A leading British Newspapers has recently flagged up that there may be serious consequences of the current coalition Government's proposed Health reforms. The article states that respected voices across various fields including healthcare, economics, management and even Conservative Party politics have stated this may cause a "train crash" in the NHS as it will impossible to keep up the level of service with the proposed level of funding.
This is possibly bad news for many small businesses, both in terms of their staff and in terms of their overheads as they will have to consider that it may become a necessity to look into employee medical insurance for the whole firm. This may instantly drive overhead up but surely it will have its benefits in the future. The simple fact is that with so many government cutbacks in the pipeline, a de facto Americanisation of the British healthcare system seems to be the only possible result.
Of course the failings of the NHS are no new thing, and private healthcare for many businesses could certainly be a far better option, the thing here is that the Government seems to be driving towards there being no choice in the matter. Some people would like to think that there could still be some choices left in Britain.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Monday, 29 November 2010
Small Business and the Winter
If ever there was a case for modernising your business model then it is this winter. Here I am as I write about twentyfive miles away from where I am supposed to be and all because it snowed heavily last night. Well, to be honest it has been snowing for the last couple of nights, but I had expected the people in charge to have done something about it over the weekend.
I, though am obviously some kind of optimist, for after getting up at some strange hour this morning, I did as always do and headed off to the train station at about seven, only to find there seemed to be no trains but the staff were locked out of the station because the chap with the keys could make it to the station. After a while it was stated that there would be no trains so I webt home.
Luckily, I can still work to a certain degree of competence at home so here I am. but not all employers will allow this level of flexibility. And it is surely better to get some level of work from your employees when the elements have conspired against them. This is especially so with small companies, in fact the smaller the company the more important it becomes. After all every one employee is a larger percentage of the whole than in larger corporations, and this affects the business in proportion.
This is a problem that also affects small businesses with absences through illness both short term and long term. There is not much you can do about the short term last minute absences, but with longer term absences then at least there is an option, with some employee health insurance plans this gives you the ability to cover your staff shortages with part-timers until your regular employee comes back. This is a modern world and there are always ways to get around problems like these.
I, though am obviously some kind of optimist, for after getting up at some strange hour this morning, I did as always do and headed off to the train station at about seven, only to find there seemed to be no trains but the staff were locked out of the station because the chap with the keys could make it to the station. After a while it was stated that there would be no trains so I webt home.
Luckily, I can still work to a certain degree of competence at home so here I am. but not all employers will allow this level of flexibility. And it is surely better to get some level of work from your employees when the elements have conspired against them. This is especially so with small companies, in fact the smaller the company the more important it becomes. After all every one employee is a larger percentage of the whole than in larger corporations, and this affects the business in proportion.
This is a problem that also affects small businesses with absences through illness both short term and long term. There is not much you can do about the short term last minute absences, but with longer term absences then at least there is an option, with some employee health insurance plans this gives you the ability to cover your staff shortages with part-timers until your regular employee comes back. This is a modern world and there are always ways to get around problems like these.
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
SME Web Presence to grow
Strangely enough of all the businesses in the UK about one and a half million of them have absolutely no presence on the world wide web, this is especially so in the case of Small Business, many of whom think that they are either too small or it is just an unnecessary expense when everything else is tight, so just forego it.
But this is surely a huge mistake for all those concerned, although it may cost a little to set up and you might need a somebody with the correct skill set to run the operation, the simple fact is that if you can run part [or all] of your organisation online, it will cut out many of the other cost that might be accrued.
But this, it seems is set to change, as companies like BT & Google have been getting together to allow companies to have their very own website for free, all care of Getting British Business Online, as long as the name you wish has not already been taken, then everything is in place to start right away, what are you waiting for?
But this is surely a huge mistake for all those concerned, although it may cost a little to set up and you might need a somebody with the correct skill set to run the operation, the simple fact is that if you can run part [or all] of your organisation online, it will cut out many of the other cost that might be accrued.
But this, it seems is set to change, as companies like BT & Google have been getting together to allow companies to have their very own website for free, all care of Getting British Business Online, as long as the name you wish has not already been taken, then everything is in place to start right away, what are you waiting for?
