It is of little surprise that recent interest rate rises have taken its toll on house prices across the UK. The number of new mortgage approvals in the UK fell to a 12-month low in April, Bank of England figures show. Mortgage approvals totaled 107,000 in April, down from 111,000 in March and the third monthly decline in a row. In a further indication of weakening buyer demand mortgage lending rose by ?8.9bn, much less than expected and the weakest rise since September.

Protecting your store from shoplifters can be expensive. Not protecting your store can cost you more. If you don't have the money to spend on a state-of-the-art camera system, there is a cost-effective alternative.

All larger companies and all those who have been in the market for several business cycles are prone to an (identity) crisis. Corporate identity and the product of the company are related. This is quite important when dealing with change.

Restaurant management is an ever-changing nature of business. You keep some original restaurant managing techniques and at the same time adapt to the changing times. Always be open for new restaurant ideas.

Congratulations! You've decided to publish an ezine. But where do you begin? Here are 5 questions to help you on your way.

The T-Mobile Sidekick is a unique cell phone that has a large color screen and full keyboard for text messaging, instant messaging, and web browsing.

Exactly how much do you really know about business security? Do you feel that you're careful at work with electronic files? Some of your everyday tasks might be the cause of a data breach. A stray or lost laptop, word documents, spreadsheets and leaked customer information over email can cause financial and reputation problems to your company. To further your knowledge about how you and your company can play an active role in creating a security plan, take this quiz to test your security knowledge.

China has some incredible advantages in terms of trade. It has easy access to raw materials and cheap labour. Its economic base is growing and there is very little that China can't produce. Read why it makes sense to do business with China and even more sense to use the internet to do that business.

Merger and acquisition business deals are vital to boost business volumes and move ahead. There are specialists who act as brokers and consultants. They assist in bringing about a smooth and stress-free deal. It is reasonable to seek support of merger and acquisition specialists, when thinking of a merger, planning new acquisitions, or selling business.

Goal setting is more than just wishing something will happen. It is a process that provides the road map for any business.

If you have a business with a number of employees, then you need to keep track of the hours they work for reporting and payroll purposes. A computerized time clock system is a great solution, allowing you to track employee hours and collate all the information together into management reports. These reports can then be used to produce the payroll, or with some time clock systems the data can be fed directly into the payroll computer system.

Is your office buried under a flood of papers? It might be time to scan your records to electronic images. Learn how to run a successful document conversion program to save money on records storage.

Will you be sending a business Christmas card to your clients this holiday season? You might be surprised at how effective one little card can be on your client relationships.

Have you ever wanted to tear your hair out over revisions to a complex document or proposal? An article describing a foolproof way to manage complex documents or proposals.

Although the Six Sigma methodology originally started out as a way to improve processes and products in a manufacturing environment, today it has grown to encompass a broad range of industries. As companies begin to realize the benefits a total quality improvement cycle can have upon the organization they are adopting Six Sigma and its practices into their own fold.

There are many different types of cleaning soaps, each designed for a specific use. Here is some information on the different types of cleaning soaps sold in todays cleaning and janitorial markets.

The naming of your business could be one of the most important decisions you will make. A name's originality and legal availability will create a real asset value of its own, as it becomes marketed and gains market acceptance.

Are you ready to start your residential cleaning service? When you start talking to prospective customers they're going to have questions for you. The following article has 12 questions you should be prepared to answer.

What is a marketing strategy and why do small businesses need them? This article covers the basics of small business marketing plans and strategies.

Coffee vending machines are a way to provide people who like their coffee with an option to keep caffeinated all day. These machines take money, allow for customized selections (such as cream, sugar, and special flavors), dispense a paper or cardboard cup, and pour the liquid into the cup.

Learn how to create a magic connection with clients, leads, or business associates. A few simple techniques can make the difference between a connection and a sale or a connection and a new business partner. Don't leave your communication to chance

Whether you presently own a retail or web based business and are looking for an additional profit center or you are thinking of starting a business, jewelry is a “no-brainer” choice for a proven product category. The buying public, (particularly women) never tires of jewelry as the choices in color, materials, finishes and styles are endless and innovations are continual. Every generation reinvents jewelry for itself in much the same way that it reinvents music and fashion. Styles change but the basic facts remain the same. If you are a seasoned professional, please consider the following a refresher course. To the new comer, use this information as a foundation for your ongoing jewelry education.

One of the best administrative professionals, and most productive people I know, is my mother. She is 78 years old and still works full-time as the personal assistant to the CEO of a bank! (I come from great genes – it makes me very optimistic about my long-term future!) One of her secrets to productivity is what is often called “a tickler file.”...Everything Old is New Again!