Why the Right Website is Important for a Business

Having a website is important for all businesses these days. For one, customers expect it; if they search for a business online they expect to find it and if they can’t they are likely to go to a competitors website instead. Something that has become increasingly important is to catch the passive online market; those looking for certain products and services online who aren’t looking for any particular provider. If people can find your business when searching online for the products or services you offer then it can become a major income stream. To some the online shop window is their main source of generating business.

It is not just having a website that is important but having the right website. You need to provide what customers expect. A company that sells products and has a physical shop as well as a website might benefit from having an e-commerce site rather than just a flat brochure site. Some customers want to purchase products online and expect to be able to do so with certain items. People expect to be able to buy clothes, books and CD’s online so businesses that sell these may need an e-commerce site. On the other hand, they probably won’t expect to be able to buy products such as window shutters or flooring for their home. Important considerations for e-commerce sites should include giving clear information about products, such as what they are, what they do and the price. Navigation should be simple with easy and secure payment methods available. You can’t usually sell services through a website so websites of relevant companies are more likely to be brochure sites. These should supply information about the company and, importantly, information about their services. The contact details need to be clear, including the email address, telephone number and physical address.

Quality web design is important for any website, but especially a business site. It needs to look professional and needs to clearly display the relevant information and meet the requirements of customers. For some sites simplicity is the most important thing while for others impressive design is more important, for example design related businesses. Being able to show what you can do is also beneficial, visually or otherwise. Interior designers, artists and photographers, for example, should be able to show examples of what they can do. For those in industries where this is not possible it is good to give information about the work they have done or the customers they have worked with.  

The navigation and functionality of a website is important. Simple navigation is always preferable as you don’t want to leave visitors frustrated. They should be able to find what they are looking for easily and quickly. The required functionality depends on the type of website it is. Some will have very basic functionality while others might contain audio and video files or large databases.

With any website the content is crucial. There is little point in having a website if it doesn’t contain the right content. It needs to provide the information potential customers are looking for. Before having a website designed and built it is important to carry out market research. The most important thing for a business website is to provide what potential customers want, not what you think they want.

Andrew Marshall ©

What Will Happen to Divorce Rates in the Future?

Since the middle part of the twentieth century divorce rates in the UK, and across the world, have increased. Over time the family law legal system has been simplified and society has become more accepting of married couples separating. Some have criticised the simplification of divorce for it becoming too easy and making marriage less of a lifelong commitment while others believe it to be a positive step as it allows those in unhappy marriages to move on. While the numbers divorcing rose steeply from the mid-1900’s until the 1980’s it has since plateaued. Around thirty percent of first marriages now end in divorce while around fifty percent of total marriages end.

What will happen in the future? Will divorce rates increase, decrease or remain similar? And what are the factors that might contribute to this? There is no real answer to this but we can speculate. Below are some of the current trends that may influence the divorce rates of the future.

Age of Marriage

On average people are getting married later than ever before. The average age of marriage has increased significantly over the last thirty years with it having increased from twenty-three to thirty for women and from twenty-five to thirty-two for men since 1981. It could be suggested that this will have a positive impact on divorce rates in the future. People might be taking a more considered approach to marriage and not rushing into it, meaning they are less likely to enter into a marriage that doesn’t work out. Couples are often together for several years prior to tying the knot, meaning they might be more aware and more certain of the path they are choosing. Conversely, some might argue the opposite; that waiting to marry shows that the constitution of marriage is not as important to some people, and therefore means marriages are more likely to end.

Living Together before Marriage

The number of couples living together before getting married has increased hugely, with this figure reported to be around eighty percent. There are three main reasons why this might be the case. Marriage is more expensive than ever so people are saving up for marriage over a long period. Others are choosing to live together as a trial before deciding whether or not to get married. There is also the financial aspect of living with someone else rather than living alone. The divorce rate of those who live together before marriage is actually higher than for those who don’t. The theory of this is that some cohabiting couples “fall into marriage” because it seems like an obvious step, rather than it being something they choose as such. Does this mean this particular trend could contribute to a higher divorce rate? Not necessarily as it really depends on each couple’s reason for getting married. For those who feel they should marry rather than fully committing to it, for example where there is pressure from family members, then perhaps they are more likely to separate. For others, though, living together might have made them realise being together is what they really want and it has therefore led to marriage.  