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Growth to Continue in Europe
Several large health insurance companies have stated that they are now looking toward Europe and not Asia for the next big growth in sales of business health insurance to take place. This comes as a bit of a surprise to many people given the relative economic climate in Europe, and the strength of so much of Asia backed by China & India.
However it has more to do with the political stability across the whole of Europe, and difficulties gain access to certain Asian markest which has led this change of emphasis. There is also a feeling in some places that the absolute worst of the financial 'stormy seas' have been sailed already and that Europe should be looking forward to a period of continued growth.
Whichever way it goes, the future seems to be looking good for health insurance companies in the western hemisphere, and the competition to offer competitive business insurance plans will be good for all those small companies who've made it through the recession.
However it has more to do with the political stability across the whole of Europe, and difficulties gain access to certain Asian markest which has led this change of emphasis. There is also a feeling in some places that the absolute worst of the financial 'stormy seas' have been sailed already and that Europe should be looking forward to a period of continued growth.
Whichever way it goes, the future seems to be looking good for health insurance companies in the western hemisphere, and the competition to offer competitive business insurance plans will be good for all those small companies who've made it through the recession.
Monday, 18 October 2010
Business Backs Osbourne
In a letter in today's Daily Telegraph, undersigned by many of the CEOs of the largest businesses in the UK, British business has come out in favour of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's impending cuts to spending in the public sector.
The impetus behind this backing is that the British economy is in a sound enough footing [the green shoots etc.] to take up the strain of any natural wastage caused by government savings. This is a very fine statement by these businessmen except for one point, and that is that they are all on the board of a very large businesses.
It has long been a fact that most of the job creation in the UK has been done at the hand of the nation's small businesses, not the large, and these have not been consulted in the formulation of the letter. It is not so easy as signing a letter when you have to run a smaller business, banks are not quite so willing to extend credit, cover month to month expences: business health insurance policies; salaries; rent; insurance.
Small to medium businesses must never be confused, they have widely differing challenges, and need much different skillsets in management, it is almost impossible for large business leaders to make this claim, Mr Osborne needs, instead, to listen to the world of small business.
The impetus behind this backing is that the British economy is in a sound enough footing [the green shoots etc.] to take up the strain of any natural wastage caused by government savings. This is a very fine statement by these businessmen except for one point, and that is that they are all on the board of a very large businesses.
It has long been a fact that most of the job creation in the UK has been done at the hand of the nation's small businesses, not the large, and these have not been consulted in the formulation of the letter. It is not so easy as signing a letter when you have to run a smaller business, banks are not quite so willing to extend credit, cover month to month expences: business health insurance policies; salaries; rent; insurance.
Small to medium businesses must never be confused, they have widely differing challenges, and need much different skillsets in management, it is almost impossible for large business leaders to make this claim, Mr Osborne needs, instead, to listen to the world of small business.
Wednesday, 6 October 2010
Conservative Party Conference 2010
This is the week of the conservative party's conference, this year being held in Birmingham at the ICC, this, of course, should be attracting the attention of businessmen all across the country. The Conservatives being the party most affiliated with business have often maintained that small businesses and entrepreneurs are the best way to give any economy the impetus that is needed to keep the country on a sound economic footing.
To this end it is important that the Conservative party reiterates it's support to the little people who were not to blame for the disastrous state of the economy, and give a little git of leeway for those who are trying to get the country back on the right tracks. To this end it may not be necessary to raise taxes across the board, and the possibility of some form of tax relief, perhaps on some of the benefits awarded to good staff such as small business health insurance or maternity leave.
To this end it is important that the Conservative party reiterates it's support to the little people who were not to blame for the disastrous state of the economy, and give a little git of leeway for those who are trying to get the country back on the right tracks. To this end it may not be necessary to raise taxes across the board, and the possibility of some form of tax relief, perhaps on some of the benefits awarded to good staff such as small business health insurance or maternity leave.
Friday, 24 September 2010
Consumer Confidence
An unexpected rise in public consumer confidence for August is set to be announced by GfKNOP the market research and consumer agency. This is will be the first rise in the index in over six months and shows that even though the country is undergoing a particularly serious bout of austerity, this has not caused people to stop going out and buying things.
So what does this tell us about the state of play? I'm not really sure if it means that people have their head in the sand or whether the gloomy news is overexaggerated and the people are showing the true nature of the economy. In any case it certainly is good news for business in the UK as spending is set to at least stay level if not rise in the months up to Christmas.
