Copyright © 2010 Jamie Lyons



Direct Debit is a payment form which has become integral to the banking of individuals and companies alike. The simplicity with which regular sums can be taken from a customer account and deposited into that of a company or organisation has resulted in a huge uptake in the service, particularly by larger organisations who charge monthly fees of varying denominations: such as telecoms providers, energy suppliers and council departments.



The extent to which Direct Debit has pervaded the banking activity of the majority is itself a compelling reason for companies currently without the facility to investigate implementing it. In order to outline precisely why it is indispensible to organisations who take regular payment however, it is worth considering the benefits it offers to both organisations who receive payment using it and individuals who pay with it:



Spreading Costs



Direct Debit allows individuals to purchase, or pay bills in monthly instalments as opposed to larger lump sums. As a consequence of this, the customer benefits from a more affordable means of payment and a higher level of control over their outgoings. The company benefits from this too, as the perception that an item or service is more affordable is more likely to induce a sale.



Regular Payment Dates and Automated Payments



With Direct Debit payment is automated and leaves the customer's account on pre-set dates. The advantage to the company here goes without saying. Having a steady, predictable stream of cash entering the company negates the need to involve debt recovery specialists (in the vast majority of cases) and also allows for more accurate forecasting. On the side of the consumer, the benefit of this attribute is that it allows them to either forget about the payment, as it will automatically be made on their behalf, or if money is tight, allow them to accurately budget, safe in the knowledge that a specified figure is due to be deducted on a specified date.



Security



Direct Debit rightly holds a solid reputation for it's security as a means of funds transfer. From the perspective of the customer it guarantees that their bank details are safely and securely stored and that only the agreed or owed figure will be taken. From the stand-point of the company or organisation taking payment, Direct Debit provides a considerably more reliable means of payment than cheque. In short Direct Debit serves as a by-word for secure payment.



As exemplified by the factors above, Direct Debit provides not only peace of mind to both parties, but also allows for more accurate budgeting and forecasting, whilst granting a greater level of control over personal and company finances for all involved. Access to Direct Debit as a means of payment for your company's products or services may also be more affordable and obtainable than you think.

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Written by Jamie Lyons- SEO Manchester on behalf of First Capital Cashflow Direct Debit.

Copyright © 2010 Jamie Lyons



PRINCE2 is amongst the most highly regarded and respected qualifications in the area of project management. Standing for 'Projects in Controlled Environments', it is an improved and updated version of the PRINCE qualification but which still keeps the same ideals and principles at it's core. With focus on not only project management, but also organisation, management and project control, PRINCE2 is used extensively in the public and private sectors. The popularity of the initiative has resulted in it gaining status as the UK standard in generic project management.



The Stand-out Features of PRINCE2:



- Rigid structure for organisation of the project management team



- Planning approach based on products



- Defined but flexible structure of splitting the project into manageable stages.



- Emphasis on business justification



The overwhelming majority of organisations which implement PRINCE2 actively encourage their employees to gain the qualification. In fact in order to officially announce that a company operates in accordance with PRINCE2, it is essential that employees are certificate holders. This has particular advantages for companies who hope to supply to the NHS, police authorities or any other public sector department.



The PRINCE2 qualification has two levels: foundation and practitioner. Both courses culminate in an examination which appraises the extent to which the individual has retained the information imparted over the duration of the course. Attainment of the Foundation level qualification proves that the individual has a full understanding of what PRINCE2 is, it's uses, methodology and it's ideology. This level of education is particularly suited to employees who work in a supporting role within the company's project management function. The Practitioner level qualification is aimed at individuals who head up projects: providing a full working knowledge of PRINCE2 and how it can be implemented. The APMG run an online register showing candidates who have been certified for either level of the PRINCE2 qualification on the official website.



PRINCE2 is an invaluable tool for both the extension of an individual's career and increased credibility and operational efficiency for companies involved in project management at any level. The qualification maintains credibility and relevance with consistent revisions and updates based on a combination of feedback and critical review. Due the nature of the PRINCE2 framework, it's core principles can be flexibly applied to a wide range of different tasks and projects across disparate sectors. Courses are available across the country and commence at frequent intervals. It is always advisable to use an established training company when looking to undertake the qualification.

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Written by Jamie Lyons- SEO Manchester on behalf of Total Training Solutions PRINCE2 Training

Copyright © 2010 Jamie Lyons



With New Year's resolutions pledged more than three weeks ago, it would be interesting to know exactly how many have already been abandoned. Admittedly this year we've had the snow and ice to blame for our failure to comply with some freshly decided self-promises: it's hard to commit to a new fitness regime when the pavements are more slippery than a proverbial fish and the gym is unreachable as the car is under half a tonne of snow. Less convincing are arguments like: 'cigarettes keep me warm', or even, 'chocolate makes me feel warm inside'! Maybe, just maybe, there's more to such excuses for reverting to old habits than mere weakness of will.



