SME Business Concierge Ltd

Working Time and Holidays

Never before has time off and work life balance been so important than in the current climate!

Whether you are a business owner or a staff member getting your head around working time and leave entitlement has never been so important. I was always taught that there are two things you never mess people around and they were pay and time off. To do so results in serious damage to staff loyalty, breeds distrust and causes conflict.

Staff members are by law entitled to various things under employment law such as annual leave, overtime and the like and so they should be. As a business owner you not only have a moral obligation to this but you have a legal obligation so this area of business management cannot be ignored. As someone who manages a busy team I for one appreciate how important this subject is.

Many business owners see this subject as time consuming and hard to manage but it does not have to be. By following the few steps below you can learn what is required by law and implement a process to manage it therefore protecting you from legal action and maintaining a good relationship with your team.

Step 1 – Personal Development

The first step in this process is to learn about the law and what is required of you as a business owner and employer. If you do not have a basic understanding of this and you manage working time and holiday yourself within your business you will leave yourself open to civil claims if you do not get this right.

It might be that you outsource your HR services to a third party which is fine but you still need to understand that basics as you will need this to budget. There is also the added factor of needing to know what is needed when selecting your HR provider so you know you are selecting one that will be able to satisfy your requirements.

To help you get this basic knowledge you could complete our CPD accredited online course.

Complete Working Time Course

Step 2 – Understanding Your Needs

Having learned the legal side of things you need to look at your business model and work out how the law impacts on your recruitment and operations. For example do you need to set a minimum staffing level so that your business can operate if more than one staff member wants the same days off? If you do need to set such a limit it needs to be written into conditions of employment etc.

You will need to have a clearly defined plan!

Step 3 – Implementation

You know the law. You know the needs of your business. Now it is time to implement things.

My time in the police taught me one thing that is equally applicable in business where civil litigation is concerned, “if it isn’t written down it didn’t happen”. You would do well to remember this!

Verbal agreements, paper records and other similar methods sadly leave you open to exposure.

I recommend that you utilise purpose built software to manage your working hours and holidays as it is an official record that documents a staff members holiday entitlement, what holiday has been take, what holiday is owed and more.

Here at SME Business Concierge we love the software package provided by myhrpal. We love this software that much that we have partnered with them to provide the answer to your needs.

This amazing product can be yours for a low monthly payment with no contract!

To find out more about this software and to arrange a FREE demonstration please click below.

Thank you for reading.

Martyn Linton

Book Demonstration

Understand Marketing: What You Need to Know

Guest Blog by David Porter

Over the years of my marketing career, I’ve built a solid foundation about how to sell a thin. But every day, it feels like I’ve only just begun.

My recent career change and deep dive into search marketing have opened my eyes to the many possibilities and opportunities that online marketing can bring to any business or person. I don’t see how anyone could miss the mark, unless they just want to waste time. A marketer’s weakness would be if they didn’t believe in the product they were selling or didn’t know much about it.

In the past, I jumped into a food and nutrition network marketing company. When I first got my starter pack, I felt cured of all my problems. From then on, I knew I was going in the right direction.

I loved the product and wanted everyone to know about it. I knew that the prices were a little too high and that keeping a steady supply for your own use could cost a lot, but I also knew that the benefits were a lot.

Before I joined that company, my career in sales and marketing was typical of the field as a whole. In a funny twist, I had turned down that path but ended up right back in it.

As time goes on, I face more and more challenges and learn new things about sales and marketing. From these challenges, I do learn new ways to make the most of them.

Sales vs Marketing

We tend to mix up sales and marketing a little too much, like peanut butter and jelly on a sandwich, but they are two different words with very different meanings.

In sales, you set a goal that you have to reach and then hand over the cash when the deal is done. Sales are based on how many items are sold and how much money is made. Marketing is not the same thing at all. It hurts art a lot and is the first step in making sales.

It includes things like building relationships, educating people about products, and keeping relationships, just to name a few. This keeps people loyal to a brand, which makes it easier for sales to happen.

