Considerations In Choosing Business Hosting and Personal Hosting

Choosing the right web hosting is an important decision in the success of a website. There are many different options and it is wise to decide what the priorities are. To some website owners price is the most important thing, whereas for others it may be the amount of bandwidth or the support available from the hosting company. We are going to look at the different considerations for hosting both business websites and personal websites.

HOSTING FOR A BUSINESS WEBSITE

With business hosting getting the hosting right is very important and in the most extreme cases can make the difference between the success or failure of the entire business. There is free web hosting available but this is unlikely to be considered as there are usually too many limitations for business hosting.

For the hosting of a business website a large amount of downtime is not acceptable. Some downtime may be inevitable but if it is happening regularly it could have a significant impact on a business. If potential customers come to a website and it is down they will simply go to one of the competitors, so a site can lose business when this is the case.

Depending on the size of a site disk space may be of importance. For large websites significant disk space will be required, as it might for sites that are contently being updated, for example those where news stories are being adding regularly and the stories remain in the database.

For a new business website it can be difficult to predict the number of visitors that it will have. This makes it hard to work out how much bandwidth is needed. As the site may have more visitors than predicted it is wise to make sure there is additional bandwidth available in case the site is particularly popular.

Support is something most deem important for business hosting. If there are problems they will need to be sorted out quickly, so 24/7 support might be preferable. It also comes down to the type of hosting.

HOSTING FOR A PERSONAL WEBSITE

If there are problems with a personal website, it is less likely to have an impact on someone’s income, which means getting the hosting right is not quite so important. This means that it can come more down to price, with some simply choosing the cheapest hosting possible. Free hosting may be adequate.

Downtime will not be as much of an issue as with a business website. The site may only be viewed by family and friends so if it is down they are likely to come back at another time. Plus, this will not lose you money.

Again the amount of disk space required will come down to the specifics of the website. It is likely that there will only be a small number of pages and in this case there won’t need to be too much disk space. A personal website is unlikely to have a large database for example.

It is much easier with a personal website to predict the number of visitors the site will have, meaning deciding on an adequate amount of bandwidth is simpler. This is likely to be less than with business hosting.

One thing that might need to be considered for personal hosting is the options for media on the site and how the hosting will be able to handle this. If it is a personal site about your family you might want to upload videos and pictures for people to see.

CONCLUSION

With personal hosting any short comings are unlikely to be catastrophic as they won’t mean the failure of a business and lost income, as it might with business hosting. This means less necessity for contingency plans so the price may end up being the main factor.

With business hosting the price is less likely to be the determining factor. Any problems will cost the business money so more may need to be spent to limit the possibility of potential issues. Support is much more likely to be needed.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Is Online Christmas Shopping preferable in the current weather conditions?

The weather conditions in the UK this December have had a massive impact on many people for a number of reasons. Amongst the things it has affected is shopping, with many unable to get to the shops because of the snow and ice. This has meant a lot of people choosing to shop online instead.

Amongst some people shopping online has a reputation of being dangerous, with internet fraudsters after your bank account details. But with the current weather conditions is it safer and more convenient to shop online rather than face the treacherous journey to the shops?

In many parts of the country there have been particularly dangerous driving conditions. With snow and ice on the roads there has been a large increase in the number of accidents and breakdowns, with the AA reporting a record number of call outs. With icy footpaths, even walking can be difficult.

As well as safety, there is also the shear inconvenience. There is a higher than usual probability of getting stuck in traffic caused by accidents and breakdowns. There is also the risk of getting stranded. Even with no traffic, due to the conditions it is necessary to drive slower than normal to stay safe, something that can double journey times. Then there is having to spend time out in the cold de-icing the car and clearing it of snow before you leave. Some shopping centres have even been closed due to the weather, for example Brent Cross in North London. Other shops have been short staffed due to employees being unable to get to work, potentially resulting in reduced customer service and more headaches for customers. Relying on public transport to do your Christmas shopping has in some cases proved even more problematic than driving. Some people have even managed to get to the shops but have then been unable to get home.

So does all this mean shopping from home on the internet is a better option? Well, firstly it depends on how you are getting to the shops, how far it is, and the particular conditions in your area. Then there is personal preference, some people love a day out shopping, while some really don’t.

Overall the security risks of online shopping are not as high as many are led to believe. Yes, there are those out there looking to scam people but in reality these are few and far between. A sensible approach greatly increases the likelihood of a safe online shopping experience.

So what are the steps that can be taken to ensure you do not get caught out? Some of the most basic steps are below:

• Use reputable websites that you know you can trust. Don’t use sites you have never heard of.

• Check for https and a lock symbol in the address box during the transaction phase. On any pages where you are entering bank account information these should be in the URL box at the top of the browser. Any address should start with ‘https’ instead of the usual ‘http’, while there should also be a lock symbol. Don’t take you transaction any further if you do not see these.

• Check that the website states the address and telephone number on the website.

So there are things that can be done to increase the chances of shopping online safely. There are some risks but this does not mean that it should be avoided. It is certainly an option this Christmas with the weather related chaos around us.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Small Business Website – Things to think about

Most small businesses nowadays invest in a website with the aim of generating new business. Not just any old website will do though, and it is important to make sure that websites are designed so they fit the purpose and can be used to the businesses advantage.

YOU NEED TO GET THE CONTENT RIGHT

The most important thing with your content is that you get your message across; what your business does and what makes you unique. You need to be clear and concise without overdoing it. You need to prioritise with getting across your main services or what you do best. Visitors need to get the message of who you are and how you stand out above your competitors. If relevant it is useful to have a products or services page or pages, as this allows you to clearly lay out what you do.

The following is the important information that you need to make sure you get across in your websites content:

1. Who your company is and what you do

2. Where your business is situated

3. Why you are unique

4. Your main strengths

THE WEBSITE NEEDS TO BE EASY TO USE

If your website is not easy to use then visitors will quickly leave and head to one of your competitors. The navigation is important and it should be obvious how visitors get from one part of the site to another. Being easy to read is also crucial with text needing to be large enough so readers don’t have to struggle. Separating pages to keep relevant content together while keeping different subjects apart is a useful way of making the website easy to navigate around. Visitors will be able to see where they need to go for the information they are looking for.

It needs to be obvious to visitors how they can contact you. It is useful to have an email address or phone number on the homepage, so if visitors want to contact you they can do it immediately, therefore increasing the chances of them doing business with you.

THE STYLE OF THE WEBSITE

It is important that a website looks good but the design shouldn’t be over complicated. The design should not take away from the information on the site but complement it. You have to think about how the text will look over the background colours and make sure they do not clash. Paragraphs should be used so text is spread out and easier to read. Using bullet points can also be useful as this makes certain points stand out. Bold or enlarged text for the most important information can also be a good idea.

IMAGES

Images need to complement what is on the site. If used in the right way they help to give an overall impression of what you are all about. Using unrelated images, on the other hand, is confusing to visitors.

There are many things to think about for a small business website. It is important to get every aspect right to make sure your website works for you in the best way possible.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Having a Website? Questions you need to ask yourself

Having a website created for your business is so much more than just having the website designed and developed. There are many related things you need to think about to make sure your website is a success and works as a tool to improve the business.

There are certain questions that you have to ask yourself when having a website created.

What is the purpose of the website?

Why do you want a website? It could be primarily for existing customers – to be used as a portal to provide information to them on what you are doing and the latest news. Or it could be a marketing tool used to bring in new business. Establishing why you are going to have a website and the role it will play within your business is an important step, as it helps you to decide what needs to be included within the sites design.

What type of hosting should I use?

There are so many options when it comes to web hosting. There is even free hosting, although for businesses this is usually not recommended as in the majority of cases it is fairly basic hosting. Within paid hosting there are two main options: shared hosting or dedicated hosting. With shared hosting the server where you website is hosted is shared with the hosting companies other customers. This can have some limitations but is cheaper than dedicated hosting. Depending on each individual business’s requirements and the exact hosting package, this is perfectly adequate for some whereas others really have the need for dedicated hosting.

With dedicated hosting your website will have its own dedicated server, where only your website is hosted. This means more bandwidth and disk space as well as other benefits. This can be crucial for large websites but an unnecessary expense for others. Even deciding that you need dedicated hosting isn’t the end of it though, as there are many types of dedicated hosting, such as managed hosting and colocation.

Do I need support for my website?

