MP Calls For Green Deal Pot To Cover Upfront Costs
Labour MP Alan Whitehead has called for £85 million of the Green Deal £125 million pot to be used to cover the upfront assessment fees associated with the scheme.
The Green Deal is the government’s latest scheme to increase both domestic homes’ and businesses energy efficiency ratings. The terms of the deal state that to take advantage of the scheme’s benefits you must first have an official assessment of your property to identify areas in which improvements could be made. Then after that point can you choose a Green Deal provider to carry out the identified energy saving measures, such as loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing and renewal energy technologies e.g. solar panels etc. The associated cost of installing these can then be paid off in instalments through your energy bill.
However information has now been released stating that there will be a charge of around £100-£150 for the assessments to take place, which will have to be funded solely by the customer/business. Fears are thus being raised that this may put off many people who would potentially benefit from the scheme.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Green Deal is a fantastic initiative and could be a real world solution to both our rising energy consumption and our increasing energy bills. When asked, I believe that most people would want to make energy saving measures, to both help the environment and to decrease their bills, however it is more than often the cost of installing these energy saving improvements that causes their reticence. And obviously this is where the Green Deal could make a real difference.
Also I do not think that we can afford to underestimate the importance of house- and business-holders undertaking these official assessments. I believe that it is these official assessments that will give Green Deal users faith in the system and the belief that the recommended measures are appropriate to their needs and fit for purpose, rather than simply being a sales opportunity.
However it is obvious that the upfront cost may prove to be a real deterrent to many households and businesses, but as Alan Whitehead MP said ‘all is not yet lost’. The government has allocated £125 million to the Green Deal, of which currently only £40 million is ear-marked for providing the cash-back tariff, thus leaving £85 million which could be used to offset the cost of appraisals for approximately the next 7 years.
In essence I urge you both as a householder and/or a business owner to look at the Green Deal and the potential savings that utilising the scheme could provide you with. And please do not let the possible assessment fees put you off as, if charged, the cost will no doubt be off-set by potential future savings.
JB Consultancy supplies a range of telecoms and utilities consultancy services. Can JB Consultancy help your business save money on electricity, gas, water, telecoms or mobile costs?
Please contact me for more information and to see how your business can reach a new level – 0844 801 3464
What Are the Business Benefits of an iPad?
The Apple iPad is an 8- by 10-inch touchscreen tablet computer that combines the features of a smart phone and laptop, an iPod and a gaming console. First released in April 2010, Apple had sold 7.33 million devices by the end of 2010.
There are two iPad editions: wireless and wireless with 3G; the latter makes the device usable wherever the user has cell phone access. Available in capacities of 16, 32 and 64 gigabytes, the iPad has many benefits no matter how much storage.
Portability and Simplicity
The iPad is lightweight, weighing in at 1.5 pounds and only 0.5 inches thick
Easy to carry
Slightly smaller than a magazine.
The extended battery life of up to 10 hours
Design
The high resolution LED backlit screen on the iPad is bright and crisp
Designed with a multitouch screen
Multitouch Screen
Based on the iPhone’s specs
Can be adjusted manually for brightness
It’s also able to detect ambient light itself and automatically adjust brightness and contrast for the best viewing.
The display on the iPad is designed for touching with a fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.
Your fingers control all navigation depending on the task, one or two fingers tap, swipe, drag or pinch; no stylus is necessary.
Apps
Apps are the heart of the iPad. With many thousands of apps to choose from
To use the App Store, you must create an iTunes account. Whether free or fee-based, all app acquisitions go through iTunes. local information to your iPad; for example local weather forecasts, news and even the closest pizza restaurant.
Powerful presenter
The iPad is such a professional tool allowing the user to create.
Presentations
Graphs
Slide shows
To present items to customers, contacts, friends, or relatives
Apps that are supplied
Calendar, Notes, Reminders, Maps, Video, Contacts, Game Centre, iTuines, App Store, Newstand, FaceTime, Camera, Photo Booth, all as standard Apps. No need for note pads, diaries the perfect Business tool!
Download our free information pack for more details here!
iPhone 5 – what’s the verdict?
iPhone 5 – finally went on sale last week and has had a largely positive reaction with a few niggles aimed at it in the press. As a provider ofb mobile phones I thought I would outline the facts of this long awaited new addition to the Smartphone market
Available in 16/32 or 64GB Apple have certainly raised the bar in this market and put some distance between them and main rivals Samsung
iPhone 5 is a fantastic upgrade to the iPhone 4, those with 4S may be more reluctant to shell out for the differences
It is thinner, lighter, taller with a 4 inch screen. It has a sturdy build and its retina display shows no pixelation even when on zoom. The sim card is a nano sim slot which is limiting when wanting to use other products.
