Janita Maarenen is the Managing Director of Into Professional, a multi lingual business service specialising in administration and language support services. The company offer a comprehensive translation and interpreting service, including proofreading and interpreting British Sign Language. They are able to work with most global business languages, as well as a good range of smaller languages and dialects.

Janita’s ambitious approach to her business is infectious, and she is keen to share her aspirations with others. “I think that more UK companies should consider exporting”, says Janita. “Exporting can have many advantages for businesses. Primarily, it can help companies increase turnover. Access to Europe can be achieved in days as it is an open market. This gives you a market place of 500 million people.”

Janita insists that working with Into Professional will help a business to grow, and provide the business with more scope to increase turnover. She claims with confidence: “It is possible to increase a company’s productivity by 34% in the first year. Working on an international scale also helps to smooth seasonal and economic changes.”

People are often put off by the barriers of exporting. Janita has it covered. “The main concern is that of language barriers,” says Janita. “Of course, we can solve this easily.” Janita is confident that any issues regarding currency, finding new customers and suitable partners, and building relationships with decision makers can all be solved. “Companies that export can overcome all of these problems, and we can help them do it,” she insists.

Into Professional are able to translate global languages over a wide variety of industries. The company has extensive professional experience in market research, engineering, manufacturing, games and applications, as well as specialising particularly in Nordic languages. Janita considers her regular work with freelancers a huge advantage to her business. “I can choose the right people, with the right skills for each individual project.”

Standards remain high as each linguist is selected with strict criteria. Linguists always work in their native language and are required to have relevant experience, expertise and qualifications in the subject they are dealing with. In addition, Into Professional are committed to following the guidelines of the European Quality Standard, a specific European standard for translation services.

Into Professional is a company that is constantly growing. Their areas of expertise are expanding rapidly as they add linguists and subject specialists to their data base. And with Janita’s ambition and drive it’s hardly surprising. “Love what you do, and the passion will take you far,” says Janita enthusiastically.

For more information about Into Professional and the ways it can help your business, contact Janita on 07762141950 or email janita@intoprofessional.com.

People are generally willing and ready to throw money into protecting and insuring their cars, TV’s, and even their phones. But they often don’t give a second thought to the things in life that REALLY matter.

Protecting your life, your health, your loved ones, your income and your future should be much higher on people’s list of priorities.

Introducing Lee Spooner, an Independent Financial Adviser at Ashley Law.  Lee is able to advise his customers on a variety of financial topics including individual and business protection, estate planning, retirement planning, inheritance tax planning, will and probate services, and trust planning. Essentially, all the things in your life that really matter, and all the things that you should be safeguarding.

 

You might be thinking something along the lines of, “I don’t need to think about any of that stuff at the moment, I’ve got years until I’ll actually have to face these things. So why should I worry about them now?!”

If this sounds familiar, ask yourself the following questions.

-When do you want to retire and how much income will you need?

-How much cash would your family need to maintain their current lifestyle if you die prematurely?

-Would you require a regular income or a cash sum if you suffered a serious illness or disability?

-Are you making the best use of any spare capital or surplus income?

-Do you want to reduce your current mortgage outlay or are you moving home?

Lee says, “My aim is to give people financial freedom. I help them plan for the future. People tend to think they will sort this stuff out tomorrow, but the fact is, the longer you leave it, the harder it gets.”

If you want to protect your financial future, and the financial future of your family, email Lee at leespooner@ashleylaw.co.uk or visit http://www.ashleylawpeterborough.co.uk for more information.

From a bottle of methylated spirit being described as “a drink to enjoy with friends in a park”, to tin foil deemed “by far the best for making aluminium shield hats to ward of aliens”, we think the new craze for spoof Amazon reviews is hilarious.

The Observer attributes the craze to ‘the original spoof reviewer’ Henry Raddick, who famously reviewed The English Cocker Spaniel Handbook. Raddick, who had a pet spaniel called Barry, wrote, “I enjoyed the book immensely and, although I have a sneaking suspicion that Barry is using the book as porn, I wholeheartedly recommend it.” Raddick continued, “I’m reassured to read that the sin of Adam is not upon Barry even though he does not accept Christ as his saviour.”

As for the bottle of Methylated spirit, a reviewer named ‘Barkas’ enthused: “From the moment you remove the cap you realise you’re in for a treat. Fresh, bright, smoky, with a mineral edge and rounded, fruity nose. Mid weight and bold, possessing some edge and no little bite, yet remaining smooth, balanced and satisfying. This is a drink to enjoy with friends in a park. Highly recommended.”

