Business

Home Loans – A Buyer’s Guide

April 30, 2015 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Home loans and mortgages are offered to a wide variety of different people to help them when buying a house, flat or any other type of property. They are one of the most popular ways of securing the additional finances you need to make such a big investment. It is important to note that when taking out this type of loan you will need to pay back an extra fee on top of what you have borrowed. You get the added benefit of being able to make smaller repayment amounts at a later date, and this is often the greatest deal for most people, as it makes payments more manageable. There are various different types of home loans available, yet it all really comes down to the bank you borrow the money from. Let’s take a look at the various types of home loans banks offer below.

Different types of home loans

1. Fixed rate home loan– With this type of home loan there is the advantage that you don’t have to worry about interests going up, as you will pay a fixed amount for a set period of time. This can provide certainty and make it a lot easier for you to manage your finances. Not only that, you will find that you can acquire up to 95 per cent of the loan. This is a popularoption. You can acquire this service over the Internet as well. For home loans, visit Newcastle Permanent.

2. Real deal home loan – This loan has its own special features. You can acquire the loan up to a maximum of 95 per cent and it offers a reduced interest rate of 0.25 per cent p.a. for the first three years. After this, the loan regains its normal interest percentage.

3. Introductory Discounted Variable Rate Home Loan – This type of loan offers you a reduction in repayment for the first year and afterwards reverts to the normal interest rate. This makes payments easier to manage in the first year, giving you a bit of extra time and cash to start off with.

4. Premium Variable Home Loan–If you desire a variable interest rate but you are still interested in additional features, this is a great option to consider. Furthermore, you can also acquire this loan for up to 90 per cent of the actual home amount.

5. Real Options Home Loan – With this type of loan there are varying interest rates. However, you have the advantage of not needing to worry about any extras, such as accounting fees.

6. Real Equity Credit Facility – This is a variable credit facility, which is secured against your property, so that you can access your equity directly.You can then use this equity in order to help you build your wealth. There are no charges or establishment fees and this loan acquisition is up to 90 per cent of your home.

7. Premium Plus Package – This offers one of the lowest home loan interest rates with an innumerable amount of benefits along with it. You can borrow up to 90 per cent of your home and repayments can be made at any given time within the specified period.An experienced and dedicated bank should have the capability to offer these various home loan services.

To conclude, it is very important for you to know the type of home loan you are interested in, the amount you want to pay by the end of repayment and for what specified period you need it. This will help you to narrow down your choices and get the loan that is suitable for you.

Effective Ways of Achieving Debt Relief

April 22, 2015 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Today, so many individuals are stuck in debt. They just cannot help it. The ugly truth is that debts cause health issues, financial troubles, and relationship problems. Being in debt is more than depressing. That is for sure.

Do you want to enjoy easy debt relief?

Do you wish to be debt free for good?

Do you want practical steps to keep you out of debt for ages to come?

Read on.

Many individuals that enjoy excellent credit history can also fall victim to financial mismanagement. You can be living a modest life but situations beyond your control cause you to fall into debt. The ever-fast changing economy does not make things any easier. You don’t have to suffer in debt when there are solutions to keep you out. With proper research, you can get the services of the best debt relief companies. These companies provide services that if used in the best prudently, can remove you from your financial misery.

So how do you achieve superior debt relief?

Get the whole family involved

It is very important for the whole family to be aware of the current financial situation. As the leader, ensure the family unit knows the situation it is in financially. Let everyone contribute in one way or another to get out of debt. Educate your children on the best money management strategies. Teach your wife how to save the little money you leave behind. Make limitations to unnecessary spending. Although your family can end feeling deprived because of the harsh financial strategies and rules you put in place, it will definitely help you, and your entire family get out of debt.

Get organized

One effective tool of clearing your debt is proper organization. Moving forward, you need to be accountable for all the expenses and income you bring to and out of the family. Always have a record book that you can account for all your finances. This will surely help you to not only understand but also monitor your spending and saving habits. In the long run, you will be able to always make sound financial decisions thus helping your clear your debt effectively.

Be a lean and mean budgeter

Budgeting will restrict you against unnecessary spending. If you do not know how to come up with an effective and realistic budget, you can always read national debt relief reviews to get the best debt relief company to offer professional assistance. A budget deprives individuals of many things but the benefits are numerous. Budgeting also helps you to be financially sensitive to important things.