Support for a website can be very important. It may be that you can handle it in-house or you may outsource you Business IT Support and they are able to handle the website support as well as other aspects of your IT support. Alternatively, you might require support specifically for the website. Some web hosting agencies offer this service, so the agency who are designing and developing the website could be worth approaching. Many either do not think about website support or decide to go without it to save on costs but this can be a mistake. Remember, things go wrong with websites, and this can be particularly problematic.

Do I need online marketing?

The marketing of a website is another aspect you need to think about. The websites of well known brands will be found as people will either type their website address into the URL box or type the brand name into a search engine. This will not be the case with lesser known brands though. For these, it may be worth investing in SEO (search engine optimisation). SEO services will help to optimise you website so it is visible in the search engines, which can lead to a major increase in visitors and therefore potential new business. After all, generating business is the main purpose of the majority of business websites. There is little point in going through the trouble of having a website designed and developed if no-one will ever find it. Improving its position in the search engines for relevant terms means that people who are searching for a particular product or service that you offer will be able to find your website, which in turn can lead to them doing business with you.

Andrew Marshall (c)

What are Phishing Emails?

Internet Safety is a much discussed issue and there are many scams out there looking to fool unsuspecting victims. One type of scam is called ‘phishing’.

Phishing is a term derived from ‘fishing’ and refers to criminals who ‘fish for’ victims personal information, such as bank account details. The most common types of phishing scams involve people trying to obtain bank account information and passwords.

The phishing technique that is used most is the sending of emails claiming to be the recipient’s bank and saying there is a problem with their account, for example they have entered the incorrect PIN three consecutive times. They send these to a large number of people. Most will not fall for the scam but by targeting a large number they hope that some will. These scams will ask recipients to click a link that will take them to the banks website where they can enter their details. Of course this will not be the actual banks website, but it may be very similar, therefore looking authentic. The original email might even claim that accounts will be suspended if this is not done, which can make some people panic and follow the instructions.

After being directed to this website victims will be asked to enter their bank account number and password. This will mean that these criminals will now have the victim’s bank details and may be able to access their account.

Not all phishing emails will involve visiting a website, some will ask recipients to call a phone number. When this number is called an automated voice message will claim to be the bank in question and request the entry of the account number and password using the telephone keypad. This will also give the scammers these details and access to the account.

To most some phishing emails are obviously scam emails, as they are poorly written and even contain spelling mistakes. Some though look very genuine and this is where many people are fooled. There are other clues as well. A URL of a bank website will be something like, www.bank.com, whereas the email address from a phishing email will be something like @onlinebanking.bank.com. The URL’s if clicked on will also begin with ‘http’ like most websites, but secure URL’s should begin ‘https’. With secure websites there is also a lock symbol in the URL box.

Links in emails from a bank should NEVER be clicked on. These types of emails will not be sent by a genuine bank. If there is a genuine problem with a bank account the bank will phone or write to customers. If unsure, you should always contact the bank to confirm whether or not any contact is genuine.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Divorce in England and Wales compared with Scotland

Divorce Law differs depending on which part of Great Britain you are in. Family Law in England and Wales in the same, but in Scotland it works differently. This goes for both the laws themselves and the course that divorce proceedings take.

England and Wales

For a divorce to be granted in England and Wales a couple must have been married for more than one year and the marriage must have ‘irretrievably’ broken down with no chance of reconciliation. There are four main reasons that can be given for a divorce, with one of these needing to be given as the reason why the marriage has broken down. Adultery is the most obvious reasons, with the others being that one party has been behaving unreasonably, that the couple have been separated for two years or more if both parties agree to the divorce, or if they have been separated for over five years regardless of whether they agree or not.

A divorce can be either contested or uncontested, although contested divorces are rare. An uncontested divorce is where both parties agree to go ahead with the divorce. Even though many would not like their marriage to end they often realise that it is inevitable if that is what their spouse seeks and this results in the divorce being uncontested. One party must effectively apply for the divorce under one of the grounds mentioned above. In theory they may be required to prove the grounds for divorce, although in reality this is rarely necessary. It is more likely to be necessary in a contested divorce. Eventually, after a number of processes that have to be gone through, a judge will grant a divorce.

Scotland

In many ways Family Law Firm in Scotland is similar to that of England and Wales. Again there has to be a reason given as the grounds for divorce, and these are similar. Again adultery and unreasonable behaviour by one party are grounds for divorce. The others are living apart for one year in agreement with each other, or living apart for two years without agreement.

There are two main procedures of divorce in Scotland; a simplified procedure and an ordinary procedure.

A simplified procedure is often referred to as a ‘DIY divorce’. This option is available when the situation is relatively straightforward. The couple must have no children together and they must agree on financial and property issues. A couple can simply fill out some forms and apply for a divorce and no family law solicitors are required, which saves on costs.

An ordinary divorce must be used by those who have dependent children. In these cases the divorce will be either defended or undefended, which in some ways works in a similar way to contested and uncontested divorces in England and Wales.

The way in which defended and undefended divorces differ from the England and Wales equivalent is that a defended divorce not only covers whether or not a divorce will be granted by also takes care of any disagreements regarding children, money, property, and any other issues. An undefended divorce is only possible if the two parties agree on these matters.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Avoiding an Investment Scam

There are many people out there looking to scam people. Therefore it is always important to keep an eye out to make sure it doesn’t happen to you, whether it is protecting against a computer virus or making sure you aren’t the victim to an investment scam.

Everyone wants to make a quick buck if they can, and some use this opportunity to offer investments to people offering quick or easy money. It is therefore very important to be sure of an investment scheme’s credentials before investing your hard earned money.

There are certain signs you should look out for. Any scheme that guarantees a big return is one to be suspicious of. A guaranteed return just isn’t possible as no investment is a certain success.

It is important to fully understand any investment product you are entering into. If you don’t understand then ask. A genuine investment manager will be happy to answer any questions, no matter how silly they may seem to experienced investors; don’t be worried about sounding like you don’t know what you are talking about. If they seem to get agitated or lose confidence in their own answers when questioned, it is probably a bad sign. Some will try to make things seem confusing so you don’t question them. A lack of information is a sign of a scam. Anything you are unsure of, ask.

Some scammers employ high pressure tactics to rush you into a decision. Avoid this at all costs. If you are unsure take your time, and say you will get back to them if you must. If they say it has to be now or never then tell them you are not interested.

It is crucial that you know what you are investing in. If an investment scheme claims to have a positive track record then make sure there is evidence to support this. It is a good idea to contact other investors who have used it in the past. Do some other research as well, for example look online. If they have been successful and people have benefited you may well find information about this. Similarly, if they have scammed people they are likely to have commented about it on blogs or forums. It is also wise to research schemes of a similar nature. For one thing, if it is a scam they may have changed the name or changed certain aspects to try to avoid detection. Most schemes will have something similar through another investment company, whether genuine or not. If you are using an investment company or partaking in investment trusts then make sure the company is registered.

Always urge on the side of caution. If in any doubt at all don’t risk your money. You should never rush into a decision. And if the investment company is trying to force you into rushing then they probably can’t be trusted.

It may sound obvious, but use common sense. If your gut feeling says this may not be trustworthy, walk away, and don’t deal with someone who does not seem professional.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Which Countries give the most to Charity?

Which country is the most charitable on earth? Well, that depends how you look at it and how you define charitable. There are governments who give a lot, and then there are individual within these countries who may give a lot.

Firstly, let’s look at the official development assistance given by different governments around the world. This is a measurement of money given by official government organisations that goes towards economic development and welfare. It is the United States who gives most of any country, with approximately $29 billion donated a year. This is more than double the next countries on the list, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, all of which give $12 billion. Generally, and unsurprisingly, it is the wealthiest countries who give the most, although Japan is the only one of Asia’s wealthiest countries near the top of the list. The wealthiest countries can afford to give more, so does that make them more generous?

Another way that generosity can be calculated is by looking at the percentage of GDP that each country gives. This is lead by Northern Europe. Sweden gives the most as a percentage of GDP, at 1.12% following by Norway (1.06%), Luxembourg (1.01%), Denmark (0.88%), and the Netherlands (0.82%). In fact, all of the top nine are in Northern Europe, with all the Scandinavian countries, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Ireland and the United Kingdom. The top non-European country in this list is Canada, which is only placed fourteenth, and donates less than one-third of a percent of their GPP (0.30%). Although the United States gives the most in the monetary amount, they only give 0.20% of their GDP and are 19th on the list.

