BBC best for breaking news

Posted on September 7, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

Recent research into social media habits from iCD Research shows that despite the popularity of Twitter and Facebook most people in the UK still rely on the BBC for their online breaking news.

Half of those surveyed who use the internet to check for breaking news turn to the BBC News website, with social media sites being the second most popular choice at 19% and 18% favouring the Sky News website.

It seems then that although there has been a surge in online communication tools, the tried and tested traditional media sources such as the BBC and Sky remain the brands of choice when it comes to real time global news.

What do you think?  Do you agree?  Where do you turn to for your hot-off-the-press updates?

A number of people have mentioned on the social media grapevine that they first heard about the birth of David and Samantha Cameron’s daughter via Twitter!  Did you?

And if you fancy sending some nappies or good wishes DHL Servicepoint delivery services would be more than happy to help.  Just pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack your parcel when you get there and pay.

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eBay SMEs on the up

Posted on September 6, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

Last week The Guardian reported that the number of eBay traders who are turning over £1m per annum has almost doubled in the past year.

According to eBay data, 127 of these companies are expected to achieve a turnover of at least £1m during 2010 compared with only 66 in 2009.

Proof that despite the challenging business environment of the past 12 months, the online start-up and SME (small and medium size enterprises) community are successfully running and growing profit making companies.

Jody Ford, an eBay director, was quoted as saying: “The success of these million pound businesses should encourage all entrepreneurs, from those with a long-standing business plan to graduates or school leavers with a great idea, as it shows that if you have a good business model and understand the demands of your customers you can be an overnight success.”

The key point here being understanding customer demands as this, along with providing outstanding customer service, contributes to a company’s all important unique selling point (USP).  For example, online-only retailers without the traditional shop front their customers can visit and make purchases from must ensure their website shop front is just as accessible and user-friendly and that items purchased are sent promptly and safely.

Which is where DHL Servicepoint can, and does, help.  We provide our hassle-free, cost-effective, secure delivery service to thousands of small businesses like those trading on eBay.  They simply follow our three step – pick, pack and pay – process and then leave the rest to us, www.DHLservicepoint.co.uk

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Keen to go green

Posted on September 1, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), many small businesses are keen to go green but need more financial support to enable them to do so.

The FSB report ‘Making sense of going green – small businesses and low carbon economy’ looks at the opportunities available to allow the SME and start-up business community to play their part in helping to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions.

Currently, small firms can access a zero per cent loan scheme for energy efficient equipment which the FSB urges the Government to reform and expand.  The scheme allows companies to pay as they save so they can realise a genuine cost saving through energy efficiency, without having to make an upfront cost.

A definite positive step in the right direction SMEs can make now would be to ensure all deliveries – of which there are thousands for online-only retailers – are taken to the nearest delivery outlet in one go.  Clearly, one round trip involving 50 parcels is much more energy efficient (and cost-effective, remember time is money) than 50 separate journeys.

And why queue for hours in an overcrowded post office when you can visit your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack your parcels when you get there, pay and leave the rest to us: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

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A-level success: again

Posted on August 27, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

Another successful year for A-level results it seems with BBC News online reporting that some 27% of entries gained an A or A* and the overall pass rate rose for the 28th year.

Great news for those who made the grade for their chosen university course, particularly as this year is proving to be one of the toughest and most competitive in the race for university places.  And for those who didn’t quite achieve what they were hoping for; help is still at hand.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) advises there are several options available including the chance of finding a place through the ‘Clearing’ system.

To find out more students should visit ucas.com to explore all the courses open to them with options such as reapplying, part-time study or considering other learning opportunities.  UCAS advisers are also available at the end of the phone – 0871 468 0 468 – and for constant UCAS updates and information follow their twitter feed @ucasclearing.

Either way, if you have a family member or friend who deserves to receive a well done or bad luck package in the post why not send it via DHL Servicepoint.

Our simple three step process couldn’t be easier: pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack your parcel for free when you get there, pay and then leave the rest to us: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

Surely, after all those months of studious activity, they’ve earned it!

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Holidaying abroad?

Posted on August 19, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

We are currently in the midst of the August summer holiday period more commonly known as the ‘silly season’ largely due to the absence of a large number of people from the workplace.  From teachers and parents to MPs all enjoying their lengthy six weeks plus summer recess!

For those holidaying at home the need for a passport doesn’t apply.  However, for those considering a late summer break abroad or perhaps a few days overseas in the autumn or at Christmas, now is the time to check your current passport is still valid as the renewal process can take several weeks particularly during peak times.

And remember to make sure you send any important documentation via safe and secure means for a prompt and guaranteed delivery.