More Relationships

Another trend is that many have more relationships prior to the one with the person they end up marrying. This could have either a positive or negative impact on divorce rates. On one hand someone who has had a number of relationships might find it difficult to settle down with one person. It may show others what they want and what they don’t want from a relationship which could help them to make the right decisions.

It is difficult to predict divorce trends for the future. All of the above trends could have a positive impact on divorce rates in certain circumstances but could have a negative one in others. The likelihood is that divorce is unlikely to end but we are also unlikely to see the extreme rates of the 1980’s.

Andrew Marshall ©

Video Conferencing Robot for Improved Patient Care

Technology has always played an important role in medicine, and in Northern Ireland a new robot with video conferencing technology is being used to improve patient care.

The robot is being used at Daisy Hill Hospital in County Down, which doesn’t have an intensive care unit. It has allowed intensive care specialists at the Craigavon Area Hospital to analyse patients at Daisy Hill and advice staff based there. They are able to easily communicate with doctors, nurses and patients through the video conferencing technology.

The robot being used has been equipped with a camera, microphone, and a video screen with speakers and is controlled by doctors from Craigavon. They control the movements of the robot and then use it to communicate with staff and patients at Daisy Hill. Those at Daisy Hill, including the patient, are able to see the Craigavon based doctor on the flat-screen monitor on the robot, which is about the same size as the average computer screen. The doctor uses the computer at their base where they are filmed via a webcam and can view those at the other end through their own monitor. Not only can they see the patient themselves but they are able to view charts and monitoring equipment as well. Additionally, they can also listen to the heart and lungs of patient’s through a stethoscope which is attached to the back of the robot. The main purpose is to allow doctors to offer their specialist advice to the staff at Daisy Hill as well as to the patient’s. In the main it is about a better level of communication rather than them providing treatment. They can, though, advice the Daisy Hill based doctors of any treatment they are able to perform.

So far this robot with video conferencing technology has proved successful, with staff at both hospitals as well as patients having given positive feedback. It has resulted in improved patient care, particularly as they can be better monitored. Should this be expanded to other areas there could be a number of benefits. It will ease the pressure on certain hospitals, such as those with the specialists needed for particular patients, as they will be able to offer some of the same patient care from elsewhere. It will also limit the need for doctors to travel from one hospital to another, meaning possible cost benefits. It is not suitable to all circumstances but there are many areas where it can make a difference.

Technology is always improving and there are always technological developments that can benefit the health industry. This is just the latest example of this. If this experiment is proved a success, as seems likely judging on the early feedback, then it may be something that is expanded throughout the United Kingdom. If it improves patient care and is cost effective then there is no reason why it will not be adopted more widely. With technology constantly improving there may be further advancements in how this particular robot, or others similar, could be used.

Andrew Marshall ©

Increasing Asian Business and Investment Around the World

Asia is playing more of a role in business across the world in a wide range of sectors. Asians account for around sixty percent of the world’s total population but Asian businesses and Asian people haven’t always been as proactive in the business world as they have become in recent times. Most of us are aware that Asian business is booming and this is not just within the continent itself. Money coming from Asian - whether from the state, from businesses or from individuals – is having an impact worldwide in the form of investment in industries and corporations throughout the globe. As the wealth of Asians has grown it has had an impact on the rest of the world.

Asian companies have become more international over time as they have looked to expand and sell to a worldwide market. More than ever companies that originated in Asian have become multinational enterprises with offices and departments in all parts of the world. They have invested in local economies in all regions, thus creating jobs both directly by employing local residents, and indirectly via suppliers.

As well as simply growing their businesses throughout the globe, China in particular, is investing in energy projects outside of its own boundaries. Africa and Australia are two examples where this type of investment has taken place.

The Chinese government as well as individual businesses have strongly invested in African industry, and especially the energy industry. There is much untapped potential in relatively poor countries that cannot afford to take full advantage themselves. The Chinese have invested in projects that have included the building of roads and other infrastructure needed to support them that would not otherwise have been built. This, in turn, has benefitted the local populations.

