https://www.procuright.co.uk/ UK Business Blog and news related to procurement, the supply chain, cost reduction and spend management. Information related to the procurement of courier and logistics services, energy, insurance, telecoms and other areas of essential spend within UK businesses and charities. https://www.procuright.co.uk/img/business-cost-saving-logo.png https://www.procuright.co.uk/ Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/blog We started blogging to share knowledge and expertise with UK businesses and charities. This is the ultimate resourse for procurement, the supply chain, cost reduction and spend management. https://www.procuright.co.uk/blog Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/end-to-end-indirect-procurement-process By instigating and following an end-to-end procurement process, you'll instantly gain better visibility, risks will be mitigated and integration and implementation is often more successful. Cost reduction is also easier to achieve and monitor too and although procurement processes vary greatly depending on the individual company and category, there are solutions out there to best suit your needs. Mon, 02 Sep 2019 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/end-to-end-indirect-procurement-process Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-management Procuright provide well supported and well executed procurement management programmes to either fully manage the function or work alongside your current teams, including Procurement and/ or Finance personnel. Mon, 01 Jul 2019 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-management Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/creating-value-through-procurement-outsourcing Each stage of the procurement cycle involves multiple stakeholders, variable processes, various departmental goals and objectives and copious amounts of administration. Any value, initially gained can be eroded from the business. But indirect procurement outsourcing will ensure the value not only remains but flourishes. Mon, 06 May 2019 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/creating-value-through-procurement-outsourcing Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-outsourcing-procurement-management With the rationale to outsource non-core services increasingly compelling, many organisations are finding that strategic, well-managed indirect procurement outsourcing is a sure route to securing significant cost reduction and efficiencies. Mon, 04 Mar 2019 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-outsourcing-procurement-management Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-outsourcing-and-supplier-considerations With a growing list of supplier considerations, within the procurement process, the benefits behind procurement outsourcing are becoming more compelling for UK SMEs, corporate, the third sector and public sector. Mon, 07 Jan 2019 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-outsourcing-and-supplier-considerations Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/green-energy-for-businesses-and-our-3-tips-following-the-switch In the UK you currently have two options for business green energy; generate it yourself or buy your energy in the same way you do now but on a Green Tariff. Embracing green energy brings many benefits to businesses. Learn how to unleash these benefits once you've decided to make the switch. Mon, 03 Dec 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/green-energy-for-businesses-and-our-3-tips-following-the-switch Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/why-use-an-energy-broker-consultant-or-third-party-to-buy-business-energy All TPIs should have a similar goal; identify the most appropriate business energy contracts for each client with emphasis on cost, consumption and contract terms. Plus, some added bonuses and out of the box thinking from the better energy brokers and consultants. Mon, 05 Nov 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/why-use-an-energy-broker-consultant-or-third-party-to-buy-business-energy Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/that-moment-when-technology-ruins-supplier-relationship-management-part-2 Part 2 of our look at technology slowing departments down and ruining Supplier Relationship Management in many UK organisations. Our blog will lead you to the full article, which features on Spend Matters UK and Europe. Thu, 04 Oct 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/that-moment-when-technology-ruins-supplier-relationship-management-part-2 Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/that-moment-when-technology-ruins-supplier-relationship-management-part-1 Part 1 of our look at technology slowing departments down and ruining Supplier Relationship Management in many UK organisations. Our blog will lead you to the full article, which features on Spend Matters UK and Europe. Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/that-moment-when-technology-ruins-supplier-relationship-management-part-1 Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-outsourcing-for-the-win-and-5-big-benefits Whether your company is listed in the top 100 or not, there are steps your company can take to improve your financial outlook, including the management of indirect spend. Procurement outsourcing is becoming more popular as a tool to tackle this. Mon, 03 Sep 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/procurement-outsourcing-for-the-win-and-5-big-benefits Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/11-benefits-to-streamlining-your-procurement-and-procurement-processes More often than not businesses are resigned to the fact that they deal with a huge number of suppliers. However, consolidating suppliers (and their invoices) can be extremely beneficial to organisations across numerous business locations and sites. Read how to go about it here. Mon, 06 Aug 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/11-benefits-to-streamlining-your-procurement-and-procurement-processes Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/6-tips-for-understanding-business-energy-bills