Avoid credit card purchases

Credit card purchases are highly tempting. Remember that whenever you use these cards to make purchases, you end up accruing more interest rates. The habit of using credit cards is frighteningly non-stoppable.

Only make purchases of important things in cash – the cash at hand. Individuals are also tempted to purchase more than they need if they have a store credit card. Therefore, avoid using store credit cards too.

5 Things to do to make your business look more corporate

April 22, 2015 by Reporter Leave a Comment

People say that image is everything – and when it comes to business, you’re undoubtedly judged in part by your appearance – not just personal, but that of your premises too. With that in mind, it’s important that you make a positive statement and stand out whilst looking professional and business-like at all time.

So how can you achieve that corporate look whilst maintaining a warm, inviting image to staff, customers and potential clients? Whether you’re on a strict budget or not, take a look at our handy tips to making your business space more professional.

Make use of clean, fresh colours

Whites, creams, greys and even black work really well for corporate spaces – using sophisticated, understated colours gives your office environment instant aesthetic appeal. They can also brighten a dark room and keep the working area clean which can have a calming effect on the brain. If you’re a creative company, having one bright accent colour but keeping the rest neutral will go a long way towards making your premises individual but corporate.

Invest in simplistic yet stylish furniture

Many of us could easily pick out ‘corporate furniture’ from an office catalogue – but is it uninspiring, impractical or simply doesn’t fit in well with your interior? Make sure the furniture you choose fits perfectly with your existing décor and looks sturdy and expensive (even if it isn’t!). Pay attention also to the material of your surfaces – wood, polished plastic, glass – they’re all stylish choices and depending on what finish you’re after they can make or break your room design. Employ slick, linear designs and don’t be afraid to pick creative, cutting-edge or contemporary styles. It’s also important to pick an overall theme and then stick to it – no mixing different styles, colours and materials. Keeping furniture uniform is additionally key to a professional, corporate look.

Employ soft, natural decoration

One of the negatives of corporate décor is that it can sometimes come across a bit clinical and harsh. But that’s okay – it’s easily remedied by warming up that cold first impression with some carefully-placed, meticulously chosen decoration. This can be achieved through soft lighting, artwork or sculptures, soft furnishing and especially with plants. You can take a look at companies that offer Sydney indoor plant hire to add that soft, natural feel to your office for a fraction of the price of purchasing costly plants and shrubs. Real plants can also give an office an expensive, stylish edge and maintain a corporate feel whilst still adding another dimension to your working area.

Make sure it premises are cleaned and tidied regularly

Nothing says ‘amateur’ or ‘unprofessional’ more loudly than a dirty floor, dusty desks and a generally unkempt reception or working area. So with that in mind, it’s a good idea to invest in a cleaner – they can usually be found at a fairly low cost and can visit as frequently or as infrequently as you would like. It’s a relatively small price to pay to keep your premises (and your business) looking spick and span at all times.

Keep the focus on your brand

Another down side of having an intrinsically corporate environment is that they all tend to be a bit same-y. Even though you want to achieve a polished, uniform look overall, it’s still good to bring your individual identity into the space and make it your own. Make sure you stand out from the crowd by having your brand fully present at all times as well as any extra decoration. Signage, leaflets, pens, and poster advertisements give your business true identity and convey that in a clear but subtle way to your visitors.

Start up Finances – How to get the funding you need

April 9, 2015 by Reporter Leave a Comment

You have a great idea for your new business, and you need finance to get it off the ground. All the ideas are there, but when it comes to funding, where do you turn to? There are many places where businesses can apply for start up finance. Before you can do that, you need to look at the business model to find out which funding source is best for you.

Business model

A business plan is a must before you approach any would be investor whether that is the bank or grant funding. The plan needs to be airtight including all the figures and cash flow to show growth in the business and how you expect to achieve it. A really important element is to show how strong the financial side will be and how you expect the money to propel the company and sustain it long term. Investors need to see this is not a short-term business but one where they can continue to receive a growth on their investment. Let’s have a quick look at where you can get your start-up finance from.

Grants

Depending where you live and the industry you are thinking of entering, you can apply for a grant. These can be low-interest rates on repayments. Grants can be difficult to hunt out, and you will really have to do your research.

