The comedians who redesigned BP’s logo for the Logomyway.com competition are giving us a laugh.

If you are a slick BP shareholder it is no laughing matter but then again!

It seems the PR of BP is as bad as the equipment owners is good.

Is the future of R&D Tax credits fading fast with Vince Cable and George Osborne in charge.

Currently your R&D expenditure can be grossed up, by 170% or 130% depending on the size of your company, when calculating your tax relief.

For tax purposes it’s not enough that a product is commercially innovative. You can’t claim in respect of projects to develop innovative business products or services that don’t incorporate any advance in science or technology.

Polish your interpersonal skills to develop your own personal brand.
If you can deal effectively with difficult people think how successfull you can handle easier people.

I am not difficult, I aim to be impossible! and that is also true of many outstanding entrepreneurs.

Only a few patches of grass and seats called stands yet Wimbledon is a World Class Brand.
It often rains, people are locked out or knocked out yet Wimbledon is a World Class Brand.

In the days of Fred Perry there may not have been much financial reward for the players but his clothing brand has earned a fortune since. All because Wimbledon is a World Class Brand.

For young businesses part of the brand are the awards and prizes you have won along the way.

CMI have 11 National Management and Leadership Awards where you can nominate yourself or a colleague.

Even your local  awards, training and trade memberships may add value to your personal or business brand.

Davison is an invention and ideas development company. Inventors and small companies often find it hard to understand the innovation process. If that is your situation you could do worse than see how this American company performs. It starts with a confidentiality agreement.

Ideas are 10 a penny or should it be cent. Experience getting to market via retailers or licensing is worth lots more than a penny.
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CRM

Your customers are your best asset so it makes sense to manage the relationship (CRM).   Do not over-manage.

Databases are important but listings on a spreadsheet are seldom valuable unless you have thought through your customers needs and desires. From this knowledge you can design and create your service & support with an appropriate contact strategy.

The more you know about your customers and prospects the better you can react.

It seems the Netto brand will disappear in UK after the sale of  193 stores to Asda. So this search button will no longer help!

Market share seems to be the mantra for supermarkets and this deal may keep Asda at number 2 behind Tesco.

The question for the brand is will Asda be able to compete with Lidl and Aldi

Virtual Intellectual Assets may have helped create virtual pets but it is brains and tangible assets that make things happen.

‘FooPets are the world’s cutest and most realistic virtual pets online….’ Well they would be I suppose but the sale of virtual goods is a new market with lots of innovative opportunity. The quote was from Marcosweb a virtual marketing tool

Why keep a dog and bark yourself when you can have a Foopet

Triumph, the heritage motorcycle marque has Lord Digby Jones as Chairman.
According to the Guardian Jones ‘cites Triumph’s strong brand, new products and a big push at domestic and overseas sales’ as a reason for succeeding post receivership. Add to that the benefit of currency movements, particular the Yen. and you will know why 80% of sales are now exports.

Keep your eye on currency movements to aid purchasing and selling strategies.