Running a business or department means having different tasks competing for your time. Scrutinising your energy bills probably never makes it to the top of that list, yet spending a few minutes taking a look at your bills can really pay off. Mon, 02 Jul 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/6-tips-for-understanding-business-energy-bills Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/the-robots-are-coming-part-2 Bertrand Maltaverne returns for part 2 of our look into Artificial intelligence (or AI), robotic process automation (RPA) and machine learning within procurement. Mon, 18 Jun 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/the-robots-are-coming-part-2 Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/the-robots-are-coming-part-1 Artificial intelligence (or AI), robotic process automation (RPA) and machine learning is getting ever closer. White-collar workers have seen automation swoop in on blue collar jobs. And it could now be coming to a procurement function near you. With insight from Bertrand Maltaverne. Mon, 04 Jun 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/the-robots-are-coming-part-1 Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/15-business-cost-saving-ideas 15 of the best Business Cost Saving Ideas for UK companies and charities because ultimately, it's a good idea to explore ways to reduce business costs, no matter how well you're doing. Mon, 07 May 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/15-business-cost-saving-ideas Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/15-tips-for-growing-uk-small-business-exports It's estimated that businesses are 11% more likely to survive if they export. But while SMEs account for approximately 95% of all companies in the UK, it's a small number that are actually involved in exporting. UK SMEs are completely in control of their own destiny and our 15 Tips for Growing Small Business Exports can be utilised as a great starting point to develop your own export journey. Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/15-tips-for-growing-uk-small-business-exports Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/12-bombshells-from-the-global-chief-procurement-officer-survey-2018 Savings, across a business, can be achieved in numerous ways. Regardless of "cost saving" receiving negative coverage from procurement commentators, the fact remains that "savings" is a Procurement KPI that's here to stay. Mon, 05 Mar 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/12-bombshells-from-the-global-chief-procurement-officer-survey-2018 Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/5-cost-saving-ideas-for-companies There's no doubt that in today's business climate, which is characterised by tougher competition and tighter margins, SMEs have to keep a firm eye on their costs as well as chasing growth. However, you need to forget about finding one single direct cost that will radically change the cost structure of your company. And instead consider these 5 areas, where every business can cut costs, regardless of their stage of development or sector. Mon, 05 Feb 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/5-cost-saving-ideas-for-companies Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/2018-procurement-and-spend-management-to-do-list-for-businesses Having a comprehensive procurement and spend management plan is fundamental to achieving both your businesses core aims and values as well as achieving financial goals. This is our To Do list, to kick start your 2018. Mon, 08 Jan 2018 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/2018-procurement-and-spend-management-to-do-list-for-businesses Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/microbusinesses-and-your-4-tips-to-get-the-best-business-energy-deals There are just over 5 million microbusinesses in the UK. Approximately 45% of microbusinesses are on default electricity tariffs (which are, on average, 80% higher than a negotiated contract) as well as many achieving poor outcomes in their energy pricing. Mon, 04 Dec 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/microbusinesses-and-your-4-tips-to-get-the-best-business-energy-deals Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/what-can-uk-businesses-learn-about-spend-management-from-martin-brundle Martin Brundle recently did a great feature into the costs and cost management issues within Formula One. And why ultimately, if the costs aren't managed more effectively, it could all come tumbling down. Just like millions of businesses have folded. Mon, 20 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/what-can-uk-businesses-learn-about-spend-management-from-martin-brundle Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/giving-away-free-stuff-an-exercise-in-brand-and-loyalty-building It is a truth universally acknowledged that we all love getting something for free. This is exactly why you should consider your business giving away free stuff to your customers and potential. Mon, 06 Nov 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/giving-away-free-stuff-an-exercise-in-brand-and-loyalty-building Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/7-energy-procurement-tips-and-tricks-as-a-guide It's likely that your energy billing will rise during winter months. Demand is of course greater, which drives up the associated cost. But it's not all down to you using more electric and gas, which results in larger bills. The suppliers themselves face various costs in supplying gas and electricity to businesses meaning the price you pay will reflect these costs. Our 7 Energy Procurement Tips and Tricks will allow you to manage your energy procurement and help you get a better deal when purchasing commercial gas and electricity. Mon, 02 Oct 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/7-energy-procurement-tips-and-tricks-as-a-guide Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/creating-a-role-versus-outsourcing-for-better-procurement-in-business