up cities in Europe, which makes it a fantastic place for anyone looking to start their own business. Bristol has a huge pool of creative talent and a great live music scene, which makes it an excellent city to start a business in.

The UK is a great place to launch your business. From the growth of young audiences to the promotion of start-ups, these five cities are sure to offer a competitive environment for budding entrepreneurs.

Industrial cleaning guide and tips for businesses during COVID

Many businesses in the UK are finally opening their doors to customers as we inch closer to the new normal. With the current lockdown easing, ensuring a clean and safe commercial building is critical more than ever. Cleaning and disinfecting your spaces and equipment during covid requires the correct industrial cleaning equipment and employee training.

Benefits of buying or hiring industrial cleaning equipment

As we have witnessed during the past year, the virus can spread quickly, so it is necessary to do all that you can as a responsible business owner to guarantee the safety of your staff and customers.

  • Making your customers feel safe and at ease: A clean and safe public space will help you and your customers feel happier, secure and confident. Covid has already brought on enough stress for many of us, so with the help of our professionally approved industrial equipment, your clean retail stores and shop will encourage customers to shop more often.
  • Decrease the percentage of infection spread: High-traffic areas and highly touched surfaces in businesses are often overlooked. Floor surfaces, door handles and desk are just a few highly prone to virus and bacteria spread. You can rest assured knowing that you have the right tools and equipment to disinfect these areas in a quick matter of time correctly.
  • Prevent staff illness: Opening your business during Covid means that you and your co-workers are working at the front lines, so it’s essential to make your employees feel safe and protected. All business owners have to prioritise the health of the staff, and it’s impossible to keep your business afloat if many of your team are unable to work.

Industrial cleaning equipment you can buy or hire to keep your shop clean

  • Vacuum Cleaners: Vacuum cleaners are staple cleaning machines, allowing you to remove dust, dirt, and debris quickly on large floor surfaces.
  • Pressure Washers: Hot pressure washers operate by directing hot, high-pressure water on filthy surfaces, oily warehouse floors, and gunky corners.
  • Steamers: Steam cleaner machines utilise high temperatures to disinfect germs and bacterias on floor surfaces and furniture. Whether it’s used on soft or hard surfaces, you can rest assured knowing that your work surfaces are free of unwanted contaminants.
  • Floor Scrubber Dryers: Scrubber dryers are a staple for large scale businesses like stock warehouses and factories. They’re easy to operate, time-saving and efficient when it comes down to extensive space cleaning.

Investing properties in Liverpool during 2021

The vibrant and historic port city of Liverpool continues to exceed its reputation as one of the most exciting prospects for investors looking to invest in properties during 2021. Many investors have found successful and profitable ventures in recent years by building new properties and letting many properties that the city has to offer.

Why is it worth investing in Liverpool?

On a global scale, Liverpool is one of the must-visit cities with its rich history and culture attracting many visitors, whether for work, leisure, or long-term stays. During the past few years, Liverpool has been transformed through many regeneration projects, renovation schemes and many completed property developments. The city is still thriving for more with no signs of halting any time soon.

Regeneration and future project developments

Redevelopment of areas like the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool One and the Waterfront Docks have opened many job prospects and further increased the city’s growing economy. Overall, Liverpool’s appeal and potential are attracting businesses, job seekers, students and tourists to stay, meaning there is a constantly increasing demand for tenants.

Increasing demand in the rental market

The growing economy and many job vacancies on offer attract graduates and young professionals to live in the city. Many job seekers and entrepreneurs are increasing the demand for rental property in Liverpool, and the statistics are set to grow as the city moves forward. The city is one of the highest performing buy-to-let locations in the UK, with higher rental yields than major cities like London.

Higher demand for student accommodation

Boasting three universities and multiple college campuses, Liverpool has a high population of students residing within the city. Many graduates enjoy its culture, vibrant nightlife, friendly atmosphere, and city lifestyle so much that many choose to stay to live and work there permanently, which adds demand for student accommodation and private rental properties. For those who are looking to invest in student accommodation, there is no better city than Liverpool.

With property prices set to rise, now is the right time more than ever to consider investing in Liverpool while many properties are still affordable.

Office Furniture, Designs and Solutions for Post COVID Workplace

As the UK moves closer to total lockdown ease, many people that have worked remotely for the past year are preparing to return to their regular office workspace. It’s been almost a year since Covid has forced many companies to shut down their offices and transition to flexible work schedules from home. During this period, many workers schedules and job tendencies have changed, so workplaces need to adapt their offices with new design layouts and furniture selections.