The first stop in this investigation into the lack of motivation we demonstrate towards New Year's resolutions is a look at the motivation behind the resolutions themselves. They are a strange phenomenon, but understandable when contextualised. It is not just that we see the beginning of a new year as an easy to identify marker for the beginning of a lifestyle change, but more so that the festive period leading up to the New Year can involve excesses of bad habits or unhealthy living practice. The resolutions serve as a form of penance for the gluttony committed in the preceding couple of weeks and also a pre-emptive excuse for any over-indulgence engaged in over Christmas.



Now, given that the reason why we decide to undertake a specific lifestyle change promise is not entirely motivated by the desire to actually change, but partially to make up for excesses over a short period of time it is inevitable that the majority of us will fail. We do not actively want to stop smoking, go to the gym more, or eat a more healthy diet we just wanted an excuse to contravene these ideals over the festive period! Unfortunately us mere humans are very much creatures of habit. We enter routines and regularly perform them on what is essentially subconscious auto-pilot. Without a strong desire to break this subconscious routine, failure to adhere to a resolution is unavoidable, as the subconscious is ingrained whilst the conscious will to act in opposition is transitory and takes a concerted effort to enforce.



Essentially, trying to consciously break a habit is like swimming against the tide. That is why even aside from New Year's resolutions, diets don't generally work for weight loss and stopping smoking off your own back is notoriously hard going.



Hypnotherapy could well be the extra little push that turns those elusive resolutions into reality. A hypnotherapist relays a suggestion directly to the subconscious, removing the chosen aspect of your daily routine from the auto-pilot template and actually giving you a fighting chance of using that gym membership or not resorting to fishing the symbolically discarded cigarettes from New Year's Eve out of the bin.

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By Jamie Lyons on behalf of Calm Minds, Hypnotherapy Stockport.

Steve Smith and Fran Cotton will be names evocative of a golden age of rugby to longstanding fans, having both captained England in the 1970's and 80's, both men have earned their places in the history books of the great game. During their fruitful partnerships with Sale, England and the British Lions, the pair experienced a great level of success on the field, but nobody could have predicted just how successful they were to be off the field.

Prior to 1995, rugby union was an amateur game, such that players would have to earn their living elsewhere. Smith and Cotton were particularly prolific in the employment side of their lives, with Cotton working as a regional sales manager, whilst Smith lectured on management and personnel. Following on from these business foundations and their bond on the pitch, the pair joined forces at Bukta Sportswear as their international careers drew to a close. Following a successful development of the company and sale to French Connection, Smith and Cotton decided to act on their entrepreneurial aspirations and set up their own company.

Cotton Traders was established in 1987 with the intention of becoming forerunners in the rugby and leisurewear market. Combining their knowledge of rugby, sales, management and marketing, cultivated over their years of juggling rugby and commerce: they were perfectly poised for success and lived up to that potential.

In 1989, after just 2 years of trading, the pair had managed to generate £2million turnover from their small office in Altrincham, Cheshire and then continued to expand operations at a phenomenal rate. Cotton Traders currently turns over more than £50million annually and boasts a workforce in excess of 700 people. The range of products offered by the company has expanded as rapidly as the company itself, with Cotton Traders covering everything from the original rugby shirts through to footwear, swimwear and accessories.

Much like in their earlier years of club and international rugby, both Smith and Cotton continue to juggle their 2 passions: rugby and business. With Smith still actively involved in the wholesale side of the company whilst also appearing as a television and radio commentator on international matches and Cotton consistently featuring on Boards and committees on the international side of English rugby when he isn't heading up the mail order arm of the business.

In an age when footballers command weekly wages in excess of many corporate directors' annual salary it is amazing to consider the success of these two men who have throughout their lives struck a balance between both sport and business at the very highest level.

Jamie Lyons

Writer for http://www.webvitality.co.uk.

Many amongst us have had flashbacks to figures from our past that we've long lost touch with, which induce us try and find out what they're doing now. So many in fact that websites such as Friends Reunited grew in size and popularity at an incredible rate towards the beginning of the decade. The desire to reconnect with forgotten friends, old school buddies and first loves is universal and can be greatly rewarding. As a consequence of this aspect to social networks, a number of them are now amongst the most popular websites on the internet.

Facebook for instance has picked up where Friends Reunited left off, with somewhere in the region of 500, 000 new sign ups reportedly occurring every day. The magnitude of the membership base in conjunction with the 'search' facility allows members a good chance of re-igniting communication with figures from the past, provided they can find them of course. Here lies the problem, if you urgently need to get in touch with a specific individual the chances of actually being able to speak with them are low. Firstly they may not have a Facebook account, in which case there is absolutely no chance of finding them through a Facebook search. Secondly, the chances are that there are a huge number of individuals of the same name registered to the website, in which case your only option is trawl through the listings hoping that a) they have a visible profile picture and that b) you recognise them from it.

If you have successfully overcome the initial hurdles there are still more possible barriers to communication with your chosen individual through Facebook. The regularity with which they check and respond to their friend requests and of course whether they even choose to respond to your request in the affirmative being particularly prominent. Bearing these factors in mind it's apparent that Facebook, although great for many things, is by no means an effective way to track down a specific individual. Considering that this example is based on attempts to reconnect with an old friend, the idea of using a social networking site to try and trace a debtor seems virtually impossible: especially as they are considerably less likely to respond positively to a message or friend request!