iPhone 5 has 1.2ghz dual core processor called the Apple A6 which makes it fast especially for games.
iPhone 5′s camera has an 8mp sensor with much improved low light performance, a more robust lens cover and a panoramic mode that gives step by step instructions
The battery life is improved on iPhone 5 even when used with WiFi and GPS and Siri allows Facebook updates via voice commands, something Facebook addicts will love. How long before that becomes annoying on the daily commute?
iCloud is still an exclusive Apple feature that makes life so much easier for the Apple addicts so they can save their music and data across devices and iTunes still boasts the larges selection of Apps and music from its store. There is room for another row of Apps now that the screen is larger but the maps App has been criticised as it is no substitue for the Google version which has been removed along with Youtube due to tensions between the two companies
The dock connecter is easier to use and is two sided, even though it is not a popular change as it renders old chargers now useless. It does support the 4G network when it is launched and the new IOS software is amazing.
If you would like to know more about the iPhone 5 or are wanting to upgrade to iPhone 5 then call me now because I have access to thousands of deals that can beat the High Street providers, particularly if you require business tariffs – John 0844 801 3464
Water the forgotten utility
Water the forgotten utility
Water is the most ignored utility of all. Businesses may be conscious of leaving lights on and machines on standby over night, but controlling water consumption or questioning the water bill is mostly never done
I have worked for many years with businesses and quite often when I have carried out a review of a water bill I identify overcharges spanning back years
It is common for the wrong meterage to be applied to your premises, or incorrect tariffs. Surface drainage may have been miscalculated.
Not only can you claim money back retrospectively but it will also reduce your bills for the future
There are also devices now that can be purchased to help save water through the system
Having an audit of the water bill is a very quick procedure please contact John on 0844 801 3464 to see if you are on the correct tariff, help you to claim money back and save you costs in the future
Inbound Blog
Inbound Blog
Have you ever considered having an 08 number assigned to your business?
Most business owners think it is just a way of offering free calls to clients at great cost to themselves, but with modern technology there are numerous benefits that having an 08 prefix can bring to your business. They now play a vital role in marketing and business streamlining that can actually keep costs down across the business
As well as being non geographic, which can help if you are a National business, they are also useful for a number of different benefits:
- Control when and where your calls go with call re routing, for time of day routing, voicemail to email, divert on busy and much more
- Record calls to your 08/03 number using an inbuilt voicemail facility
- Route your calls to the correct department the professional way, with an auto responder
- Queue your call centre calls using smart queuing system
- Control calls whether in office, remotely or as a home agent using a call manager service
- Monitor your call statistics to show where calls are coming from which can help with your marketing
- A fax to email facility can be set up
- Carry out market research
- Event and admin bookings
From market research and marketing campaigns to call handling – making sure you never miss calls, having a flexible inbound telephone system can help your business to grow and run effectively
JB Consultancy supplies a range of Inbound options please call for more information and to see how your business can reach a new level 0844 801 3464
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing
Cloud computing is on the rise. Initially it was met with reticence over security issues and lack of understanding from businesses, but new research shows that 61% of small and medium businesses are planning to embrace cloud technology
There is no doubt that cloud computing can save companies money on overheads so if you are considering a leap into this territory, this blog will outline some of the pros and cons of cloud technology to help you decide
Cloud Computing explained
Cloud computing is where your devices, such as tablets, computers, phones are hooked up to a server where files and software can be stored thus freeing up memory and being able to carry out tasks more quickly
The servers are usually owned and managed by an organisation external to your business and you can access your data through the Internet.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
You can connect to your software and data from anywhere in the world using any device at any time
Huge cost savings on hardware and energy bills, increase usage when needs change, instead of having to invest in new hardware
Keeping up to date with technology
High security
Your business can grow and expand keeping costs to a minimum
Automatic back up and updates that will not slow down your system
Disaster recovery plan can be instigated
What about security?
Security is the biggest barrier for businesses switching to cloud computing, so are these fears founded?
Data is housed in data centres which adhere to very strict protocols which involve:-
- Access restricted to selected personnel
- Armed security guards
- CCTV
- Climate control
- Data continually backed up
Data loss can result in a business closing so having this back up is crucial
Choose service providers wisely. JJB Consultancy works with reputable providers of cloud technology and John will be happy to discuss the features of cloud technology in more detail and outline the different services and packages available.
Take your business to the next level and increase your profitability Call J B Consultancy today on 0844 801 3464
The Green Deal is almost here
The Green Deal – improving your energy efficiency with no upfront costs
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has announced the Green Deal, which will be launched later in 2012
The Green Deal intends to reduce carbon emissions cost effectively by improving energy efficiency of Britain’s properties for both businesses and households
One quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions comes from energy used to heat buildings. The Green Deal is a programme that will bring many of Britain’s aging buildings up to date. Bill payers will be able to benefit from improvements without having to upfront the cash.