Future-proofed furniture Post Covid

As we move forward to the new norm of office workplaces post-covid, business owners will need to future-proof their working environments using space-saving solutions, adaptable furniture, careful selection of desk surface, and area dividers that limit direct contact make public office spaces safe and post-covid friendly. Office chairs and desks that are easier to maintain and sanitise are a great example, Office partitions that can naturally enforce employees to social distance.

Space-saving solutions and space configuration

Lightweight and flexible products like foldable office chairs and foldable office desks are ideal since they are accessible to move, sanitise, reposition and store away to ensure safety and flexibility within your office floor plans. Poly material chairs have beneficial properties like lightweight, sturdy, all-weather proof and antibacterial proof. To maintain and sanitise your office furniture properly, all you need to do is apply an antibacterial cleaning liquid on a damp cloth and wipe it in a circular motion.

Flexibility between remote working and office workplace

Many employers would benefit from the flexibility to alternate between telecommuting and working directly at the office. Many offices resort to a smaller workforce to comply with social distancing precautions. This ideal solution will allow co-workers and their bosses to connect more frequently and seamlessly. Splitting workdays between remote working and working from the office means fewer people will have to work in a condensed area, and coworking workers can alternate throughout the week.

If you’re preparing for the return to office workplaces and looking to redesign your office space, now is the perfect time to think outside the box. The way we work is evolving due to the effects of the Pandemic, and unconventional office space and flexible workplaces are becoming the new norm. As many workers are getting accustomed to working whilst social distancing, it’s essential to create a comfortable and safer office environment for you and your employees.

State of Small UK Business follow the Covid Pandemic

The ongoing surge of Covid-19 and frequent national lockdowns has a more significant effect on the UK’s small businesses. Over 250,000 small companies are on the brink of bankruptcy and collapse without any financial aid from the government. Although constant financial losses affect small companies from a year under the Pandemic restrictions, only a tiny percentage of business owners have decided to close down their operations for good. The rest are doing their best to stay afloat in the hope that the lockdown will finally ease.

Smaller businesses will generally have minimal external financing options available to them compared to their larger business counterparts. However, government loan schemes and support grants like the bounce back loan scheme have helped many companies keep afloat during the heavy periods of the lockdown. Additionally, more than a million loans provided by the UK government have been extended to elongate financial support until further lockdown ease.

Despite the government’s effort to support many small businesses in the country, which consists of £4.6 billion worth of grants and unemployment financial aid, this slight push will only delay the inevitable for many companies. Retail workers, self-employed workers and supply chains without a commercial premise are left out in the cold, and many independent businesses expect their profits to decrease further.

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Small Business Ideas to Start in 2021

ecommerce phone

When it comes to starting a business, choosing a business idea to start with can be challenging as there is plenty to choose from. You can choose from various sectors such as home improvement, cleaning services to real estate businesses and much more. Here are a few profitable businesses you can start in 2021:

Digital Marketing Services

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, more businesses have set up online shops. You can create a digital marketing agency to help companies build their brand and establish their digital presence. You can run your agency from your home, and the startup costs are low.

Some of the services you can offer through your digital marketing agency include:
Copywriting
Social media advertising
Creative/brand consulting
Web design consulting
Content creation
SEO writing

E-commerce Dropshipping

As online technology is becoming more advanced setting up a dropshipping business has now become easier. With this business, you don’t have to worry about storing your inventory; all you need to do is list the products on your e-commerce website.

To get started with this business, you will need to partner with dropshipping suppliers such as Worldwide Brands, Doba, Oberlo, SaleHoo or Dropified. To ensure the business is successful in the long run, focus on boosting your website, expanding your audience and selecting in-demand products.

App Development

As businesses are now looking to go digital, most will likely seek to build an app to reach more customers. By building custom Android or iPhone apps for businesses, an App developer helps make businesses’ visions become a reality.

If you are planning to get involved in the app development field, you can start with training and acquiring experience in building apps. Free online courses and coding bootcamps can help you get started as you learn the fundamentals.

Real Estate Agency

The coronavirus has created a shortage of houses as people demand more spread out and bigger spaces. With prices expected to skyrocket, remote work has made more people leave cities to seek properties in suburb areas. These trends may be provisional, but the real estate business has so much to offer.

With available online classes, it is easy to become a licensed real estate agent. The Overhead costs involved are relatively low, as you can work from anywhere and won’t need a degree to get started.

Whether you want to supplement your salary or free yourself from the financial and personal restrictions of employment, there are many options for starting and growing your own business.

Going Green in your Workplace – Top Tips to Get you Started

The threat of global warming is HERE and ever so REAL! And everyone needs to share the burden and start cleaning up their act to alleviate the mounting problem of waste being sent to landfills all over the UK from the workplace.

So how can your company help?

Here are 6 tips to help you cut down on your workplace waste and potentially even save you valuable resources.