So, these are the countries that give most, but whose citizens are most generous when it comes to giving to charity? It is again mostly Northern European Countries at the top of the list of the average amount given to charity per citizen. Those from Luxembourg are the most generous, the only country whose citizens give on average more than $100 a year ($114). Norwegian’s give $96, with Swedes and the Irish given $66. Kuwaiti’s give on average $33. Those from the United Kingdom only give $17 a year each and American’s only $14, while German’s give $9.

It is those from Malta, though, who have the highest percentage who give to charity. 83% of Maltese say the give to charity according to the Guardian. Following Malta on this list are the Netherlands (77%), the United Kingdom (73%), Thailand (73%), Ireland (72%) and Morocco (72%). 60% of American’s donate to charity. Looking at some of the countries who come towards the top of the list when it comes to the average amount each citizen donates, 58% of those from Luxembourg give to charity, 52% of Swedes and 43% of Norwegians. So although these three countries give a lot on average, a relatively low percentage of citizens donate to charity, while in countries such as the United Kingdom and Thailand, they may not give as much on average but a higher percentage donate at some point.

In reality, it is very difficult to judge which countries are more generous. There are so many different methods of looking at it, and it is difficult to say which one more accurately reflects which countries are more generous when it comes to donating to charity.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Types of Children’s Savings Accounts

Many parents like to save for their children when they can and there are many ways of doing this. This article looks at some of the popular types of children savings accounts.

Regular Children’s Savings Accounts

These are amongst the most common methods used by parents to save on behalf of their children. They are set up in the child’s name but controlled by parents who can deposit and withdraw money as they please. It is a good idea to make deposits on a regular basis to gradually build up the amount accumulating within the account. Some put in a set amount every month while others make payments when they have a little money spare and can afford to. Some choose to pay any money children receive for Birthday’s and Christmas from family members into the account. Parents have complete control of the account and can switch this over to the child when they see fit, whether this is when they turn eighteen or twenty-one, or earlier such as when they start to want to buy things for themselves. Because parents can also withdraw from the account they can use it to pay for things their child needs or wants. The disadvantage of regular children savings accounts is that they do not have the highest interest rates.

Children’s Bonus Bond

A children’s bonus bond is a scheme whereby parents can invest a lump sum on behalf of a child and this sum then accumulates tax free interest. This amount can remain in the account up until the child’s twenty-first birthday but they have control of the account from the time that they turn sixteen. After the account has been active for five years there is a bonus, which is also tax free. It can be cashed at anytime but if done so within the first year none of the accumulated interest is received. The idea of the scheme with the lack of interest prior to the first year and the five-year bonus is to encourage long term savings.

Fixed Term Savings Accounts

With a fixed term savings account payments are made as parents choose, but money cannot be taken out until a fixed time period has passed. This can be anything from one year to five years. The major advantage of these accounts is the high interest. As a bank or building society knows the money will be there for this fixed period they will offer a higher interest compared to other types of accounts. The disadvantage is that you are unable to withdraw until this time period has elapsed.

Child Trust Fund

The child trust fund is going to be discontinued, but that does not mean it has no value to those who are already benefitting. The child trust fund is a government scheme whereby the government gives a £250 voucher to parents of new born children to invest on their behalf and another voucher of the same amount when they turn seven. Children don’t have control until they are eighteen. Family and friends can invest up to £1,200 a year on top of this. This part of the scheme will continue as with other benefits such as investment being tax free. So for those already on the scheme and past their seventh birthday it will be unchanged. For those under seven they will not receive the second payment. Although this will be discontinued the government is likely to bring in another scheme, the Junior ISA. This will be similar but without the two government contributions. So essentially it will be the same minus a total of £500 worth of investment.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Kuwaiti Customs

Kuwaiti culture and customs have become less rigid and more like Western cultures over the years. However, the culture is still generally traditional. Some Kuwaiti’s expect visitors to behave to their customs while others accept that they may not understand the culture. Here is a guide to some of the traditional customs that in the main continue to this day.

Visiting Someone’s Home

Kuwaiti’s enjoy having visitors to their homes. This is the main place for socializing, with much of Kuwaiti culture centred around the family. When visiting someone’s home it is usual that you bring a small gift. If the gift is wrapped don’t be offended if they don’t open it in front of you as they will generally do this later on. Alcohol should not be given as a gift and men should only give gifts to women on behalf of a woman. When entering someone’s home you should remove your shoes. Particular respect should be given to the older members of a family or group; this is a theme in families throughout the country.

Most of the socializing is done prior to a meal rather than after. When you visit someone’s home you are unlikely to eat immediately as this is the time you will be introduced to the members of the family you have not met before and socialize. Once the meal begins guests will be served followed by the older members of the group, and ending with the youngest. It is considered rude to refuse food or drink. You should leave some food on your plate if you do not want anymore as they will assume you want more if you have eaten everything. Don’t feel as though you are being rude by not clearing your plate. The custom is to only eat with your right hand. The host standing up signified the end of the meal. Once the meal has been finished the evening comes to an end, socializing does not continue after this.

Socializing Outside of the Home

Although a large proportion of socializing happens within the home, it also takes place in restaurants and hotels. It is common though, for men and women to socialize separately in these situations. If a group attending a social event includes both men and women they may be split and be in different rooms. This is not as common as it once was but still happens on some occasions.

How to Dress

Kuwaiti’s dress conservatively with many wearing traditional dress. Traditional dress is not expected to be worn by foreigners but they are expected to dress conservatively. Men shouldn’t wear shorts and should not be topless unless by a swimming pool or other places where it is deemed appropriate. Women should not wear short skirts or dresses, and their knees should be covered. Their shoulders should also be covered.

Business

Business meetings are in many ways less formal than in the West. Meetings are often interrupted by people walking in to ask questions, possibly unrelated to the meeting. This is considered normal. Partly due to this meetings can be a drawn out process and it is rare for there to be a specific planned finish time. Negotiation is common and it can take a lengthy period of time for decisions to be reached. In negotiation with other businesses or individuals it is vital that you don’t look as though you are deceiving them. Business relationships are built on a foundation of trust and if they believe you may be untrustworthy they will not want to do business with you.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Masahati is a property listings website for those looking to Buy or Rent in Kuwait.

Types of Accommodation for Foreigners in Kuwait

The last few years has seen an influx in Westerners moving to the Middle East, and amongst the countries that have become home to many of them is Kuwait. Those moving to Kuwait are not allowed to buy property. Amongst the reasons for this is that it keeps the prices down making it affordable for locals. Therefore for those moving from abroad the only option is to rent. There are many rental options available.

In Kuwait the norm is for Kuwaiti’s to live in houses, which tend to be larger than in Europe. One reason for this is that it is common for several generations of the same family to live together. With the influx of foreigners living in the country though, there has been an increase in the number of apartment blocks. Accommodation in Kuwait has had to be built quickly due to the increase in people coming in, and this is easier to do when building apartments.

Furnished Apartments

Apartments in Kuwait are often serviced and furnished. Many have been specifically built with foreigners in mind and they have been promoted as being perfect for the ‘Western style of living’. Amenities are included, including satellite television (so people can watch programs in their own language and from their own country), children’s playgrounds, and many have a gym, swimming pool and tennis courts. The services included in serviced apartments include cleaning and security. Serviced apartments are perfect for many moving to Kuwait, especially those who are working in the country on a short-term basis, as many are. It is obviously problematic to move furniture from a different country (especially if only for a short time) and these apartment’s mean residence avoid paying for furniture they may only need for a couple of years.

Compounds

A compound is a group of apartments set together within one complex. These are becoming increasingly common in Kuwait, and like individual apartment blocks, are mostly occupied by foreigners. These are very much like private estates, sometimes with other amenities within the compound. Some have become individual expat communities with many people from one nationality or one part of the world living within the same compound.

Villa’s

A lot of Kuwaiti’s live in Villa’s. They are usually large and often detached. They are also popular amongst foreigners. As they are spacious they are suitable for those moving to Kuwait with their family. Some individuals coming to Kuwait for a short period choose to rent a Villa with others who are in a similar situation to them. Villa’s are not as common for foreigners to live in as apartments though.

Andrew Marshall (c)

How Businesses can make use of Virtual Private Servers

Many businesses now use computer networks for a variety of reasons. And many of these make use of Virtual Private Network’s, or as it is also known, VPN. VPN makes it possible for businesses to use their computer networks remotely, either at other offices, from home or elsewhere.

