Since the economic downturn in 2008, the construction sector has experienced a bumpy recovery, with several large firms issuing profit warnings to investors this year. While the industry as a whole shows promising growth – in terms of new project orders – it could take some time before this filters down to businesses’ bottom lines. Continue reading
Category Archives: All
Nepal Earthquake Appeal
Update: Unfortunately due to the huge amount of donations we have received, we are no longer able to accept donations of goods. However, there is still an urgent need for funds to the area and we are accepting cash or cheques payable to Folkestone Rotary Club. It is possible to send donations to the address below, payable to Folkestone Rotary Club or BACS by using reference “Nepal” to Lloyds TSB, Folkestone Rotary Club, 30-93-34, 00575212. A receipt will be issued upon request.
Following the vigil last night in Cheriton, the Nepalese community along with the Gurkhas and local residents got together to pray and offer a tribute following the earthquake in Nepal. The community would like to support the tragic situation by raising finance to pass over to the Red Cross as a local coordinated approach. Continue reading
British SMEs are unclear about the general election
An overwhelming 89% of British SMEs are interested in what the general election could mean for their business, according to data from Zurich, but opinion is divided about the potential consequences.
One in five (21%) SME decision makers surveyed predict the outcome of the election will be positive for their business, but 27% think it will have no impact, and 40% say they don’t know. Just 12% are worried that the outcome will be negative for them. Continue reading
DIY safety tips
Do it safely
Longer days, lighter evenings and a sudden urge to tend to those things that have been waiting all winter to be fixed often cause us to get the DIY bug at this time of year. Some of us find DIY relaxing. Others find it frustrating. And, unfortunately, more than a few of us find it painful because DIY is one of the major causes of accidents in the home. So here are some tips that can help make sure you don’t need fixing up after fixing things in the home. Continue reading
Risks and rewards of using personal devices for work
- Up to 47% of people in the SME industry now use their personal mobile devices for work purposes
- Employees could inadvertently expose company data through use of personal devices
- However, staff using their own devices at work could help boost efficiency and effectiveness
- SME’s should consider enabling their workforce through a bring your own device (BYOD) strategy which seeks to minimise risk
Safeguarding their IT network is already a challenge for many companies. Add to this the trend for employees to use their own tablets and smartphones at work, and keeping your corporate network safe becomes a serious headache.
But, as long as employers follow careful steps, staff using their own devices at work could help boost efficiency and effectiveness and be something businesses should embrace, rather than fear.
Risk Management this Winter
With winter fast approaching it’s important that employers and property owners take reasonable precautions to protect themselves, their businesses and their employees from effects of the weather. Continue reading
Folkestone Coastal 10K 2014
The popular Folkestone Coastal 10K, sponsored by Independent Insurance Services and Insure Green, is taking place again this year on Sunday 31st May. This year the event will be raising money for The Gurkha Memorial Fund, Hft, Step Short and local Rotary Clubs, with runners also being encouraged to raise money for their chosen charity. Continue reading
Flooding Advice
Many areas in England have been badly affected by flooding in recent weeks. It is important to be prepared and we have collated some useful advice for anyone living in flood risk areas:
- Move as much as possible upstairs or into the loft, especially expensive or important possessions.
- Ensure mobile phones are charged and prepare a kit with a torch, any medication you will need and waterproof clothing. Also consider filling some jugs and containers with fresh drinking water. Continue reading