Evidently the motives for attempting to track a debtor are for the most part different to those when tracking down an old friend, but both practices are in fact very similar. In each case it is likely that you will have a name, previous contact details and mutual acquaintances to work with, but little more. Similarly, neither an old friend nor an elusive debtor are likely to be actively seeking you, hence the onus is on you to do the legwork. As has been previously established, although definitely a worthy starting place, Facebook is on the most part unlikely to yield success in either instance. But where do you go from here?

If your aim is to find an old friend then a great place to continue your search would be your personal phone book, and a day dedicated to calling all those people who may well still be in touch with the chosen friend, this is however a less effective idea if attempting to find a debtor. Although there is a high chance that an elusive debtor has merely forgotten to give you new contact details, is unaware of missed payments or is even oblivious to any debt, they are still unlikely to be jumping at the opportunity to find you and pay you back, similarly the chances are low that any of your friends will have their latest contact information.

With this in mind it seems sensible to look to one of the new breed of companies who specialise in tracking people down, whether you're looking to trace a debtor, or having trouble re-connecting with someone from your past. With options ranging from one off searches, to prolonged 2 year traces, websites like National Person Finder take the legwork out of finding that elusive individual and do so using legal cutting edge techniques in conjunction with more traditional sleuth methods. Many of these companies also offer smaller services, such as 'who lives there?' address searches.

There are a number of ways in which you can attempt to trace or reconnect with someone, but unless you strike it lucky with Facebook or another social network, the use of a dedicated business specialising in the industry could save hours of work and more than cover its cost.

by Jamie Lyons on behalf of National Person Finder.

As Christmas is fast approaching (and my post volume of articles on my preferred subject has been considerably thinner on the ground than the blanket of snow outside the office) it seems a good time to share a few of my thoughts with you lovely people.

As you may be aware, a large portion of my day is spent writing. From articles to press releases, website content to blogs: countless hours are spent staring at a blank page, frantically scrambling for inspiration or that perfectly sculpted sentence. The phrase 'writer's block' is an often derided cliché, but there is no denying that sometimes you just can't quite work out exactly what you're trying to say, or even more infuriatingly, the best way to say it. Some will go for a walk to clear their mind, others to their cigarette packet or porcelain throne in an attempt to find clarity.

In the realm of content writing and SEO based copywriting in general there is a very simple reason why these personal catalysts are turned to with persistent regularity: it can be boring. There, I said it and to emphasise my conviction will say it again: WRITING FOR SEO PURPOSES CAN BE BORING. Now hopefully you'll grant me enough time to justify this outburst before reporting me to the various authorities, oh, and please forgive my reliance on personal experience in portraying a more universal point.

I go into work every day knowing that I am required to write intelligently and enthusiastically on topics which I may have very limited previous knowledge of, and due to what I assume to be some sort of genetic defect: utterly love it. It is my love of writing that stops me from finding it boring. I am fully aware that the majority of people wouldn't revel in this challenge, which is great for me as it reduces my competition. Consequently, the odds are that you're reading this purely to find out a little more about writing on just one broad topic: and to make another assumption, I expect that your writing on this topic is to promote your own website. It is to you non-reveller, single broad topic focussed, committed website owner that I level my 'it can be boring' battle-cry as an explanation for your writer's block and seek to show how you can get round it.

You have passion for your chosen topic, well, I sincerely hope you do (if you aren't enthusiastic about your product/website/company/field of operation then it won't be poorly written content that jeopardises your company's longevity and more importantly in this instance: my whole argument rests on it). It is this passion and the resulting knowledge you have amassed on the subject that is key to your success in writing copy, articles and press releases for your website. No amount of literary flair, cunning word play or EXCESSIVE USE OF formatting Tools is ever going to appeal to your target reader more than the sound advice and authoritative content that you, the expert on this subject are capable of providing. Equally important is the very fact that if you're passionate about something then surely you aren't going to find it boring.

Having established that you are more than qualified to advise others on your chosen subject and have enough interest in it to apply yourself to the time consuming task of writing accurately about it, all I can really do is give you a few pointers and tips on converting your knowledge into something which others can benefit from and in doing so raise the profile and credibility of your website. To avoid taking up too much of your time, I'll keep it brief:

1. Provide original content.

Whether you're writing the content for your homepage or an article explaining the finer points of your industry and associated benefits, you must ensure that what you're saying isn't said elsewhere. Inevitably there will be others who have said something vaguely similar, but focus upon being better and different. You will get no credit from search engines for duplicating someone else's work and gain no customers by rehashing a competitor's article.