The capital will be provided by private businesses and they will recoup their money via repayments made on the property owner’s energy bills. The estimated savings that are made will have to either equal or exceed the cost of the work. This is a very strong stipulation of the Deal.
Extra help will also be available for those on low incomes or homes that are expensive to treat. This also increases the incentive for owner occupiers, tenants and landlords to take action.
The repayments on the bill stay with the property, so should you take advantage of the Scheme and then sell up, the new owner would then take up the repayments.
There will be tight control on the Scheme with regards to consumer protection, to ensure that customers are treated fairly.
J B Consultancy can help guide you on energy efficiency and this also has tax benefits too
Contact John today to start saving money and reduce carbon emissions on 0844 801 3464
Marketing your business
Guest Blog – Today’s guest blog post is from Caroline Jones at Kingfisher Marketing
John has kindly asked me to post a guest blog. I have worked with John for some time and he is passionate about two things, saving businesses money and helping them increase their turnover through a managed sales programme
Fitting in with this ethos, Marketing sits between the two. You have to spend money promoting your business which is an overhead, but if done correctly is one that can be kept to a minimum. Also if you get it right it will increase your revenue
Are you in touch with your market, have you carried out any research amongst your current client base? I used to know a lady who offered this service to businesses and it was a real eye opener to them and also in some cases stopped them losing valuable contracts. If you become complacent and lose touch with what your customers want or start to give a poor service then you will lose work
Think about carrying out a survey and offering a prize in return
Do you market in segments or to the whole client base? Segmenting your markets means your message is more focused and targetted and will pull the triggers that can convert from casual observer to enquiry or purchase. It is also easier to analyse the success of your campaign
Start a community on Facebook where people can meet to share ideas about your industry in general, if they congregate there you can then talk to them directly
Position yourself as an expert in your field through articles and blogs. Marketing is now all about building relationships and giving customers an experience not just advertising and selling
If you are looking for a helping hand with your marketing then please give me a call on 07582 204145
Caroline – Kingfisher Marketing
Why you need an 08 Number
Considering an 08 number for your business?
Why do you need an 08 Number? Well… inbound services, NTS services, number translation services, none geographical numbers, 08 services, 08 numbers……..
They all mean the same
BUT
What are the benefits of installing an 08 number to YOUR BUSINESS??
08 Numbers for Marketing
Your business can deliver a National or Regional marketing campaign and advertise a call back service to an 08 number. The beneifts of marketing this way are that you can see which town or region is interested in your offer or service, therefore allowing you to concentrate on more targetted areas where you have had the biggest responses
You can assign different numbers to different campaigns as well, to see which marketing messages have had the greatest feedback.
08 Numbers for Disaster Recovery
Should your business lose their communications through natural disasters, i.e. floods, storms or technical issues, system failures, accidents, having an 08 service you can point any of your phone numbers to (up to 7) means that disrupted lines would not be affected
08 Numbers for Convenience and Cost Control
If your business wants to relocate at any point and you have had a landline number that your customers are familiar with, you will have to pay divert charges. If the existing number can not be provisioned in your new BT exchange, you will be forced to take a new number, which will mean much inconvenience and expense, especially in potential lost business.
Your 08 number sits within the Cloud and you can tag your 08 number to a number of your choice, with a maximum of 7 numbers in total, including land lines, or mobiles anywhere in the world
You can also set up routing tables for time of day, day of week, percentage of calls, so that you can divert at different intervals if you are on the move, meaning you never miss a call.
The other intrinsics benefits of an 08 number are
- Makes your company look bigger than it is
- Doesn’t tie you to a specific area – great if you are marketing Regionally or Nationally
- Customers pay a local rate price during any time of the day
- 0844/0843 offer a flat rate call price to anyone who calls – 5p per minute
- 0871 numbers – National rate charge of up to 10p per minute – but generates income for YOU
Never miss a call again – talk to John to find out how easy it is to set up an 08 number for YOUR BUSINESS which will be active immediately call 0844 801 3464
14 ways to reduce your business costs
14 ways to reduce your business costs
- Invest in virtual support – save on accommodation, equipment and payroll costs
- Market strategically – always promo code test campaigns
- Free conference calls for smaller businesses via freeconferencecall.com
- Hot desk in a shared office rather than renting one yourself
- Go VoIP cuts service based costs and maintenance fees
- Utilise social media
- Have a WordPress website – great for blogging, easy for content management, looks good
- Recycle
- Go paperless
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Renegotiate equipment leases
- Review buying habits – what you need vs what you want
- Invest in good tax planning
- Shop around for insurance/utilities/broadband deals
John can help with all of these areas if they are relevant to you, either through direct delivery or through a network of Associates
Start saving NOW call 0844 801 3464