Many offices use a wide area network (WAN) to store files that employees need access to and employees can save files to this network. It is really the equivalent to saving files to a computer, but others on the network will also be able to gain access. There may be some parts of the network that only a specific user will be able to gain access to or a group of users, while some may be available to all those who have access to the network. Within some businesses employees will not always use the same computer, but they will still be able to gain access to their relevant files by logging on with their own username and password. The advantage of this type of system is that those who require access to any particular files can get it, while others can’t. That is the case whether they work within the organisation or not. Outsiders will be unable to gain access.

This type of system works well for many businesses. Within the office this is fine and everyone can gain access to what they need. The problem comes when employees are not working from the office. They may be at a meeting and require access, they might be working from home or could be working from a different office. They could even be on the move wanting to work on the train, for example. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPN) are useful. They make it possible for employees to gain access to the network wherever they are.

With VPN Server’s the network is routed through the internet and users can be connected together and connected to the network. It uses virtual connections routed through the internet from the company’s private network to the remote site, such as another office, or to the remote user, either to their home computer or laptop. This means that employees do not necessarily have to be in the office to be able to work. Of course, for some businesses this is almost crucial to be able to operate, while for other it means they are spared the odd inconvenience.

Virtual Private Network’s can be a significant help to many businesses. For a variety of reasons it is not always possible for employees to be in the office and Virtual Private Networks allow them to be able to work without the inconvenience of not having access to the company’s network.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Advantages of Steel

Steel is a material that has many uses. There are many types of steel and they can be used for steel framed buildings, garages, sheds, in vehicles and as window shutters as well as for many other purposes. As a material it has many advantages over others.

Steel is generally very long lasting. Unlike wood it will not rot which increases its chances of lasting many years. It doesn’t naturally age in the same way as other materials might. Of course it won’t last forever, but its longevity is impressive compared with alternatives.

Steel is a very strong material. It will not collapse under pressure the way that other materials can. Weather conditions exposing steel is a rarity. This is why they are often used for shutters protecting window of shops, for example. As well as from the natural elements, window shutters can also be used as a protective material from vandalism. Due to the strength it has it is very easy to maintain.

The environment is something that a lot of people take very seriously these days and being environmentally friendly is important to many. Steel is a sustainable material and can be easily recycled. This means that even after its long use for one purpose it can be used again for something else.

The ease of use is an important advantage in using steel as a building material. Building with it can be a quick process. It can be easily modified; if a building made from steel needs altering the interior walls can be easily moved to create a completely different interior. It is also easily transportable and even an entire building can be moved from one location to another. The quality of steel is also a benefit and it is consistent throughout unlike wood which can fluctuate.

Steel is more expensive than wood but cheaper than most other materials. But even compared to wood it can be cost effective. Because of some of the advantages outlined above, such as its strength and longevity, it can work out cheaper in the long run. Unlike wood, steel doesn’t need treating to keep it in good condition.

A final advantage of steel is safety. Again comparing it to wood, it is significantly more fire resistant. Fire cannot make its way through steel in the same way as wood, which can prevent it spreading from one room to another if used for a building. It is also less likely to give way unexpectedly compared to other materials.

Andrew Marshall (c)

The Basic Principles of Employment Law

Employment Law can be a complex issue. It is important for employers to make sure they are acting within the law, while it is important for employees to know that they are being treated fairly. Here we look at some of the basic principles of employment law in the UK. They generally refer to permanent, full-time employees who are over the age of twenty-one and have been in the same job for more than three months.

Contract

Employees must have a contract of employment. Contrary to popular belief though, this does not have to be in a written form, although in most cases it is. It can simply be a verbal agreement. Both the employee and employer must follow the conditions set out in the contract. These effectively become the rules of the employment and it is against the law to ignore these.

Minimum Wage

In the UK there is a national minimum wage and all employees must be paid according to this. The minimum wage varies for those in different age groups up to the age of twenty-one, but for anyone over twenty-one it is currently £5.93 an hour.

Holiday

Everyone is entitled to at least four weeks annual holiday. For those working five days a week this accounts to twenty days a year. On top of these they must either be given bank holiday’s off, or have other days off to make up for these. So this affectively means twenty-eight days holiday a year.

Discrimination

Employees cannot be discriminated against for any reason. Among the reasons that come to mind is discriminating against gender, race, religion or any disabilities. It is also against the law to harass employees for any reasons, whether this is verbal abuse or inappropriate physical contact.

Maternity and Paternity Leave

Both new Mothers and new Fathers are entitled to time off around the time of the birth of their child. Maternity leave can be taken for up to one year with the first thirty-nine weeks paid. The first six weeks must be paid at 90% of their normal wage with the rest paid at the fixed amount of £124.88 a week. Paternity leave can be taken for up to two weeks and is paid at £112.85 a week.

Rules Regarding Dismissals

After one year of employment someone cannot be dismissed without a valid reason. An employer must also go through the relevant disciplinary procedures before terminating an employee’s employment.

Sick Pay

Employees are entitled to sick pay if they are unwell or injured. This is not paid for the first three days but beyond this is paid for the next 28 weeks. It is paid at a fixed rate of £79.15 a week or the equivalent if not a full week. This includes any time off connected to a disability an employee may have.

Flexible Working Time

If an employee is the parent of someone under the age of seventeen then they can request flexible working hours. Examples can include asking to work part-time, work school hours, work from home or job share. Although employers do not have to accept the request they must consider it and have a valid reason to refuse.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Safe Online Shopping Tips

With Christmas coming up the number of people shopping online is likely to be the highest it has even been. With many great offers available internet shopping has increased significantly in recent times. Monday 29th November is expected to be the busiest even online shopping day in the UK. It is being dubbed ‘Magic Monday’.

There are advantages to shopping online. You can avoid the crowds, you don’t have to leave your computer, and there are many great deals available that you can’t get in the shops. However, there are also things to be wary of. There are people who use internet shopping to their advantage to carry out malicious attacks to either damage people’s computers, or to gain their payment details. This has made internet safety imperative.

So what can you do to avoid being defrauded? Here are some tips for safe online shopping.

The first thing you should do is make sure your computer is up to date with the latest anti-virus software and spam filters. This will ensure you have the best protection possible against those wishing to attack your computer with viruses. It is important though, to make sure these are genuine products. Be careful as some software advertised as anti-virus can actually attack your computer with a virus, which will either damage your computer or gain access to confidential information stored on your computer.

Before purchasing through a website it is important to make sure you check it is safe. It is wise to make sure the company in question has a telephone number and address on their website. If they do not they may not be a reputable business. You might even want to give the company a call if you have any doubts. It is a good idea to use businesses that you know of, as you know you can trust them.

For any websites that you are unsure of you should carry out some research. It is a good idea to type the name of the website into a search engine and ask about it on relevant forums. If people have been fooled by them before you will usually find someone has written about it to warn others.

If a website has what seems like ridiculous offers then be wary. If prices are way under the norm then don’t trust it unless you are sure. Although it may be genuine it isn’t worth the risk if you are unsure.

When purchasing online you should ideally pay using a credit card, which gives you more rights should there be a problem. PIN’s are never required for online purchases so if a site asks for this do not enter it and use a different website instead. There are two things you should look for in the address box to make sure a payment is secure. For a secure payment the URL should begin with ‘https’ rather than the usual ‘http’. There should also be a lock symbol. If you have entered any card details and then realise you have made a mistake and are suspicious of the site, contact your bank immediately and explain the situation.

The most basic advice when it comes to internet shopping is not to take risks. If you have suspicions about a website, don’t use it. It is not worth the risk to save a little money or inconvenience if you are risking your computer being hacked into or your payment details being obtained by criminals.

Andrew Marshall (c)

The Benefits of Shutters over Blinds

If you are decorating the interior of your home you may be thinking about installing blinds or shutters. Both of these have many benefits. They can be custom made (which is the case most of the time with shutters) and are adjustable. Shutters also offer other benefits that blinds do not.

Shutters are usually made of wood and have louvres that can be opened and closed to keep air, light and the weather conditions out or let them in. When wooden shutters are installed they become a real part of the home. As with blinds they have a practical purpose, but they are not just there to keep the light out and to keep the home private. They are a real permanent fixture and add value to the home, something that certainly can’t be said of other window coverings. They are permanent, as in they are fixed to the building and usually remain in place when the house is sold. They are therefore taken into consideration during the valuation of the home meaning they are effectively an investment. Shutters are generally considered more aesthetically pleasing than blinds as they give a very homely and traditional feel. They are traditional but practical.