Again this will help alleviate any possible worries felt by both employers and employees alike, as with a potential rise in spending brings added to the overall economy at a time when it is most needed. This is what was needed to keep overheads at bay, in a time when everything seems to be rising, from health insurance costs to the price of stationery going up in price. At a time when wages are remaining largely static.
If things remain like this the projected doom & gloom of the feared "double dip" may just never come to fruition [fingers crossed].
So what does this tell us about the state of play? I'm not really sure if it means that people have their head in the sand or whether the gloomy news is overexaggerated and the people are showing the true nature of the economy. In any case it certainly is good news for business in the UK as spending is set to at least stay level if not rise in the months up to Christmas.
Again this will help alleviate any possible worries felt by both employers and employees alike, as with a potential rise in spending brings added to the overall economy at a time when it is most needed. This is what was needed to keep overheads at bay, in a time when everything seems to be rising, from health insurance costs to the price of stationery going up in price. At a time when wages are remaining largely static.
If things remain like this the projected doom & gloom of the feared "double dip" may just never come to fruition [fingers crossed].
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
NHS Cutbacks
Findings of the Royal College of Nursing, reported in the other week's Telegraph, seem to point to nearly 10,000 NHS jobs being cut in the near future. And although these cuts will not come as a result of people actually losing their jobs, it still does represent a drastic reduction in staffing levels at a time when the UK population continues to grow.
Most of the cuts will come from not replacing staff when they retire and by retiring positions when people transfer internally. I know that the economy is in a dire situation, but if we are going to cut back on NHS staffing then this will drive people into the private sphere, especially when self employed medical insurance can be found so cheap if you hunt around for a deal.
It might be for the best though, it certainly can be argued that parts of the public sector are grossly overstaffed, I guess we are about to find out if this is the correct way to go. Fingers crossed.
Most of the cuts will come from not replacing staff when they retire and by retiring positions when people transfer internally. I know that the economy is in a dire situation, but if we are going to cut back on NHS staffing then this will drive people into the private sphere, especially when self employed medical insurance can be found so cheap if you hunt around for a deal.
It might be for the best though, it certainly can be argued that parts of the public sector are grossly overstaffed, I guess we are about to find out if this is the correct way to go. Fingers crossed.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Getting through the Slow Recovery
Well it has been finally decided, the current UK Government has decided that if we are to get through this recession then it is going to have to be via the long, slow, steady [but secure] route. Yes, the entire nation is going to have to buckle down and share in this, until we come out the other side.
But this is going to cause some problems as some can afford to share it a bit more than others. The wealthier will have much easier time than the less wealthy, and this goes the same for people as it does for organisations. Whilst the large conglomerations can just take a dent in their profits the smaller companies will have to look where to cut corners whilst still trying to run the business at full strength.
Of course there are some things which can be discarded, others which can be trimmed back and others which must be maintained. Some things which must be retained are those benefits which keep your best staff and help to attract new staff. Part of this package is undoubtedly offering some cheaper corporate medical insurance because although, this does seem like a luxury, it does save everyone in the long run.
When all is said and done, offering more, even if cheaper will attract more than trying to cut and driving your valued partners and colleagues into the waiting arms of those who are willing to offer them a better deal, and with it some of your business.
But this is going to cause some problems as some can afford to share it a bit more than others. The wealthier will have much easier time than the less wealthy, and this goes the same for people as it does for organisations. Whilst the large conglomerations can just take a dent in their profits the smaller companies will have to look where to cut corners whilst still trying to run the business at full strength.
Of course there are some things which can be discarded, others which can be trimmed back and others which must be maintained. Some things which must be retained are those benefits which keep your best staff and help to attract new staff. Part of this package is undoubtedly offering some cheaper corporate medical insurance because although, this does seem like a luxury, it does save everyone in the long run.
When all is said and done, offering more, even if cheaper will attract more than trying to cut and driving your valued partners and colleagues into the waiting arms of those who are willing to offer them a better deal, and with it some of your business.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Budget 2010 Today
So today's budget day. How do you all feel about it?
