Newsletter #141 - Sleepless nights for small business owners, Setting up a Home Office - The technology basics, Choosing the best business bank deposit account, IT Contracting - Tips to survive during an economic slowdown

In this week's Business121:

1. Sleepless nights for small business owners
2. Setting up a Home Office - The technology basics
3. Choosing the best business bank deposit account
4. IT Contracting - Tips to survive during an economic slowdown
5. Global entrepreneurs - how they compare with UK business owners

Small Business News

6. Red tape galore as 59 laws to hit businesses on October 1st
7. New Companies Act rules could lead to company name disputes
8. Commercial disputes on the rise as economy cools
9. Employers should consider home working issues say legal experts
10. Entrepreneurs getting sleepless nights over downturn worries

Sleepless nights for small business owners

If you've been having sleepless nights lately, don't worry your not alone. According to research just released (see NEWS below), one in six small business owners suffer sleepless nights because of stress.

I'm not so sure of the figures myself. Of the small business owners I know, I'd say that around one in six DON'T suffer from stress-related insomnia!

On a separate note, over the past few issues, we've looked at ways to keep costs down, in particular banking fees and charges. If you've missed any of this you can find the advice distilled into our handy guide on; How to keep your business bank charges low

We've also updated our guide to business deposit accounts which will help you to earn the best possible interest on any spare funds you have.

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

WHY YOUR BUSINESS IS BETTER OFF INSURED WITH HISCOX

As a leading specialist insurer we provide the most comprehensive business insurance available online.

You can tailor your policy with industry specific professional indemnity cover (£25K up to £2M), 'all-risks' contents and computers cover, portable equipment, public liability, employers' liability, legal expenses, business interruption & buildings.

Why not get a quote now? Only Hiscox allows you to buy online in minutes and download your policy documents immediately. Click here to find out more - http://snipurl.com/_Hiscox_Insurance
*****************************************************************

Setting up a Home Office - The technology basics
A large number of small businesses will be started up at the owner's home. It provides a cost effective, safe and secure environment and enables you to get your business started with minimum overheads.

When starting a home office it is important that you have the correct equipment and conditions to work safely and effectively. This comprehensive guide takes you through your options and the products available including; computer equipment, back-up devices, phones and broadband.

Choosing the best business bank deposit account
If you have a significant amount of money sitting in your business current account on a regular basis, it's worth your while opening a business deposit account. Deposit accounts pay far higher levels of interest, so will enable you to earn far more on your money. Here's a guide to the different deposit accounts available for businesses and the accounts that are currently paying the best rates of interest.

IT Contracting - Tips to survive during an economic slowdown
IT Contracting has been a good profession to be in for many years now. However, as the possibility of a downturn in the industry seems more likely, what should it contractors do to prepare for more challenging times? Here are some general tips to help IT Contractors stay on top in the event of a market downturn.

Global entrepreneurs - how they compare with UK business owners
Business insurer, Hiscox recently conducted the DNA of an Entrepreneur study to identify the main drivers which are prompting entrepreneurs worldwide to leave traditional employment and work for themselves. The study provides an interesting insight into the lifestyle and habits of today's international entrepreneurs compared to their UK counterparts.

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

RECLAIM UNFAIR BUSINESS BANK FEES AND CHARGES

If you run a business you probably pay overdraft or bank charges. However, many of these charges are unfair. If you've paid bank charges in the last 6 years, you will be able to reclaim the fees that were charged unfairly. You could reclaim thousands of pounds.

We specialise in helping businesses to reclaim unfair bank fees. We do all the work for you, so you can get on with running your business, and we're happy to work on a 'No Win No Fee basis' so there's no risk for you. Our average claim is £5,400, so contact us NOW for some expert and friendly advice; http://snipurl.com/Reclaim_Bank_Charges
*****************************************************************

SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Red tape galore as 59 laws to hit businesses on October 1st
With the Government favouring the introduction of new legislation on a bi-annual basis, October 1st will see the implementation of an astonishing 59 new laws which may impact businesses.

New Companies Act rules could lead to company name disputes
A law firm suggests that Companies Act changes could lead to a wave of company name disputes as it will be easier for businesses to challenge name "squatters".

Commercial disputes on the rise as economy cools
The Law Society has warned that commercial disputes are on the rise as businesses seek to clarify the terms of their contracts with customers, and business partners argue over the future of their businesses.

Employers should consider home working issues say legal experts
With recent research showing that half of small businesses do not work in formal offices, lawyers are warning employers to consider the legal issues involved in allowing staff to work from home.

Entrepreneurs getting sleepless nights over downturn worries
New research suggests that one in six small business owners suffer sleepless nights as a result of stress - roughly 750,000 people in total. The main causes of stress are the market downturn and customers defaulting on payments.

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

===========
CLASSIFIEDS
===========

FINDING INVOICING A BURDEN?
Take the pain out of invoicing with a quick and simple application that saves you time and brings in the money. Free sign up: http://snipurl.com/_invoicing

NEED TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?
In the Shed Copywriting is an "all-round" writing service for small businesses. From developing your initial idea through to completion, we can help you with all or just part of your project. Call Christine Todd on 07791 765 734, email christine@itscopywriting.com or see http://snipurl.com/itscopywriting

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 September 31st! Click here for more details: http://snipurl.com/_BusinessConnections

TURN YOUR UNPAID INVOICES INTO CASH
Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance factoring and invoice finance products can give you a 90% cash advance on your invoices, which means you can instantly turn your invoices into cash. Get an Instant Quote to find out how we can help you to quickly raise cash for your business.

LOW-COST PHONE AND BROADBAND DEALS FOR BUSINESSES
Over 100,000 small businesses already enjoy our cheap phone calls and broadband packages. We will never be beaten on price or service, so call us now on 0845 034 8802 or click the link to find out more; http://snipurl.com/Cheap_Telecoms

SEE YOUR AD HERE
Business121 is read by over 11,000 small business owners every week. Advertise in our newsletter from just £60+vat per issue. Please email Classified@Business121.co.uk for details.

(c) Business121.co.uk 2008