From the moment the doors opened at 08:30 the coffee was hot, the pastries were out and the first coworkers arrived for a talk on limited company taxation, but this was no ordinary talk. This was Tax in the Box – A Light Hearted Look at Ltd Company Tax Implications hosted by Peter Cross a.k.a The Tax Father. “Playing with your children’s remote control car ends in tears when the batteries wear out……..” Peter commented after his talk “Keep a stock of spare batteries.”
It was clear from the offset that the day was going to be one of high energy and connectivity which grew ever more as the day wore on. Ann Hawkins was next up to pose and answer the question “What does WD40 and honey have to do with networking?” Chris Hornby, Alpha Associates, summed up the talk “I have done so much networking over the last few years but today just confirms one thing and that is it’s (networking) about quality rather than quantity” With five talks still to take place, the rest of the day covered the future of computing, passion in business, economic success, confident speaking and ecommerce. Here are a few highlights from the talks:
Tax in the Box – A Light Hearted Look At Ltd Company Tax Implications - Peter Cross, The Tax Father @thetaxfather
Transferring or commencing to trade through a company may provide taxation benefits. This will depend on the level of profits generated and whether there is any value that can be attributed to the goodwill element of the trade. There are various commercial advantages to trading through a company which should override the tax implications. However, each business should be reviewed independently to ascertain the best entity to trade through from a tax perspective.
Action Point: Wait until after the budget on 20 March 2013 and then review your business to identify what trading entity is best for you from both a commercial and tax perspective.
Networking For Life, Not Just for Business – Ann Hawkins, The Inspired Group @AnnHawkins
The less you talk about yourself the more interesting people will find you. If you are asked about yourself make your answer intimate, revealing and authentic, not a sales pitch.
Action Point: The purpose of networking is to collect contacts and share them. Actively seek opportunities to be useful to every member of your network by connecting people, not in the hope that you will benefit but just because you can.
The Fast Moving Future of Computing…and Staying Ahead - Ken Seymour, KTS Computers @Ask_Ken
The talk covered a brief look at technology history and the problems each successive development overcame, but also caused. Also at how some ‘evolution’ technologies were unexpectedly ‘disruptive’ to some industries, whilst causing new ones to start up. Using this information we discussed what technologies could be used to move a business forward. Predicting the future is not rocket science! It does require vision, and so do business owners. To decide what technology a business owner should employ, requires they know where their business is going. So – map out business first, then look at the tools to make it happen.
Action Point: Make sure you plan your business first (not looking for 5 years, just 6 months – 1 year) then implement an IT strategy. If required – Ask Ken!
Let Passion Be Your Driver – Pri Bamford, Pri’s Kitchen @PrisKitchen
“Nothing is impossible. if you really want something in your life, there is no reason why you won’t get what you want”
Boost your Social Media Success with Confident Speaking Skills – Jim Doyle, Speaking Confidence @jimjdoyle
The best public speaking prop is a confident speaker, not Powerpoint! We addressed techniques to become focused and effective and how to overcome nerves. Jim demonstrated good and bad eye contact and effective breathing techniques. The event culminated in all attendees deliberately facing the audience in silence for 10 seconds ( it felt much longer! ) and delivering an impromptu speech of around 90 seconds, followed by audience applause. Very positive feedback received from all.
31st May is the date for the 2nd CambsHourDay at Cambridge Business Lounge with more invigorating and motivational talks and many more connections to be made too. There will also be rooms available for product providers to display their goods and coworking spaces can be hired to ensure you keep on top of your work.
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Tune in to #CambsHour on Twitter every Wednesday from 8pm, follow @CamBizLounge and visit our website at http://www.cambridgebusinesslounge.com/ for more information. #CambsHour is the brain child of Helen Reinson from IT Humminbird, and you can follow @HelenReinson for more information about #CambsHour and #CambsHourDay too.
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