This particular spoof review has also played havoc with Amazon’s famed algorithms, which enable the site to recommend buyers other products they may be interested in, based on what they have bought previously. The glowing review in question caused Amazon to recommend methylated spirit to customers who had bought bottles of Chateau Latour.

Our favourite is a serious literary review of a book intended for young children. The reviewer hilariously calls the book ‘misleading’ as he/she vents their disappointment that the entire plot of the story is revealed in the title. “There is no mystery. There is no twist. Baby’s belly button is right where it’s supposed to be, on baby’s stomach. Right where it clearly SHOWS you it is on the COVER OF THE BOOK.” The mystery reviewer also complains that “there is no conflict, no character development, and scarcely any plot.”

We’ve bought a fair amount of stuff from Amazon here at Seven Creative Towers.  We always take the reviews with a pinch of salt and make sure we consider the spectrum of star ratings, but there are few that leave us rolling on the floor laughing. As for detracting from honest, helpful reviews, we think it’s nice to have a bit of comedy.

Hurrah for bringing satire to Amazon!

 

PEARL Construction and Maintenance Ltd are a reputable and professional building and construction company, whose directors have stacked up an impressive 35 years combined experience in the business. Based in Sheffield and working in South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, Pearl Construction offer a comprehensive range of services including home improvements, building and maintenance work.

 

With a catalogue of glowing recommendations and dazzling testimonials, Directors Steve Wright and Andrew Duce are understandably proud of their reputation. And so they should be. As members of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chambers of Commerce and Derbyshire Trusted Traders accreditation, Pearl Construction can be trusted to provide quality assured work.

 

Pearl also provide guarantees and insurance. “We consider quality control to be of paramount importance,” says Director Andrew Duce.  “All our work is fully guaranteed and is personally checked by either myself or Steve during the work, and after completion.”

Director Steve Wright readily welcomes potential customers to go and visit him on site, just to see the quality of his work. He believes that all practices should be transparent, and that his current client is often the key to his next customer.

“No one can tell you any better than the people I’ve worked for, and I have several previous clients who are more than happy to recommend me,” says Steve.  “I have  a great relationship with my customers. In fact, I know a fair few who would be happy to show you round their properties, talk you through the work I’ve done, and tell you exactly what they think of it.”

Steve aims to work on a project from concept to completion. From meeting the clients, working closely with architects as they draw up plans, and agreeing start dates and prices, he’s there every step of the way. The company is able to take on large or small projects, from domestic to commercial. “If all a client is sure of is that they need more space, they can talk to me about the ways to achieve that and I’ll advise them on the best option,” says Steve. “We’ll keep mess and disruption to a minimum. Having work done can be a pain, and we simply don’t want to interfere with peoples’ lives.”

Steve also believes that communication is the key. “I’m a very ‘hands on’ director, I give my team the direction they need, and then I muck in with them,” says Steve. “I’m always the first port of call. I liaise with the customers constantly so that any problems are solved there and then. Great communication keeps the clients happy.” And with over 75% of his business coming directly from referrals from existing customers, the fact that Steve relies heavily on testimonials really is a testament to the quality of his service.

All in all, Pearl Constructions’ message is clear: “If you want to turn a building nightmare into a dream, call Steve and he’ll do a pearl of a job!”

 

This tutorial will show you how to use your free Gmail SMTP server to send emails from your personal email accounts using Outlook (this example uses Outlook 2007 but still applies in principle to the other versions of Outlook and other local email clients)

This has been prompted by the news that many Virginmedia customers have recently been informed that they will no longer be able to use their Virginmedia SMTP address to send emails other than from their Virginmedia email address. This tutorial will show you how to use your Gmail SMTP address instead

Step 1.

Open Outlook and select ‘tools’ (from the top menu) then select ‘account settings’

Step 2.

Highlight the account you would like to modify then press ‘change’

Step 3.

From the ‘internet email settings’ page, select ‘more settings’

Step 4.

Fill in the information in the three boxes on the ‘general’ tab (the name you’d like to call this account can be anything, you can leave organisation blank and the reply-to addrsess is the address you’d like people to reply to)

Step 5.