I mean, your old customers are just as important as the new ones you want.

Most businesses make a big mistake when they are too eager and want to do too much. It is important to make money quickly enough to get a return on investment, pay off debts, and keep the business running smoothly.

No matter how you run your business, I’ve learned that the best way to keep customers coming back is to build personal relationships with them.

What Is the Focus of Marketing TODAY?

Companies have been hiding for a long time behind their billboard ads, corporate offices, and many branches in different places. But now, in the information age, they can’t hide anymore. Social media platforms have made it easy to stay in touch.

Now, customers look up what makes them happy and what drives them.

They want to find something they can connect with. I would tell any company to use this as a chance to think about these human needs.

Love, motivation, and anything that makes a person feel good about themselves or helps them escape the real world are common brain waves.

Take TikTok as an example. It makes us feel good to follow and watch updates about things that are important to us as different people with different needs. Maybe we want to get away from the harsh realities of the world, so we follow a few motivational speakers whose videos stand out and are interesting.

In business, you are successful if you bring customers to your business and make money. If you have customers who come back to you again and again, that means you are building a solid customer base and on your way to success!

Get your free Seven Step Guide to Social Media Marketing

If you have not yet got your copy of the SME Business Concierge Seven Step Guide to Social Media Marketing you can get it here.

Get Free Guide to Media Marketing

Elevating HR Performance: How myhrtoolkit Can Benefit Your Business

We’ve teamed up with myhrtoolkit to bring you transformational low cost HR software to your small business!

Managing Human Resources is an incredibly important part of any company’s success, as these people help drive performance and retain employees.

To make this process easier, My HR Toolkit can greatly benefit small-to-medium businesses; it simplifies processes such as payroll, employee onboarding and time tracking.

In this article, let’s take a closer look at how My HR Toolkit can aid your team in achieving desired business goals!

Ultimate Staff Training Database

Managers looking for an easy-to-use training management system will benefit greatly. It allows managers to add courses, follow attendees’ progress, and receive feedback. The comprehensive report suite then brings the data to life with a selection of reports tailored to provide valuable insights into the training experience.

Online Employee Management

Employee management has never been easier with their advanced online filing system. This secure software provides an intuitive way to store, update and search all employee records in a comprehensive central database.

Each employee is given their own folder and summary including unlimited storage so as to save up important documents pertaining to them. Moreover, they each have access to their own personal records, eliminating the need for manually looking up individual queries such as payroll or holiday entitlements.

Centralised Document Management

With their Document Management Library, you can efficiently store and manage all your company documents in one centralised system. This feature of their powerful HR Software enables you to easily issue employee or HR documents both individually, in groups or across the entire organisation.

Additionally, you can also track who has opened and read the documents for accountability and compliance purposes.

Complete Absence Management System

Need to keep track of staff absences? The myhrtoolkit absence management software does the job for you with features such as uploading sick & fit notes, automatic calculations for sick pay, and in-depth reports and staff attendance charts.

With this HR Software, you can monitor staff absences more effectively, identify absenteeism patterns within your organisation, and take necessary steps to reduce them. Enjoy a comprehensive absence planning system that simplifies your process in keeping track of daily attendance levels!

Simple Holiday Management

Holiday management solutions make it easier to stay on top of staff holidays and allocate leave efficiently. By using software, you can save time and resources spent on manual processes related to managing employee holidays. Automation helps reduce errors in leave calculations as well as ensure requests are consistently handled.

The self-service function also allows employees to easily manage their leave information and request days off from anywhere, hassle free. With an effective holiday management system in place, you can get back to focusing on your business priorities instead of being bogged down by admin tasks.

Pay & Benefits Tracking

Pay & Benefits Management made simple with their comprehensive pay & benefits software. Once set up, you can easily import and manage employee pay and benefit information, as well as bulk assign benefits to multiple staff at once.

And yes, you have full control to update or alter individual employee data in one convenient place.