At DHL Servicepoint we handle each and every item from when it leaves you to when it arrives safely at its destination; wherever in the world that might be.  And once the parcel’s journey begins you can access a free online tracking service with regular updates alongside the assurance that it will be signed for on delivery.

Our simple three step process couldn’t be easier: pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack your parcel for free when you get there, pay and then leave the rest to us: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

So why not sort that passport renewal now and then sit back and look forward to your well earned break abroad.

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The Growing Business Awards

Posted on August 18, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

Are you an up-and-coming growing business?  Do you have a new product or technological innovation you’d like to shout about?  Are your customer service and/or people management processes second to none?  Or perhaps you are proud of your green credentials and keen to share them with others?

If so, The Growing Business Awards is waiting to hear from you: http://gba.realbusiness.co.uk/

Launched in 1999, The Growing Business Awards have been recognising entrepreneurship for more than ten years with the support of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Real Business magazine.

The deadline for entries is Friday 17 September 2010 and the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 25 November 2010 at the London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square with a keynote address from CBI director-general Richard Lambert.

Last year’s winners included Graze.com (New Product of the Year), Business Stream (The People and Performance Award), Chemist Direct (Young Company of the Year) and LOVEFiLM (Company of the Year).

Why not go for it and don’t forget to send your postal entry via DHL Servicepoint for a quick and easy, guaranteed delivery that you can track from start to finish.  Just pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack your parcel when you get there and pay: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

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Safe sending

Posted on August 17, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

The number one UK postcode for home theft is M21, Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester, says Moneysupermarket.com.  With London’s Blackheath (SE3), Hammersmith (W6), Finsbury Park (N4) and Roundhay (LS8) in Leeds also making it into the top five.

For those running small businesses from home take heed as major cities such as Manchester, London and Leeds are prime affluent areas targeted by criminals.  Security and home and business insurance cover is therefore essential.

And so too is assurance and security when sending home and business items in the post where the threat of theft is also very real.

Unlike the more traditional Post Office delivery services, DHL Servicepoint guarantees to look after every parcel and package from the beginning of its journey to the end.  UK deliveries start from only £5.95 and are tracked at every stage before being signed for and handed over to the recipient.  No signature, no parcel.

DHL Servicepoint is also designed to be simple, effective and quick.  Just pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint – which includes branches in Manchester, London and Leeds – pack your parcel when you get there and pay.

So for safe sending check out DHL Servicepoint today and keep those criminals at bay: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/

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Time is money

Posted on August 10, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

It seems the trend for working long hours has returned to the British workplace since the upturn – albeit slight – in the economic recovery.

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) the loss of nearly one million full-time jobs and a move towards part-time working since the start of the recession led to a 10% drop in the number of men working more than 45 hours per week.  A trend that has risen once again since things began to improve in the economy around a year ago.

While working long hours is common for many, it is particularly prevalent in the start-up, smaller business and entrepreneurial community.  For those running their own company every minute of every hour really does count.  So time spent on unnecessary chores such as queuing for hours to ensure a customer delivery item makes that day’s post is time and therefore money ill-spent.

Which is why DHL Servicepoint is designed to be simple, effective and most importantly quick!  Just pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack the parcel when you get there and pay: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

As the late great Dr Benjamin Franklin noted to his fellow tradesmen back in the 1700s: remember that time is money.  And, thankfully, while many things have changed and evolved in the subsequent few hundred years or so the underlying value of his words remains – time spent is indeed money spent, so ensure you spend wisely.

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Young, free and ambitious

Posted on August 10, 2010 by DHL Servicepoint

A recent survey from insurance specialist Hiscox revealed that due to the current economic climate around a third of UK graduates (30%) are considering working for themselves, with over a quarter (28%) intending to run their own business by the age of 25 and 34% expecting to be their own boss by the age of 30.

Food for thought in today’s highly active online business world where such ambitious tendencies are very often allowed to become a reality.

Setting up and running an internet company from scratch is no walk in the virtual park however.  Without an established brand or plush high street shop front to lean on, the whole process has to be well thought through and brilliantly executed from start to finish.  A slick and funky user-friendly website which is easily found on Google is of no use if the goods the customer has ordered arrive late, damaged or not at all.

Enter DHL Servicepoint which handles each and every parcel from when it leaves your hands to when it arrives safely in your customer’s.  Simply pick your nearest DHL Servicepoint, pack the parcel when you get there and pay: https://dhlservicepoint.co.uk/howto.htm

DHL recognises that today’s young, free and ambitious entrepreneurs are tomorrow’s business leaders.  Which is why DHL Servicepoint is designed to ensure customer service remains king enabling new born companies to take their first steps, grow and flourish.

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