At this stage it's too early too tell exactly what shape of budget George Osborne's going to make, other than cut-shaped. yes, there's going to be deep cuts. It's believed in some quarters that the government are going to impose a "steep rise" in VAT, which makes me wonder - how steep is steep? After all it's not that long since VAT went back up to its current level. I'd say steep probably then means an increase to 20%.
Then there's the talk about the NHS - even if funding is ringfenced, it could conceivably drop in real terms. Definitely time to think about the benefits of health insurance for small business
Other notable changes that are reported to be afoot: changes to the tax threshold meaning that lower earners would be better off. It's good to know there will at least be some winners....
Our next post will cover the budget in light of what it actually delivers, so until then it's fingers crossed that the chancellor can bring us out of recession, cut the deficit, deliver full employment, etc etc...
At this stage it's too early too tell exactly what shape of budget George Osborne's going to make, other than cut-shaped. yes, there's going to be deep cuts. It's believed in some quarters that the government are going to impose a "steep rise" in VAT, which makes me wonder - how steep is steep? After all it's not that long since VAT went back up to its current level. I'd say steep probably then means an increase to 20%.
Then there's the talk about the NHS - even if funding is ringfenced, it could conceivably drop in real terms. Definitely time to think about the benefits of health insurance for small business
Other notable changes that are reported to be afoot: changes to the tax threshold meaning that lower earners would be better off. It's good to know there will at least be some winners....
Our next post will cover the budget in light of what it actually delivers, so until then it's fingers crossed that the chancellor can bring us out of recession, cut the deficit, deliver full employment, etc etc...
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Would You Own Your Own Business?
I suppose at times being your own boss can be the life of luxury, but have you ever thought of the more stressfull side of things before starting up a business?
Many small business owners could tell you of the day to day stresses of running your own empire because even though it seems great that you're your own boss I'm sure many would disagree! There are so many different things to take care of like corporate health plans. It doesn't matter how many employees you have they all need to be insured for any accidents thay may happen in the work place. Along with that there is the challenge of keeping work coming in, managing the money side and probably the most important, keeping your employees happy!
Many small business owners could tell you of the day to day stresses of running your own empire because even though it seems great that you're your own boss I'm sure many would disagree! There are so many different things to take care of like corporate health plans. It doesn't matter how many employees you have they all need to be insured for any accidents thay may happen in the work place. Along with that there is the challenge of keeping work coming in, managing the money side and probably the most important, keeping your employees happy!
If you own a business yourself or have done so in the past let us know what you think on this matter and whether it's worth taking the gamble of starting up your own business.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Setting up your own Business
For a select few that are up to the challenge it's stressful enough owning your own business with all the things that come with it. Obviously there are great added bonuses of having your own business with no boss to answer to and all the cash going to you unless you have workers on board with you.
If your someone who owns a business feel free to leave a comment and let us know how hard it is to actually start up one with all the different issues needing addressed.
One issue that needs sorting out is company health insurance, the last thing you want happening is something going wrong and your not covered for it so getting this set up straight away would be a huge benefit to you and your business.
If your someone who owns a business feel free to leave a comment and let us know how hard it is to actually start up one with all the different issues needing addressed.
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Keep Absences Down, Keep Overheads Down
The best way to reduce your overheads, including your insurance premiums is to keep a fit and healthy workforce, it reduces absences and it simply gets more done. Here are some tips I've gleaned in my reading up on the subject.
1 - Have a healthy working environment, don't try to work your employees within an inch of their lives, it doesn't give them the impetus to turn up fit and raring to go.
2 - Reward good attendance, don't get stuck on the negatives, try to encourage perfect attendance through incentivisation, be that, in the form of a bonus, or something other than pecuniary.
3 - If someone is often absent, try to find out the underlying problems and understand that everybody has different needs, some people may need a long time off in order to get back to full fitness.
4 - Remove barriers to getting back to work, it has taken the commercial sector up to this far to make every workplace fully accessible to everyone, and we still haven't got it completely right yet.
5 - If all else fails get in touch with a professional Human Resources and/or Occupational Health adviser there may be something fundamentally wrong that you just cannot see, that is what these people are there for.
The simple fact is that all of these things can help reduce your overall corporate health insurance premiums year on year and that is surely the best thing for everybody involved. Both you and your employees.
1 - Have a healthy working environment, don't try to work your employees within an inch of their lives, it doesn't give them the impetus to turn up fit and raring to go.