Get a Free Demonstration

In a nutshell, My HR Toolkit is the ultimate tool for Human Resources departments. It simplifies every aspect of managing your HR tasks, making it easier than ever for companies of any size to hit their business goals quickly and efficiently. And if you want a closer look at what My HR Toolkit can do for your business why not book a free demonstration.

Book Free Demonstration

Free Business Start Up Webinar by SME Business Concierge

If you are thinking about starting a business in the UK this FREE webinar is just for you!

Starting a business is no easy task and if not done correctly can end up costing you thousands of pounds. On top of this you may experience reputational damage and even legal action being taken against you.

Reserve Webinar Space

SME Business Concierge Ltd work with small business owners to help them grow. We provide training services to business owners and their teams and we also recommend products and services that can help you improve your business practices.

In this webinar we will explain everything you need to think about when starting your business.

We will cover:

Planning

Business Ideas
Naming Your Business
Estimating Start Up Costs
Estimating Break Even Points
Researching Competition

Marketing

Domain Names
Website Creation
Email Accounts (Providers & Email Signatures)
Email Marketing Lists
Business Cards

Branding

Colouring & Fonts
Logo Designing
Tag Lines
Packaging

Forming Your Business

Legal Structures
Registering a Limited Company
Business Accounting
Bank Accounts & Paypal
Training Requirements
Online Stores & Sales
Telephone Services

This webinar is FREE to attend but spaces are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

You will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the webinar. If you prefer to you can book a FREE Discovery Call with one of the SME Business Concierge team either before or after the webinar to discuss your individual circumstances. You can book your free half hour call below.

Reserve Webinar Space

Book Free Discovery Call

The Benefits of Online Training

Transform your business training by going online!

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 has forced small businesses to evolve the way they operate. One of the most significant shifts is utilising online training.

The benefits of online training are vast, and more businesses are starting to realise this. From increased engagement to lower costs, there are many reasons why online training is becoming the preferred choice for businesses in 2023.

In this blog post, we will explore why businesses choose online training and how it can benefit your business.

What Is Online Training?

As the name suggests, online training is simply learning that takes place over the internet. It’s a type of e-learning, which is growing in popularity as technology improves and our lives become more digital.

Online training is growing in popularity because it offers so many benefits to businesses. If you’re considering this type of training for your company, be sure to check out our website for more information about how to get started.

The Benefits of Online Training

There are several benefits to conducting training online as opposed to in-person. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it is more cost-effective. Online training eliminates the need for travel and accommodation costs, as well as the need to pay instructors.

Another big advantage is that online training can be done at the learner’s convenience. They can choose when and where they want to do the training, meaning that it can easily fit around their work and other commitments.

Finally, online learning provides learners with a richer learning experience. With in-person training, there is often only time for basic instruction and not much opportunity for practice or feedback.

Online learning platforms allow learners to receive comprehensive instruction, practice what they have learned, and get immediate feedback – all of which led to a better understanding and retention of the material.

The Challenges of Online Training

One of the biggest challenges is finding the right platform for their needs. There are a lot of different options out there, and each has its own set of features and benefits. It can be tough to decide which one is right for your business.

Then, you have to make sure that employees are engaged with the material. It’s easy for people to get distracted when they’re taking an online course. They might not be as motivated to learn if they’re not in a traditional classroom setting. Therefore, it’s important to find ways to keep employees engaged and interested in the material.

Online Training Trends In 2023

It’s estimated that by 2023, online training will account for $325 billion in the global corporate training market. That’s a lot of growth!

So, what are some of the latest trends in online training? Here are a few to keep an eye on:

1. Gamification

One of the most popular trends in online training is gamification. This involves incorporating game-like elements into your training course to make it more engaging and fun for learners. For example, you might add points, badges, and leader boards to encourage competition and motivate learners to progress through the course.

