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Toureen Mangan

emma — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 10:36:01 +0000

For a large construction company – whose projects have been as diverse as petrol stations and an academy for the 2012 Olympics – gaining ISO standards was an essential way to demonstrate to clients that best practice is used.

Toureen Mangan, now has three ISO certifications: ISO 9001, Quality Management, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and [...]

ISO 27001 Information & Data Security – be prepared for new EU legislation

Andrew Brewerton — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:34:59 +0000

Data protection plans suggest big changes ahead for European businesses; the new legislation will replace the EU Data Protection Directive 95/46, an important component of EU privacy and human rights law, under which companies have been operating for 13 years. It is anticipated that the new legislation will reduce bureaucratic compliance requirements for many companies. [...]

Referrals in 12 easy steps

Amy Bentley — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:55 +0000

What prevents people from asking for referrals? Is it a fear of rejection, or the idea that ‘real professionals’ don’t ask for referrals?

Highly satisfied clients are delighted to give referrals. In fact, when surveys ask affluent clients why they don’t give referrals, their Number One response is that they are never asked.

Industry research [...]

12 step business growth plan

IMSM Ltd — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:51 +0000

Running a small business requires having the right knowledge and applying self discipline on a daily basis. This 12 point Business Growth Plan can help to keep the focus on proven management practices. Why not print and put them up, and review them while planning for the next days’ activities.

Set Specific Objectives
Objectives must be [...]

Don’t bother wowing your customers

Amy Bentley — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:47 +0000

The notion of going above and beyond customer needs is so entrenched that managers rarely question it. But delighting your customers may be a waste of time and energy. In fact, most customers just want a simple, quick solution to their problem. Here are three ways to give it to them.

Landing Page Content:

Delighting [...]

Health and Safety Executive Refurbishment Inspection Initiative

Andrew Brewerton — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:37:53 +0000

HSE Construction inspectors will be carrying out an intensive inspection initiative during February and March 2012. These inspections will focus on the refurbishment/building site risks that make construction one of Britain’s most dangerous industries – working at height safely, good order on site, and the risks associated with the removal of asbestos.
Falls from [...]

Beat the Competition With Better Service

Andrew Brewerton — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:04:40 +0000

Contrary to popular opinion, most purchasing is not based on the lowest price. Service is a key component in many buying decisions and can take many forms:
Shorter turnaround in shipping, a customer-friendly website, dealing with problems quickly, admitting, correcting, and paying for mistakes. Excellent service almost always wins out in the end.

The [...]

US Wind Installations Grow 31% in 2011

Andrew Brewerton — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:44:33 +0000

As part of its bid to renew the production tax credit (PTC) for the wind industry, which is widely acknowledged as crucial for its growth in 2013, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) released strong results for 2011.

The U.S. wind industry installed just over 6,810 megawatts (MW) in 2011, 31% higher than 2010, and [...]

New Chair for Government’s fund management company

Andrew Brewerton — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:22:57 +0000

Business and Enterprise Minister Mark Prisk today announced the appointment of Lucy Armstrong as the new chair of Capital for Enterprise Limited (CfEL).

Capital for Enterprise Limited is the company which advises the Government on the design, implementation and management of finance measures to support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. It [...]

Trade can help enable a move towards a greener economy

Andrew Brewerton — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:34:06 +0000

Trade facilitates the diffusion of goods, services, technologies and ideas required to address environmental challenges and can support a more efficient use of resources by businesses and households.

Concern over environmental issues, reinforced by government targets and policies has led to a growing global low carbon and environmental goods and services market, offering opportunities for [...]