Banks

Banks have dedicated business teams that can talk you through your plan and then can offer you money. The only issue with going straight to a bank is you are limited to their products.

Franchise

Franchises can be bought into, or you can start a franchise and reap the benefits of selling on your business model. Banks are more amiable to lending money to an established franchise meaning you are more likely to get start-up finance from them.

Business Angels

These types of loans or investments can be really hard to source. Business Angels are businessmen or women who are looking to invest their money in other companies. They all work on their own contracts, so you need to make sure you read the small print and know exactly what they expect from you and vice versa.

There is a lot to take on board when you are first starting out in business. If the finance side of it is something that you know, you will need support with why not try finding a company that will support you and your business model. There are some great virtual CFO companies offering you just what you may need when it comes to your start up finances. When looking for a firm to assist you make sure you decide beforehand what you need from them. Companies can help check out your new business idea and see if it is actually something that will work and sustain you a life – monetarily and work/ life balance. They can help assist with seeking out finance, knowing where to look as this is their job. You don’t want a company who take you on then once the finance is organised, leave you – or maybe you do! If you want or need assistance further down the line to help ensure the growth of the business, find a team who you feel comfortable can offer you that.

Finance and accountancy are a major part of any business. These are the areas that can drive your company forward and upward. Make sure you have all the help and support you need in these key areas to make yourself a success.

Simple Business Ideas You Can Start in Your Spare Time

October 3, 2014 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Starting your own business doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact most businesses simply began as a hobby or part-time venture for their owners. You can simply start the business as a sole trader before advancing to company formation if you start to generate enough income to make it a full time job. Even if you have no intention of making that switch, there is value in exercising your entrepreneurial instincts and a lot of transferable skills which can be gained by running even the smallest of businesses. Here are just a few suggestions of simple side-line businesses which you could potentially start to fit with your interests and skills.

Computer troubleshooting

Everyone has a computer these days, but not everybody has the IT skills or knowledge to deal with any issues which arise when it doesn’t work quite as expected. If you are good with computers then you should make your services available as an IT expert – begin with friends and family then broaden your customer base and advertise your services online.

Writing/Editing/Proofreading

If you have some skills as a writer then it can be a great way to earn a little bit of extra cash on the side and can grow into a long term business. Many businesses have the need for written content – for both the sales copy of their website and for their blogs – but simply don’t have the time to write it themselves. You can offer your skills for writing this content, or even just editing and proofreading their existing content.

Homemade foods

If you’re good in the kitchen, this can be a great way to ease yourself into the lifestyle of running a business – and has proven very successful for a number of entrepreneurs. You can begin by selling your creations to friends and neighbours before branching out to local craft fairs and markets or selling online. The startup costs are low enough for ingredients and such – you just need to get the word out there to generate some business.

Window washing

There’s a reason why this business has survived for so many years, when other simple business models have been transformed by advances in technology and changing lifestyles – people just hate washing windows. If you don’t mind getting up on a ladder with a bucket of water and a sponge then you can earn a decent bit of cash from other people’s lack of motivation for this household chore.

Community newsletter

This is one which may take a while to get going, but could be good for both earning some cash and engaging your local community. Start a newsletter which details upcoming events and relevant news for the area, and once you have a good local circulation you can begin selling advertising space to local businesses. All you need for this is a computer, printer and time to research what should be included in your newsletter.

Start an ironing service

Everyone hates ironing and there a great number of people who pay to have it done for them, and others who would happily do so if they could find an affordable enough service which suited their needs. If you don’t mind doing a lot of ironing then this is a small business which will never struggle to find customers.

Offer social media services

Many small businesses want to get involved in social media activities but don’t have the means to do so. So if you know your Twitter from your Tumblr then you could offer these services to some businesses in your local area. This is convenient work as it can be done from home, with just the occasional meeting, and such online skills are always in demand as the internet becomes an increasingly important marketing tool.

Tutoring

There is always demand for tutors to help high school kids improve their grades. Did you earn a degree in a certain subject which might be useful – or do you have some practical work experience which gives you expertise in a relevant field? You can charge a very reasonable rate for an hour of tuition and help a young student improve their future opportunities.

Business cleaning services

Many businesses have property which requires professional office cleaning outwith standard office hours. If you can spare a few hours on evenings or weekends, and don’t mind cleaning, this can be a simple way to earn a little bit extra money.

