How Sunspel has aided the evolution of the T-shirt

Having been founded by Thomas A Hill in 1860, Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com/us) – still today maintaining a strategic presence in its native Nottingham, UK in the form of its long-established Long Eaton factory – is better placed than most to observe the changes in mens designer clothes down the years. This is especially true in the case of the humble T-shirt, which has been made in some form by the company since it first came into being.

But of course, even amid the pioneering fervor of Victorian England, the popularization of the actual term ‘T-shirt’ was still some way from realization. It is, instead, the term ‘cotton undershirt’ that would have been recognized by ‘Old Thom’. It was a different story for his company successors, however, and by the 1950s, the Sunspel quality T-shirt had finally reached its iconic form that it would retain, remarkably unaltered, for many decades to come.

Whereas the ancestors of this shirt had sported long sleeves as well as buttons below the neck, the new version was shorn of not only these, but also any other such decorative features as collars, cuffs and pockets. The T-shirt had finally reached a design that would last the test of time, with even the T-shirts of Sunspel’s present quality clothing range barely any different except for some minor edits and the latterly-introduced Q82 fabric.

The invention of the Q82 fabric was a major event in the history of Sunspel’s British clothing. This fabric is created with the twisting together of two threads of the finest long staple, 80s count Egyptian cotton. The result is a very fine cotton thread that is smooth, strong and resistant to the tangling that can occur with other fabrics when they are worn or washed. The twisting makes for a cleaner yarn, while its subsequent double spinning eradicates any remaining impurities. The final jersey is as long-lasting as it is light and fine.

However, T-shirts were not always as instantly recognizable as those in the present Sunspel clothing range. The modern-day T-shirt only really began to evolve when Victorians switched from one-piece ‘union suits’ to woolen shirts and long johns for sleeping in. By about 1913, both the US Navy and the Royal Navy were using a vest-type undergarment and cropped sleeve undershirt in preference to the older square-necked, shoulder buttoning shirt.

However, the T-shirt – not as yet named as such – still had to be made more comfortable, lighter and softer if it was to gain much chance of widespread popularity. Luxury clothing specialists Sunspel (http://www.sunspel.com/us) was one of the few firms to take on this challenge, and in the years after World War II, the T-shirt finally began to win favor with the rebel and freedom fighter. The likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando helped to affirm the T-shirt’s ‘rock and roll’ associations – a development that surely wouldn’t have happened without the refining work of companies like Sunspel that continues unabated today.

Editor’s Note: Sunspel US (http://www.sunspel.com/us) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

A run-through of the Cooper, Menvier and JSB fire safety ranges

When you are looking to boost the safety of the occupants of your organisation’s buildings, you’ll want to invest in products in which you can place the utmost confidence. To that end, you are likely to want to buy from only the most trustworthy brands, and if there is any firm represented in the UK-FP.co.uk (http://www.uk-fp.co.uk/index.asp) range of fire products that can boast plenty of those, it is Cooper Lighting and Safety.

Renowned for manufacturing a broad selection of solutions for commercial and industrial purposes, the Doncaster-based Cooper Lighting and Safety can be divided into some of the leading brands in the fire safety industry, including Cooper, JSB and Menvier. Their products on the UK-FP.co.uk website include:

Wireless radio

With a range spanning from the CW9000 Addressable Wireless Fire Control Panel C/W Batteries to the CWBS980 Wireless Sounder Beacon and CWIF930 Wireless 3 Channel Input/Output Interface Module, there is a Cooper Fire system to match so many specialised requirements. The CW9000 wireless control panel makes use of Cooper wireless protocol to provide a proven and effective fire detection system, with field devices and control panels that are securely and wirelessly connected.

Those that are looking for fully featured, intelligent and addressable fire alarms should also have no reason to complain about the reliable sounders, sensors, beacons and callpoints that help to make this a reality. CW9000 itself incorporates such features as an addressable 250 device system, low profile aesthetics and a range of more than 1km in free air into a solution that also meets the requirements of the European standard EN54-25 “Fire detection and fire alarm systems. Components using radio links”.

Analogue addressable

Our selection of Cooper, Menvier and JSB analogue addressable products includes control panels, repeater panels, detectors and manual call points, sounders and beacons and interfaces. Place your trust in CF1000 analogue fire detection panels that can be bought as 1 and 2-loop configured panels and that are as functional as they are easy to use, or simple but effective interfaces that are ‘plug and play’, with no hard addressing required.

