A third of independent UK High Street shops are now cafes, pubs, restaurants, and takeaways, according to new research.
The study, conducted by insurer Simply Business, based on quotes requested by 75,198 businesses between 2008 and 2010 provides a really interesting insight into which types of shops are becoming more popular and which are in decline as UK independent High Street retailers face stiff competition from large chains, supermarkets and shopping malls.
Whilst cafes, pubs, restaurants and takeaways are showing growth, the number of independent clothes shops has declined, making up only five per cent of high street businesses in 2010, compared to six per cent two years ago.
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The New York State Insurance Department has issued a [press release] indicating that they have sent letters requesting information from the 172 licensed life insurers and fraternals. The letter requires these insurers to use the United States Social Security Administration’s Death Master File (who names these?) to identify policy holders who have died where no claim has been filed. The Department is also amending regulations to “require life insurers to perform regular SSA Master File cross-checks and to require life insurers to request more detailed beneficiary information (e.g. so
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WINDSOR, Conn, May 10, 2011—While almost two-thirds of pre-retiree households do not have a professional financial advisor, the majority of those who do, feel confident that they will be able to live the retirement lifestyle they choose. “With so much uncertainty in the economy and in the social programs supporting retired Americans, pre-retirees face many challenges when preparing for retirement,” noted Marie Rice, corporate vice president and director of LIMRA Retirement Research. “Our research is clear, those who use professional financial advisors enjoy the peace of mind that they are making the appropriate decisions to ensure they have a financially secure retirement.” LIMRA research found that three times as many pre-retiree who didn’t work with a professional financial advisor felt unprepared retirement as compared to those who did. When asked whether they felt confident that they will be able to live the retirement lifestyle they choose, 63 percent of these pre-retirees were not. Prior LIMRA r Read all post…
At Bytestart, we have come across hundreds of would-be entrepreneurs over the past decade. We have also had the pleasure of meeting plenty of angel investors and industry insiders. Here are some tips on what business owners should do to impress potential investors.
Valuing your idea
Don’t assume a business angel will be as interested in your idea as you are. Small business owners are notorious for catching ‘cabin fever’ and valuing their business idea at ridiculous multiples of its real value on the outside world.
Identify your skills
Successful entrepreneurs know their strengths… but they also recognise their weaknesses.
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With the enduring popularity of entrepreneurial TV shows, a lot of attention is paid to finding a great business idea by the media.
However, building a great business has very little to do with having a great idea, and everything to do with excellent execution.
For many entrepreneurs and business owners, coming up with new business ideas is the least of their problems.
Some people have ideas and spot new opportunities virtually every day. But in some way, constantly spotting new ways to do something is hugely disruptive.
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Do you have trouble getting done the things you need to? Do you sometimes find there are jobs left over at the end of the day? Do you not feel satisfied with what you have achieved?
You need to get your OATS.
The OATS principle is a fundamental approach to time management that is both simple and elegant. It doesn’t require you to complete huge forms, it just needs ten minutes of thinking time, a pencil and some paper. The OATS method works on a daily, weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis but for this article, we’ll look at daily OATS planning.
When to do your OATS Planning
Do you sometimes have trouble getting to sleep at night because all of the things you need to do tomorrow are buzzing around your head? If
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