2. Research tone and style.

We all write differently depending on the context. A blog on celebrity gossip will read very differently to a governmental department's homepage and the way you construct a text message to a friend will differ to the structure of an email you send to a business associate. It's well worth researching the homepage content of similar websites when writing your own in order to judge which style you find most effective, relevant and credible. It is more than likely that the style you find most suitable will be the style your prospective visitors will find most suitable: so copy it (NOT THE CONTENT...just the tone and style). Once you've established this starting point then write in a way you find comfortable but adhering loosely to the tone you've chosen to emulate. The words should come naturally, don't worry if it doesn't sound quite right you can always come back and edit the text.

3. Double check grammar and spelling.

Having spent hours crafting your text, there is nothing more irritating than publishing the piece to discover an abundance of easily avoided errors. Get others to read your copy with a critical eye before making it live, they may well spot something you've missed. Having taken on board any amendments: read it again...and again before committing it to the archives of internet history.

4. Enjoy it.

I know, I know...easier said than done, but if you care about the subject matter and the benefits the content will have for your business then I'm sure you won't find it that hard.

This post was supposed to be brief but I got a little carried away. In the new year I'll pop up a few more guides like this amongst my usual light-hearted blog-banter.

Have an exceptional Christmas.

Jamie

Jamie Lyons copywriter for Web Vitality SEO and Webdesign on behalf of [http://officeyoo.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-impact.html]OfficeYoo environmentally ethical office supplies

Even if you can afford to buy business IT equipment outright, offsetting the cost by employing the benefits of leasing over purchasing is very likely to be a more sensible route. The major argument for leasing as opposed to buying is widely regarded to be the fact that it allows the company to retain capital rather than spending in an upfront lump sum, by shifting to monthly or weekly increments, the acquisition of usually costly equipment has a minimised impact on company cash-flow.

Despite this obvious upside, many decision makers in small businesses still opt to dent their capital by buying computers and the like outright, there is a good chance they hadn't considered the other major reasons for choosing to lease:

Simplicity

IT leasing does not require a deposit, nor reams of paperwork or a lengthy wait for contract approval. The whole process can be carried out quickly and efficiently - applications for leasing can easily be made online, over the phone or in person, and although subject to a credit check, tend to offer a faster answer on approval than other finance options. Unlike the compound interest associated with loan financing, with leasing all payments are for the same amount.

Affordability

Aside from the obvious fact that the cost of any equipment is spread over a long period of time, there is also the fact that leasing is not subject to interest or any hidden and escalating fees. The leaser has control of the length of the lease contract and very often, also the regularity of payments: whether weekely or monthly. There is no risk of paying over the odds and absolute clarity of price from the outset, so whatever a business's requirements, they will never find themselves going over budget.

Tax Benefits

As the equipment is used for business purposes: in the majority of cases, rental payments will be 100% tax deductable. There are exceptions, so a quick consultation with a qualified accountant in consideration of specific circumstances is advised, but more than likely the actual rental can be entirely offset as an expense and essentially cost you nothing.

Upgrades and Buyouts

A top quality leasing company will incorporate both the option to upgrade leased hardware part way through the lease agreement and the option to purchase the equipment for a nominal fee at the end of the term. These options provide the flexibility to change computer hardware to reflect the changes the business has gone through since taking out the lease, and side-steps the issue of being stuck with unnecessary equipment which was expensive but now has a low re-sale value.

Copyright (c) 2010 Jamie Lyons

Written by Jamie Lyons of Web Vitality SEO Manchester working on behalf of SmartPlan.info - Laptop leasing and business computer leasing in conjunction with PC World.

With energy bills increasing on a regular basis, and environmental concerns at the forefront of public conscience, many companies are looking to minimise resource wastage as much as possible.

One of the most effective means of reducing energy wastage is the prevention of heat loss in industrial environments. Although the general focus in this field is upon insulation, there are numerous circumstances in which other solutions must be sought to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

In many industrial environments set temperatures need to be maintained, and often these areas encounter a high level of footfall: as a consequence of the comings and goings of personnel, heating or cooling systems regularly must operate above their most efficient levels to maintain a constant temperature. Simply using doors between rooms of different temperature is an ineffective means of maintaining this constant, as every time the door is opened large quantities of cool or warm air enter the controlled temperature zone. With this in mind another solution must be sought to prevent heat loss in regularly accessed areas.

As is often the case, the simplest solution is the most effective means of reducing the impact of the problem of heat loss: PVC strip curtains. Strip curtains allow ease of access for those wishing to pass between temperature controlled zones whilst simultaneously retaining heat and minimising the entry of airborne contaminants.

The ultimate upside of the reduced heat loss attributable to the installation of PVC strip curtains is the environmental benefit. Many industrial processes are by their very nature likely to impact upon the environment, it is however the duty of the manufacturers to ensure that this impact is kept to an absolute minimum. By the implementation of seemingly minor steps against energy wastage, such as the installation of PVC strip curtains, companies can show that they do pay attention to environmental concerns and reduce their carbon footprint as well as their energy overheads.

Jamie Lyons

For more information on PVC Strip Curtains.

