Increasing profits and saving money with Human Capital Analytics

In one of the ironies of the Internet age, instead of reducing companies’ dependence on people, modern technology has validated the irreplaceable need for human talent. More than ever before, experts say, an organisation’s real value resides in the willingness and ability of its people to share their collective experience, intelligence and skills. With employee costs now often exceeding 40% of corporate expenses, this new…

Reward Yourself with a Savings Account

It is never too early — or late — in life to set up a savings account. Everybody likes the security of knowing they have a little something put aside should they need it. It can be that rainy day money, the emergency fund or just that little bit of cash that is set aside for purely frivolous – and guilt-free – indulgence. But whatever…

Scotland’s Changing Energy Sources

It’s hard to imagine living in a world where we don’t have any electricity to power the many inventions we have made for ourselves. If you have ever been through a prolonged power cut you’ll know just how troublesome it can be, and how unprepared we are for it. But the truth is that we are placing a lot of strain on the network, and…

Planning ahead: looking after loved-ones should the worst happen

It’s probably fair to say that nobody really knows what tomorrow may bring, and many people probably prefer not to think too much about the future, choosing to live as much for today as possible. Whilst this attitude may be commendable in many respects, it could be argued that to live purely for today is essentially throwing caution to the wind, as any number of…

Banish IT headaches: outsource your email hosting

The most popular application on the internet and the central cog in the wheel of modern communication, email has transformed the way in which business is conducted. Statistics estimate that in worldwide business approximately 541 million workers rely on email to carry out daily activities. The popularity of email shows no signs of slowing down either. The average business user sends and receives 133 emails…

What makes a typical equity release customer?

Ten years ago equity release was an afterthought and for those already retired, with 70 being the average age of a typical customer. The main reasons for this was that the majority retiring at this time would be 65, have reasonable final salary pensions and would take their tax free cash. During the years that followed they would use the tax free cash to subsidise…

Exploring The Delights Of The Greek Islands

When it comes to holidaying in the Greek islands you are spoilt for choice on destinations to visit. But one of the most stunning of all the islands is undoubtedly Skiathos, nestled in the Aegean and extremely popular with holidaymakers. Many people go to the Greek islands for their beaches, which are invariably stunning and beautiful. The beaches in Skiathos are no exception, and there…

Mortgage approvals slump to all time low

Recent research from the British Bankers Association revealed that mortgage approvals hit their lowest level since their records began in 1997, with less than 28,000 mortgages for homebuyers approved in May 2008 — a figure nearly 60 per cent lower than the same period in 2007. This figure was also 20 per cent down on April and experts are warning that things are only set…

Mineral Makeup: The latest craze hitting the beauty halls

Like the phenomenon of ‘Organic’ and ‘Free-Range’ within the food industry, ‘Mineral Makeup’ has hit upon a trend within the makeup industry that is set to be THE trend of 2008. Why? Because, in an industry that is notoriously competitive to be innovative in, ‘mineral makeup’ has a point of difference. Plus it fits with the overall current life trend of better and more natural…