  1. Keep the 5Rs to heart – Always remember “Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Raising Awareness”
  2. Use your paper wisely – You can reuse scrap paper instead of using normal paper. In addition, try to print only when needed. 
  3. Segregation is the key – Invest in good quality bins and ensure that your garbages are segregated properly.
  4. Encourage employees to use reusable cups and mugs – Reusable mugs that can be used for both hot and cold beverages comes in various trendy designs. 
  5. Dispose of old electronic resources properly. Some of their parts can be recycled and others can be repurposed.
  6. Businesses should have effective waste management programs in place in order to reduce the carbon footprint and protect the environment.

There are a variety of companies available that provide both confidential waste disposal and wee recycling services. This combination of services allows businesses to effively reduce their carbon footprint whilst complying with disposal regulations.

The key to going green in your workplace is to identify the wasted resources and reduce them where possible. In addition, you can choose local suppliers or suppliers with similar values to further reduce your impact on the environment.

How to Recruit Full Time, Part Time and Casual Staff for Your Business

Finding the right talent is an essential part of operating a successful business. Based on the size of the company, the recruiters may need to hire full-time, part-time and casual staff on a continuous basis. This is why many recruiters use a diversity of mediums to attract top talent into their companies.

Choose the Right Recruitment Schemes

Many companies utilise a wide variety of recruitment schemes to attract new employees into their business. The scheme used is often based on the demand and the supply for a specific resource. If the demand for the resource is high and the supply is low, the recruiter will normally use a more aggressive tactic to secure the talent that they need. For instance, the demand for certain medical professionals is presently high and the pool of government website candidates is low. Therefore, recruiters will need a more aggressive tactic to obtain the talent that they need. One of which may involve going directly to the nursing schools in the surrounding areas to recruit the students that graduate. To make the job offers of the company more attractive, the students may be offered an added incentive bonus along with great health, dental and retirement benefits.

Target Part-time Friendly Candidates

Some companies have more part-time and casual job openings than others. Consequently, the recruiting that has to be done may require a customised recruitment scheme to secure the talent that is needed. Although part-time employment may be a long-term commitment for some people, others may accept a part-time job for very short time frames. Therefore, companies who want to attract the best candidates for their positions will need to recruit the people who need a long-term commitment. To accomplish these efforts, recruiters may want to target students who are currently in college. Fortunately, many college campuses and universities are open to these kinds of ongoing relationships since it helps their students with funding their tuition, books and room fees.

Use Network Strategies for Executive Talent

Even in harsh economic times, recruiting top talent is not always as simple as it appears. These pools may be filled with good talent but they may not be exactly what a company is looking for. Consequently, when recruiters are looking for a specific kind of talent to fill an executive position, they may need to solicit additional help through their government website networks as well as other mediums. From working with private talent agencies to involving direct recruiting agencies, employers have a diversity of methods that they can use to get the right people for the job. For instance, if they are looking for someone to fill an executive position in the field of technology, they may involve a private agency to find people who are currently on staff at other top companies. One of the tricks to this trade is to provide these coveted candidates with an offer that they cannot turn down (i.e. company stocks, family benefits etc.).

Use Online Career Boards

As stated above, sometimes the recruiter may want to confine the pool to a specific type of candidate. While this may be a great strategy for top executives, this may not be necessary for other full time, part time or casual staff positions. Instead, the recruiter may want to make the job position available to people from all over the country and abroad. Since the advent of the Internet, this can be achieved by posting it on popular online career boards. Candidates who are looking for jobs are always frequenting these boards to find employment. The role of the recruiter, however, is to make sure the job position is posted clearly and succinctly so that they will only get serious candidates that meet the requirements.

How to Start Your Own Catering Business

Are you planning on starting a food business? Before you start ordering your wholesale catering supplies and costing your menu, here are some important things you need to consider first.

Register Your Premises

When starting your own restaurant, the first step should be registering your premises with the environmental health services. Your local authority will be able to instruct you on how to do this. If your premises requires any building work, you should also notify the environmental health services and local authority. Consider whether you need to register as self-employed and for VAT. These processes will require a different form to registering your premises. It is important that you have the licenses needed for your business and abide by premise regulations.

Food Safety Management

It is crucial that you have food safety management procedures for your business, this involves deciding how the food is produced to ensure that it is safe for your customers to eat. The Food Standards Agency have information available to help you put these systems together. The staff you hire are responsible for maintaining your food safety management procedures, so it is important that you train members of staff who handle food in your business. Choosing a good supplier is also essential for your business as these a responsible for the handling, safety and quality of your food supply. Keep all documentation of suppliers, for example, their contact details, product information and receipts. This is key for your business especially if there is a product recall. (more…)