With the snow falling thick and fast across the length and breadth of the country, bringing in tidings of joy and precarious icy highways, the majesty and dangers of this chilly visitor are made apparent. Evidently snow only occurs when the temperature is dancing around zero and as such the air is chilled enough to cut through the thickest of hats and scarves. As we don our extra layers and brace against the frosty spells it is worth considering the implications of these brazen weathers upon heat loss, for failure to curb carbon emissions may well make for ever more inhospitable winters.

With the cavities in walls well stuffed with insulation and energy efficient heaters discreetly whirring at full speed in industrial spaces, the frosty snap is guarded against and it’s impact on fuel guzzling dampened. That is of course except when a trade’s very nature demands a bustling thoroughfare or persistent pedestrian presence. In these cases the services of the durable and economical PVC strip curtain are at their most desired. Creating a permeable barrier against the elements and icy sludge, the strip curtain keeps the inhabitants warm and globe chilled by preventing a gorge on energy resources.

This Christmas consider PVC strip curtains as the guardians of your desired temperature.

If you’re one of the thousands of households who have embraced the benefits of taking on an Au Pair, then you will more than likely be fully aware of the extent to which the extra pair of hands can lighten the load of day to day tasks. In addition to this you will no doubt have also experienced the positives an Au Pair brings socially and culturally. Making an Au Pair welcome and ensuring the most mutually advantageous environment for all involved, does however involve a little work. To help you along, we’ve compiled the following tips and advice:

Communication and Respect

Communication and mutual respect are both crucial from the outset when incorporating an Au Pair into the family. In the first few weeks especially it is vital that you invest plenty of time in helping your Au Pair to adjust to a new culture and the differences in language. Treat your Au Pair with respect, be sure to exercise patience and communicate in simple, clear language. They are not on holiday but nor are they your servant. It is prudent to bear in mind that cultural differences will make things a little strange for both of you at first.

If your Au Pair is experiencing difficulty in understanding verbal communication then it can be a good idea to write things down and advise they use a bi-lingual dictionary to translate it. Another surprisingly effective tool to help them to gain a firm grasp of English is television, not just in the form of language tutorial DVDs but also general programming, as such, installing a television in their bedroom is a great way to speed up the learning process.

Social Inclusion

To help your Au Pair build confidence and generally boost their enjoyment of their experience in the country, look to introduce them to other Au Pairs in the area and also assist them in registering with a local college. At college they will not only further build upon language skills, but also develop a social network outside of the house. As previously stated, they are not in the country purely to service your needs but also for their own enjoyment and development.

An Au Pair’s free time must be their own. By all means invite them to join in with family activities, but do not restrict them from using this leisure time in the manner of their choosing, whether that be going out or staying in their room. A well established and reputable Au Pair Agency will have outlined to all their Au pairs that you and are your partner are also likely to want time to yourself and as such, the Au Pair will respect that, especially if you have cultivated a healthy relationship with them.

Driving

If you need your Au Pair to be able to drive it is your responsibility to arrange and pay for their car insurance, equally the onus is on you to ensure that their driving licence is acceptable for driving in the UK. An Au Pair’s driving ability is likely to be unknown until they have been placed with you, as such it is good practice to arrange for a 2 hour driving lesson such that a qualified instructor can assess their driving ability and road safety, This is particularly paramount if they are expected to drive children, remember that this is your responsibility.

These pointers are only a small selection of the factors to consider when welcoming an Au Pair, but provide a solid foundation and help to ensure that both your family and your Au Pair get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their placement.

Nobody is going to refute the importance of hearing, it is one of the main means by which we experience and interact with the world around us. With this in mind it seems strange that auditory health and protection are neglected on a widespread scale.

The maximum volume achievable in air is 194dB (decibels), this is a level which you are never going to personally experience unless at the site of an exploding volcano, although if you have ever fired a shotgun you may have experienced volume at a none too distant level of 165dB!

Putting these massive figures aside, damage can be caused at any level from 85dB: which is equivalent to heavy traffic or a hair dryer- if exposed to the sound for in excess of 8 hours. Evidently given the long exposure time, this doesn’t pose too immediate or major a threat. There are however examples which are far more worrying. Listening to music through headphones is a particularly concerning instance, especially given the proliferation of personal mp3 players in recent years. IPod’s for instance historically had a maximum volume in excess of 110 dB, at this level permanent damage can occur in less than 2 minutes: less than the length of one song.

Thankfully, Apple have recently acquiesced to governmental decrees on maximum volume and have limited devices to levels dictated by the relevant powers in most countries.
Even at their previous, unrestricted volumes however, mp3 players hardly come close to the volume levels commonly reached at rock concerts, which can range from 110dB to a staggering 140dB. At 130dB and above, pain is often experienced and immediate hearing damage is not uncommon. As a consequence of this, not only is it absolutely imperative that musicians take measures to protect themselves from frequent exposure to the volume levels reached at live performances but also that those in the crowd take measures to prevent potential damage.

The same concerns affect motorcyclists, who are often exposed to volumes in the region of 100dB when on the road and those who use power tools, which in some cases emit up to 120dB when in operation. There are a vast range of instances in which individuals may be exposed to sound levels which threaten auditory health.