You're possibly thinking that procurement and all that it demands, is for large organisations (think NHS) spending millions of pounds on thousands of suppliers. You'd be right to think that of course but there inevitably comes a point within every business whereby they need to start thinking about their procurement strategy and the processes involved. You all agree then, that procuring your essential areas of spends, in the right way, is serious. But should you employ someone to manage the purchasing of products and services etc. or outsource? We've compiled a basic purchasing strategy to compare creating a roll v outsourcing your essential business spending needs. Mon, 04 Sep 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/creating-a-role-versus-outsourcing-for-better-procurement-in-business Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/14-fuel-saving-tips-for-your-business-fleet It's simple: saving fuel ultimately saves you and your business money. Small improvements, here and there, in fuel efficiency might not seem like they would make much of a difference, but when that slight improvement is scaled over a large number of vehicles across the business, the results could add up to a big saving on the company fuel bill. We've compiled our top 14 fuel saving tips to help you save. Mon, 07 Aug 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/14-fuel-saving-tips-for-your-business-fleet Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/a-call-to-Ofgem-for-TPI-regulation-from-a-TPI-third-party-intermediary Hundreds of millions of pounds are spent on energy each year through Third Party Intermediaries (TPIs), with zero regulation on the companies providing energy procurement advice. To protect businesses/ non-domestic users, this has to change. The term TPI can cover energy consultants, energy brokers or price comparison websites, all of which should have a similar goal. But beware the morally bankrupt. Mon, 03 Jul 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/a-call-to-Ofgem-for-TPI-regulation-from-a-TPI-third-party-intermediary Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/6-tips-to-ensure-strategic-outsourcing-isnt-just-risky-cost-cutting In 2016 British Airways (BA) signed a contract with a company in India, for them to be the supplier of some activities within the airline's vast IT department. A BA spokesman, at the time, explained, "We would never compromise the integrity and security of our IT systems. IT services are now provided globally by a range of suppliers and this is very common practice across all industries and the UK Government." However, British Airways GMB union has blamed the airline's 2016 decision of outsourcing IT jobs and cost-cutting as the reason behind the major IT failure which caused severe disruption to its global operations and resulted in BA cancelling all of the Late May Bank Holiday Saturday flights from London's Heathrow and Gatwick. Mon, 05 Jun 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/6-tips-to-ensure-strategic-outsourcing-isnt-just-risky-cost-cutting Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/water-water-everywhere-choose-who-supplies-your-business-water-and-our-7-savings-tips Water deregulation in the UK has been initiated to remove barriers to competition and open up the water retail market for non-domestic customers. This means that organisations in England will now be able to shop around and choose their water supplier - no more being tied to your local supplier just because of your postcode. Mon, 08 May 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/water-water-everywhere-choose-who-supplies-your-business-water-and-our-7-savings-tips Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/8-top-tips-to-drive-efficiency-through-energy-and-carbon-reduction Non-energy costs are likely to make up 55% of the total electricity bill, rising to around 65% by 2020. Therefore, business owners and decision makers within energy procurement need to start adopting energy efficiency measures as it'll be a great way to influence the price that you pay for your energy supply. Mon, 01 May 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/8-top-tips-to-drive-efficiency-through-energy-and-carbon-reduction Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/how-is-your-charitable-donation-being-spent-the-5-main-problems The vast majority of products and services that charities purchase have the potential to pose serious challenges for them if they're aiming to secure the best deals. Also, many charities (even big name national ones) work in small units across the country and may be purchasing goods, such as stationery, locally. Although each individual bill could be small, across the charity it could add up to thousands of pounds of inefficient and non cost effective spending. Mon, 03 Apr 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/how-is-your-charitable-donation-being-spent-the-5-main-problems Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/4-snippets-of-advice-for-P272-to-ensure-your-business-is-ready-for-the-mandatory-change P272 is a mandatory industry-wide change (instigated by OFGEM) for the half-hourly (HH) settlement of maximum demand meters with a meter profile of 05, 06, 07 and 08. Settlement is the process by which electricity volumes are allocated to suppliers. Mon, 06 Mar 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/4-snippets-of-advice-for-P272-to-ensure-your-business-is-ready-for-the-mandatory-change Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-better-procurement-and-cost-reduction-within-the-third-sector-and-interview-with-HEY-mind Many organisations have cut activities, made redundancies or even closed altogether since the economic downturn of 2008, which had an effect on both businesses and charities alike. For charities, they've seen public spending cutbacks and increased competition for donations (leading to a reduction in their own donations) in the past 9 years which has forced many to dip into reserves