Conventional

We provide conventional panels from the well-regarded FX2200CF range that are ideal for those in need of a simple, yet effective conventional fire detection solution. You can specify them as 2, 4 and 8-zone panels, with the latter being configured for the provision of a repeater panel output, in addition to two further fire alarms outputs.

Other items in our Cooper, Menvier and JSB conventional range include detectors and manual call points, sounders and beacons and relays, power supplies and magnetic door holders, all perfect complements to your existing smoke alarms and other fire safety measures.

Visit the UK-FP.co.uk (http://www.uk-fp.co.uk/index.asp) online store now to discover not only the Cooper, Menvier and JSB range, but also the rest of our proven and dependable fire safety products, whether you are in need of fire extinguishers, a fire door closer or something very different for safeguarding your firm’s customers and employees.

Editor’s Note: UK-FP.co.uk (http://www.uk-fp.co.uk/index.asp) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

A rundown of London Registrars' company secretarial services for PLCs

The many benefits of a business operating as a public limited company (PLC) include access to capital, liquidity, an opportunity to make acquisitions more easily and a more prestigious profile, as well as profit and tax advantages. There are, however, also various implications, and a public limited company is as likely as any other to prosper as a result of the use of the right company secretarial services, from a firm like London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.co.uk).

Although a PLC company secretary is vital, the decision needs to be made as to whether they are to be in-house or outsourced. Many PLCs are coming to realise the material and cost benefits of outsourcing the work performed by a company secretary, but there may be varying levels of willingness to outsource certain tasks. That's why London Registrars can provide not only fully outsourced services, but also such services on a more 'ad hoc', or project-specific basis. This means that any PLC can benefit from the considerable experience, expertise and reputability of London Registrars' company secretaries.

Legally required for any public limited company is an address where official correspondence, like court documents or HM Revenue & Customs letters, can be served. The company's official documents, including letterheads, order forms, invoices, websites and more, must all feature this registered office address. London Registrars can provide such an address in Central London for PLCs, or a SAIL address if applicable. Also available are directors' service addresses, which allow directors to avoid having their home addresses on the public record.

Other services that can be provided to a PLC by a London Registrars company secretary include managing meetings of the board, board committees, AGMs and general meetings, covering notice and agenda preparation and distribution. Such a professional can also ensure that in the case of a listed or traded company's AGMs or General Meetings, key shareholders attend or appoint proxies. They can also cost-effectively manage dormant subsidiaries and case manage litigation on behalf of the company.

Many PLCs turn to London Registrars' company secretaries for corporate governance consultancy, which makes board members aware of their responsibilities as far as the governance of their company is concerned, as well as how financial and strategic goals can be achieved. Such expertise informs good decision making. Compliance consultancy is another vital service, ensuring the company's compliance with the law as well as, in appropriate cases, AIM rules, the Combined Code and listing rules.

Such instrumental services in areas like company compliance are complemented by the simple ability to provide advice at short notice and even interim company secretarial cover in the event of illness, maternity or gaps between the departure of one post holder and their replacement taking up office. London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.co.uk) is available to talk to interested PLCs.

Editor’s Note: London Registrars (http://www.london-registrars.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

It’s always Boxing Day sales here at Office1web!

We’re rapidly approaching Christmas, which for business owners, tends to be anything but the time of rest and celebration that it is for so many other people. This is a time when deadlines seem to become even tighter than usual as clients try to get you to squeeze in just one more assignment before everybody goes home for the winter break... that is, if there even is a real winter break. Certainly, you can order office supplies from Office1web (http://www.office1web.ie) right through that supposed ‘break’!

One thing that many of you might actually be focussing on now is the period directly after Christmas, which starts with what is politely known as the Boxing Day sales. You’ve probably seen news reports of these down the years, featuring loads of people in a furious scrum for deals. Thankfully, though, you don’t have to join them, at least if it’s only office supplies that you require. While other people are browsing online for cut-price gadgets, books, toys and the like, you’re free to take advantage of our discounts on stuff like ink cartridges and office furniture.

Indeed, the period between Christmas and New Year might be one of the few times of year when many owners of office-based businesses in Ireland have the free time to browse... and it’s the perfect time to survey your empty office and make sure that you have everything that you could possibly require, in readiness for a quick resumption of work in January. You might have noticed, for example, that all of your pens seem to have ran out of ink, or you might have somehow managed not to receive a pocket diary for Christmas – in which case, we have many extremely useful offers.

Of course, when we mention the word ‘offers’, we aren’t really talking about the momentary price drops that are normally associated with the Boxing Day and January sales. What we’re referring to are the huge discounts that we offer on so many products, all year round. On all manner of business supplies cheap and expensive, common and obscure, frequently used and rarely used, we can save you as much as 90% on the RRP price, and that’s before we mention the extra money that you can save when you buy in bulk. After all, you have potentially all of your employees to cater for.