Virtual assistant

With so many streams of communication available in this modern age, there are many business people who cannot afford to be switched on all the time. The constant phone calls and emails coming in can stop them working – so many hire virtual assistants who can respond to emails and take phone messages for them as well as co-ordinating their calendar for meetings etc. A great option for those who prefer to work from home.

Computer Password recovery and solutions business Ideas

August 26, 2014 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Have you ever forgot your password to your laptop or computer at any time and didn’t know what to do or how to unlock your computer. Yes we all have at some part of time done this! People not only forget passwords to the computers at home but also it’s a regular occurrence at the office as well. Password recovery tools and file recovery is an in demand service due to the progress in technology and devices.

So what do you do if your forgot your password?

Well in the first instance many people would just call a PC help or support guy to recover access to their laptop or computer. Many people would just turn to google search and search for recovery tools or software or methods available to try and see if there is a way to re-gain access to their pc or computer .

The fact is that there is a wealth of information on the internet to do stuff, even how to recover or reset your password, but often these free methods are quite technical and also long winded, so much so that a normal lay person would not be able to follow or do it. Here is where paid custom software solutions which were specifically built for this task come into play and also here is where the business opportunity lies for interested parties.

Business idea for computer password business

The custom password recovery software is handy not only to users who are a bit technical savvy and who can reset the passwords themselves, but is also available for purchase or buying for a computer repair business or a person intending to start a computer password support or recovery business.

A person with little technology know how can easily buy this software for a one time fee and provide a password recovery service for a fee to other people as part of their business and can keep re-using this software once purchased.

Password recovery software

The software is available at http://www.unlockwindowscomputer.com [ Two software options provided below ] and can be used by a computer repair business for resetting forgotten Microsoft windows passwords. This program recovers access to your PC without losing any existing files on the pc or laptop.

This pass resetting software works on all windows computers including the latest windows 8, windows 7 and also older version of Microsoft windows. It resets not only user passwords but also admin / administrator passwords. Once you use this program to reset the existing pass you should be able to login back into your laptop/computer.

This custom software makes it a breeze to unlock a laptop or pc within minutes by just resetting the existing password and so no files are at risk of being deleted or lost. Click the above link provided for more details on how this software works.

Take this example below as a typical question asked for a lost password

I forgot my password for my hp laptop !

Question: I have tried everything to get into my laptop. The password I had set up will not work for some reason. Is there anyway I can bypass this and get into my laptop.

I bought a HP Pavilion Laptop Quad Edition – with Windows 7

Prod. No. – LXXXX 34-Bit

Please help.

I do have two boot disks that came with laptop. I have tried to use them to restart and recover passwords, but the disks don’t seem to want to run.

I am obviously doing something wrong.

Helpme

and Thank You

Sheila

SOME other popular enquiries in relation to lost passwords

1. How to reset Windows 7 administrator password? I forgot my Windows 7 password for my laptop.

2. I changed my laptop login password and unfortunately lost it, how do I recover it without files lost?

3. I bought an old Dell laptop installed Windows 7 and I don’t know the administrator password, how do I do?

Solution : Use Custom Password recovery software as provided above

With computers and laptops becoming things that people can’t do without in this century, resetting passwords or then recovering files and access to lost passwords and computers is becoming a regular necessity.

Passwords are nowdays used for everything from email ( Gmail , Hotmail , Yahoo email ) to tablets ( ipad , Note) to smartphones ( Samsung galaxy , iphone, HTC ) etc to secure your personal information on these devices and its handy to have a instant solution available just in case you forget or lose your password.

Given the number of devices that could need a password retrieval or resetting service in the future this is a possibly a good business idea that can be popular in the near future and there will only be more providers of software for this service as our appetite for more gadgets and technology services increase.

How to promote your pc password service or business

As in any business , marketing is a necessity and if you are starting a password resetting business then marketing your business or service is needed.

Promoting your service or password recovery business can be easy in this day and age. All you need to do is advertise your business via a website, get listings in local directory’s online and offline , yellow pages or do some ppc advertising to promote your local business or website.

You can get the password resetting software over here. Good luck!

When money transfer is right !!

June 8, 2014 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Foreign exchange and money transfer will always exist because they will always be migrants in all countries and there will always be people who will send money home.