to maintain their service provision or worse still, close their doors altogether. Mon, 06 Feb 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/10-top-tips-for-better-procurement-and-cost-reduction-within-the-third-sector-and-interview-with-HEY-mind Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/4-value-added-kpis-to-measure-procurement-and-your-supply-chain One of the key trends in 2016, within procurement, was KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and how we, as a profession, go about measuring outcomes as we deliver more and more value to the organisations (both businesses and charities) that we work alongside and support with our services. Do we now need to consider measuring the "un-measurable" as we move into 2017? Mon, 09 Jan 2017 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/4-value-added-kpis-to-measure-procurement-and-your-supply-chain Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/what-we-have-learned-in-2016-that-can-help-with-better-procurement-in-2017 If someone had categorically stated on the 1st January 2016 that Leicester City would be Premier League Champions in 5 months, that the UK will vote to leave the European Union in 6 months and that in 11 months time the citizens of the US will vote Donald Trump into the White House then you'd have probably given them a sympathetic smile and moved onto another subject that they may be able to handle. Mon, 05 Dec 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/what-we-have-learned-in-2016-that-can-help-with-better-procurement-in-2017 Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/what-could-donald-trumps-presidential-victory-mean-for-uk-business The most dramatic US election, in living memory, is over and the result is in: Donald Trump is the president elect of the United States of America . Of course, none of us know yet which of his campaign "promises" will translate into policy and action come January 19th 2017 but we've highlighted a few areas that MAY affect UK businesses. Mon, 07 Nov 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/what-could-donald-trumps-presidential-victory-mean-for-uk-business Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/5-ways-of-reducing-waste-as-well-as-costs-across-your-business As environmental fears intensify and businesses look to reduce their costs, decreasing the amount of waste they produce has become progressively significant. But as a business, how can you effectively decrease the waste you produce? And with the daily running of the business it may be that you don't have the time to allocate to starting a waste management strategy; so we've started it for you. Mon, 03 Oct 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/5-ways-of-reducing-waste-as-well-as-costs-across-your-business Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/sector-and-service-focus-insurance-for-care-homes-in-the-uk With over 11.6 million people (17.8%) in the UK now being 65 years old and over and 1.5 million people (2.3% of the population) being 85 years old and over, it could be argued that care homes are becoming more important than ever. With an aging population comes increased care needs, but of course there is a whole host of other care home establishments too including, homes for people with learning difficulties, hospices, supported living facilities, nursing homes, residential homes, elderly care homes and children's homes. Mon, 05 Sep 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/sector-and-service-focus-insurance-for-care-homes-in-the-uk Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/8-positives-about-P272-and-your-business-electricity-bill P272 is the industry name of the compulsory regulatory change for electricity meters in classes 05-08 (often called Max Demand Meters) and as of 5th November 2015 energy suppliers renewing a contract or acquiring a new contract for an 05-08 meter, have 45 days to move it onto Half Hourly (HH) reads. This affects over 150,000 UK businesses and from 1 April 2017, these meters will be billed in a new way. That means we're just over 6 months away from a big change within the energy industry but information available in the market place suggests that many of the affected businesses are yet to be transferred across to mandatory Half Hourly billing and settlement. Mon, 01 Aug 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/8-positives-about-P272-and-your-business-electricity-bill Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/if-you-only-read-one-article-about-boxes-and-packaging-read-this-one Our clients are continually looking at ways to save money/ reduce spend within their business. But packaging quality and integrity isn't something we'd necessarily recommend economising on. It's a huge false economy of course, if your products are broken when they arrive with your customer as well as the damage on your reputation (and with the surge in online reviews, this information is very much out there in the public domain). Plus, the courier companies inspect broken items before they'll pay out on a claim; if they deem your products to have, "insufficient packaging" then you'll not be paid for the damage. However, there are steps you can take, regarding your boxing and packaging, that'll go some way to reduce costs without sacrificing quality and your product safety. Mon, 04 Jul 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/if-you-only-read-one-article-about-boxes-and-packaging-read-this-one Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/the-eu-referendum-and-your-exporting-and-business-foreign-exchange-activity That's it. You've made your decision, you've marked your box and you can now exhale from the extended period of economic breath holding that many were undertaking in the lead up to the EU Referendum. Whether or not you're happy with the outcome of the EU Referendum of 23rd June 2016, it is clear that there will be winners and losers. And it's often said in business, "It's those companies who are able to adapt to change that will succeed". Regardless of how you feel about the result, entrepreneurship in the UK will not be diminished. Those businesses with forward reaching ideas, skilled directors and employees and good infrastructure will flourish no matter what the external market environment may present. Mon, 06 Jun 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/the-eu-referendum-and-your-exporting-and-business-foreign-exchange-activity Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/ESOS-Energy-Savings-Opportunity-Scheme-audits-what-next It has become very clear over the last few months that some UK businesses are sitting on millions of pounds worth of Energy Cost Saving that is simply waiting to be realised. ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) audits, since July 2014, have identified various solutions that could unlock huge savings for clients running into the hundreds of thousands. This takes many forms, from employing LED lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) controls and measures, CHP (Combined Heat and Power) and heat recovery systems to Energy Bill Consolidating. It simply depends on the individual nature of the business. Mon, 02 May 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/ESOS-Energy-Savings-Opportunity-Scheme-audits-what-next Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/7-top-tips-for-if-you're-thinking-of-relocating-your-business Are you thinking of relocating your business? Procuright have some top tips to help minimise any risk and of course, realise some cost saving. Moving your business' premises may seem straight forward but could, without careful planning and due diligence, end up costing much more than you originally thought or had budgeted for. Before signing on the dotted line, there are a number of key factors to consider. These will help to determine if both the space and infrastructure suit your business needs. Mon, 04 Apr 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/7-top-tips-for-if-you're-thinking-of-relocating-your-business Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/2016-budget-the-highlights-affecting-SMEs-and-corporates The much anticipated spring budget was announced today. But what are the main points affecting SMEs and Corporates? We've compiled them all, into our March 2016 blog. This includes, fuel duty to be frozen (at 57.95p per litre) for the sixth year in a row, capital gains tax to be cut from 28% to 20% and from 18% to 10% for basic-rate taxpayers, insurance premium tax to rise from 9.5% to 10% and other nuggets of information. Mon, 07 Mar 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/2016-budget-the-highlights-affecting-SMEs-and-corporates Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/parcel-document-packet-and-pallet-delivery-to-germany Germany has the strongest economy in the European Union and has long been the UK's largest EU export partner country. In 2015, German import and export levels were higher than the previous all-time highest record (2014). Germany is also Britain's second biggest export market internationally, accounting for almost 20% of all UK exports. It's therefore no surprise that a huge number of parcels, documents, packets and pallets are sent from the UK to Germany every year. Mon, 01 Feb 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/parcel-document-packet-and-pallet-delivery-to-germany Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/currency-unpredictability-for-SMEs-based-on-the-EU-vote Three-quarters of UK SMEs that trade internationally, fear currency unpredictability from the EU vote could hamper their growth and profitability in 2016. A survey of more than 1,000 decision makers at UK businesses making payments in foreign currency, found that despite 75% expecting exchange rate fluctuations, nearly 50% are failing to pay proper attention to foreign exchange markets. Mon, 04 Jan 2016 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/currency-unpredictability-for-SMEs-based-on-the-EU-vote Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/10-ways-to-manage-your-business-energy-consumption We've compiled the top 10 ways to manage your business energy consumption including, having a policy of switching lights off in empty rooms or invest in motion sensor lighting for corridors and washrooms etc (this alone can save you up to 15% on your energy bill), utilising natural light wherever possible and upgrading lighting to energy efficient bulbs (ideally LEDs) and much much more. Mon, 07 Dec 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/10-ways-to-manage-your-business-energy-consumption Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/3-tips-for-decrypting-the-standard-business-energy-bill A typical business energy bill can be a minefield of jargon and unclear terms and conditions. With Government legislations such as ESOS and P272 being enforced in recent months, it is more important than ever to get to grips with your business energy bills. However, by understanding your business energy billing and when your contracts are managed correctly, you can unlock savings within your business. Mon, 02 Nov 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/3-tips-for-decrypting-the-standard-business-energy-bill Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/cyber-and-data-insurance-to-protect-your-business As police investigate a "significant and sustained cyber-attack" on the TalkTalk website, the risks from being exposed to mistake or criminal activity across the internet have suddenly been launched into the limelight. The phone and broadband provider, which has over four million UK customers, said banking details and personal information (including names, address, date of birth, email address, telephone numbers and credit card details) could have been accessed. Mon, 05 Oct 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/cyber-and-data-insurance-to-protect-your-business Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/8-good-reasons-not-to-mention-christmas-in-september Christmas 2014 was a stormy time