---

Newsletter #129 - The 'coffee crunch', Beginners guide to Wi-Fi, Protecting your business in a downturn, Why you need a website

---

The 'coffee crunch'

Starbucks, the ubiquitous coffee chain this week announced that to counteract falling profits it is to close 600 of its 7200 US stores.

It seems that when the economy is good, and we have some extra cash in our pockets, we're willing to pay £2 or £3 for a 'skinny latte' or a 'Frappuccino' but when things are tighter, the expensive frothy coffee is one of the first items we cut back on.

In days gone by, the fortunes of Marks & Spencer were regarded as a bell-weather for the UK economy, but these days, the number of coffee shops opening or closing on your local high street might well be a better reflection of the health of the economy.

The 'coffee crunch' is hitting home on the other side of the pond, so it's probably just a matter of time before it hits the UK.

************************** Advertisement ************************

START ADVERTISING WITH NETKLIX AND CLAIM £25 FREE ONLINE ADVERTISING

With Netklix you can start Advertising in 5 minutes. You only pay when someone clicks on your advert. Simply write and target your advert to get started. It's that simple.

Best of all, until 31st July all new Advertisers receive £25 Free Advertising.

To find out more and to claim your £25 free online advertising, visit; http://snipurl.com/Netklix_Free_Adverts
*****************************************************************

Beginners guide to Wi-Fi and Wireless Internet
WiFi is the name given to wireless technology – for our purposes, most commonly used to provide internet access without the need for wires. Rather than plugging your PC or laptop into your broadband modem, you can access the internet remotely as long as you are in range of a Wi-Fi access point – either at home or when you're out and about. This guide looks at the many benefits of WiFi and tells you how to get started with wireless.

Top Tips to protect your business during an economic downturn
Some experts believe that the UK economy is already nearing a recession, whereas others believe the "credit crunch" has been overblown by the media. Either way, many small business people have already started to look at how they can survive a downturn. Here are some tips to help make sure your business doesn't go down the pan when the economy sinks.

Limited Companies - What does a Company Secretary Do?
An overview of the typical role and responsibilities of a Company Secretary within a small business if you choose to appoint one for your limited company.

Why do I need a website for my small business?
With the continuing growth the Internet, more and more small businesses are going online. If you remain unconvinced, here are some compelling reasons why every small business should have a website.

Business expense claims - New rules on claiming mortgage interest
HMRC have started to allow self employed people to offset mortgage interest and other fixed costs against their annual tax bills, something which accountants have previously advised against doing due to the capital gains tax implications. Self employed people who run their businesses from home could well benefit from this updated guidance.

************************** Advertisement ************************

SAVE ON CAR RENTAL WITH BUDGET BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
Uniquely designed for the smaller business, BusinessConnections from Budget Rent-a-Car gives you great value, great quality and great service. Membership is FREE and you'll get 5 x FREE upgrade vouchers if you sign up before May 31st! Click here for more details: http://snipurl.com/_BusinessConnections

HOW TO AVOID A COSTLY HM REVENUE & CUSTOMS TAX INVESTIGATION
Former Tax Inspector reveals the shocking truth about tax. Everything you NEED to know about avoiding and dealing with a tax investigation by HMRC; http://snipurl.com/_Tax_Investigation

FREE BUSINESS TELEPHONE ANSWERING
Statistics prove that if a prospect calls you and your phone goes to answerphone, they will move on and you will lose the opportunity. Click below to qualify for your FREE telephone answering service - http://snipurl.com/_The_Hot_Office
 

Posted July 2, 2008