There is currently a potential boom in the mineral, energy and agricultural industries in Australia. However, foreign investment in required and China is investing in the mining and energy sectors, thus benefiting Australian business as well as Chinese business.

It is not just in business in the narrow sense than Asian investment is having an influence but in sport as well. Several European football clubs are now run by Asian owners. The millions of Mansour bin Zayed Sultan Al Nahyan from the United Arab Emirates have assisted Manchester City in winning the English Premier League title, while clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Malaga are also owned by Asians.

Asia’s influence throughout the world is likely to increase over time with Asian business likely to dominate certain sectors. As its wealth grows its influence can be expected to accelerate. More Asian products are sold worldwide, which has been a growing trend for some time and looks set to continue. Asia as a whole has become more business minded and more globally minded. The real impact, though, is coming through investment in businesses and industries around the world. Much of this is coming from China, due to its large population and growing wealth. Other countries are playing their part as well, though, and this is likely to increase. A country such as India, for example, has this same potential for growth in the future.

Andrew Marshall ©

Interesting Things about Marylebone

Marylebone is an area of London in the City of Westminster district. It is an interesting place full of history. It is situated in West London with nearby areas including as Mayfair, Regents Park and St. John’s Wood. Buckingham Palace is around a mile to the south of Marylebone. Below are some interesting facts and stories about this area of London.

The area got its name from a church originally known as St. Mary’s Church. This is situated on a stream, with streams once commonly referred to as Bourne’s. Due to this the wider area around the church became known as “St. Mary at Bourne”. This name developed into Marylebone.

The world famous Harley Street is situated in Marylebone. The medical profession is what it is known for due to the large number of private medical practices which have operated out of Harley Street over the years. There are currently believed to be more than 3,000 people working there related to medicine. It was named after the Harley Estate, the estate of the Harley family.

Marylebone is home to one of the four stations in the original Monopoly board game. The others are King’s Cross, Liverpool Street and Franchurch Street. The history of Marylebone Station goes back to the nineteenth century having been opened in 1899. It is the only terminal station in London to host only diesel trains.

The area has connections to the so-called “home of Cricket”, Lords Cricket Ground. Originally the ground was in Marylebone but the current ground, which was the third built, stands in nearby St. Johns Wood.

The area is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, although referred to as the Manor of Tyburn. The Doomsday Book states that the population at the time was less than 50 people.

Marylebone hasn’t always been part of London; it was formally its own town. As London and Marylebone both grew, though, they eventually merged and Marylebone officially became part of the city of London.

The fictional character Sherlock Holmes lived at 221B Baker Street and Baker Street is in Marylebone. The 221B address didn’t exist at the time of the stories being published as the numbers of Baker Street didn’t reach 221. It has since expanded, though, and does now reach this number. Number 221 has been the address of the Abbey National Building Society, and they used to employ a secretary whose sole responsibility was to answer mail addressed to Sherlock Holmes. There is a plaque on number 221 describing it as Sherlock Holmes’s address with a museum in the characters honour nearby.

Many famous people have lived in this areas of London, which is a much sought after location. Charles Dickens lived at Devonshire Terrace and Jimi Hendrix lived in Brook Street and died in the nearby Samarkand Hotel. John Lennon and Yoko Ono had a home in the area while fellow Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have also lived there at one time or another. Other famous residents have included Madonna and the poet T.S. Eliot.

Andrew Marshall ©

If you are looking for a home in Marylebone visit Estate Agents Marylebone.

Investment Questions for Parents

All parents want to help their children in every way possible. This includes assisting them financially where they are able to do so. Many parents, including new parents, are interested in making investments on behalf of their children to build a nest egg for their adulthood. Of course, everyone is in a different position financially, meaning there is no black and white answer as to the best way of making such investments. Below are some questions parents may have regarding investment for children.

Should you give your children a lump sum once they reach a certain age, such as 18?

With some investment plans children (or young adults by then) get control of the funds that have been saved for them once they turn a certain age, usually eighteen. Some parents may decide to give their son or daughter a lump sum of money at a particular age even where an investment plan isn’t involved. So is this a good idea? Parents may have certain concerns about doing this, after all, those in their late teens don’t always make the best decisions, especially where money is concerned. Despite what some might believe, though, most won’t spend thousands in the pub; they are much more likely to pay for driving lessons or a car. This is up to individual parents and some children are more sensible than others. Remember, though, that with some child investment plans you will not have a choice with young adults automatically gaining control once they turn eighteen. This means you need to think about these issues a lot earlier than this. 