2. Microlearning

Microlearning is another popular trend in online training. This involves delivering bite-sized pieces of content that learners can consume quickly and easily. Microlearning is ideal for busy professionals who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to formal learning.

3. Social Learning

Social learning is a form of online learning that takes place within social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. It allows learners to connect with each other and learn from one another in an informal setting. This type of learning can be very beneficial for building soft skills like teamwork and communication.

4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is starting to make its way into online training courses as well. AI can be used to create personalised learning experiences for each learner based on their individual needs.

How to get started with online training

Online training is becoming increasingly popular for businesses, as it offers a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional classroom-based training. If you’re considering implementing online training for your business contact SME Business Concierge today!

We provide a range of online training courses covering several areas of business that will help you grow your small business quickly, easily and at a much lower cost than conventional class room based training.

As the business owner we are able to create you a management account which will enable you to monitor learning progress, assign courses to your team directly and more. You may prefer us to manage the enrolment process for your team. Either way we are here to help.

Once a course has been successfully completed learners are given instant access to download their certificates meaning there is no more waiting several days for it to arrive in the post.

If you wish to discuss online training and how it can benefit your business book a free Discovery Call with one of the team and we will be happy to help.

Final Thoughts

As the business world continues to evolve, so too does the way we train our employees. Online training is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional classroom-based training, and for good reason.

With online training, businesses can save money on travel and accommodations, customise courses to fit their specific needs, and reach a global audience. As we move into 2023 and beyond, it’s likely that even more businesses will choose to take advantage of online training.

Book Free Discovery

Online Level 2 Personal Licence Holder Course

We are former licensees and licensing enforcement professionals and have helped hundred of people get their Personal Licence!!!

Here at SME Business Concierge we have been busy enrolling students on our Online Personal Licence Holder course and we thought this would be an ideal time to tell you about what the course is about. We supply the Highfield Qualifications Level 2 Personal Licence Holder course as it is of a high quality and on this subject quality is key.

This qualification is required by any person who requires a licence to sell and authorise the sale of alcohol. The course is delivered online and can be taken in your own time. The exam is invigilated remotely by Highfield Qualifications who are the awarding body. The result is instantaneous and very shortly after you have passed we will email you an e certificate so you can apply for your licence.

Complete Course

Course Fact Sheet

Course Content

This course covers all the subjects you need to know:

The roles, responsibilities and functions of licensing authorities within the framework of the licensing objectives.
The application process for a personal licence.
The role and legal responsibilities of the personal licence holder, and the penalties relating to failure to comply with the law.
The premises licence.
The content and purpose of operating schedules.
The role and duties of the designated premises supervisor.
Unauthorised and temporary licensable activities.
Rights of entry to licensed premises.
Police powers with regard to suspension and closure of licensed premises.
The specific prohibitions for the sale of alcohol.
The strengths of alcoholic drinks, and the effects of alcohol on the human body.
The protection of children from harm.
The responsible retail sale of alcohol.

Online Learning

We get that hospitality business owners are extremely busy people and this is no problem where online learning is concerned as it is extremely flexible and easy to complete.

Learn at any time day or night.

Learn for as long or as little time as you like.

Learn from anywhere you like from a range of digital devices.

No long expensive travel journeys to attend a class.

Never has learning been so flexible!

Get Qualified Today

You can start your qualification today with the maximum of ease.

Simply click below and place your order and we will register you with the awarding body and email you with your log in details and you will be good to go.

To aid your online learning you can also purchase the handbook so you can read on the train etc. Simply order your copy below.

Course price includes the exam fee.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.

Course Fact Sheet

Complete Course

Hertfordshire Personal Licence Course Dates

SME Business Concierge are proud to announce the first in a number of regular in person Personal Licence Holder courses to be held throughout Hertfordshire

Any premises that sells alcohol by retail or provides late night food refreshment needs to be licenced and SME Business Concierge Ltd are here to help you get qualified.

Not everyone is suited to online training and by joining our in person courses you benefit from learned face to face from an experienced former licensee who will guide you through the course content. Unlike online training you are able to ask questions and get direct answers to improve your learning.