On the outgoing server tab, fill in the following

1. tick the box that says ‘my outgoing server requires authentication’,
2. tick the ‘log on using…’ option
3. in the ‘user name’ box, type in your full Gmail email address
4. in the password box, type in your Gmail password (the same one you’d use to log into your Gmail account)
5. un-tick the ‘require secure password authentication’ and ‘log into mail server before…’ options

 

 

If you want someone else to be able to view or use your Analytics account then you should carry out the steps below:

1. Log in to your analytics account at google.com/analytics

2. Go to your account dashboard or the dashboard for the domain you want to share access to

3. Click on “Admin” at the top right of the screen (see below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. On the next screen, click on “Users” (see below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. On the next screen, click on “+New User” (see below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Insert an email address (or choose from one you have used previously) and assign them as either a user or administrator, then press “Create User” (see below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TA DAH!!

The added user can now use view your analytics reports

For a man who took part in Iron Man and was a part of the Army’s Parachute Regiment, you’d think being an electrician would be a bit tame for Michael Baillie. But Michael’s career as an established electrician in Dinnington is going from strength to strength.  

Michael runs A W B and Son Electrical; a domestic, industrial and commercial electrical firm based in Dinnington. Originally working as an electrician in the army and completing an apprenticeship with a local firm of electricians, Michael’s self started family run business is now thriving.

As well as his regimented commitment to his business, Michael Baillie credits some of his success to BNI. AWB and Son have been trading for five years, but he insists that in the last six months since he joined the Sheffield BNI chapter ‘Olympians’, his business has doubled.

Michael and his staff are all members of Competent Persons Schemes and are NAPIT approved electricians. As an organisation committed to household safety, customers can be sure that AWB and Son is competent as a registered installer, and that all the work they do will comply with industry regulations. This allows customers to notify the local council with confidence and certification that the completed work is up to the required standard.

Michael’s commitment to his profession is second to none. “I always carry the 17^th Edition of Wiring Regulations with me on jobs. It’s like my Bible for the business!” says Michael. “ If you employ an electrician to do some jobs for you and they don’t get out this book, you really need to ask them why.”

“I also use On Site Guides everyday as a point of reference,” Michael continues. “And I always provide anyone I work for with a certificate to prove that the work has been completed to regulatory standards.”

AWB and Son can carry out a variety of jobs including full and part rewires, solar installations and PAT testing. They have experience working with wind turbines, fire alarms, central heating and emergency lighting, to name a few.  It’s safe to say the team at AWB and Sons have ALL the bases covered!

If you are interested in, or think that your local business could benefit from BNI membership, come along as a visitor to meet the group and introduce yourself. Meetings are held at Beauchief Golf Course on Abbey Lane, Sheffield at 7am on a Tuesday morning, or at Green’s Gym on Napier Street, Sheffield at 7am on a Wednesday morning. Attending the meeting is by invitation only, so if you would like your name putting on the guest list, please call Seven Creative on 0114 2352002.

Resourceful Research is a Freelance Market Research agency based in Chesterfield. Run by Julie Harrington, Resourceful Research Consultancy was formed in 2011, with a focus on freelancing for larger market research agencies and providing tailor made research solutions.

Julie has 13 years experience of managing research studies including surveys and evaluations, and has worked with various clients including L’Oreal, Royal Mail and Learn Direct. She has an Honours degree in Business Studies, Foundation, Certificate and Diploma in Market Research and is also a full member of the Market Research Society.

Julie insists that it is very important for businesses to do research and gather feedback, in order to offer customers the best products and services.

“I am able to asses a business in order to help them understand the market that they are embarking upon, and help them to understand the needs of their potential and existing customers,” says Julie. “This way, they can be sure that their products and services are designed appropriately, and using this research they can plan accordingly.”

 

To understand the market, and the customers’ needs, a number of questions need to be answered:

What is the customers’ understanding of your products or services?

What needs do your customers have and what is the best way to meet those needs?

What is the best way to reach/communicate with your target audience?

What do they think of your offering compared with competitors?

Why would they rather use you than competitors?

How would they find out about you?

What factors are important in helping them to choose between you and your competitors?

“This information gives businesses a better understanding of their customers’ needs, and ultimately gives them the insight they need to be able to design the products and services they offer around those needs. That means that marketing campaigns will be better targeted, and therefore more cost effective,” says Julie.

Resourceful Research is also able to evaluate the after affects of the changes that have been made to a business, by way of monitoring customer feedback, impact and business performance. This way, a company can gauge the satisfaction of their customers, improve on anything they may not be entirely happy about, and improve their communication with customers in a way that really shows them they care. Julie can assess and evaluate the achievements of marketing campaigns, and can use the research to look into the possible expansion of a business too.