We know how office businesses work, and one thing that we especially appreciate is that for many of you, the work never stops. Given the increasing tendency to work from home, you might even be browsing Office1web (http://www.office1web.ie) in-between several-hour work stints. That’s why we make sure that our delivery is fast – just in case you can’t wait too long for your ink and toner, office furniture or printer paper. For those with more urgent needs living in Dublin or nearby, we even offer a highly-rated same day service. Just call 01-6852558 to find out more.

Editor’s Note: Office1web (http://www.office1web.ie) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

A selection of cleaning chemicals available to buy from SilverBulletSupplies

Serving businesses and individual customers alike, SilverBulletSupplies (http://www.silverbulletsupplies.com) has an impeccable reputation for its supply of the most suitable wholesale cleaning supplies. Among its many consumables product ranges that encompass the likes of gloves, paper, dispensers and more, the store is especially popular for its no-nonsense cleaning chemicals. Here is an outline of some of the best.

Envirological Clear Strong Washing Up Liquid

Completely designed and manufactured in Britain, this washing up liquid can be depended on to cut through even the thickest amounts of grease and grime, helping in the swift cleaning of the most soiled pots and pans. Not only is it effective in its role as a cleaning chemical, but it also fits in with the increasing urgency among businesses to be socially and environmentally responsible, as it has been made from entirely renewable resources.

Envirological Liquid Hand Soap

Customers can buy three litres of this stuff, in six goes of 500ml. This product also lives up to the environmentally-friendly credentials of the Envirological brand, as it is a liquid hand soap that is vegetable based and biodegradable. It is also pH neutral, contains no phosphates and has not been tested on animals. This hand soap’s appealing and wholly natural perfume gives browsers just one more reason to put it on their shopping lists when they are next shopping for chemical cleaning supplies.

Evolution Potwash Detergent

This detergent is highly concentrated and certainly has a strong reputation as a means of thoroughly cleaning a great volume of cutlery, crockery, pots and pans. It is a product that efficiently cuts through even dried-on soiling when washing by hand, and it helps that it can even be used in a dispenser system.

Auto Kleen Car Shampoo & Wax

It goes without saying that if a customer owns a car or their business involves the washing of cars, they'll want a vehicle's true colour and lustrous shine to be shown off to full advantage at all times. Car washing, though, can admittedly be a chore - or at least, that was the case until the arrival of high performing, 'all in one' cleaning and waxing solutions like the latest Car Shampoo & Wax that Auto Kleen has devised. It can be trusted to eliminate even light to medium atmospheric soiling.

Cleenol Thick Bleach

SilverBulletSupplies' enviable reputation as a provider of top quality, but great value janitorial supplies rests largely on the presence in its product range of such highly effective bleaches as this one. It is highly viscous and clings to surfaces in a way that soon removes even the most stubborn soiling.

With such renowned cleaning chemicals on sale as these, it shouldn't be so surprising that SilverBulletSupplies (http://www.silverbulletsupplies.com) has such a strong following among the widest range of clients. Visit the website now for a wider introduction to the current product range.

Editor’s Note: SilverBulletSupplies (http://www.silverbulletsupplies.com) is represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Please direct all press queries to Louise Byrne. Email: louise@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Anyone who has got in touch with our experts here at Just-Clear (http://www.just-clear.co.uk) will know all about the sheer efficiency, professionalism and eco-friendliness of our house clearance services. We help you to sort out the truly needless junk from the more valuable items that you may wish to donate, sell or even keep. Indeed, there are certain items that come up very consistently in our work, including...

Furniture

Whether it’s dining tables and chairs that have been handed down the generations, or instead a redundant filing cabinet, furniture is so often the bane of the life of someone undertaking a house or office clearance. You may be particularly tempted with these items to just hire a van and ‘get it over and done with’, but have you considered the best ways of packing certain, more valuable pieces of furniture? Even just getting certain pieces into the back of a van can be stressful, so get in touch with us for advice on both transport and disposal.

Arts and antiques

If you’re having a probate house clearance performed and come across a mysterious old chest of drawers or framed landscape painting that looks expensive, that’s probably because it is. So, why not make the most of our extensive network of contacts with top UK art and antiques auctioneers and valuers? Such professionals can advise you on the transport and sale of such items so that you get the best net return.

