What is a WLAN?

A WLAN is a local area network (LAN) without cables. A LAN is a data network that connects computers together, allowing them to share data and access the internet. If a LAN is wireless, the users can move their computers around while staying connected.

Most commonly, WLANs can provide access to WLAN-enabled devices within a radius of 65 to 300 ft. The 802.11 standard, which most WLANs are built to, can reach data transfer speeds of 300 to 600 Mbps.

To set up a WLAN you will need an access point which allows devices to communicate with each other, and adaptors for all your WLAN-enabled devices. These include laptops, PCs and handheld devices.

Benefits of using a WLAN

Wireless LANs have a number of advantages over wired LANs. Some of the business benefits are:

• Cost – Wireless networks can be cheaper and easier to install, because they do not require cables to be pulled through walls.

• Flexibility – it is easier to add or move workstations, and means workers do not have to stay sitting at dedicated computers.

• Coverage – Wireless technology means users can always stay in touch, even while on the move, without the use of extra cables or adapters.

Disadvantages of using a WLAN

• Speed – data transfer rates can decrease as the number of devices using the WLAN increases.

• Security – Wireless networks are not as secure as wired ones because they are easier for unauthorized users to access. This need not be an issue however, as long as you protect the network with secure passwords.

• Coverage – Due to the materials used to build some buildings, there may be wireless ‘blackspots’ in certain areas. For example, it is difficult for radio transmissions to pass through steel reinforcing. Obstacles, such as heavy furniture, can also impact the strength of a wireless signal.

What do you want from your wireless network?

Before settling on a wireless network solution, you should ask yourself what the requirements of your business are.

• How many people will be using the network?

• Do you have staff that require mobility beyond the premise?

• Can you use the technology to improve the efficiency of your business?

• What do you want to achieve from the WLAN? Cost savings? Increased efficiency? Greater flexibility?

• How much damage coud be done if the security of your network was breached?

Answering these questions will help you to determine the type of wireless solution that would suit your business, and whether the benefits you expect from a wireless network are enough to outweigh the cost.

Securing a wireless network

Security is a key issue when it comes to WLANs. Wireless networks are easier for unauthorised users to access, because their range can often extend beyond the walls of your premise.

Once your wireless network is set up, you will usually be provided with a web-based configuration program which you will use for configuring the wireless access point. You can use this to secure your wireless network. Some steps you should take are:

• Ensure access to the WLAN is protected by a password

• Change the SSID to a different name than the default. The default name is

• usually something like ‘wireless’, ‘netgear’ or ‘linksys’, but renaming it to something unique will improve the security of the network.

• Use MAC address filtering. This means that only MAC addresses that have been registered with the wireless access points can gain access to the network. The MAC address of a network card is usually located on the device itself.

Rolling out the network

Once you have decided to go ahead with implementing a WLAN, then you will need to take a number of things into consideration to ensure the process goes smoothly.

• Identify which staff members will be impacted and make a plan to train them. You will need to show them how to use the new technology, and outline any changes to working patterns that the new system will allow, for example home working.

• Ensure that you, or somebody in your business has the expertise to manage a wireless local area network.

• Talk to your staff and encourage feedback. You may wish to appoint somebody to manage the implementation process.

Speak to an expert

You should talk to a consultant about your wireless networking needs, including the scope of the project, the amount you are prepared to spend, and what you want to get out of it. They will be able to help you choose an appropriate wireless networking solution.

The sale of the flagship store raises questions about the sale of businesses. When is the right time to sell? For what reasons should you sell? Who should you sell your business to? This guide outlines some of the answers to these questions, to help you better prepare for this inevitable and often difficult part being a business owner.

The right reasons for selling your business

Selling a business, especially one you’ve put a considerable amount of time, money and energy into, is not an always an easy thing to do. Before you sell, you should carefully consider your reasons for doing so in order to avoid regretting the decision later on.

Ask yourself why you are selling. Is it because you want to retire? Does the business need new investment? What are your needs as an owner, what are the needs of the business, and will selling help to meet these needs?

Depending on your reasons for selling, there are a range of exit strategies that may suit you. If you feel ready to retire but don’t need the money then you might consider passing the business on to your children. If the business needs new investment but you’re not ready to give up control completely, then you may wish to sell part of the business. If you do decide to sell, you could offer it to employees.

The right time to sell your business

Selling your business at the right time is important, as it can affect the amount you receive from the sale. Both the state of the market and the state of your business will have an effect.

It will be easier to find a buyer for your business when the economy is in good shape, because interest rates are low, banks are more willing to lend, and if the buyer owns other businesses then they are more likely to be doing well.

While market factors are important, the state of your own business will have the biggest impact on its value. You may feel like selling when profits are decreasing, but if you can avoid this then you will get a much better price for your business. This is why planning the sale some years is a good idea. This way you can choose the right moment to sell rather than being rushed into it.