Currency fluctuation means there will always be room for people to either make more money or lose money either by trading or then just sending money home to your loved ones or family. Choosing the correct moment when it’s favourable to send money can benefit you and actually increase the money that you are sending to the other person.

The FX trading industry related to foreign exchange industry is actually bigger than the stock markets due to trading being available in these markets 24/7.

How to send money overseas or do foreign exchange transfer

1. Transfer money through bank – Now days most bank’s allow you to transfer money either to their overseas branch and also to other branches overseas. The banks usually charge a fee for doing this foreign exchange transaction, which could either be a percentage or a transfer fee. This process involves having to get special codes or transfer codes ( IBAN, NCC, sort code or BSB number) from the receiving country bank account and it can take a couple of days to process.

2. Transfer money through a private foreign exchange agency – They are many foreign exchange agencies ( Western union , Travelex, Local Exchange agencies ) that allow you to transfer money almost instantly nowadays to a person in another country. Transferring of money via a money transfer agency nowadays can be done instantly with the person on the other end receiving the money almost instantly if they possess the predetermined code the payer will give them to receive the money.

3. Telegraph Transfer – A Telegraphic Transfer is another method of transferring money overseas. This method is now fast becoming out-dated with newer and quicker methods becoming available.

Travellers cheques is another safe way of carrying money overseas or transferring money overseas and is often used by tourists when travelling. Transferring money via mobile and PayPal is another modern money phenomenon that’s taking over money exchange industry.

Many money transfer agencies have now started offering to transfer money online without your having to actually go to a foreign exchange or money transfer agency. The actual process of doing money exchange online can be quite simple, often just including a quick 3 step process

1. Select currency & amount
Confirm rate & add recipient

2. Pay money online
BPAY or electronic bank transfer

3. Track progress online, email / SMS
Money received

People transferring money overseas should always check the veracity of the transferring agency and if they meet the local registration and licensing requirement of the country from where you are sending the money.

It is also wise to check the exchange rates that your get for the currency you are exchanging to and transferring to, as sometimes different agencies offer different exchange rates and often you can get short-changed if the rate is not in your favour.

Foreignexchangedandenong is a foreign exchange and money exchange and transfer agency in Dandenong that provide you with these services.

The Benefits of Outsourcing Vehicle Maintenance

April 20, 2014 by Reporter Leave a Comment

For a reliable and roadworthy vehicle, regular maintenance needs to be applied to ensure the safety of drivers is not compromised. Vehicle safety and reliability is a major concern for fleet managers, but the headache-inducing task of managing weekly and monthly checks on all fleets can be even more distressing – not to mention time consuming and costly.

The quality of the vehicle’s tyres, brakes, engine oil and fluid levels cannot be overlooked. Whilst some factors may seem irrelevant or easily delayed, it’s this neglect and postponement that will run the risk of fleet vehicles needing major maintenance. Poor vehicle management and significant expenses, combined with having to take your vehicles off the road screams disaster for fleet managers.

To alleviate the risks on your business and fleet vehicles, businesses are opting to outsource maintenance and vehicle management. As the day-to-day tasks of running your business add up, fleet managers are fast realising the positive effects outsourcing has. These benefits of outsourcing maintenance requirements are tied to measureable and intrinsic results. We take a look at how it’s a dependable solution to keeping your fleet on the road.

Gets You Back On the Road – Faster

One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing fleet vehicle servicing is your vehicle is being maintained by a team of qualified experts. Vehicle servicing may not be the core area of your business, but it is for someone else. Repairs will be arranged promptly and paperwork completed to ensure your vehicle is back on the road as fast as possible, in the safest condition with minimal productivity losses to your business. These guys know what they’re doing and will put their resources, energy and TLC into ensuring the vehicles are running smoothly.

The process in getting the vehicles roadworthy is fully managed, with minimal involvement required from you or your drivers. This ensures a time saving process for a fleet manager’s busy schedule.

Improved Company Focus

With less time wasted on worrying about regular vehicle checks, your company’s focus can stay on track for its core business. It’s easy as a fleet manager to get bombarded with constant quality improvements and enhancing your vehicles and this can chew up valuable time and money. Outsourcing vehicle servicing enables you to achieve your fleet’s goals and maintain more administrative and financial control.