In order to protect your hearing and prevent future damage there are two simple options, the first of which: turn the volume down, is incredibly effective, but obviously impossible in many situations! In environments without a volume control, ear defenders are the sensible option. Unlike the unwieldy large headgear of the past, ear protection is now extremely discreet and incredibly advanced. In addition, rather than just minimising the sound allowed to pass into the ear, many modern devices are able to block specific frequencies allowing conversation in areas of high background noise, whilst still protecting the user.

Despite recent legislation in some areas, such as the requirement of employers to provide hearing protection to employees working in environments which commonly reach high volume levels, it is almost universally the responsibility of the individual to protect their hearing in the long term. With that in mind, ear defenders may well be worth taking a closer look at.

It goes without question that traffic law exists to safeguard against reckless and dangerous driving for the benefit of all. The police generally do a solid job of catching and prosecuting those individuals who breach these regulations and bring them to justice for endangering themselves and others. There are however occasionally extraneous circumstances which lead individuals to commit motoring offences for which they are punished regardless of an absence of intent. On very rare occasions, the authorities may exercise lenience on compassionate grounds when it comes to the penalty for a motoring offence, but this is far from the norm.

The odds of avoiding a ban or hefty fine for speeding or similar can however be stacked in your favour. Unknown to the majority of drivers, there are an array of specialist solicitors whose primary sphere of activity is defending against, disputing and ultimately lessening the blow of prosecution for motoring offences. These experts are fully versed in the intricacies of motoring law and use their knowledge and experience to help clients to avoid heavy penalties.

Astonishingly, the rate of success the more talented ‘speeding solicitors’ achieve is incredibly high, with many cases of prospective bans reduced to small fines and even offences dropped entirely...despite evidence from the police. The techniques they use vary from case to case, but even if the defendant accepts the charge, negotiations to lower the alleged speed can often be very effective in the courts, particularly when punishment is concerned.

Very often the intervention of a professional motoring offence solicitor can prevent cases from even reaching court, if for instance the prosecution are unable to obtain all documentation required to produce a successful case at court. Through this activity, exercising knowledge of evidential, procedural and legal technicalities and highlighting errors (however minor) on the part of the prosecution or police, many cases are dropped entirely prior to entering the courtroom.

It is not just speeding charges which can be challenged, using a mobile phone whilst driving can be disputed, as can failure to comply with traffic signs and signals, drink driving and myriad other offences. Although it is justified that laws prohibiting such activities are in place, for many individuals a lapse of judgement could result in a ban which damages their very livelihood.

The key to avoiding motoring offences is of course to drive within the law. But for those instances when the driver has made an error or simply been accused of committing an offence, Speeding Solicitor are here to prevent the mistake from resulting in stressful and excessively damaging consequences.

One of the core maxims of business is to maximise profits while minimising costs. Although simple in theory, cutting expenditure without compromising operations is akin to walking on a tightrope. A fine balance between price and quality must be achieved. All companies are different and must cut-costs in different areas to achieve success; one of the few areas in which almost all businesses are in the same situation however, is in the purchase of office supplies and equipment. With this in mind the following five tips for reducing outgoings on office equipment are worth considering for the vast majority of companies, to help to push the balance sheet into the black.

1. Stay on top of the office supplies inventory

It is imperative that the supplies cupboard is adequately stocked at all times to avoid frustration and even in some cases: lost earnings. By the same token it is not sensible practice to lodge a standard order with an office supplier, as this can result in an excessive surplus of specific items. The individual responsible for keeping the office stocked with stationery should keep a meticulous inventory of which items are needed and which are sufficiently in supply. By staying on top of the levels of each individual product and ordering only that which is required, the weekly or monthly bill will be dramatically reduced.

2. Buy in bulk where possible

Some offices will work their way through a huge amount of printer paper whereas others will rapidly exhaust their supplies of packaging materials. Ordering a large quantity of a specific line rather than frequent small purchases (in accordance with the requirements of the inventory) will reduce the cost per item and ultimately shave a few pounds off the annual cost. Provided an accurate inventory is maintained, the purchaser can make an informed decision as to which items are quickly used up and buy in bulk where appropriate: benefitting from economies of scale.

3. Shop Around

The office equipment supplier that are currently being used are not necessarily the cheapest. Often the larger, more familiar companies are not the best in terms of value. Shopping around on the internet could result in surprising discoveries with regard to obtaining the same products for less than is currently being paid. Equally, there is no harm in haggling, slightly smaller office supplies companies will be more interested in generating and keeping new orders and so are more likely to negotiate on price to keep the customer happy.

4. Consider generic rather than premium brands

As with any industry, you pay a premium price for a premium brand...but this does not mean that their products are necessarily higher quality than those of a less well known brand. There are an abundance of generic brands which quite often are exclusive to a particular supplier, it is well worth trying these products to see if they differ from the brand that is currently being purchased: if the cheaper item can’t be differentiated from the more costly when in use, then switching permanently makes sound business sense.