Shutters are sturdier than blinds. Blinds are fairly easy to break, something that cannot be said for shutters. They are long lasting, in fact can last a lifetime. They usually come with a lifetime guarantee which shows the makers confidence in their product and means that any unexpected problem will be covered free of charge. The solid nature of wooden shutters means they do not let any light in, something that blinds sometimes do. Due to the types of wood used noise is blocked out when the shutters are closed.

With shutters you have a large amount of choice regarding the style. They can be painted any colour a home owner wishes. There are also a large variety of styles available, from full-height shutters to solid shutters. The amount of customisation possible is particularly useful for those who have unusually shaped windows, something that ready-made blinds do not take into consideration.

Although shutters are more expensive than blinds, some of this can be clawed back as they help to insulate a home. They can keep the cold winters out, as well as keeping the heat out during the summer. Keeping the house warmer during the winter means that heating bills can be reduced.

There are many positives in choosing shutters. They give a home a traditional feel, but also have the practical advantages of allowing light, air, and the weather conditions to come into the home, or to keep them out.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Can Web Hosting Reviews be Trusted?

Deciding on web hosting is an important aspect for any website. Amongst the tools that some use to decide upon their hosting are online reviews. But can these be trusted?

There are both positives and negatives of using online web hosting reviews. It is always useful to know of other people’s opinions and if you read a positive online review it is effectively a recommendation. It is useful to know which hosting companies others would recommend and the strong points of different hosts. It can be even more valuable though, to know of services that customers have been unhappy with. If you read of potential problems that would affect you then this can warn you to stay clear of that company. An online review can be more impartial than reading a testimonial that a web host has on its own website, as they are only likely to include the positive reviews.

Although online reviews can be helpful, they are reasons why they cannot always be trusted. You can’t believe everything you read online as anyone can post what they like. This can include a company posting a positive review of themselves or competition posting a negative one. Even for genuine reviews it doesn’t necessarily give an accurate portrayal of the service you will receive. Some people may have had one bad experience with a particular host, and their review may give an unfair negative impression based on just one factor for one customer.

One online review does not give a definitive answer as to whether a host is a good or bad one. Whether a review is good or bad, it may just be a one off or the host or competition posting the review. If something is repeated again and again across a number of online resources though, then it is quite possible that it gives an accurate impression.

When looking into web hosting you need to consider what is important to you; the type of web hosting you need and the aspect of it that you see of as most important. This will help you choose the hosting that fits your needs. It is the same for hosting reviews. If a company seems to have certain weaknesses if may not matter if it is something that will not affect or matter to you, while if it will affect you, you know that you should disregard that company. The same goes for their strengths. If it is something that is important to you then it can be a major plus point in you choosing that hosting company but if it is not important to you then it doesn’t really matter how good they are at it. It may be that a particular host is good at some things but not others, for example good at colocation hosting but not shared hosting, or good at business hosting but not personal hosting. This will allow you to make a decision based on the quality they offer for the type of hosting you require.

You can never be completely sure that an online review is accurate but you can use it to assist your decision making. It is best not to trust one single review but if reviews are consistent across a number of sources and written by a number of different people then it is likely to be accurate. Reviews can be a good tool for establishing the strengths and weakness of different aspects of a host’s service.

Andrew Marshall (c)

The End of the Child Trust Fund

The Conservative – Liberal Democrat coalition have begun to make changes to the Child Trust Fund, and will be scrapping the scheme altogether in the new year. The Child Trust Fund was bought in by the previous Labour government with parents given a £250 voucher to invest on behalf of their new born children, following by another £250 voucher when their child turns 18. Both of these amounts have been double for children in families earning a combined total of less than £16,190 a year. There are three different types of account where parents are currently able to place this investment. Family and friends can invest a further £1,200 a year. The idea was to build up savings for children that they would then be able to use once they became an adult. Only the child is allowed to take the money out, and only once they have passed their eighteenth birthday. With £500 invested by the government plus up to £1,200 a year (£21,600 in total) by family and friends, once interest has been added this could lead to a significant sum of money after 18 years.

Both the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats were against the Child Trust Fund is the form it was in, and stated so in their pre-election manifesto’s. The Conservatives wanted to scrap it for all but those who are less well off, probably those earning less than £16,000 per year, while the Liberal Democrats wanted to scrap the scheme altogether. It seems as though the plans are closer to what the Lib Dem’s wanted.

The Child Trust Fund will be completely scrapped from 1st January 2011. Until then vouchers at birth will still be given but only at £50 instead of £250. This is again doubled for those families earning less than £16,190 a year. Parents of children not born yet will receive the voucher if born before January but not if born afterwards. Vouchers contain an expiry date and parents whose children are born prior to January have until the expiry date to invest the voucher even if this is after the Child Trust Fund cut-off date. Vouchers at the age of 7 have already been discontinued, so are no longer received. This was scrapped in August.

Existing accounts will continue as they are until they mature. Therefore those who have already received both the voucher at birth and at age seven will be unaffected by the changes. Those have received the initial voucher but not the second one will have the same benefits minus the second £250 investment by the government. In both these cases family and friends will still be able to make the £1,200 annual investment into the account.

It is children of the future who will be impacted. However a new government scheme is set to be bought in, called the Junior ISA. The Junior ISA will work in a similar way to the Child Trust Fund but without the government investment. Amongst the advantages will be tax free investment, but the restrictions will also remain in place with a maximum investment of £1,200 a year. The future of child savings by parents on behalf of their children looks like it could be the Junior ISA.

Andrew Marshall (c)

The Impact of the Proposed Legal Aid Changes

Justice Secretary Ken Clarke has been laying out proposals for changes in legal aid that will limit the types of cases where legal aid is available, therefore savings significant costs. Currently over £2 billion a year is spent on legal aid in the UK, an amount that is more than ten times that of France. Areas where legal aid will no longer be available will include claims against hospitals, doctors and schools, immigration, benefit and employment disputes and family law cases. Also in the proposals is that fees for legal aid solicitors will be cut by 10%. It is being seen by supporters as removing legal aid where it is being wasted but keeping it where it is really seen as necessary, while critics say that it will mean the poorest members of society will in some cases be unable to get justice.

So, what will be the impact of these changes should they go ahead?

One area of law that has significantly increased over the last decade is no-win no-fee suits. Currently the costs, and therefore solicitor’s fees, are recovered from the losing side. This is something that will no longer be possible.

In most cases legal aid will no longer be available in cases against public institutions such as doctors, hospitals and schools. Cases that will be affected will include those seeking legal action after medical mistakes. With regard to schools it is likely to limit the number of accident claims and appeals against school entrance. Some would argue that not being able to take legal action for genuine accidents is a good thing while other say it means that institutions will no longer be held responsible for a lack of care.

Family Law is seen as an area that will be impacted most by these proposed changes. Half of the total money saved will happen in the area of family law alone. Legal aid will still be available in cases that involve domestic violence, forced marriage and child abduction, but in a relatively straight forward case it will not be the case.

In general it is expected that the number of so called minor legal disputes will be less commonplace. This is something supporters see as a major plus points, on top of the obvious fact that it will save public money. The changes may put to an end (to an extent anyway) the increasing culture of looking for blame to profit from unfortunate situations, such as minor accidents. Some see certain cases as people taking advantage of legal aid where they would not pursue the case if they had to pay for it themselves, even if they could afford to. This will therefore reduce unnecessary legal action.

There are, of course, potential problems. Some are worried that the less well off will suffer unfairly, that there will be situations where people will not get justice where someone better off, and able to afford legal advice themselves, will be able to carry a case forward. It could also lead to irresponsibility with businesses, organisations and individuals held less responsible for their actions.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Steps in Starting Up a Business

Starting up a business can be a difficult process. There is much to think about and it is important that you get things right. This article details some of the aspects that those looking to start a business need to consider.

The Basics and a Business Plan

The first step is obvious but not necessarily simple; decide what the business is. You need to decide which products or services you will be providing and the basic processes of the business. Deciding on the target market is important, whether it be local, national or international. You have to make sure there is a potential market for this type of business and therefore a potential customer base. There is no point targeting just the local area if most of your customers are likely to be in America, while it is a waste of resource to target a global market if what you provide is only relevant within the local area or within the country.