Redirected Resources and Local Outsourcing

With the opportunity to redirect personnel and financial resources from non-core business activities to your company’s primary business, human resource productivity is significantly improved. Many companies opt to outsource because they don’t have the required resources within their own company from shop equipment to personnel, expertise and training. Getting a qualified team to take care of this will enhance driver/user satisfaction.

Fleet vehicles that are serviced locally will have the advantage of cutting down the time it takes for drivers to drop off and pick up vehicles. Most servicing companies will have a wide range of preferred suppliers to ensure you can choose one in a convenient location for local maintenance.

Managed Accounts and Cash Flow

Accounts are consolidated into one easy-to-manage monthly invoice when fleet maintenance is outsourced. Instead of drivers having to pay for their vehicle repairs at the point of service, it will be invoiced to your company workshop. Managed monthly accounts saves time with less paperwork and stress and ensures a smoother cash flow.

Vehicle servicing companies will carry all parts required for your fleet vehicles and inventory costs. No parts will need to be paid for by your business until it’s used on your fleet thus, increasing fleet utilisation resulting in increased cash flow and reduction in operating costs.

High-Quality and Approved Servicing

Once vehicle maintenance is outsourced, a team of experts will monitor the quality of any repairs and servicing done. Before any work can commence quotes are signed off by management, checked and approved.

Having repairs completed to the highest of quality by reputable people in the trade ensures money, and time, is saved by unnecessary work. Most companies follow the strictest standards in the industry and this quality assurance gives you a quick turnaround in repairs and improved reliability for your drivers.

Big Fleet Discounts

To further improve your cash flow, fleet management companies have the power to negotiate fleet discounts for vehicle repairs. These substantial discounts allow you to enjoy well-earned savings regardless of the fleet size.

Maintenance Alerts

These days, no one has the time to remember when their vehicle is next due for a service and when managing a fleet business remembering these things can be even harder. Email or SMS reminders are sent to all your drivers when maintenance is due so there are no excuses for services to be missed.

Servicing your vehicles on time is the most important factor to keep your fleet running in a perfect condition. This helps you to avoid nasty surprises and expensive repairs down the track by fixing any issues early.

Records and Reporting

As a fleet manager, your business is run with operational and financial goals to meet so having access to all vehicle operating costs, repair costs and turnaround, KPI’s and downtime is crucial. This in-depth reporting will be provided by the outsourced company after the completion of each job for you to update the fleet reporting system.

A clear picture will be painted on all maintenance and repairs completed across your fleet and this information accessible 24/7. Having accurate documentation will positively help in the resale of any vehicles down the track.

Reduced Risks

Above all, the safety of your drivers is priority so providing them with roadworthy vehicles is a must. The facility and vehicle risks associated with lack of maintenance operations is significant and includes various federal, state and local laws. Working directly with a trusted repair service will ensure your company is compliant with the fluctuating changes in regulations and technologies, and ultimately reduce risks and expenses for you and your drivers.

Author Bio

This article is written by Jayde Ferguson who writes for Fleetcare – Australia’s premier fleet management company based in Perth.

5 tips for a healthier workplace

April 15, 2014 by Reporter Leave a Comment

For any business the main factor that determines profitability is the productivity of its staff. So if you’re a business owner than making sure that your staff are happy and healthy is essential if you’re to have staff who are reliable and effect. So with all that in mind we look at 5 ways that you can promote a healthier workforce.

5. Organise pre/post work workouts

Workouts needn’t be the all out, hard-core routines of the local gym, instead they can be games such as 5 aside football or badminton. This is also a great way of getting a bit of a team bonding session going.

4. Encourage people to walk up the stairs

This sounds like an extremely simple tip that won’t have much of an impact upon your work place’s health. However if you start paying attention to how many times in any one day you use the elevator yourself you’ll soon realise just how much you rely on it to move you from A to B!

3. Swap your office chairs for exercise balls

Back problems are the singular biggest issue facing employers and time off work through injury. A leading reason for the almost epidemic levels of off-sick employees with bad backs can be attributed to people sitting with bad postures throughout an 8 hour day. A great way to avoid this and promote better posture is to swap the office chairs for exercise balls every now and then. These make sure that people have to sit with their back straight (otherwise they risk falling off!).