for courier companies and retailers alike. Many weaknesses in the UK courier networks were uncovered, the delivery company City Link collapsed and the whole network left many sellers under prepared for the difficulties that followed. Mon, 07 Sep 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/8-good-reasons-not-to-mention-christmas-in-september Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/Eircodes-to-end-Ireland%e2%80%99s-position-as-the-only-developed-country-in-the-world-not-to-use-a-Postcode-system Postcodes are now in use in Ireland for the first time, with the rollout of Eircode, ending the Republic's position as the only developed country in the world not to have them. Ukraine was the first country to introduce postcodes, back in 1932 (although, their usage stopped a few years later). In 1941 Germany started using them. Argentina followed suit in 1958. The UK didn't start using postcodes until 1959, with the US catching up in 1963. Mon, 03 Aug 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/Eircodes-to-end-Ireland%e2%80%99s-position-as-the-only-developed-country-in-the-world-not-to-use-a-Postcode-system Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/5000-4000-volumetric-weight-calculation-and-explanation As a general rule, the cost of sending a parcel will be affected by which is the greater weight between the actual weight and the volumetric weight. To get the actual weight of a parcel, pop it on a set of scales (although nothing we can buy as consumers will be as accurate as the scales used by a domestic or international courier company). To get the volumetric weight (the amount of space that a package occupies on a van or aircraft etc.) you need this calculation.... Mon, 06 Jul 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/5000-4000-volumetric-weight-calculation-and-explanation Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/business-cost-saving-as-a-third-party-intermediary-(TPI) While we await the next steps on a Third Party Intermediary (TPI) specific code of practice, Ofgem has issued a very useful document in association with the Citizens Advice Bureau on what small businesses need to know about TPIs. We believe it will be very useful, especially if it is well publicised by TPIs and suppliers So this is us doing our bit). It covers some important areas that businesses may not have been fully aware of in the past, rebuffing some of the myths and mystery surrounding the often muddy TPIs. Mon, 01 Jun 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/business-cost-saving-as-a-third-party-intermediary-(TPI) Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/2020-government-export-target-and-the-general-election With the General Election just 2 days away now, we've compiled the facts behind where the country's at, with regard to the UK's £1trillion 2020 Government Export Target and how different cities and SMEs are currently performing. George Osborne set out the seemingly ambitious target in 2012; to double British exports within 8 years, as part of a broader goal to rebalance the UK economy towards more manufacturing and exports, and away from debt-fuelled spending. Mon, 04 May 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/2020-government-export-target-and-the-general-election Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/9-tips-to-success-as-i've-already-got-my-costs-down-now-what You've run a successful business for some time now; you run a tight ship and reduced your main costs as much as possible, all's good isn't it? What would you say if perhaps, without you knowing, you're leaving money on the table? Firstly ask yourself a question "What would I do with an untapped resource of additional profit? Mon, 06 Apr 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/9-tips-to-success-as-i've-already-got-my-costs-down-now-what Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/4-helpful-tips-and-advice-about-when-to-call-in-an-expert All companies come into being to fulfil one purpose, generate the maximum amount of profit in the most efficient way possible. The majority of business owners are not born with fantastic business acumen but initially achieve success through utilising a particular skill, knowledge or area of expertise they personally have and grow organically. What owners tend to find is that with this growth comes a complex network of suppliers, legislation, services, taxes, costs, import/export opportunities, contracts, utilities and staff that all need to be managed, paid, appeased, adhered to, chased and be fit for purpose in order to function and prosper. Mon, 02 Mar 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/4-helpful-tips-and-advice-about-when-to-call-in-an-expert Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/5-ways-to-manage-currency-risk-within-a-global-marketplace We are living in an era where it is becoming a more attractive proposition for SME businesses to become involved in international trade. Government is actively encouraging companies towards export markets to improve economic performance and commercial forces make sourcing products abroad a more viable option financially. Both importing and exporting are fantastic opportunities to either expand your business or improve your profitability, but unfortunately some businesses can still be reluctant to become involved due to the potential hazards of trading abroad. Mon, 02 Feb 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/5-ways-to-manage-currency-risk-within-a-global-marketplace Business https://www.procuright.co.uk/10-tips-and-the-ultimate-guide-on-brilliant-time-management As business owners we all would like more time in the day not only to focus on the success of our business but also time with our friends and family. Soon enough, everyone realises that time is one of the most precious commodities they have and that using it effectively, is a skill we all need to develop. Mon, 05 Jan 2015 09:00:00 GMT https://www.procuright.co.uk/10-tips-and-the-ultimate-guide-on-brilliant-time-management Business