A business plan is an important part of any business. It will be required if applying for loans or investment, but is also a useful tool in figuring out your particular plans and how different aspects of running your business will fit together. A number of areas should be covered in a business plan. You need to analyse the market and the competition. Looking at the competition allows you to see the positives of how they operate, and could therefore give you ideas, while you will also be able to discover areas where you may have an advantage. Looking at a combination of the market and competition will give you an idea of whether or not your business is viable. If the market is too small then the opportunities for profit will be limited while if there is a large amount of competition the market may already be over saturated. One of the most important areas of the business plan is forming a financial plan. For this you need to decide upon how much you will charge and how much you realistically think you can sell. You will then be able to work out a projected year-on-year turnover.

Legal Issues

You need to set up the legal structure of the business. Depending on the type of business there will be a number of different legal issues. For some health and safety will be a major part (for example a building related business) while for others it will only be a small consideration. As well as the legal aspects related to the type of business you also need to decide on the type of business you will be, for example a sole trader or a limited company. There are then legalities related so these regarding a number of issues.

Business Premises

The premises that you will work from needs to be established. Firstly you must decide what is necessary and appropriate. If manufacturing is involved you may need a factory but it may just be an office that is required. If this is the case working from home may be an option. Once you know what you need you have to think about location and price to help you decide on the best premises.

Tax

Dealing with tax is not everyone’s idea of fun but it something that needs to be done. Most businesses hire an accountant for this which could simplify things but it is more expensive. Getting this right is crucial though, with things such as corporation tax, VAT, and Tax Returns to deal with.

Employees

Before starting a business you need to work out your requirement for employees. What do you need people for and how many do you need? Once you have employed people you need to go through the legal processes which include the setting up of contracts, deciding on wages and making sure you adhere to employment regulations. Moving forwards there is employee tax and payroll to take care of.

Marketing

Marketing is crucial for all businesses. Brining in customers is the most important part of a business as without them it is impossible to make a profit. You need to form a marketing strategy and decide on how you are going to advertise. You will probably decide that you need a website. This is a good way of generating business as it is a way of customers who are interested in the products or service you offer finding you. With a website you will need to decide on web hosting, with many different Business Hosting options available. You may then want to invest in SEO, which will help your website to appear higher in the search engines and therefore improve the chances of your website working as a marketing tool. As well as online marketing you will need to decide which off-line advertising techniques you wish to use. Some business owners will decide that one particular type of advertising is best to focus on while others will use a variety.

IT

IT is an increasingly important part of businesses of all type; it is no longer just computer related businesses that need IT. The specific type of IT systems required depends on each individual business. Some will take care of their IT in-house while others will hire someone for their Business IT Support.

There are many issues to think about for start-up businesses. It is a complicated process with many aspects important to get right to put you in a position to form a successful business for the future.

Andrew Marshall (c)

How Will Tuition Fees Work in the Future

The 10th November saw the first public protests against the new British government since it came into power in May. The protest was against the changes to tuition fees that are due to come in for those starting higher education courses in 2012 and beyond. An estimated fifty thousand people took to the streets of London in a protest that was marred by violence as the Conservative Party Headquarters was stormed, banners were set on fire and missiles were thrown.

So what is the new scheme for funding higher education and how will it work? Currently the maximum that universities are allowed to charge in tuition fees is £3,290 per year, but this cap is going to rise to £9,000. Some were predicting the cap will be removed altogether but this has not been the case and those who charge over £6,000 a year will have to take measures to encourage poorer student to attend their courses. The government has claimed that they can only charge more than £6,000 in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

The loan scheme will continue in a similar way as it currently does in terms of former students paying back 9% of what they earn over a threshold until they re-pay their loan. The threshold is being raised though, meaning former student who earn less will benefit. At present those earning over £15,000 a year have to pay 9% of their earnings above this amount, but this will be raised to £21,000. This means those who earn £20,000, for example, will not pay anything, saving them £450 compared with former students at present. Whatever the income of a former student they will be paying less than they currently do per year but will need to pay it back for longer because of the higher tuition fees and the decrease in yearly payments.

Here is a comparison comparing the current and the new systems for students borrowing the amount of the maximum tuition fees (but not including other loans such as those for living costs) who earn the national average of £24,000 a year:

Under the current system those with an annual income of £24,000 pay back £810 per year, but it future this will only be a third of that at £270 a year. This means former students under the current system are worse off than they would be under the future system. However, it will take longer to pay back. Using this same example it would take 12 years to pay back a total loan of £9,870 (£3,290 for three years) but under the future system of paying less per year and more in total it would in theory take 100 years to pay it back, more than double the average working life. In reality this will not be the case though as the loan is written off after 30 years, meaning those earning £24,000 for the duration of these 30 years (although salaries do rise over time) would only pay back £8,100, which is less than the current tuition fees.

There has been much debate as to the merits of the new system, something that is likely to continue for some time. It is generally accepted that students should contribute towards their education but opinions differ as to how they should contribute and how much. Depending on students’ future income the future system will mean some are better off while others are worse off. Those who earn under £25,000 a year throughout their lifetime will be better off under the new system, while those earning more will still pay back less per year but will be paying for longer and more in total. To pay back the full amount under the new system former student will have to earn around £32,000. The majority of former students will eventually pay more under the future system but it will be spread out over a longer period so it may have less of a direct impact due to the smaller monthly payments.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Stone King are Education Solicitors with offices in Bath, London, Cambridge and Melksham.

Advantages of Investment Trusts

An Investment Trust is essentially a company that invests in shares and bonds of other companies. Individual investors can purchase shares in the investment company (or investment trust) who use the income generated from selling their shares to invest in other companies. Depending on these investments the share value of the investment trust can either go up or down, but will usually go up in the long run.

There are a number of advantages of using investment trusts as opposed to other investment options. One of the key advantages is the expertise of the investment managers. Their job is to choose the best investments on behalf of their shareholders; in other words those who they are investing on behalf of. They will be experienced investors who understand the markets they are investing in. Therefore utilising investment trusts is a wise idea if you want to invest but are not confident in deciding where to invest yourself. They do charge a fee and take a cut but if this leads to a better investment then it is worth it.

Investment Trusts allow small investors to invest where they may not be able to otherwise. They may not have the funds available to buy shares alone, but in an investment trust the money of different investors is combined to result in larger investments. This is beneficial to those who are not investing enough to accrue significant returns if investing alone as the combined amount increases the total.

Investment trusts will spread investments around different assets. This has two benefits for investors; it spreads the risk and adds to the diversity of the investment portfolio. This means investors are investing in a range of assets. This might not be possible if investing alone, especially if they do not have a large amount that they are able to invest. The range of expertise amongst investment managers means that they are able to invest in this range of different investments.

There are many people who would like to invest but do not have the time to research the best investments. With investment managers using their knowledge and making the investments this is less of an issue with investment trusts.

For many investment trusts are a good alternative to investing in company shares as individuals. The combination of the expertise and experience of investment managers, and the fact that there are several people investing together means that many choose this option above others.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Features of Managed Hosting

When choosing a type of web hosting there are many options available to you. Amongst these is Managed Hosting. With Managed Hosting the hosting of a website is, as the name suggests, managed for the client by the hosting company. There are a number of features of managed hosting that benefits clients.

With managed hosting the hosting company provides a dedicated server for a website, something that isn’t the case with other types of hosting, where either the client provides the server themselves or the server is shared with other clients. Depending on the size of the website having a dedicated server can have major advantages as hosting is not affected by other websites. Other variables, such as bandwidth, can be easily managed with managed hosting. If website traffic is exceeding expectations then it can be extended more easily, with unlimited hosting sometimes available.

Administration is something a lot of people dislike. It is something they see as a waste of time and they would rather be concentrating on their own business rather than be worrying about hosting admin. With many providers this is taken care of for clients which takes away a major headache for some.

Another useful feature of managed hosting is 24-hour monitoring, whereby the host monitors the website hosting constantly. They have good processes to make sure this is done on behalf of their clients so they can identity any problems either before they occur or as soon as they become an issue. This is something clients may not have the resources to do for themselves.

For some websites security can be a major issue, especially for those who deal with confidential information and data, such as bank details. Security is something that clients may not be able to handle themselves, something that can potentially lead major problems. With a Managed Hosting Provider clients can be confident that security is taken care of. An area that overlaps with security is the backup of data. This is something that may not be possible for clients to do for themselves.

The basic feature of managed hosting is simply the expertise that is provided. This is possibly the main reason people choose managed hosting for their website. Most clients do not have the expertise to handle advanced web hosting unless they hire someone for the job which can be expensive. This expertise means clients can be confident that their hosting is being managed for them by people who know what they are doing.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Contract Law – What Should be Included?