2. Ensuring that your staff get the recommended time away from their computer

Legally employers are required to provide those that work at computers with a 20 minute break every four hours, however, as many will appreciate, this doesn’t always happen. Whilst many think that skipped breaks increases the productivity of staff, in fact it actually encourages lethargy and tiredness. In particular, a breath of fresh air can help your staff get a much needed refreshment, particularly on a gloomy Monday morning.

To make sure that your staff are taking the breaks they should, you should ensure that the workplace has a set break rota and people overseeing the breaks.

1. Encouraging your staff to drink more water

Dehydration is far more detrimental to a person’s health and performance than most people imagine. www.aqua-vitae.co.uk is one company that offer water filters to ensure people have a clean, tasty source of water in the workplace. As well as this, it’s also far easier to become dehydrated than most think; to avoid dehydration, a person should be drinking around 1-2 litres of fluid each day. This equates to around eight 150ml glasses. And the effects of not doing so can include: lethargy, mild confusion, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, eyes and lips.

If you’d like to help your staff in drinking more water and becoming more energetic then water coolers are essential. Aqua Vitae can install and fully manage your workplace’s water coolers and make sure that your staff have cool, refreshing water to hand all day every day.

Woolworths and Wesfarmers in GLOBAL top 250 Retailers list

March 18, 2014 by Reporter Leave a Comment

Article updated:

Australian favourite retail giants, Woolworths and Wesfarmers ( Coles Supermarkets), are now listed in the world’s top 25 retail companies list.

Top Australian Retailer in Global Rankings

The report brought out by research agency Deloitte , identifies the “250 largest retailers by revenue globally” for the fiscal year 2010, lists Woolworths in 20th (26th last year) and Wesfarmers in 23rd position (28th last year).

While the global downturn and economic slowdowns have seen many top retailers companies going down the list , The Australian retail companies both Woolworths and Wesfarmers both have jumped up by the list by six and five places respectively.

The global Retailers list

The top Global retailers rankings also included other top global retail companies like WALMART ( No .1 From USA ) , CAREFOUR S.A. ( No.2 – From France ), TESCO PLC ( No. 3 – From UK)

Among the top 30 were also other companies like Costo , Best Buy Co, Safeway , Ikea and Amazon. Brazil another rapidly growing economy has topped the “top 10 Latin Americas retailer list” with its “Grupo Pao De Acucar” taking the top honours.

So what is the big giants Woolworths and Wesfarmers made up of ?

Below is a listing of the different divisions and businesses that make up the two Goliath’s of australia

Wesfarmers

§ Retail – Coles, Bi-Lo, Liqourland, Coles express, Coles.com.au, First Choice Liquor, Vintage Cellars, Target, Target Country, K Mart, Kmart Tyre and Auto Services

§ Home Improvement – Bunnings, Bunnings Warehouse, Bunnings Trade

§ Office Supplies – Officeworks

§ Insurance – Lumley, WFi, Oamps, Crombie Lockwood

§ Resources – Urragh, Bengalla

§ Chemicals and Fertilisers – CSBP, QNP (Queensland Nitrates) and AGR (Australian Gold Reagents)

§ Gas/Energy – Kleenheat Gas, Evol LNG, Premier Power (electricity)

§ Industrial and Safety – Blackwoods, Protector Alsafe, Bullivants, Total fasteners, Coregas, Blackwoods Protector, Packaging House, Gotstock.com.au, Safety Source

§ Others, and stakes in – ModWood wood-plastic products, 50% stake each in Gresham Partners (Barminco, Silk Logistics Group and Tasmanian Walking Company) and Westpine Industries and a 24% stake in BWP warehouse retailing properties.

Woolworths

§ Retail – Woolworths Supermarkets, Woolworths Petrol, Big W, BWS, Dan Murphy’s, Wine market, Cellarmasters, Ezibuy, Countdown, Thomas Dux.

§ Home Improvement – Masters

§ Hospitality – ALH (Australia Leisure and Hospitality) group and its brands including Great Food Great Value, Live At Your Local, 28s, Function Venue Finder and Graziers beef.

§ Finance – Woolworths Money credit cards, Reloadable MasterCards and Gift cards.

§ Others – Woolworths Mobile, Langton’s

More details about the top global retailers can be got from the Deloitte website

Download Global Powers of Retail 2011 Read and download the full report ‘Global Powers of Retailing 2011’ in PDF format.

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