Business121 Small Business Newsletter #14

In this week's Business121:

1. Optimised online copywriting - why bother?
2. Office space options for small businesses
3. Section 660 - Revenue threatens Arctic Systems decision
4. Top 10 Website Marketing Mistakes To Avoid
5. Blogging and RSS: Predictions for 2006
6. Don't leave your self assessment too late + filing tips
7. Small businesses needed for TV bootcamp show
8. SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
9. WHAT'S ON... The British Franchise Exhibition

************************ Partner Message *********************

18 MONTHS FREE BUSINESS BANKING FOR START-UPS
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gives start-ups 18 months free banking. Other benefits include;
- No minimum balance required
- FREE online business guidance service
- Enjoy convenient banking by internet, fax, phone or at any of the UK's 14,500 Post Offices
For more information, and to download an application pack, visit
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Optimised online copywriting - why bother?
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It's no good having a creative, individual website with brilliant, informative copy if customers can't find you on the internet. On the other hand, it's also detrimental if you have a website that can be easily found (has a high ranking) but people become bored and alienated reading it.

Optimised online copywriting should ensure that your website is highly readable to your viewers, highly visible to the search engines, and thereby commercially successful for you. Here are some tips to help you achieve this balance;
http://snipurl.com/_Optimise_Copy_Tips

Office space options for small businesses
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As we all know, the New Year brings new resolutions, and plans for many people to start up a new business in 2006. Philip Dodson of Office Planet is warning new businesses not to get trapped into leasing costly office space that your business simply cannot afford.

It is all too easy to get caught up with the excitement of starting up your new business to sign a lease for your first office without stopping to think about the long-term consequences.
http://snipurl.com/_Office_space_Option

Section 660 - Revenue threatens Arctic Systems decision
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The Inland Revenue has announced it is to challenge the landmark Arctic Systems court victory which had signalled lower tax bills for those caught by "Section 660". The Revenue announced on Friday evening that it was seeking leave from the House of Lords to appeal against the decision.

The announcement will be a concern to family businesses where one partner performs most of the work but the spouse is also paid dividends from the company.
http://snipurl.com/_Revenue_to_Appeal

Top 10 Website Marketing Mistakes To Avoid
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A good website can mean the difference between success and failure for some small businesses. Tragically, many companies are failing because they are breaking some of the golden rules of website marketing. Here are the mistakes you need to avoid.
http://snipurl.com/_Top_10_Mistakes

Blogging and RSS: Predictions for 2006
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What's in store for us in 2006? Inspired by Google's poor search relevancy and making friends with Wall Street rather than its users, disaffection is growing apace and surfers are switching their loyalties to Yahoo and MSN.

But whatever negative sentiments are shared about Google, all of the major search engines have recognised that users are demanding far more specific search, a trend driven by localised search, personalisation and increased specialisation.
http://snipurl.com/_Blogging_in_2006

Don't leave your self assessment too late + filing tips
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As thousands of business people rush to complete their self assessment income tax forms this month prior to the 31st January deadline (yours truly included), a leading tax expert is warning that leaving it late increases the chances of being investigated.
http://snipurl.com/_SelfAsses_Tips

Small businesses needed for TV bootcamp show
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Celador Productions are looking for businesses to take part in a new television series. Does your business need a makeover? Are you struggling and don’t know why? Do all your best ideas backfire?
http://snipurl.com/Biz_Makeover

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

Learn to Trade on eBay And Make £460/wk From Just 5 Hours Work!
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24-year old Oliver Goehler is famed for making around £1000 every
week using online auction website eBay. Once, he bought a box of
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Now, you can learn the inside secrets that make Oliver consistent
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SMALL BUSINESS NEWS
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Small business group complains over plumber tax advert!
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The FSB has submitted a formal complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority following publication of an Inland Revenue advert depicting a plumber hiding under a kitchen sink with text reading: ‘With your help, we’ll make sure self employed people who don’t pay their tax have nowhere to hide...’.
http://snipurl.com/_Plumber_anger

Survey suggests business confidence is "flat"
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Contrary to other recent business surveys suggesting a pick-up in the economy, the latest GfK survey of 500 business leaders, for the Institute of Directors, shows business confidence is flat.
http://snipurl.com/Biz_confidence_flat

Could Bird Flu impact UK businesses?
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New reports estimate that up to half of staff could fall ill or be absent from work if a bird flu pandemic hits. But employers are still failing to recognise the financial blow that bird flu could have on their business, and are not make contingency plans quickly enough.
http://snipurl.com/_Bird_flu_Impact

Non-Exec networking seminars across the UK
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A series of networking seminars for non-executives is running across the UK and Ireland in early 2006.
http://snipurl.com/_NonExec_networking

*** For the latest Small Business News, visit http://snipurl.com/Bytestart_News ***

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WHAT'S ON...
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The British Franchise Exhibition (BFE) takes place at the G-Mex, Manchester on 27 & 28 January. With over 100 companies offering franchise opportunities in a wide array of business sectors, including computing, fitness, food and property management it's a great chance to learn more. You can also attend seminars run by the British Franchise Association for both prospective franchisees and franchisors.

Also, within the BFE, you'll find the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition and Conference. It's a superb opportunity for you to find out how you can expand your business with a range of advice from sales and marketing to finance and utilising the internet.

We've negotiated FREE ENTRY to the BFE for all Business121 readers (normally £10). To get in for free, just print off this page and take it with you on the day. CODE: NB121

To find out more about the BFE click here: http://snipurl.com/_Franchise

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CLASSIFIEDS
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LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS ASSETS
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INCREASE YOUR BUSINESS' TURNOVER BY 33.3%
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THINKING OF GETTING A NEW WEBSITE in 2006?
.................................................................
Then don't go ahead without speaking with us first. At Blue-Egg
eCommerce we're dedicated to producing websites specifically for
small business. You can get a professional web design from just
£750 (including hosting) and we're happy give a 10% discount to
Business121 readers. Visit: http://snipurl.com/Blue_Egg

CLAIM YOUR FREE TAX BEATER REPORT
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Your copy of 'Revenge on the Revenue: 10 Legal Tax Loopholes
that will Shock Your Accountant and Add Thousands to Your
Wealth' is waiting for you. Click here for more info
http://snipurl.com/_Tax_Beater_Report

HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES TO GET A BETTER DEAL IN 2006
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Through LogBuy all small businesses can club together to benefit
from lower prices. It costs nothing to join and is simple to use,
it's an effortless way for you and every other small business in
the country to get a better deal. Sign up today to start saving
right away: http://snipurl.com/_LogBuy_Home

SEE YOUR AD HERE
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Please email Classified@Business121.co.uk for details
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(c) Business121.co.uk 2006