The most telling aspect of the significant reaction to the theme of the "Who can I turn to?" article, is that many of you feel there is a dearth of reliable, impartial information available on a one-to-one (or even a group) basis, about how you can run your companies better, yet in a style which still plays to your strengths.
The fact that this is acknowledged is akin to the alcoholic admitting that he is an alcoholic, and thereby the therapy can really begin.
Security Installer would like to hear about the business areas that interest YOU.
In which areas would you like advice?
To start the ball rolling, here are some suggestions:
Once we have a basketful of ideas, please watch this space.
WinSims unplugged … never!
"Now then, now then," as Sir Jimmy Savile probably still says, there are many regular readers of this column – and long-term acquaintances of mine – who have been passing distinctly worried looks in my direction, wondering whether I'm losing it. Never being one to hide my light, they have wondered why WinSIMS has yet to be mentioned.
WinSIMS is well-known in the industry, as the house name of the business software system which our company provides and supports for installers.
Of course, the strict answer is that it has not been relevant to do so, as this series covers many differing aspects of business management. (But still nicely plugged Robert!… Ed)
That said, computers inevitably loom large in the life of all installers – whether to assist them to manage their businesses more effectively, as on-line communications to their ARC, or for upload/download-type procedures.
Computers – with the software systems to run on them – are entirely commonplace nowadays with all but a very few installers
The view on the use of computers within the everyday company management environment, is that they should be of measurable benefit, to whatever extent that you use them.
Computers (with the software systems which are designed to run on them) are commonplace nowadays with all but a very few installers.
Whether it's because you require formality and neatness (image), or because manual systems could never possibly cope with the sheer volume and complexity of scheduling installations and engineers, raising invoices, costing specifications etc, such systems have now been accepted as an invaluable part of running your business.
Claim it back
Did you know that under the provisions of Section 71 of the United Kingdom's Finance Act 2000, and clarifications made in the House of Commons Standing Committee H on last June 13 – please note that I keep my ear to the ground on such matters! – every small business (for definition of that see under) can claim a 100 per cent tax deduction for computer and communications equipment bought between April 1, 2000 and March 31, 2003?
This means that if you are currently making a profit, the whole of the expenditure under the headings below can be offset against your tax bill. Who says the Government doesn't care!
What is covered? According to the above provisions:
Definition of small business
The definition of a "small business" – and hence one where it can benefit from the new allowances - is that annual turnover must not exceed £2.8m, gross assets add up to £1.4m or less, and it employs fewer than 50 people. (You have to fulfil any two of these criteria to qualify).
As my old Latin master used to say when not swilling gin, "Carpe diem!" Technology is here to stay and here to support the development of your business.
Source
Security Installer
Postscript
Robert Barnes is a Director of ACA Systems, which supplies business software systems to the security and fire installation industries. Contact him on 0191 417 3166 or e-mail robert@acasystems.co.uk Alternatively, you may contact the editor directly to follow up any points raised.