How much is the business worth?

There are a number of factors that will determine the worth of your business. These include:

• The value of business assets, including stock, equipment, and property.

• The location of the business

• The current strength of the industry

• The strength of the economy in general

• The potential for growth

• The number and value of similar businesses on the market

• The strength of customer relationships

• The amount of debt that the business is in

• The skills and loyalty of staff

How to value the business

There are a number of ways that a business can be valued, and the best one for you may depend on the industry, the age and the nature of the business. Because this process can be complex, you should seek proffesional advice from a commercial estate agent.

Finding the right buyer

Depending on how desperate you are to sell, you may or may not be concerned with who it is that takes over your business. If you have a strong emotional attachment to the business or your professional reputation is tied to it, then you might want to see it taken over by someone you trust to do a good job. In this instance, you could offer it to your employees.

Often the strongest potential buyers for a business are its competitors, particularly if you are encroaching on their market share. You might be adverse to the idea, but if your reasons for selling are purely financial then you should at least consider this option.

Even if you are selling the business to someone that you already know, you should consider selling through an estate agent rather than negotiating with the buyer directly. This way you won’t compromise the potential value of the sale.

For more information about preparing a business for sale, visit Business Link.

Why does my business need insurance?

Insurance acts as a safeguard for your business against the loss or damage of physical assets. While law may require you to take out some types of insurance, others should be taken out as a sensible precaution.

The amount of insurance that you will need to take out will depend on the amount that you may need to claim, and the likelihood of damage.

Buildings Insurance

Property insurance will protect your business premise against a range of risks, such as flooding, earthquakes, fires and storms. It will not cover your premise against damage caused by general wear and tear, gradual deterioration or breakdowns in technology.

If you own the business premise yourself, then you should insure the property for the full cost of rebuilding it, rather than just the market value. If you are a tenant, then you should check with your landlord that the building is insured. If you work from home, then you should make sure that your business activities are covered by your home insurance policy.

Contents insurance

While property insurance covers the physical building that your business is located in, contents insurance covers everything inside it. This includes stock, machinery and equipment.

There are two types of insurance for contents, these are:

• Replacement as new insurance – means that the insurance company will replace damaged or stolen items with new one.

• Indemnity insurance – means the insurance company will take the cost of any wear and tear into account when settling the claim.

To decide which policy is best for you, you should speak to an insurance broker with an FSA authorisation.

You can view a list of authorized insurance brokers on the FSA website.

Employers Liability Insurance

If you are an employer, then by law you are required to take out Employers Liability Insurance. If an employee becomes injured at work or sick as a result of the work they do, then this insurance covers the cost of compensation to the employee as well as any legal fees.

The law requires that the insurance covers at least £5 million, and should cover all staff whether they are full-time, casual or on contract. Even if you employ just one member of staff, you must take out Employers Liability Insurance or risk being of up to £2,500 by the Health and Safety Executive for each day that you do not have appropriate insurance.

For more information, view the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 A guide for employers (PDF)

Motor insurance

If your business uses a motor vehicle, then by law you are required to take out a motor insurance policy. Each vehicle used in connection with your business must be covered by the appropriate insurance. This includes vehicles owned by your employees if they are used for work purposes other than traveling to and from work.

Depending on how the vehicles are used, different types of policies will be needed. For example, a vehicle used by a traveling salesperson would need a different type of insurance to a vehicle used occasionally for business trips.

To ensure that you are covered by the appropriate insurance policies, speak to an insurance broker.

Specialist Insurance

Depending on the nature of your business, you may wish to take out specialist insurance as a precaution against a specific risk. Examples of specialist insurance include:

• Travel insurance – for businesses whose employees travel abroad.

• Credit insurance – protects you against debtors who are unable to pay

• Loss of cash insurance – Covers an agreed limit for the loss of money

• Goods in transit insurance – provides cover for goods which are damaged while being moved

• Commercial legal insurance – covers any legal expenses which arise from a change in legislation

• Engineering insurance – provides cover for machinery

How do I choose an insurance broker?

When finding an insurance broker, it is worthwhile looking around to find the policies that suit you best. Many will have websites which explain their products, while others will be happy to discuss the options by phone. Some brokers will specialize in particular trade sectors, so you may be able to find policies specifically tailored to your needs.

You can select an insurance broker through the Institute of Insurance Brokers (IIB) website, and you can check that they are authorized on the Financial Services Authority website.

While it may not always make the news, workplace bullying is more common than you may think. Public service trade union, Unison, says the number of people now being bullied has doubled in the last decade, with around a third of workers saying they have experienced bullying in the last six months.