Would parents be better off paying for certain things for their children rather than just giving them the money? 

This is something that will be preferable for many parents as they are in control and can make sure their hard earned cash is spent on something worthwhile. Some will prefer to pay for their children’s driving lessons, for example, rather than give them the equivalent money that they could spend on anything they like. 

Should we pay regularly into an investment plan?

Is it better to pay regularly into a child savings plan or when you have the money available? This really depends on what you can afford. Where possible it can be beneficial to save on a monthly basis so the fund builds up over time. Not everyone is able to do this though, so for some parents putting in funds when they can is a better option. The more you can put in earlier the better, as it will leave more time for the value to grow in the form of interest. 

Is the Junior ISA advantageous to us?

Again, this is dependent on a families individual circumstances. If you believe you may need the funds you are putting towards a junior ISA then it is not the right option for you as the money in locked-in and you will not be able to have access to it. If you can be confident this won’t be the case then it may well be the best option due to the tax advantages. 

If we pay into a Junior ISA should we use the entire allowance at the beginning of the year?

The Junior ISA allowance is currently £3,600 a year, the equivalent to £300 a month. If you are able to then investing the whole £3,600 at the beginning of the year is financially beneficial rather than paying in some each month. This will mean gathering more interest throughout the year. 

Is the Child Trust Fund still worth investing in?

The situation whereby those with a child trust fund account cannot transfer it into a junior ISA has been criticised as some providers are not offering as favourable interest rates for child trust funds. If you have set up a child trust fund for your child, though, it can still be worth investment. To judge its value you will have to compare it with other investment opportunities. 

Andrew Marshall ©

What is Intellectual Property?

Something is described as intellectual property when it is a creation of the mind. Anything that someone has created can be intellectual property falling under intellectual property law. This can include the following creations:

Inventions; this includes new technology

Names; including business names, names of buildings and performance names, such as a musical group

Images; including paintings, drawings and photography

Designs; including logos and advertising material

Music; including pop songs, classical music pieces, and in some cases live performances

Literature; including novels and poems

The fundamental premise of intellectual property is that people have the right to the protection of their own creations, with any creation becoming the property of the creator. In some ways intellectual property is like, and treated like, the ownership of physical property such as real estate or a car. You have the right to do with it as you please and others cannot take this right away. Intellectual property law, often referred to as IP law, protects the right of people who own “non-physical” property.

There are two main categories to intellectual property; industrial property and copyright. Industrial property covers inventions and trademarks with copyright covering literature, music, films, paintings, drawings and photographs amongst other things.

Part of the reason for the laws surrounding intellectual property is for the financial benefit of creators. People have the right to benefit financially from their creations where possible and have the right to prevent others from gaining financially from their work. A creator can decide what they wish to happen with their creation. Some examples are below:

Music; can decide to record and sell it themselves and can give permission to others to record it being paid commission on any sales

Paintings; can keep it to themselves or decide to sell it, can choose whether or not to let others reprint it

Novels; can choose a publisher with financial agreements around this

Inventions; can sell the invention, develop it or sell it to someone else to further develop

One of the original reasons for IP law was as an incentive for creation. The thought process behind this is that a lack of financial incentive stifles the possibility of creation. In turn, the whole of society benefits as positive creations are good for society as a whole. Intellectual property theft is illegal and can carry legal action being taken against guilty parties.

Different areas of intellectual property are dealt with in different ways. Inventions are managed through patents, where inventors are granted rights to either an entire invention or certain aspects of an invention. Trademarks are for the protection of logos and brands meaning other cannot copy them. Copyright can be claimed for art pieces, including visual and audio art.

In summary, the point of intellectual property is to prevent people from using other people’s ideas or work for their own benefit and to ensure that those who have created something have the right to choose what happens with their work and are the ones who can benefit financially from them. Almost all works and creations are covered under intellectual property law.

Andrew Marshall ©