Newsletter #133 - Free refills to tackle 'coffee crunch', Buying a business franchise, Buying a business, Overview of Finance Act 2008, Top 10 tips for choosing an accountant

In this week's Business121:

1. Free refills to tackle 'coffee crunch'
2. Buying a business franchise - An overview
3. Buying a Business - Pro's and Con's
4. 10 things to consider before buying a business
5. Overview of the Finance Act 2008 and how it affects small companies
6. Get your office design right and avoid muscle strain
7. Top 10 Tips for Choosing an Accountant

Small Business News

8. Family businesses and the UK economy – key statistics
9. Big firms' late payment behaviour "nothing short of outrageous"
10. everywoman awards 2008 - open for entries
11. BBC seeks struggling businesses who could use some expert advice
12. Small business and academic worlds closer than ever
13. Invest in social networking and become 'recession proof'

Free refills to tackle 'coffee crunch'

A month ago, I raised the prospect of a 'coffee crunch' hitting the UK as consumers with fewer pounds to spend decided to go without their expensive 'skinny lattes' or 'Frappuccinos'!

At the time, Starbucks had announced that it would be closing 600 of its coffee shops in the US, and this week it said 61 of its 84 Australian stores will be shut.

But it might be that the 'coffee crunch' will be good for UK consumers. In a bid to stop customers from deserting its stores, Starbucks is reportedly set to introduce 'free refills' in the UK.

Free refills are common-place in the US, but almost unheard of on this side of the pond.

'We are delighted to announce that Starbucks UK and Ireland is now offering one complimentary Tall Freshly Brewed Coffee refill to any customer who purchases any hot beverage, of any size, to enjoy in our stores.' confirmed a Starbucks spokesperson.

The free refill offer will run indefinitely, however, they might well change their mind once the coffee crunch is over!

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Buying a business franchise
Many famous names operate franchises around the UK – from Kall Kwik to Coffee Republic. In fact, there are over 800 different businesses operating as franchises across the UK.

Every year, thousands of individuals decide to buy a franchise instead of starting a new business from scratch. If you're thinking of going down this route, here's an overview of franchising and how the franchising business model works.

An alternative to buying a franchise is to buy an existing business. There are many things to weigh up when you're considering such a move, and these two guides will help you to work out what's best for you.

Buying a Business - Pro's and Con's
We look at the pro's and con's of buying an existing business - there is a trade-off between the benefits of buying a going concern, and the problems you may inherit when doing so.

10 things to consider before buying a business
If you've decided to buy an existing business rather than start your own, here are the ten things to consider before you make an offer to purchase a business.

Overview of the Finance Act 2008 and how it affects small companies
This year's Finance Bill received Royal Assent on 21 July, completing the legislative implementation of the government's Pre-Budget Report and Budget announcements as it becomes the Finance Act 2008. Here's an overview of the contents of the Act, and how the changes contained within it will affect small businesses - including new HMRC powers, entrepreneurs' relief, and changes to the corporation tax rates.

Get your office design right and avoid muscle strain
With 12 million days lost to work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), such as repetitive strain injury each year it's something to be aware of. Here's how to ensure that your small business working environment is not bad for your health.

Top 10 Tips for Choosing an Accountant
Of all the advisers you are likely to encounter when running a small business, a good accountant is perhaps the most valuable one to have.
Here are our Top 10 tips for choosing an accountant that's right for you.

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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Family businesses and the UK economy – key statistics
New research from Credit Suisse provides an interesting insight into the role family-run enterprises have in the UK economy. The report shows that not only are they key to supporting the economy, but they tend to be undervalued and neglected by policy makers.

Big firms' late payment behaviour "nothing short of outrageous"
Worrying new evidence shows that large companies are exploiting smaller ones by delaying invoice settlement and imposing draconian new payment terms with little notice.

everywoman awards 2008 - open for entries
Women have until 29 August to enter this year's NatWest everywoman awards. The awards recognise and reward the most successful women, of all backgrounds and ages who are leading the way in UK business and acting as role models for others wanting to go it alone.

BBC seeks struggling businesses who could use some expert advice
BBC Three are looking for businesses that may be struggling in some way, for a new TV show.

Small business and academic worlds closer than ever
Over the past five years, the links between the academic and small business worlds have increased, according to a survey carried out by the University of Nottingham.

Invest in social networking and become 'recession proof'
The founder of a business site believes that social networking will be a "critical factor" in the survival of small companies during the current economic downturn.

** For the latest Small Business News, visit http://www.Bytestart.co.uk **

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