Confidential documents

These are items that you have to be especially wary of when you are undertaking a home or office clearance, as the likes of bank statements and credit card receipts that get into the wrong hands can be a major cause of identity theft. That’s why it’s really best, if you no longer need such documents, to take the no-nonsense approach of shredding them. We would urge those undertaking a probate house clearance to speak to the solicitor or executor dealing with the estate for advice on whether certain documents may be needed at a later date.

Random junk

From long-discarded magazines and leaflets to old toys and forgotten-about ornaments, there are so many random items that you may have been holding onto for far too long. Indeed, we have plenty of ‘hoarders’ among our clients, so even if you have piles and piles of this stuff to sift through, you are not alone and have nothing to be ashamed of! But rather than just shove it all in the bin, why not allow a fully insured and licensed removals and recycling firm to sort through it for you? You’d be amazed how much charities, for example, would appreciate what you merely regard as junk.

Don’t hesitate to contact Just-Clear’s (http://www.just-clear.co.uk) experts in house and office clearance for a free quote, followed by the utmost professional service.

Editor’s Note: Just-Clear (http://www.just-clear.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

What distinguishes the Gentlemen’s Tonic range of shaving products?

Shaving is one of those vital tasks that await a man each day. Indeed, it’s something that the average man will do around 20,000 times for as long as he lives. It could even be said that there is an art to the perfect shave, with the preparatory stages, the subsequent basic steps, lathering, shaving and moisturising all able to be done in certain ways to ensure the most positive experience and the best possible results... and that’s where the experts at Gentlemen’s Tonic’s (http://www.gentlemenstonic.om) come in with their male grooming products, gifts and services.

As a highly individual establishment founded in the heart of Mayfair, here at Gentlemen’s Tonic we take pride in offering the ultimate lifestyle and grooming products and services to the discerning man. Taking pride of place among these is an assortment of shaving products, not least of which is Pre Shave Oil that ensures that the skin is prepared, soothed, moisturised and protected in readiness for shaving. Our own team of master barbers has participated in the creation of this lightweight oil, which incorporates exceptional moisturising and lubricating ingredients so that your shave is smoother and more comfortable than ever before.

One other major reason to choose our own Pre Shave Oil is the perfect way it complements the rest of our exclusive shaving range. After all, we also stock expertly developed Traditional Shave Cream that can be depended upon to provide a truly lathering shave experience. Ingredients like Manuka Honey and Babassu Oil help to make this the ultimate cream for the most luxurious and comfortable shave, with the former ingredient helping in the repair, nourishment and reduction of irritation and the latter, helping to protect the skin from drying out during the shaving process.

Alternatively, one may choose to invest in our Classic Shave Cream, which is smooth and luxurious enough to forgo the need for a shaving brush. Its extremely moisturising formula makes it the market’s finest non-lathering shave cream, as it softens the beard and protects the skin to make even the closest shave supremely comfortable and smooth. It can be used on all skin types, being particularly appropriate for sensitive skin, and as it is cream based, the skin does not dry and the razor is subsequently allowed to glide. It is also high in essential oils, with no artificial colours or preservatives.

That simply leaves such other sought-after items in the range as our Aftershave Cream, which is available for both normal and dry to sensitive skin and can also be used as a moisturiser, while Daily Foaming Cleanser is also available that lifts away excess oils and impurities, courtesy of its gentle formula. It is mild enough to be used every day. A complete mens shaving set is also available, incorporating Daily Foaming Cleanser, Classic Shave Cream and Aftershave Cream in an elegant gift box bearing the Gentlemen’s Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) brand.

Editor’s Note: Gentlemen’s Tonic (http://www.gentlemenstonic.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Why you'll want to avoid a 'do it yourself' relocation

There are unquestionably plenty of great reasons to move to Gibraltar, with or without the help of Indigo (http://www.indigo.gi). This is a part of the world, after all, where you'll find plentiful employment opportunities in many areas, as well as pleasing scenery, a favourable climate and no shortage of attractions. The tax climate in the territory also attracts a great many people. But that's no excuse to cut corners and presume that you can manage every aspect of your move by yourself.

Of course, it isn't physically impossible to do such a thing, but you should bear in mind that it does involve a great amount of tedious preparation, with mistakes being potentially very costly indeed. Here at Indigo, we continually have to emphasise the unglamorous aspects of moving to Gibraltar, as for anywhere in the world, from searching for accommodation and familiarising yourself with the local emergency numbers to obtaining a residence permit and coordinating removal services. If you are a company with an interest in a corporate relocation to the territory, then you will have even more reason to worry.

