Newsletter #142 - Could you do with Gerry Robinson's business know-how and cash?, Guide to buying software for your small business, Top 10 self assessment tax return tips, How to protect your business during an economic downturn, DIY PR Tips

In this week's Business121:

1. Could you do with Gerry Robinson's business know-how and cash?
2. Guide to buying software for your small business
3. Top 10 self assessment tax return tips
4. New raft of Government regulations come into force today - Oct 1st
5. How to protect your business during an economic downturn
6. DIY PR Tips - How to get your company in the news

Small Business News

7. Bank charges and lending restrictions could get worse for small businesses
8. Some businesses have seen their costs soar by 25% in one year
9. What the Conservatives propose to do for small businesses
10. No more prepaid envelopes as HMRC encourages online filing
11. Most entrepreneurs do not have a proper exit strategy

Could you do with Gerry Robinson's business know-how and cash?

If your business isn't doing as well as it should be - and you'd like to get some advice from a hugely experienced businessman to help you to get things back on track - today could be your lucky day, because the renowned business guru and troubleshooter Sir Gerry Robinson is looking for struggling businesses for his new TV series.

During his time in business, Sir Gerry has been Chairman of Allied Domecq and Chief Executive of Granada. He transformed Granada through various mergers and takeovers, including an acrimonious battle for Forte Hotels, where he wrestled control of the company from the founding Forte family.

However, the straight-talking Irishman is probably more famous for his TV appearances. Firstly, in the Troubleshooter-style series, "I'll Show them Who's Boss" where he attempted to turn around failing family businesses. And more recently, when he tried to transform the struggling Rotherham General Hospital in, "Can Gerry Robinson Fix the NHS?".

In his latest TV venture, not only will Sir Gerry be offering his sought after insight and advice, but he'll also be providing a substantial financial investment, to help turn the business around.

The qualifying criteria for applicants are quite exacting. Your business needs to be a privately-owned firm, operating in the construction, leisure, hospitality or manufacturing industries, have a turnover of at least £500,000, and going through a tough time.

If your company fits the bill, and you'd like to find out more about it, you should contact Tessa or Becky on 020 8233 2952 or email tessa@goggleboxentertainment.co.uk

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Guide to buying software for your small business
Without decent software your small business IT infrastructure is pretty much useless. Buying software can be as easy as visiting your local computer store, paying some money and getting a set of software. But this is not necessarily the most cost effective way of making such a purchase.

Full copies of the more popular office software can cost a few hundred pounds and specialised design software can cost thousands of pounds. By buying cost effectively you will save your small business money, whilst ensuring your software remains legal. Here's a guide to buying the right software for your small business.

Top 10 self assessment tax return tips
With a new-look self assessment tax return on the cards this year, here's a helpful ten-step guide to help you get your return right, first time.

New raft of Government regulations come into force today - Oct 1st
The Government has issued its half-yearly raft of new regulations today. Here's a quick summary of the main ones of interest to small businesses.

How to protect your business during an economic downturn
Don't get crunched! Here are some tips for protecting your business in an economic downturn, from credit control to keeping your employees motivated.

DIY PR Tips - How to get your company in the news
Shrouded in mystery, PR is often considered an unknown science, untouchable by small businesses and best left to the experts and bigger players. But getting good media coverage needn't be scary or complex. Here are some simple tips for dealing with the media, writing press releases and getting your business in the news.

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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

Bank charges and lending restrictions could get worse for small businesses
There is concern over reports that high street banks are beginning to reduce credit availability and increase overdraft charges for small companies, at a time when they are in most need of funding.

Some businesses have seen their costs soar by 25% in one year
New research has revealed that 10% of businesses have seen their costs soar by over a quarter in the last twelve months. One quarter of UK companies have seen a 10% hike in their costs over the same period.

What the Conservatives propose to do for small businesses
With the Tory conference in full swing, what exactly do the Conservatives propose to do to help UK businesses?

No more prepaid envelopes as HMRC encourages online filing
HMRC is continuing its campaign to encourage taxpayers to file online by phasing out the prepaid envelopes normally supplied with self assessment forms.

Most entrepreneurs do not have a proper exit strategy
The vast majority of entrepreneurs in the UK are risking long-term business success by not giving proper thought to their exit strategies, according to business advisory firm, Deloitte.

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

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