2 - Reward good attendance, don't get stuck on the negatives, try to encourage perfect attendance through incentivisation, be that, in the form of a bonus, or something other than pecuniary.
3 - If someone is often absent, try to find out the underlying problems and understand that everybody has different needs, some people may need a long time off in order to get back to full fitness.
4 - Remove barriers to getting back to work, it has taken the commercial sector up to this far to make every workplace fully accessible to everyone, and we still haven't got it completely right yet.
5 - If all else fails get in touch with a professional Human Resources and/or Occupational Health adviser there may be something fundamentally wrong that you just cannot see, that is what these people are there for.
The simple fact is that all of these things can help reduce your overall corporate health insurance premiums year on year and that is surely the best thing for everybody involved. Both you and your employees.
Monday, 15 March 2010
2010 Medical Insurance Conference Announced
The date has been unveiled for this years Association of Medical Insurance Intermediaries [AMII] Exhibition and conference.
The Conference this year will take place on Thursday 1st July, at the Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel, just outside of Coventry, and is sure to be attended by all the top people in the world of health insurance.
The theme for 2010 is set to be "Working Together for a Healthier Britain" and it expected to be the largest Conference so far, with more delegates from the health insurance business than ever, mingling, networking and scoping out the competition.
If you want to know all the new things in the Corporate Health Insurance World then you had better send someone along, or better still attend in person, after all you never know what contacts you might be able to make.
The Conference this year will take place on Thursday 1st July, at the Barceló Hinckley Island Hotel, just outside of Coventry, and is sure to be attended by all the top people in the world of health insurance.
The theme for 2010 is set to be "Working Together for a Healthier Britain" and it expected to be the largest Conference so far, with more delegates from the health insurance business than ever, mingling, networking and scoping out the competition.
If you want to know all the new things in the Corporate Health Insurance World then you had better send someone along, or better still attend in person, after all you never know what contacts you might be able to make.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
On Your Own - Insurance
Even when you're on you're own you still need some sort of protection from the unexpected. The thing is that the smallest of businesses will try to cope with people trying to do more than one job when a colleague goes absent for a time. This can't be the case if you decide to go it alone in business.
The simple fact is that a person who is self employed becomes incapacitated there is no one else to run the business, and besides now there is no more revenue coming in.
There is only two possible things that can happen in these circumstances: you can go on sickness benefit [barely enough money to keep yourself going, never mind any dependents you may have] and temporarily wind up your new business; if you have had the forethought to take out a self employed health insurance plan. This not only covers the cost of any medical bills but will provide income replacement after a certain time off work [depending on the policy].
It has to be said that neither is the best option, you can go for the short-term savings risking the possible loss of impetus for your business, or you can be cautious, and try to smooth out the bumps which are inevitable in any business.
Good Luck Out There.
The simple fact is that a person who is self employed becomes incapacitated there is no one else to run the business, and besides now there is no more revenue coming in.
There is only two possible things that can happen in these circumstances: you can go on sickness benefit [barely enough money to keep yourself going, never mind any dependents you may have] and temporarily wind up your new business; if you have had the forethought to take out a self employed health insurance plan. This not only covers the cost of any medical bills but will provide income replacement after a certain time off work [depending on the policy].
It has to be said that neither is the best option, you can go for the short-term savings risking the possible loss of impetus for your business, or you can be cautious, and try to smooth out the bumps which are inevitable in any business.
Good Luck Out There.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Small is Beautiful
All businesses need adequate protection, especially so if you find it difficult to get good cover if one of your employees has to be absent for a long time.
The smaller the business the more important it is for the corporate medical insurance provided absolutely guarantees that the company is able to hire temporary staff to cover the vacant positions. Larger companies do not have to worry so much about this as when more people are employed there is always a certain amount of overlap in the employees' job-skills. But most SMEs have to make sure that the person in every position is specialised in their field.
The best way to ensure that your business is adequately protected for any eventuality is to check around, always make sure to check the small print in any coverage, and don't just go for the cheapest option [although don't ignore it just because of that!]
The best way to ensure that your business is adequately protected for any eventuality is to check around, always make sure to check the small print in any coverage, and don't just go for the cheapest option [although don't ignore it just because of that!]
