Seniorizing Your
Business
There’s no doubt that we’re an ageing population. Governments focus on the challenges that
brings. Entrepreneurs focus on the opportunities.
The baby boom generation is now entering late middle age, and has a growing need for support. One
company - Arizona based Tree Rings - has fully harnessed both the sales and manpower opportunities this
brings with it by hiring educated (but under utilised) senior citizens, to provide support to less able older
peolple living in local retirement communities. Support is provided on a wide variety of health, technical
and financial issues.
You might not be able to do something like this very easily, but whatever business you’re in, you should be casting
an eye towards figuring out how the ageing population will impact upon it. Are your products and services suitable
for older consumers? Might there be scope for creating a version of your product or service, especially adapted to
the needs of older consumers?
Tax Return
Reminder
HMRC have issued a reminder that paper tax returns need to be
received by 31 October. Otherwise, you need to file online by the end of January. After that, it’s a £100
penalty.
Of course, if you submit online, your tax is calculated automatically, you get an immediate online acknowledgement
and it’s processed faster so any money you’re owed is repaid more quickly.
Registering for online filing is simple – visit the HMRC website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/online and click ‘Register (new
users)’.
Beware
Phising
Email
We all seem to be receiving lots more phishing emails these days;
emails from scam-artists trying to get our bank account details. Lots claim to be from Paypal who offer the
following advice.
A spoof email may include a forged email address in the ‘From’ field. Note that this field is easily altered. Many
spoof emails begin with a general greeting such as Dear PayPal member. If you do not see your first and last name,
be suspicious and do not click on any links or button.
Many spoof emails try to deceive you with the threat that your account is in jeopardy if you don’t update it asap.
They may also state that an unauthorised transaction has recently occurred. Always remember, if it is so urgent,
the real organisation will let you know when you go directly to their website.
Gas Boiler
Basics
According to the Gas Safe Register’s latest figures, more than 300
people were admitted to hospital last year because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Paul Johnston, managing
director at Gas Safe Register, comments, "I understand that money is tight, and people are looking to save
money in any way they can. But when it comes to gas you absolutely cannot afford to take any risks.”
“Carbon monoxide is the silent killer we all fear. In the current climate, householders are only too happy to use
someone a friend or colleague has recommended because they are cheap. But if they are not properly registered, you
cannot be sure they are capable of carrying out the work adequately." Check out
www.gassaferegister.co.uk.
Every
Little
Helps
If you have a Tesco Clubcard, you might want to think about cashing
in your points rather than waiting for Christmas. It’s being reported that Tesco is about to cut the exchange
rate for points.
At present, you’ll receive rewards at four times their value when trading in your points. For example, you can use
£2.50 in Clubcard vouchers to spend £10 in Pizza Express. From 6 December, that will change to three
times.
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