Resourceful Research is very flexible with its services, and able to offer tailored solutions suited to the aspects of your business you intend to improve. Julie is able to guide you through the whole process, or join you to work in areas you need her most.

Julie can help at all stages, including:

-Initial consultation in order to understand your business and assess your needs and objectives from research.

-Design and set up surveys and questionnaires.

-Carry out the process of conducting the survey.

-Analysis of the data and the reported outcomes.

“I have been asked by larger companies who have the resources to conduct surveys themselves to join them at the analysis and reporting stage. I am able to take their findings and help them make sense of them, from analysing the data collected to writing comprehensive reports regarding this data,” says Julie.

Who can Resourceful Research help?

-Any business that needs feedback on their performance.

-Any business looking to understand more about their market and customers.

Julie’s advice and skills are invaluable to any business. As a direct result of her research, she is able to answer the fundamental questions that are necessary for the success of a business. She is also able to assess their ability to meet the needs of customers, and ensure those customers are satisfied.

To find out more about Resourceful Research and how Julie can help you and your business, visit www.resoucefulresearch.co.uk, contact Julie by phone on 0781 3742761, or email julie@resourcefulresearch.co.uk.

Getting the most out of your computer system is all about freedom. Freedom to use the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your protected data stays just that: protected. It’s also nice to know that if something does go wrong, you have an expert on the end of the phone who can help you immediately.

Liberty ICT is a well established and reputable IT Consultancy firm based in Worksop, specialising in IT supply, installation, and support. With over 150 clients, Liberty only uses Certified Microsoft Professionals with more than 10 years experience. As well as IT support, the company also sell high quality branded computer desktops, servers and laptops.

 

Liberty offer a variety of services including:

-Configuration of computer systems

-Solutions to problems with viruses

-PC support to keep systems running smoothly for less than 50p a day

-Solutions to problems with slowness

-Recovery of lost data

-Designing IT solutions for clients

-Providing scalable, powerful and reliable equipment

Sales Director Richard Siddall has 20 years experience in the industry. “We take care of the day-to-day IT support and operational management of your computer network,” says Richard. “We can offer a single point of contact for your IT support, supply and installation. We give our clients the reassurance that whatever the problem, whatever the issue, we are here to help.”

“We fix over 95% of problems within one hour, without even coming on site. What’s more, 30% of problems are fixed in just 5 minutes. This means less downtime, fewer wasted hours, and greater reliability. Reassurance, guaranteed.” Putting it simply, Richard says “We troubleshoot problems and make them go away!”

And if you thought IT was a boring subject, Richard has a story that may just change your mind. “I worked on a project in 2004 that was slightly unusual. I was approached by the owner of a 40 room, 18^th Century house in Old Cotes, Nottinghamshire. The man in question told me stories of what he believed to be a haunting in the property. He had witnessed a piano that had played by itself, and on one occasion, he had had a set of brass scales mysteriously thrown at his head. Despite the owner refusing to set foot in house, I was asked to install low light security cameras and digital video recorders in the rooms in order to “watch ghosts”.

“I embedded a live feed from all 16 cameras to a website,” continues Richard.  “The public could pay a subscription fee to gain access to the feed, and become ghost watchers themselves. It was incredibly successful and the website received 250,000 hits in just 10 months. The client made thousands of pounds from the subscription fees, but was still too afraid to set foot in the house after the previous goings on!”

Of course, Richard is also an expert on the everyday computer problems. And he has a few words of warning for anyone looking to buy a new laptop.

“The computers you see in PC world for £300 may seem like a bargain. But what you’re actually buying is a computer made by a firm that has paid a fee to be able to put the brand name on the machine. What’s inside is something different altogether. If you’re not paying £500 for a laptop, you’re not getting the brand; it’s a simple as that.”

And it’s not just choosing a new laptop that can be problematic. Richard also recommends that people no longer use Windows 98. “I come across clients who have lots of problems with it,” says Richard. “Unfortunately, if you know what you’re doing, it’s possible to hack into Windows 98 in less than 15 seconds. The support and protection for the software are no longer running, therefore your computer can be hacked, virused, or scammed.”

To keep your data protected, or to find out more about how Liberty ICT Limited can help you and your business, contact Richard on 07980 285 817, or email info@libertyict.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Trying to figure out the best deals on mortgages and insurance can be very confusing. With information fired at you from every angle, you may find that you are left with more questions than answers.

Who has the best deal? How much will it cost? Where do I apply? How long will it take? Who should I deal with? What happens if I get it wrong?!

Here’s the man with all the answers!