A Level and GCSE Business Studies

Cheesy Money!

2009-08-31T04:35:00.000-07:00

Heard about the bank that accepts cheese and in return gives you cash? Well it's true and a bank in Italy has specialised in this barter-like system. Parmesan producers have been able to use their goods as collateral upon loans in order to improve their cashflow positions.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8226350.stm

Government 'Fuels' Further Price Rises

2009-08-31T04:25:00.000-07:00

With the UK Government due to increase tax on fuel as from midnight, what is the likely impact of this decision upon business? Fuel always provides plenty of talking points about the impact that Government can have as an external influence upon business.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8230185.stm

Rebranding the Humble Pear

2009-08-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

How a rebranding exercise across the entire pear industry generated a huge growth in demand for so-called 'pear cider' but how many of us actually knew that it should rightfully be called 'perry'? This BBC video clip examines how the marketing men have turned the humble pear into one of the 'must-have' drinks of the English summer.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8219540.stm

Recession: Threat or Opportunity?

2009-08-25T05:48:00.001-07:00

Is the recession really the most sensible time of the economic cycle to be starting a new business? Well this article outlines some of the issues involved and also draws attention to a new Radio 4 programme aimed towards the small business enterprise.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8218633.stm

Video Killed the Newspaper Advert?

2009-08-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

As advertisers seek ever more extreme and expensive methods of attracting the attention of potential and exisiting customers, the launch of a new video based advert contained within the actual pages of a newspaper indicates a new phase of advertising media. Consider the practicalities of this 'new' technology and whether in reality it will have the desired effect of attracting more customers to purchase goods and services.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8211209.stm

Premier League 'Rip-off' ?

2009-08-15T18:02:00.000-07:00

With the recent recession not seemingly making much (if any) impression upon the mega-rich footballing fraternity, can a new website established by Middlesborough's Andrew Taylor aimed at stopping professional players from being 'ripped off' really become a success? Consider the niche that this service is being aimed at. Is this a large enough market to enable the business to be viable?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8193146.stm

Cutting Costs

2009-08-11T03:55:00.000-07:00

One of the leading problems for any business is the control of their cash flow. This business studies video provides some useful tips about how to keep spending and costs under control during a period of economic downturn.

http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/video/1045672/dont-run-out-of-cash.thtml

Business News Video Round-Up

2009-08-11T03:43:00.001-07:00

Want to know what is happening in the business world today? Well you could do worse than take a look at the 2 minute video round-up by The Telegraph. Excellent overview of global business news.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financevideo/

Green or Bust?

2009-08-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

An interesting look at Panasonic's efforts to develop new environmentally friendly products. However, is the company truely dedicated to protecting the environment or does it simply see this as a means of improving their profits?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8180916.stm

Doing Business in India

2009-07-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

A UK Government publication aimed at promoting the right and wrong way to go about conducting business in India. Some interesting facts and it certainly again highlights major cultural differences between our nations which any business would need to be aware of.

https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk/ukti/fileDownload/doing_business_india_broucher.pdf?cid=396281

Chinese Business Quiz

2009-07-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

How much do you know about the right and wrong way to conduct business in China? Take this ten question quiz and learn how the Chinese method of business is culturally very different from here in the United Kingdom.

http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/quiz/doing-business-china.php

New Technology

2009-07-27T08:19:00.001-07:00

Read this interesting article and watch the associated video from the BBC about the replacement for the humble barcode. Consider how this new technology could widen the applications of the item that we have all come to take for granted upon the sides of our purchases.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8170027.stm

BUSS4 Materials

2009-07-23T17:20:00.001-07:00

New resources and materials are already being added to the teaching business website for the BUSS4 exam. These include video clips and economic data about the Chinese, Indian and Russian economies. They can be found upon the A Level section of the new website.

www.teachingbusiness.co.uk

The UK Banks and Small Business

2009-07-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Another excellent video from the BBC's Panorama series. This time the focus is upon the impact that the Government and the UK's banks are having upon small business. Are they releasing the credit as they should be at a time when it is so desperately required?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00hvty9/Panorama_Credit_Where_Its_Due/

Richard Branson's Views About the Recession

2009-07-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

Branson shares his views with Robert Peston of the BBC about why he believes the recession will prove to be a positive thing for Britain's budding entrepreneurs.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/davos/7860333.stm

Teaching Business Studies Website

2009-07-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

www.teachingbusiness.co.uk is currently being updated. I hope to start adding additional material across the next few weeks as I adopt the site and materials to the demands of the new AS and A2 Level courses for Business Studies.