As an employer, it is not always obvious how you should handle bullying in your business. You may not even be aware that it is your legal responsibility to do so, or just how costly it can be if a case goes to court. Employment Tribunals have increased the maximum award they can make in cases where bullying and harassment are proven, with the amount awarded for Constructive Dismissal now at £66,000.

The following guide aims to give employers a better understanding of what constitutes bullying in the workplace, and of the steps that can be taken to prevent it from happening.

What is workplace bullying?

Bullying and harassment in the workplace can take many forms, but always involves conduct that is unwanted by the target. Bullying can take the form of physical harassment, verbal abuse, or non-verbal abuse, i.e. through emails or phone calls. The difference between harassment and bullying is that the latter involves persistent and deliberate offensive behavior, which usually affects the dignity of the target over time.

Why does bullying occur?

There are a number of reasons why an individual may become a target for bullying, but factors such as age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief and nationality often play a part. A characteristic specific to the individual may also cause them to be targeted. Whatever the reason, none is an acceptable excuse for discrimination in the workplace.

What forms can bullying take?

Examples of typical forms of workplace bullying include:

• Ignoring or excluding individuals

• Spreading malicious rumours

• Constantly ridiculing or insulting someone

• Making unwanted sexual advances

• Abusing power through overbearing supervision

• Persistent criticism

• Constantly moving goalposts or deadlines

Liability of the employer

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992, employers are required to asses the risk of personal injury to employees in the workplace, and to put measures in place to avoid injury.

The Act defines ‘personal injury’ as any disease or impairment of a person’s physical or mental health in the workplace’, which includes damage caused as a result of bullying. This means that as an employer, you are legally obligated to protect your employees from bullying or harassment.

Other relevant legislation includes the Harrasment Act 1997, Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations 2005, the Law of Negligence, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the contract of employment which you and your employee has signed.

How can employers prevent bullying in the workplace?

The most important step that an employee can take is to draw up an anti-bullying policy, which states that bullying in the workplace will not be tolerated. This should give an outline of behavior that would be considered bullying, and advise employees on what to do if they feel they are a victim. For example, you should have a grievance procedure which an employee can follow if they wish to make a formal complaint.

Employers should modify staff contracts of employment to include this policy. State that harassment, of any sort, is unlawful and will be regarded as Gross Misconduct.

Employers should make it clear that they will be supportive if complaints about bullying are made, and encourage staff to communicate any issues with them.

Employees should keep a close eye on staff behavior, and look out for early indications that bullying is occurring. Evidence of of harassment may not be obvious, but if a staff member seems unhappy or is often calling in sick then this could signal an issue.

Who else can help?

If an employer is unable to stop or control bullying, then they should seek help from an organisation such as Acas, which offers free, confidential and impartial advice on all employment rights issues. You can phone Acas on 08457 474 747.

But if you don’t have a website, setting one up can be a daunting and potentially expensive task for many small businesses. However, a new joint initiative launched this week by Google, Enterprise UK, BT and e-skills UK with support from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) aims to change that.

Getting British Business Online (GBBO) wants to get 100,000 UK small businesses online by the end of 2010. To do this, they are not only helping SMEs create their own websites, but also teaching them about the opportunities and benefits the internet can offer small businesses.

For those businesses that don’t have a website, the GBBO project will provide a free .co.uk web address and show you how to quickly and easily set up a customised, professional website. Not only is the service free, but it should take you just 20 minutes to do and the process doesn’t require any computer skills.

For businesses already online, the project can offer you tips on improving existing websites, such as setting up PayPal for online transactions and using Google Analytics to see how customers are using your site. It can also show you effective ways to drive more potential customers to your site.

“There has never been a better time for small businesses to use the Internet, enabling them to reach new customers in new markets,” said the UK managing director of Google, Matt Brittin. “We hope a free, easy-to-create website will give small businesses the boost they need to get up and running online.”

For more information about GBBO or to set up a website for your business, visit www.gbbo.co.uk.

The committee welcomed moves to improve Britain’s digital economy, however questioned the fairness of a proposed £6 landline tax.

The group also suggested that obstacles could be put in the way of developing the broadband network because of the business broadband rating system, which committee chairman Peter Luff challenged.

He said: “We believe that the government should consider a reduction, or even a temporary removal, of business rates on fibre optic cable. This would be a more effective use of limited public sector funds than direct financial intervention.”

The committee said that “BT does not merit a method of taxation which differs from other providers”, adding that this method is favourable to BT over other broadband companies.

CMA, part of BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, recently said improving the UK’s broadband network will make the country more competitive, especially as trading online is now so important.

It called for affordable, universal, symmetrical and high-speed broadband to be provided by 2017.

Whether you’re working on the ski slopes of Vancouver or in an office in Leicester, what you and your employees wear and how you present yourselves is important. It can have an impact on how your clients or customers view your business and even affect the office atmosphere and morale amongst employees.