Employment Law refers to all things in relation to the terms of employment, both from employer’s point or view and employees point of view. An important part of this is an employment contract which is a legally binding agreement between employers and employees. It can be a verbal contract but is usually a written one signed by both parties. Below are some of the specifics that are usually included in an employment contract.

Pay

An important part of an employment contract is how much an employee is paid. This can be an hourly wage or an annual salary. There are rules as to how much an employee should be paid; they must be paid at least the minimum wage. The minimum wage in the UK is currently £5.93.

Hours

The number of hours an employee is expected to work per week or month should be clearly stipulated in their contract. Typically this is 37.5 hours per week for those in full-time employment. If the hours of work are the same every week (for example Monday-Friday from 9am – 5pm) then this should be stated. If the hours vary week on week then this should appear in the contract and if someone is expected to work weekends this should also be mentioned. If relevant, overtime should be in the contract, for example when overtime may be required and the rate at which this should be paid.

Holiday

The number of days holiday entitlement per year needs to appear in a contract. The minimum by law this must be for a full-time employee in the UK is 20 days plus bank holidays, or 28 days in total. If employees are expected to work some or all bank holidays this should also be mentioned as should the rates of pay for these days.

Breaks

There are laws stipulating the minimum number of breaks and the length of breaks that employees are entitled to, so employers must make sure they are given at least these minimums. The contract must specify the company policy in this area.

Responsibilities

There may be specific employer and employee responsibilities that are stated in a contract. A good example of this is health and safety responsibilities, especially if working in a potentially dangerous environment such as on a building site.

Notice Period

Another element that needs to appear in the contract is the notice period. This is the amount of notice either the employer or employee need to give if they wish to terminate the employment contract. This is typically two weeks or four weeks although it can be shorter or longer.

Disciplinary Procedures

The specific disciplinary procedures should an employee need to be disciplined should be in the contract, especially if these differ to the basic law.

Other Entitlements

There are many other potential entitlements depending on the business, and these need to be detailed in the contract. For example, there may be a company pension scheme. Sick pay policy and bonus schemes are other things that can be included.

Any legal requirements that are not stated in the contract still need to be abided by. For example if no health and safety issues have been specified the employer is still responsible for the safety of employees.

An employment contract is essentially the terms and conditions of employment that both parties agree to and must follow. It is a safeguard for both employers and employees as the terms and conditions of employment are stated in black and white. Both parties know what their rights are and neither can break the terms set out in the contract.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Internet Safety – What to Look Out for

With Internet usage growing all the time Staying Safe Online has become an important issue. There are those who look to take advantage of the internet for criminal activity. There are many things that internet users need to look out for, among them the possibility of identity theft and fraud, viruses and unsafe emails.

Identity theft has been an issue off-line for a long time but it is now just as much of an issue, if not more so, online. A good example of internet identity theft is someone gaining your bank details and using them to purchase goods or services online. Some attempt to use other people’s details to open bank accounts or credit card accounts. This allows them to spend using a credit card that is then billed to the person whose details it was set up with. So if this happens to you it could ultimately lead to you being in debt. There are even examples of people getting mortgages using such techniques. It is therefore always important to be careful with where you submit your information to. Never submit your personal information or bank details to a website you are suspicious of.

There are many types of Computer Virus that criminals use for a variety of reasons, from simple malicious intent to inconvenience others to gaining access to others personal information or finances. Some viruses infect computers with spyware. The aim of this is to spread a computer virus from computer to computer. The objective of this can be to cause irreversible damage to yours and others computers or it can be to expose personal information. Some will send emails with the intent of spreading viruses. Clicking on the link within the email may infect that particular computer and send the same email to all of that persons email contacts, meaning the potential for their computers to also be infected. Another type of virus are called Trojan Horse Viruses which moved around your computer and expose personal information and transmit these details to the virus’s creator.

There are many examples of ways in which spam email are used for fraudulent activity, some of which overlap with some of the issues mentioned above. A common example of spam emails are emails that imitate organisations such as banks. These emails are sent to individuals claiming to be their bank. They state that the individual has entered the incorrect pin for their bank account three times and asks them to click a link to choose a new pin. They often claim that failure to do this will mean the account is disabled. The aim though, is for you to click the link and then enter your bank details, giving these criminals your details and therefore access to your account. A genuine bank would never email customers asking them to enter their details. Links in emails from someone claiming to be a bank should never be clicked on and attachments should not be opened. If in doubt you should forward the email onto the bank in question.

Andrew Marshall (c)

VoIP to improve with Broadband investment

The British government has announced that they will continue plans to invest in the countries broadband infrastructure. Many will think of this as good news, amongst them VoIP providers and users.

High speed broadband can dramatically improve the quality of VoIP. The better and faster a broadband signal is, the better the quality of VoIP will be. The general improvement over the years in broadband connections is one of the main reasons why the quality of VoIP has improved. The technology itself has got better but improving broadband has been a major factor.

VoIP is a type of communications technology where instead of travelling over a telephone line the signal travels over the broadband connection. Therefore a better broadband signal results in a clearer VoIP signal.

The British government has vowed to continue the planned investment in the improvement of broadband over the next few years. With the recent comprehensive spending review many expected them to cancel the plans, or at least cut back on the amount being spent. This was not the case though. This £530 million investment will mean around 2 million homes in rural areas will gain access to faster broadband by 2015. The cost is high, something that some may question at a time of cutbacks. The money is not coming directly from taxes though. £300 million is coming from television licence money, with the other £230 million coming from the under spend on the switchover from analogue to digital television.

The aim is for Britain to have the best superfast broadband in Europe and it is being seen by supporters as an investment in the economy. It has been claimed it will result in an improvement in information and communications technology and could improve business productivity. It is hoped that it will lead to more business opportunities, especially within the telecommunications industry, and therefore job creation and growth in the economy.

The government investment is good news for those who wish to use VoIP, both those using home VoIP and business VoIP. Some who are currently unable to use VoIP due to the lack of adequate broadband may in future be able to use this technology. Others, who due to a poor broadband connection are unable to use VoIP to a high standard now, should see an improvement in the quality of their VoIP calls. VoIP still has a reputation amongst many of being of poor quality (although this is somewhat inaccurate with the top providers) but with these improvements in broadband this could be a thing of the past.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Why you should choose Professional Web Design

There are many different paths you can take when designing a website for your business. You can design it yourself, possibly with the help of templates available online. Alternatively you can hire someone on the cheap to design your site or you can go for an experienced professional agency. For a serious business it is always advisable to choose the latter option. There are cheap alternatives but in these cases the quality usually isn’t there. Like anything, you can choose the cheap but low quality option, or pay more for a more professional website.

Designing a website isn’t simply a matter of coming up with a quick idea and turning it into a website. There are a lot of steps in creating a professional site. The physical design, the content, navigation, graphics and images are all things that need to be thought about. The coding of the website then needs to be done to turn ideas into reality. Different people may need to be hired for each of these jobs, for example designers and developers are not the same thing (although some can perform both tasks), or you may be able to find all these available through the same agency.

One of the advantages of hiring professionals to design and develop you website is that you can be confident they will do a good job. They will be able to show you examples of their work so that you can see the quality that they can offer, and you will be able to get references from those who have worked with them in the past.

It is important that you get your website right, something professional web designers can make sure you do. You need a professional look as potential customers will be visiting your site; you need to give the right impression. Professionals can give you what you want. Whatever your specific requirements are they will be able to deliver this for you, flexibility that you will not have using an online template.

Much like the interior of a home, it is important that different elements of the design go together well, something that will come naturally to a professional designer. You are likely to have your own ideas, and you should present them to your web design agency, but professionals will be able to tell you what is realistic and turn these ideas into something that works. They have the experience and knowledge of what works and what doesn’t.

Not choosing to use a professional web design agency can cause some problems for a website. The design can be messy and overdone, making it too complex for visitors. Navigation is often neglected by those without this experience.

A website is your shop window to the world. You have to stand out and make a positive first impression. A good website is your chance to gain customers but if you have a poor website this opportunity will be lost. If visitors don’t like what they see as soon as they reach your website they will move onto one of your competitors.

Andrew Marshall (c)

Can Divorce be a Positive?

We generally get a negative picture of divorce. We hear stories of broken families and broken hearts, of children devastated by the break up the parents, and of financial woe in the years following. Many people find divorce and its aftermath difficult but is this negative image always the reality, or can divorce is some cases be a positive solution?

