The Apprentice star targets UK-wide expansion

THE APPRENTICE STAR TARGETS UK-WIDE EXPANSION



A star of BBC's The Apprentice, whose business plan was rebuffed by Lord Sugar, is targeting a UK-wide expansion of her company after partnering with a major food manufacturer in Ireland.



Read More >>>



Business Planning ¦ Ardean

Selling Through Online Marketplaces

An online marketplace is a website where you can sell goods in return for a fee or commission. You are responsible for listing your products and sending them to the buyer following their purchase. The marketplace provider will manage the processing of your transactions. It will also take a percentage of sales on any item sold on its platform.

UK shoppers spent £91 billion online in 2013 with internet retailing market growing by 16 per cent during the course of the year (Interactive Media in Retail Group, 2013). Increased use of mobile devices, such as phones and tablets has contributed significantly to the large number of online sales.

Two of the biggest online marketplaces are Amazon and eBay which offer opportunities for small businesses trading online. There are also a number of growing marketplaces including Etsy and Folksy that can offer opportunities for niche traders.

This guide within nibusinessinfo highlights the main benefits of selling through an online marketplace and explains how to start selling on certain platforms/marketplaces.
View Guide >>>>

Marketing ¦ Ardean

Flexible pensions to go ahead in 2015

In his March 2014 Budget, the Chancellor announced that there would be significant changes to allow individuals to have greater access to their pension funds from 2015.

The proposed changes have been consulted on during the summer and the Treasury have now published the outcome, together with draft pensions legislation, enabling the new flexible regime to commence on 6 April 2015.



The flexibility will apply to Defined Contribution (DC) Schemes such as Self Invested Personal Pensions. However, it will continue to be possible to transfer funds from certain Defined Benefit (Final Salary) schemes into DC Schemes to allow access to the new flexible rules. An Independent Financial Adviser should be consulted to consider the full implications of this course of action.

read more >>>>



Business Planning ¦ Ardean

Property fund raises millions within weeks of launch

A new fund to accelerate the recovery of the Northern Irish property market by lending to potential developers has raised almost £2m in private investment, just three weeks after launching.



The Lanyon Capital Bridging Finance Fund launched last month to provide commercial loans of up to £1.2m to investors and developers looking to purchase or develop residential or commercial schemes across Northern Ireland.  Read More >>>



Funding : Ardean

Insider News Ireland – New fund to boost NI tourism sector

New fund to boost NI tourism sector

The Tourism Innovation Fund has been provided through the Northern Ireland Executive's economy and jobs initiative strategy.

It will be administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), with sums of between £20,000 and £100,000 available to companies or schemes attracting tourism.  

Northern Ireland's tourism industry has received a boost with the introduction of a new fund that could provide up to £100,000 to projects that offer visitors a "unique experience".

Read more >>>>



Grant Financial Assistance Advice From Ardean

Make a Map

Spatial NI allows you to view a wide range of data on detailed mapping and aerial imagery of Northern Ireland. 

This lets you layer data on maps and be in a better position to review, analyse, visualise and understand previously unseen patterns, gaps, issues or problems. Analysing data in this way can lead to improved decision making.



There is no need to buy geographic information software or to train staff to use it. You can download and share the location information you need from the portal, safe in the knowledge that a team of experts are ready to provide assistance if you need it.



Make a Map >>>



Marketing Tips From Ardean

Funding Circle

Business Loans without the Banks, Peer to Peer lending, Be your own bank

Funding Circle is a marketplace where people and organisations can lend to businesses at a rate that suits everyone.  Apply online in as little as 20 minutes and you'll hear from one of the team within 2 working days.



Find out more here >>



Ardean ¦ Funding