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Free Medical Insurance When Visiting The UK
Talks are on going to make sure any resident of the Isle Of Man visiting the UK is guaranteed private health insurance could be discussed as soon as next month. The plan is the proposal is brought into play before the end of the UK reciprocal health agreement.
As of the 1st of April Manx visitors won’t be eligible for free treatment in the UK if they take ill. This has caused concern with the older community that don’t believe they will be able to obtain private medical insurance to leave the Isle Of Man.
Surely this problem has to be sorted before the people of the Island think that they are imprisoned there and have no choice but to remain there because there’s not much of a chance at one point in your life you’re not going to have to receive medical treatment. Sorting this out can only be good for the country as people would surely avoid visiting the UK if they thought they were covered incase of illness.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Expats Happy with Spanish Care Tax Plan
A recent report has confirmed that the vast majority of expats paying care tax for medical treatment are happy with the plan that they are dealing with. Its well known for expats that live abroad must be covered with international health insurance.
The survey that was actually carried out by the Telegraph has shown that the expats who aren’t eligible for free healthcare and that are paying tax feels it offers great value for their money and also healthcare that’s up to standards. Even though there’s been another report released pointing out that care tax is more expensive than than a competitive expat medical insurance policy.
When the old system was still up and running every EU national living in Spain were entitled to free healthcare in the country. Valencia which is in the main land are the only place not to agree with this and have limited the access for people looking to retire here.
Monday, 25 January 2010
International Health Insurance - Europe
If you do business in Germany, especially if you have offices, or employees, then you will have have noted how a spokesperson for the Government stated that the public health insurance is going to be raised to fill a gaping hole in the budget of nearly 8 million euros.
This is in Germany, the strongest of the European economies. If bills are having to go up in the strongest, just think of how things are getting tight in the, em, not so strong economies.
It isn't so rare for even medium-sized companies to have offices in more than one country nowadays. But how do you square the circle of some of your employees paying more in one country than in the others, you could always cover the cost of the health premium increase, with a special allowance when necessary. But this hardly seems fair to those workers in countries where health care is paid for from general taxation.
The only fair way to do this in any multinational business, is to offer every one of your employees the same cover.
The only way you can do this is to go to one of the major, trusted International Health Insurance Providers. They can tailor the service to make it just right for your company and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
This is in Germany, the strongest of the European economies. If bills are having to go up in the strongest, just think of how things are getting tight in the, em, not so strong economies.
It isn't so rare for even medium-sized companies to have offices in more than one country nowadays. But how do you square the circle of some of your employees paying more in one country than in the others, you could always cover the cost of the health premium increase, with a special allowance when necessary. But this hardly seems fair to those workers in countries where health care is paid for from general taxation.
The only fair way to do this in any multinational business, is to offer every one of your employees the same cover.
The only way you can do this is to go to one of the major, trusted International Health Insurance Providers. They can tailor the service to make it just right for your company and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Small Business Health Insurance Advantages
Whether it’s a small work shop with a dozen workers or a business run from the comfort of your own home with a few employees small business health insurance is surely something that you’ve thought about at one point in your career.
Group health insurance has many advantages, not only does it attract employees to work for your business but can also cover your full work force even if you only have a small number of employees. You can also have your employees covered with pre-existing conditions that maybe wouldn’t be available if you only took out an individual policy.
Health insurance for small businesses can be very costly and I think this is a big factor in why many choose to try and avoid taking out any, if it’s only for a small work squad it can seem pricey but it’s a must for every business. Another option for the company owner is to fund savings into workers wages and let the employees sort out their own health insurance plan.
Before deciding on what health insurance plan is for you i strongly recommend weighing up the advantages and disadvantages instead of diving straight in. There is also another option where you can fill in a quick and easy application online for a quote and let health insurance company’s battle it out for your business.
I suggest comparing the advantages and disadvantages of having a group health insurance policy, and also the cost of various business health plans before you decide. Of course, an easy way to do that is to fill out a quick online quote form and let local health insurance companies compete for your business!
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Tips for Small Businesses in 2010
1. Start Preparing Your Taxes Now: Organize tax information early or it can distract you from running your business: 46 percent of small business owners say that finding and organising the documents they need to prepare their taxes is very or somewhat difficult, and 77 percent of small business owners find the tax preparation and documentation process very or somewhat time consuming, which only takes them away from tending to their bottom lines.