As an employer, you have the option to implement a dress code in your company. However, with more and more cases being taken to the Employment Tribunal to challenge such rules, it is important to make sure your dress code is well thought out.

Follow these simple steps to ensure your dress code is up to par:

• Make sure your company’s expectations are clearly stated and cover all employees;
• Ensure the dress code is fair and equal as employers must be able to justify rules that may be incompatible with certain cultural, religious, disability or gender specific requirements;
• Clearly state the aims and objectives of the dress code and what the company hopes to achieve by enforcing it;
• Outline the consequences and disciplinary actions that may result if the dress code is not followed and stick to them;
• Review your company’s dress code regularly.

Does your company currently have a dress code? If not, are you thinking about implementing one?

What is equity finance?

Equity finance is money that is raised through surrendering shares of the company in exchange for investment. Equity investors do not usually have to be repaid at a particular date, which makes this a good way for start-ups to raise finance. The return for the investor will depend on the success of the business, meaning there is a risk they’ll never see their money again. Because of this, you must convince your investors that your business will succeed. The following guide will help you to determine whether equity finance is right for you.

Advantages of equity finance

The main advantages of equity finance are:

· Unlike a bank loan, finance raised through equity will not incur interest or fees

· Your investor will have an interest in the success of your business, and will therefore contribute skills, knowledge and contacts.

· Investors will only see a return if your business is doing well, so the risk is theirs and not yours.

· The investor will be interested in the long-term success of the business so that they can eventually sell their ownership at a profit. This means they are likely to provide follow-up funding to promote further growth.

Disadvantages of equity finance

The main disadvantages of equity finance are:

· Depending on the amount of investment you secure, you could be giving up a considerable share of your business.

· You will be giving up some control over the business, and may lose some of your power when it comes to decision-making.

· There is the possibility that an influential investor could change aspects of the business culture in a way that you dislike.

· The process of raising equity finance will take a considerable amount of time and effort, and your business may suffer as a result.

· The agreement can be expensive in the short-term, as you will usually be required to seek assistance from lawyers and financial advisers.

Different types of investors

There are two main kinds of equity investors, business angels, and venture capitalists.

Business Angles are organisations or individuals who invest money in a business, in return for a share of ownership. A family member or friend could be a business angel, They will be involved in decision-making and will have a significant role in the overall organisation of the firm. Business angels will usually consider applications for financing for a wide range of industries, however they must have the potential for high return. An advantage of using a business angel is that they are likely to have local knowledge, as they will generally invest in businesses within the same geographical area. Unfortunately, business angels can be difficult to find, as they don’t regularly seek investment opportunities. A business angel will usually place a great importance on their relationship with the business owner, so finding the right investor may take some time.

Venture Capitalists are organisations that invest large sums of money in exchange for a share of ownership (equity). Typically they will invest a minimum of around £2 million, and specialise in firms who are developing new and innovative technology. Venture capitalists will invest in businesses with a large earning potential and a high return on investment, usually within a specific timeframe. Because Venture Capitalists like to invest in businesses with a proven track record, this type of finance is not usually offered to start-ups. Venture capitalists do not usually have input into the daily operation of the business, but may influence the overall business strategy. While venture capitalists can bring a large amount of finance and expertise to your business, the process of securing a deal can be long and complex. They will usually require detailed financial projections, and you are likely to incur legal and accounting fees during the negotiation stage.

Are you ready for equity finance?

Before you approach an investor for equity finance, you should ask yourself the following questions:

· How much money do I need?

· Am I willing to give up a portion of my business to secure the finance?

· Am I willing to lose some power of decision-making with regards to business operation?

· Does the business have a unique selling point that will make it a viable investment?

· Are my business plans realistic?

Pitching your plan

If you decide to go forward and seek equity finance after asking yourself these questions, then you will need to prepare your investment pitch. You will need to give potential investors the following details:

· The amount of finance required

· The share of the business that you are proposing to give up

· The timescale of investment

· The likely return that they could expect on their investment

Of course, they will also need details about the business, so you should be prepared to give them:

· Financial details, both historical and forecast

· Details of suppliers and customers

· Details of products and services you offer

· Business polices and procedures

When presenting your business plan or pitch to an investor, you should:

· Be open with the investor about your business prospects and not present them with an unrealistic vision for the future.

· Show your personality. Your investor will only offer finance to someone they trust, and to someone they feel they will work well with.

· Show the investor that you are passionate about your business, and they will be more likely to share your enthusiasm.

Links

For more information on equity finance, visit businesslink.co.uk

For a list of local business angels networks, visit the British Business Angels Association (BBAA) website.

To locate venture capital companies, visit the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) website.