Impact on Children

The negative impact of a divorce on children is often focussed upon, but this is not always accurate. Some are not affected as badly as others, and much of its effect on children depends on how parents deal with the situation. If they are constantly arguing with each other, especially in front of the children, and bad mouthing each other to their children, this is going to have a negative impact. If this can be avoided and children can see that both of their parents care for them and will continue to have a positive relationship with them then it can be made much easier. Another question that should be asked is, is an unhappy household good for children? The answer to this is no. Therefore in the long run divorce can be much easier on children than if their parents stay together if unhappy. The children (and parents) living environment will be a more pleasant place.

Abuse

No-one would argue that an abusive relationship is a good thing. Therefore in a marriage where abuse takes place it should be considered a positive should the couple divorce. This is even more the case for those couples with children. If they are being abused then the reasons are obvious, but even if not, seeing it take place will upset them and could influence them into believing such behaviour is acceptable.

Women’s Rights

The rights of women have changed significantly for the better over the last century. There was a times when women were thought much inferior to men, something that most would argue is no longer the case. In the past women would often accept a situation within a marriage for what is was, even if it made them unhappy. Men would usually call the shots with women accepting things his way. Nowadays women will generally not accept this and if divorce is best for them, this is an option they will take.

General Happiness

People get married because they believe they will be happy. If things don’t turn out as they would like they will look to end the marriage. There is no point in remaining in an unhappy marriage. If someone is no longer happy in a marriage then a divorce seems sensible.

Laws these days make divorce easier and it is more socially acceptable, meaning those who are no longer happy in their marriage no longer have to remain in it. Some believe that divorce is too easy, but if someone is unhappy then is this not a positive thing? The divorce rate has increased over the last fifty years, something that is generally considered a bad thing, but in certain situations it can also be for the best. Being happily married is seen as a positive, as it should be, but it is better to be happily divorced than unhappily married.

Beatrice Sareen (c)

Beatrice Sareen Divorce

Is Organic Fruit and Veg Healthier?

A study last year (2009) claimed that organic fruit and vegetables are no better for you than when grown conventionally. The study looked at a range of nutrients to see if there was any great difference depending on how fruit and vegetables were grown, but surprisingly to many, they found no significant difference. There was a small difference but it was not considered enough to lead to health benefits.

The study led to headlines stating that organic fruit and vegetables have no health benefits, but this is something of a flawed conclusion. A crucial point that the study pointed out, but many news stories did not, is that the effects of pesticides and herbicides on non-organic fruit and veg were not taken into consideration. Many believe that this is the most important factor in the potential health benefits of organic, so without this being considered it means that the study cannot give a complete picture of the health merits of organic fruit and veg.

This brings into question how important the study really is. It does tell us that there is no nutritional value is eating organic but does not tell us whether there is any damage caused by the chemicals used to grow fruit and vegetables conventionally.

A non-health related benefit that some may point to is taste, with many believing organic has an advantage taste wise. This comes down to personal preference; some believe it does taste better while others see no difference.

Organic fruit and veg, as well as other foods, does in the main cost more than non-organic. But from last year’s study, can we say whether or not it is worth this extra cost? Well the nutritional value, that some previously believed significant, is almost redundant. So for those who choose organic for this reason alone the answer is no, it is not worth the extra cost. There are three more factors that some will take into consideration, three things that people will have to make up their own minds about. Are pesticides and herbicides in non-organic produce potentially harmful? Some say that common sense tells you that chemicals are unlikely to be healthy and could be a health risk. Others though, would point to the fact that there doesn’t appear to have been any damage from them in food in the past. Then there is taste, something that comes completely down to personal preference. And finally there is the environmental effect, and there is some evidence that chemical used to grown fruit and vegetables are harmful to the environment. How harmful and what effect it has is hard to judge, and another thing that people have to make up their own minds about. This is an area that is important to some but not to others.

So overall this study has told us about one area (nutrition) that is not affected by whether or not fruit and veg are produced organically, but it doesn’t give us an overall picture. Make up your own minds....

Andrew Marshall (c)

Longulf are an international procurement company who assist Food Producers and Steel Manufacturers amongst other businesses.

Landmark Divorce makes Pre-nuptial agreements binding

The British High Court has seen a high landmark divorce case that could change the future role of the legal standing of pre-nuptial agreements in England and Wales. The ruling in favour of the German heiress Katrin Radmacher over her ex-husband, Frenchman Nicolas Granatino, will bring this part of family law in line with most of Europe.

When the couple married in 1998 they signed a pre-nuptial agreement in Germany under German Law stating that neither would make any financial claims should they divorce in the future. However, while married they lived in the UK, where they also divorced, which until now had not recognised pre-nups. An initial court ruling had stated that Grantino should receive over £5 million from his former wife. This new case has overturned this though, and he will now receive £1 million.

This case means a significant change in family law in England and Wales. Pre-nups had not previously been considered legally binding but this will now change. As long as they are deemed fair by the court this should mean pre-nuptial agreements will dictate what each member of the marriage will receive after a divorce. It will though, still be overruled if it is deemed unfair to any children of the marriage. It will be unlikely that one person will be left high and dry if they have no savings or income.

To begin with this is only likely to affect wealthy couples, or couples who are marrying where one person is significantly wealthier than the other. Eventually though, it could filter down to those of a more average wealth, something that has been seen amongst some in other parts of the world. In terms of the actual amount of money the wealthy have more to lose post divorce (although it could be argued they are more able to afford to lose it), so they are more likely to seek a pre-nuptial agreement.

Where one person in a marriage is significantly wealthier than the other, the one less well off will still likely receive something, partly because it is likely to be stated in the pre-nuptial agreement in the first place. If not, and a pre-nup is contested, a court will likely rule more in favour of the less well off person than the pre-nup states. In this landmark case Nicolas Grantino has still been told he will receive £1 million. What it is likely to result in, where stated in a pre-nuptial agreement, is an end to some of the astronomical divorce settlements that have been seen in the past.

The divorce case between Katrin Radmacher and Nicolas Grantino is important. Pre-nuptial agreements have been legally binding to some extent in the United States and Europe, and this will now be similar in England and Wales. Pre-nups will not necessarily be stringently stuck to one hundred per cent of the time but it is likely to form at least a basis for a divorce settlement, and where considered fair courts will likely rule that settlements should mirror the agreement made by the couple prior to their marriage.

Andrew Marshall (c)

VoIP for New Businesses

Choosing business VoIP instead of regular telephone services can be a good decision for new businesses. The number of businesses switching to VoIP is greatly increasing, but instead of switching at a later date it is wise for start-ups to choose this newer technology immediately. It is easier to use VoIP from the outset rather than going through the hassle of replacing a telephone system further down the road. Set up costs are relatively low for business VoIP, something that is a major advantage for businesses that don’t yet have any incomings. And once it is ready to use calls are cheaper, especially international calls. Depending on the business this can mean huge cost savings.

Whereas traditional telephones work over a phone line, VoIP utilises the broadband connection. This means there is no need to have a phone line installed in the office, something that is of particular benefit if an internet connection is necessary anyway, as it is for almost all businesses these days.

The quality of VoIP has improved significantly over the last few years, something that is due to both an improvement in broadband connections and the technologies used for VoIP. The lack of quality once meant that VoIP was a poor alternative to telephones. Yes it was cheap, but it was nowhere near the quality required for business use. This is no longer the case. With the top VoIP providers the call quality is comparable with that of telephones. Quality is no longer an issue.

Business VoIP has many advantages for small businesses. Integrated phone systems are available, with several handsets throughout an office. This means that one handset for each person in the office is possible. Call forwarding, caller ID and answer phones are also now possible with VoIP. These are all areas where VoIP has caught up with telephone services. All the things you might need for voice communication within a business are now possible, whether between colleague’s or with customers.

Small businesses often have a tough time financially to begin with. Therefore any savings they can make are extremely beneficial, and VoIP is one potential saving that can be made. If business make a large number of calls, especially if they have partners and customers abroad, then the savings can be particularly advantageous.

As well as regular calls, web conferencing and video calls are amongst other things that can be achieved over a VoIP connection. These are relatively cheap and can therefore further increase efficiency. These can be alternatives to having to travel to meetings, meaning much time and money can be saved.

Business VoIP is something more and more businesses are considering and the numbers switching from telephone services are increasing every year. There has always been the cost savings but previously the quality was not sufficient for business use. This is no longer the case. With the prices still being cheaper than telephone services and the improvements in quality, VoIP is now a serious consideration for businesses of all shapes and sizes. Savings can be particularly helpful to new businesses just starting out.

Andrew Marshall (c)