2. Cut Personal Expenses: Find ways to cut costs outside of the business, because you’ll likely have to take home less pay and even go into your savings: 69 percent of small business owners say that current economic conditions are forcing them to reduce the amount of money they take home from their businesses, and 61 percent think they are very or somewhat likely to use their personal assets in the next year to keep their businesses afloat.
3. Think Green: Small business owners think the following business segments have the best opportunities for post-recovery growth, in order of importance: green industries, business services, technology and energy.
4. Have a Long-Term Plan: 43 percent of small business owners who have been hurt by the current economy say that it will be more than 12 months before their businesses rebound, followed by another 24 percent who expect that it will take six to 12 months to be in the clear.
5. Don’t Focus on the Money: Only 12 percent of entrepreneurs say that “making more money” is the biggest reason they became a small business owner; while 46 percent say they are motivated by having “more flexibility with their time” and by “being their own boss.”
6. Use the Web: 32 percent of small business owners who are part of an online networking community say that their biggest benefit from social networking is “getting new business leads.” Moreover, 47 percent of 3,000 consumers surveyed say they are more likely to use a small business that has a Web site.
7. Rely on Yourself: Don’t overextend yourself by borrowing too much in the beginning: 64 percent of small business owners say that they did not need financial capital to start their businesses. Among those who did need the capital, 45 percent received it from their personal savings, and another 16 percent borrowed from family and friends.
8. Focus on Sales: One way to stay on course is to keep a sharp focus on sales: Owners say that sales generation is the biggest issue facing their businesses today, followed by taxes, operating costs, health insurance, access to capital and inflation.
9. Stay in Touch with Family: 31 percent of small business owners say that they are very likely or somewhat likely to borrow money from family and friends in the next 12 months in order to stay in business.
10. Stay Healthy: Preventive medicine and taking care of yourself are important, given that 65 percent of small business owners report that it is somewhat or very difficult to obtain affordable health care for themselves and their employees.
Data was collected in 2009 as part of the monthly Discover Small Business Watch poll of 750 random small business owners with less than five employees. The survey of business owners has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
2. Cut Personal Expenses: Find ways to cut costs outside of the business, because you’ll likely have to take home less pay and even go into your savings: 69 percent of small business owners say that current economic conditions are forcing them to reduce the amount of money they take home from their businesses, and 61 percent think they are very or somewhat likely to use their personal assets in the next year to keep their businesses afloat.
3. Think Green: Small business owners think the following business segments have the best opportunities for post-recovery growth, in order of importance: green industries, business services, technology and energy.
4. Have a Long-Term Plan: 43 percent of small business owners who have been hurt by the current economy say that it will be more than 12 months before their businesses rebound, followed by another 24 percent who expect that it will take six to 12 months to be in the clear.
5. Don’t Focus on the Money: Only 12 percent of entrepreneurs say that “making more money” is the biggest reason they became a small business owner; while 46 percent say they are motivated by having “more flexibility with their time” and by “being their own boss.”
6. Use the Web: 32 percent of small business owners who are part of an online networking community say that their biggest benefit from social networking is “getting new business leads.” Moreover, 47 percent of 3,000 consumers surveyed say they are more likely to use a small business that has a Web site.
7. Rely on Yourself: Don’t overextend yourself by borrowing too much in the beginning: 64 percent of small business owners say that they did not need financial capital to start their businesses. Among those who did need the capital, 45 percent received it from their personal savings, and another 16 percent borrowed from family and friends.
8. Focus on Sales: One way to stay on course is to keep a sharp focus on sales: Owners say that sales generation is the biggest issue facing their businesses today, followed by taxes, operating costs, health insurance, access to capital and inflation.
9. Stay in Touch with Family: 31 percent of small business owners say that they are very likely or somewhat likely to borrow money from family and friends in the next 12 months in order to stay in business.
10. Stay Healthy: Preventive medicine and taking care of yourself are important, given that 65 percent of small business owners report that it is somewhat or very difficult to obtain affordable health care for themselves and their employees.
Data was collected in 2009 as part of the monthly Discover Small Business Watch poll of 750 random small business owners with less than five employees. The survey of business owners has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
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