Greetings!
Thanks for your support during 2008. Everyone at Orchard Growth Partners wishes you a Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings and a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2009. In this brief message, we have;
- an announcement about our SMART Programme,
- the VAT jungle and how to make it work for you
- our traditional Christmas Competition
- and finally a small piece from Cyril.
Have a good break and we look forward to working with you in 2009. |
1. The SMART Programme:
Companies need to be smart if they want to survive and thrive in the current economic climate. At breakfast meetings across the country Orchard Growth Partners is holding seminars for local businesses with the message that even though the economic situation looks serious, there are plenty of opportunities for sensibly managed businesses that continue to be positive and outward looking. Businesses need to adapt to the changing climate, adopt the basics of financial management, sharpen up their sales and marketing skills, make the best use of their people and keep a careful watch on their cash balances. Antony Doggwiler highlights some of the issues that smart businesses need to consider to give themselves the best chance of success in 2009.
Contact us for more information about forthcoming seminars.
2. Surviving the VAT Jungle in the Credit Crunch
It's a VAT jungle out there and whilst everyone's been implementing adjustments to their systems for the decrease in VAT from 17.5% to 15% from 1 December 2008, don't forget that VAT presents an opportunity to create a competitive advantage if you can get around the obstacles to better VAT management. John Crawford of the VAT Consultancy explains how.
3. The Orchard Christmas Competition 2008
Yes it's that time of the year again. This year we have a caption competition. Suggest a caption to a photograph and you could win an iPod Shuffle.
4. And finally Cyril........
In tribute to Cyril Trevellian Fletcher 1913-2005 - We salute you.
These are strange times indeed and the tables are turning all over the place whether it's right-wing politicians providing state aid to industry, or some hedge fund managers turning out to have been fraudsters or incompetents rather than barbarians at the gate. My favourite is that of an elderly lady who receives an e-mail from the son of a deceased (but wealthy) African general, asking whether he could transfer millions of pounds into her bank account in return for a 20% cut. All the son needs is the sort code and account number. Not realising she is the victim of a Nigerian 419 fraud, she e-mails back the details. A couple of minutes later she receives an e-mail back from the general's son: 'Icesave?!' What is this, some sort of scam?" We hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please send us your comments on any of the articles or if you'd like to contribute an article to a future edition let us know at info@orchardgrowth.com . Until next time! The Orchard Team Orchard Growth Partners Limited. |