5. Look at ‘compatible’ consumables

This last point is particularly relevant when considering printer cartridges. Although many major printer manufacturers will claim that their own brand cartridges are of superior quality to compatible versions made by competitors: this is not always the case. Compatible rather than official ink cartridges often cost 70-80% less and in many instances there is no visible difference in print quality or longevity. Savings of that magnitude can seriously mount up over the course of a year and possibly even half the annual office supplies bill if printing is an integral part of the business. It is however vital to ensure that use of a compatible cartridge won’t invalidate a printer’s warranty before purchase.

OfficeYoo are a rapidly expanding office supplies company who focus upon great value and great service. With tens of thousands of products in stock and free next day delivery across the UK on orders over £30, they are at the cutting edge of the industry and continually growing their base of repeat clients due to their reputation for consistently delivering quality on every front.

Make Money With OfficeYoo

In line with their ‘keep it simple and offer great value’ ethos, the company’s recently launched affiliate scheme is not only incredibly easy to get involved with but also pays higher commission to the affiliate than that of any other office products supplier. As it cuts out third party affiliate facilitators, joining the programme does not involve any sign-up fee, nor a lengthy eligibility assessment.

Quite simply, once registered with OfficeYoo, you will receive 10% commission on any purchases by individuals who are referred to the site from your unique link banner.

Quick Reference:

- Free to join
- Flat rate commission of 10% of order value ex. VAT
- Earn commission on all transactions referred by a link from your website
- Average order value of £112.18
- Support to find out up to date commission and referral statistics
- Eye-catching promotional artwork and banners provided
- Use the OfficeYoo branding and name (ethically) as and when required
- Receive commission payments by cheque on a monthly basis

With this simple and profitable structure and the absence of restrictions regarding legitimate use of the company name, any website owner can supplement their income simply by putting a banner on their webpage and leaving it to generate a healthy commission. Not only this, but your website visitors get cheap office supplies in the process.

To get involved with the OfficeYoo affiliate network simply fill in this application form.

Up and down the country office supplies are consistently wasted, from accidental multiple photocopies, through to inaccurate stationery orders which aren’t rectified. The very fact that paper, printer cartridges and the ilk are often referred to as ‘consumables’ demonstrates the extent to which we live in a consumptive society and goes a way to explaining why stationery stock levels are anything but stationary.

As of late there has been a fresh emphasis on the ethical obligation of corporate entities, particularly with regard to their accountability for the environmental impact of their activities. The public focus has particularly gravitated towards heavyweight companies, notably supermarkets, who have responded by implementing small changes to their operation that ultimately have a substantial impact on minimising their detrimental effect on the earth.

The most prominent of these changes is the recent switch away from spurious distribution of plastic, disposable carrier bags. By promoting ‘bags for life’ and condoning the re-use of plastic carrier bags, major supermarkets are undoubtedly making a dent in their damage to the environment. The ‘every little helps’ attitude has extended beyond a company slogan and into something of a manifesto on environmentally ethical practice. This ethos can comfortably be embraced by considerably smaller companies with regard to their office consumables, whilst you can’t have ‘printer paper for life’ there are now abundant options for recycled office supplies.

Availability of recycled products has extended far beyond paper to such items as folders, desk tidys, bubble-wrap, even recycled recycling bins. Furthermore, unlike previously, recycled products are by no means prohibitively priced, with so many manufacturers turning to more environmentally conscious products it is a highly competitive market: forcing prices down to levels comparable with non-recycled products.

At the risk of coming across evangelical: it is the responsibility of all to ensure the longevity or our planet and the ‘every little helps’ mantra has no more relevant application than to the field of environmentally ethical practice. Whether a company chooses to just reduce waste by refilling ink cartridges, help preserve forests by using recycled paper or goes the whole way and only utilises recycled or sustainable consumables the overall outcome will benefit all in the long run and have no impact on either profit margins or the earth.

To view OfficeYoo’s competitively priced recycled and environmentally conscious products click here.

As Christmas is fast approaching (and my post count on this blog has been considerably thinner on the ground than the blanket of snow outside the office) it seems a good time to share a few of my thoughts with you lovely people.

As you may be aware, a large portion of my day is spent writing. From articles to press releases, website content to blogs: countless hours are spent staring at a blank page, frantically scrambling for inspiration or that perfectly sculpted sentence. The phrase ‘writer’s block’ is an often derided cliché, but there is no denying that sometimes you just can’t quite work out exactly what you’re trying to say, or even more infuriatingly, the best way to say it. Some will go for a walk to clear their mind, others to their cigarette packet or porcelain throne in an attempt to find clarity.

In the realm of content writing and SEO based copywriting in general there is a very simple reason why these personal catalysts are turned to with persistent regularity: it can be boring. There, I said it and to emphasise my conviction will say it again: WRITING FOR SEO PURPOSES CAN BE BORING. Now hopefully you’ll grant me enough time to justify this outburst before reporting me to the various authorities, oh, and please forgive my reliance on personal experience in portraying a more universal point.