We also offer this qualification through online learning if this better suits your needs.

As an approved Highfield Qualifications centre you can be certain that we operate to the highest standards as we have been independently reviewed directly by the awarding body. This added with our experience makes us the go to training company.

What Does The Qualification Cover?

Understanding the application process for a personal licence
Your legal duties as a personal licence holder
The roles, responsibilities and functions of the licensing authorities
The licensing objectives and why they’re so important
How the nature and strength of alcohol can affect your customers
The law relating to protecting children on a licensed premises
The powers held by the police and other authorities

Download Course Fact Sheet

Book Your Place

We have released a number of dates for courses throughout Hertfordshire however of you have five or more members of a team and a suitable venue we are happy to discuss a private course.

Face to face courses are £120 per person and this fee covers the complete package.

Customer Comment: Building a Brand on Social Media

Branding and social media are two vitally important things in business. Failing to master these two elements can have a significant negative impact on your success. Many business owners have their vision but struggle with promoting it.

Recently Kate, a start up business owner completed our accredited online Creating a Brand on Social Media course. This was an area of knowledge that she needed to improve to help grow her business.

What Did She Think?

A picture paints a thousand words so here is her Trustpilot review.

We spoken with Kate and she told us that this course will be of use to every new business owner or those who are in business and need to learn more about social media.

What Does the Course Cover?

Whether you’re looking to build a brand from scratch, or strengthen an existing brand, this content will help you build a brand using social media. We’ll cover how to build a social media strategy, identify social media platforms that fit your brand, craft strong messages that will engage your audience, and evaluate and revise your strategy.

What will you learn?

Define terms related to social media branding
Create a strategy for your social media brand
Describe various social media platforms and identify what platforms fit your brand
Communicate effectively over social media
Deal with negative feedback and criticism
Create a social media playbook to guide brand ambassadors
Evaluate your brand strength and revise your strategy

Certification and Price

This CPD accredited course provides instant certification on successful completion of this online course. You can download your certificate immediately through your learning dashboard.

If you prefer for a small fee you can order a printed version that will be sent to you by post. Simply follow the prompt at the end of the course.

This amazing course is available now for only £20.

Access Course

Customer Comment: Business Registration Service

SME Business Concierge have teamed up with 1st Formations to bring you an easy to use, tried and trusted professional company registration service. Starting your limited company is an exciting time and here at SME Business Concierge we want to be part of your historic moment.

Recently Joe contacted us through Facebook needing some advice about registering his business and we were pleased to help.

Not only did we help Joe select a registration package that met his needs we completed the application with him over the phone.

What did Joe have to say about his experience with us?

“Martyn was fantastic and made the business registration process an absolute breeze. Couldn’t recommend him enough”.

For us this feedback was amazing and we want to see more feedback like this form happy customers.

If you are looking to register a limited company the SME Business Concierge team are here to help. 1st Formations are one of the biggest and most trusted company formation agents in the UK so you are in safe hands.

You can start your company from as little at £12.99.

Take the next step by finding our more by clicking below.

Don’t delay. Start your company today.

Martyn Linton

SME Business Concierge Ltd

More Information

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Free Fire Safety Training Trial

Online Fire Safety Courses

CPD, Gatehouse Awards, Institute of Hospitality & IIRSM approved training

Everyone knows that fire safety is no laughing matter and can have very fatal results if prevention and reactive procedures are not followed.

You need a reliable training solution for your business and SME Business Concierge Ltd are that solution.

We provide professionally accredited online fire safety training courses that will ensure you comply with the required legislation.

We are SO confident that our accredited online learning will meet your requirements that we provide a FREE trial on all of our premium range fire safety courses.

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Free Fire Safety Training Trials by SME Business Concierge

Available Courses

Basic Fire Awareness

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Marshal

Fire Marshal – Care Homes

To Get Your FREE Trial Click Below

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