Month: October 2016

RISE AND SHINE YOUR WAY TO A PRODUCTIVE DAY

A lake view during sunrise with mountain and trees in the distance

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Whether you run a business, are self-employed or you’re an employee, the way you wake up in the morning can make or break your day. To get the most out of your day, it’s important to wake up early with a positive mind. Check out some of our top tips for maintaining an optimistic morning routine.

Don’t hit the snooze button – It can be very tempting to hit the snooze button and give yourself an extra 10 minutes in bed. By doing this you’re not only delaying the start to your day, you’re also delaying the end to your day.

Don’t check your phone for emails or messages as soon as you wake up – If the first thing you do is reach for your phone to check emails/messages… then stop! You may find yourself problem solving first thing, which in turn could put a negative stamp on your day ahead. You will be much better equipped to deal with any issues once you’re up and ready.

Go to bed early and get up early – Not only is an early night good for health reasons, it is also good for the mind. A good early night will help you rise earlier and create that 25th hour in the day we all long for. Early risers are known for their positivity, productivity and determination to solve problems.

Eat a decent, healthy breakfast – A well balanced breakfast is often seriously underestimated. Not only will it kick start your metabolism and give your body energy, it will also help you think straight. No one wants to start their day with hunger pangs and feeling sluggish.

Plan the day ahead – The morning is a great time to review what you have to do and plan your day. Working out what you want to achieve with a positive mind-set will help you reach your goals to their full potential.

Exercise – Morning is the best time for a workout as it helps boost brain endorphins, gives you more energy and lowers stress levels. All these things combined will make for a more creative and productive day.

At MOMENTUM, we believe a morning routine is brilliant for saving time and making your day more successful, however workloads can be too much no matter how many hours there are in a day. Our virtual PA services are extremely flexible and we can offer daily or ad-hoc support in a wide range of other services too:  https://momentumbusinesssupport.com/services/

Health and Safety for SMEs – What you need to know!

An astronaut in space using specialised equipment

Did you know that if you run a business and have five or more employees you are legally required to have a written health and safety policy?

If you are a business owner, here’s the low down on what you need to know …

Preparing a health and safety policy needs to be in three parts

  • A statement of intent from the business demonstrating its commitment to health and safety.
  • Health and safety responsibilities for both the employer and employees.
  • Health and safety arrangements which detail how you protect your employees and others. This includes; information about fire and emergency, first aid arrangements, accident reporting, work activities, welfare arrangements.

Managing the risks in your business

  • A written general risk assessment is another legal requirement if you have five or more employees.
  • The risk assessment needs to identify the risks in your business, who might be harmed and how you control those risks. The findings need to be recorded and reviewed at least annually.
  • Some risks will need to be assessed in greater detail and will therefore need a specific assessment, for example; working with display screen equipment (PCs, laptops etc.), working at height, manual handling (lifting and carrying), running events, handling chemicals, homeworking.

Consulting with your employees

  • Businesses need to make sure they consult with all employees. This needs to include talking and listening about their work activities and the risks involved and providing them with information and training about working safely.
  • Consultation can either be directly with each employee (for a small business) or, via a health and safety representative in larger business.

Information and training

  • Everyone who works for you needs to know how to work safely. They need to have the necessary information and adequate training to complete the tasks.  For example, if one of the tasks is lifting and carrying, employees need to know how it should be done safely and without risk, to prevent injury and ill health.
  • Employees also need to have access to the health and safety law poster or pocket card which outlines health and safety laws and relevant contact details.

Getting it right

  • A business owner needs to appoint someone competent to help meet the necessary health and safety duties. Competency includes skills, knowledge and experience to manage health and safety.  If you are not confident to manage all the requirements in-house you may need some external help or advice.

 

If you would like further information about how to manage health and safety in your business please call 01903 688789 or email makeithappen@mbsmih.com and we’d be happy to help.

2016-17 Changes to the UK National Minimum Wage

A man in a suit reading a newspaper with the words Business displayed on the cover page

As of 1 October 2016 the UK Government has accepted and implemented the Low Pay Commission’s recommendation to increase the national minimum wage for those aged 24 and under, for 2016-17.

The new per hour rates will be as follows:

Ages 21 – 24 will now receive £6.95 (from £6.70)

Ages 18 – 20 will now receive £5.55 (from £5.30)

Ages 16 – 17 will now receive £4.00 (from £3.87)

Apprentices will now receive £3.40 (from £3.30)

There are currently no plans to change the National Living Wage for those aged 25 and over, which will remain the same (at £7.20) until April 2017.

You must ensure you comply with these rates fully.

If you’d like additional advice or support, please call us 01903 688789 or send us an email makeithappen@mbsmih.com.