Over the past couple of weeks I have written articles and press releases on subjects spanning PVC strip curtains, environmentally ethical office supplies, the importance of hearing protection, au pairs, laptop leasing....the list goes on. As you may have noticed, there is no real common ground between each of these fields and you’d be hard pushed to meet someone with a heartfelt passion for a combination of such disparate subjects.

I go into work every day knowing that I am required to write intelligently and enthusiastically on topics which I may have very limited previous knowledge of, and due to what I assume to be some sort of genetic defect: utterly love it. It is my love of writing that stops me from finding it boring. I am fully aware that the majority of people wouldn’t revel in this challenge, which is great for me as it reduces my competition. Consequently, the odds are that you’re reading this purely to find out a little more about writing on just one broad topic: and to make another assumption, I expect that your writing on this topic is to promote your own website. It is to you non-reveller, single broad topic focussed, committed website owner that I level my ‘it can be boring’ battle-cry as an explanation for your writer’s block and seek to show how you can get round it.

You have passion for your chosen topic, well, I sincerely hope you do (if you aren’t enthusiastic about your product/website/company/field of operation then it won’t be poorly written content that jeopardises your company’s longevity and more importantly in this instance: my whole argument rests on it). It is this passion and the resulting knowledge you have amassed on the subject that is key to your success in writing copy, articles and press releases for your website. No amount of literary flair, cunning word play or EXCESSIVE USE OF formatting Tools is ever going to appeal to your target reader more than the sound advice and authoritative content that you, the expert on this subject are capable of providing. Equally important is the very fact that if you’re passionate about something then surely you aren’t going to find it boring.

Having established that you are more than qualified to advise others on your chosen subject and have enough interest in it to apply yourself to the time consuming task of writing accurately about it, all I can really do is give you a few pointers and tips on converting your knowledge into something which others can benefit from and in doing so raise the profile and credibility of your website. To avoid taking up too much of your time, I’ll keep it brief:

1. Provide original content.

Whether you’re writing the content for your homepage or an article explaining the finer points of your industry and associated benefits, you must ensure that what you’re saying isn’t said elsewhere. Inevitably there will be others who have said something vaguely similar, but focus upon being better and different. You will get no credit from search engines for duplicating someone else’s work and gain no customers by rehashing a competitor’s article.

2. Research tone and style.

We all write differently depending on the context. A blog on celebrity gossip will read very differently to a governmental department’s homepage and the way you construct a text message to a friend will differ to the structure of an email you send to a business associate. It’s well worth researching the homepage content of similar websites when writing your own in order to judge which style you find most effective, relevant and credible. It is more than likely that the style you find most suitable will be the style your prospective visitors will find most suitable: so copy it (NOT THE CONTENT...just the tone and style). Once you’ve established this starting point then write in a way you find comfortable but adhering loosely to the tone you’ve chosen to emulate. The words should come naturally, don’t worry if it doesn’t sound quite right you can always come back and edit the text.

3. Double check grammar and spelling.

Having spent hours crafting your text, there is nothing more irritating than publishing the piece to discover an abundance of easily avoided errors. Get others to read your copy with a critical eye before making it live, they may well spot something you’ve missed. Having taken on board any amendments: read it again...and again before committing it to the archives of internet history.

4. Enjoy it.

I know, I know...easier said than done, but if you care about the subject matter and the benefits the content will have for your business then I’m sure you won’t find it that hard.

This post was supposed to be brief but I got a little carried away. In the new year I’ll pop up a few more guides like this amongst my usual light-hearted blog-banter.

We have been toying with the idea of producing some videos for our clients in the hope that they go 'viral'. We’re all familiar with ‘web phenomenon’ videos and the massive amount of attention they attract, well, what if these video clips could raise traffic for a website as well as a smile?

With this in mind, we invite you along with us on a little journey of discovery in hoping to answer the question:

Can we make a video go viral and in doing so increase traffic to a specific, unrelated website?

Before we begin this challenge some elementary research is in order, notably with regard to what kind of videos have the potential to go viral. Having watched hours and hours of youtube we’ve concluded that successful viral videos fall into two basic categories:

Intentional, well thought out content and Off-the-wall, unintentional, downright silliness.

Consciously constructed videos often do well but take time and resources to write, film, produce and promote. Unintentional content on the other hand, is just that: unplanned, unscripted and often unbelievably funny, this material is obtained by luck more than planning and has the potential to achieve immeasurable success if it is latched onto.

Given our budget and time constraints, allied with our fortune in obtaining an original piece of unintentional, cinematic silliness, the latter type of content was the obvious choice. So, onto the 1st step in our quest for viral stardom and abundant traffic:

Getting it online!

...easy, it’s here

Now then, let’s see if anyone watches it in its raw form.

Keep an eye out for future posts in this series as we tweak, edit, link, push and promote the same video in a bid to drive traffic to a specific website. Surely if we succeed then you can too?

Given that I write a huge number of blogs for a number of different companies I figured it would be nice to pop (a selection of) them in one place. On the off chance you enjoy my wordsmanship then fire me over an email and we can have a cyber-natter.

Enjoy