After all, a complete corporate relocation to Gibraltar can be a complete and utter logistical nightmare. The reality is that the fast-moving corporate world of today doesn't wait for you to finish your move, and nor should it. Throughout your move, you will have clients at the end of the phone who will want to be assured of continuity with regard to your business support and services. A failure to achieve this only leads to frustration for said clients, and an increasing temptation for them to turn to a better-managed industry rival.

The truth is that you really do need your corporate relocation to be seamless, and such are business pressures in the 21st century that you will probably have barely a minute in which to tear yourself away from your core business. That's why it's such a good idea to engage a company that knows Gibraltar comprehensively, and that can provide tailored services to make your move a success. Indigo can work alongside your HR team in implementing the relocation, or you can even leave us to manage the whole process.

Savvy business managers know all about the benefits of outsourcing time-consuming administrative tasks, and we provide ongoing support for your employees once they arrive in Gibraltar, all aimed at helping them to adjust to such a drastic change. Indeed, whether you are overseeing a corporate relocation, retiring to Gibraltar or even moving there with a young family, we have highly rated services encompassing visa assistance, airport meet and greet, school selection and enrolment assistance, home hunting, lease checking, concierge services and so many more.

Don't underestimate the stress-relieving effects of getting Indigo's (http://www.indigo.gi) seasoned professionals to help you to relocate to Gibraltar. 

Editor’s Note: Indigo (http://www.indigo.gi) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Apprentice tribunal lingers on

Organisations that receive HR support from Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk) probably cannot fail to have noticed one especially high-profile employment tribunal over the past week – that of the former winner of TV series The Apprentice , Stella English, against the firm of Alan Sugar.

English, from Kent, emerged victorious on the BBC programme in 2010, and was subsequently employed by Viglen, Lord Sugar’s IT services provider. However, she has now brought a constructive dismissal claim against the firm.  English told the East London Employment Tribunal that she had no real role at Viglen and added that being told that her £100,000 a year contract would not be renewed had left her with no option but to resign.

The 34-year old from Whitstable said that she had only seen Lord Sugar on five occasions during her 13 months at Viglen and that her boss, Bordan Tkachuk, had given her a look of “contempt” on her first day, telling her that “there is no job”.  She alleged that during a four-month probationary period she had access to a desk and phone and was given only basic administrative tasks to carry out.

Ms English described her employment as a “sham”, adding that “the career-enhancing opportunities that The Apprentice position had been sold as simply failed to materialise.” She said that she “did not want to be a troublemaker”, but had nonetheless told Lord Sugar: “I have tried so hard for so long and it's not working. I'm an overpaid lackey.”

The tribunal heard that Lord Sugar responded by offering her a role in another company, YouView, which she commenced in June 2011, only for similar problems to be encountered – culminating in her being told in September that her contract would not be renewed. She described the decision as “the bombshell that I wasn't really expecting at all”, and said that she had begun to enjoy her work at YouView and was aiming at a position in business development management.

In his witness statement, Lord Sugar described Ms English’s claim as “simply an attempt to extract money from me... something I will not do. I have principles which I have spoken about on abuse of law.” He described Ms English as an “untrusting and suspicious person” and a “serial liar” who was full of “conspiracy theories”. He added that in hindsight, he would not have hired her or offered her the position at YouView, which he described as having “come back and slapped me in the face.”

"I began to think that perhaps the reality of work, rather than the glamour of show business, was beginning to bite with her," he added. Judgement has been reserved in the case, with the tribunal panel set to make a decision within a month.

Conflicts like these show the potential value of having effective means of dispute resolution, as well as demonstrating the challenges posed to all employers (even Lord Sugar) by employment tribunals. Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk) provide a wide range of HR and Employment Law services to support organisations in meeting these challenges, including employment tribunal representation.

Editor’s Note: Employee Management Ltd (http://www.employeemanagement.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Don’t be deterred by those negative contracting myths

You might imagine that as accountants for contractors, it is in the interests of Freelancer Accounting (http://www.freelanceraccounting.com) to persuade you of the merits of becoming a contractor or freelancer. However, it is also true that we make it our business to prepare contractors for many of the potential accounting and taxation pitfalls that may face them – so we’d like to think that we can present a truly balanced and critical view of this particular means of working.

As part of this, we’d like to emphasise some of the aspects in which the downsides of contracting can be perhaps too strongly asserted. Such exaggerated or even non-existent ‘truths’ can include...

 A lack of income compared to permanent work

Employers appreciate the flexibility of taking on freelancers and contractors on a project by project basis, and this is actually frequently reflected in the financial rewards. If you have a skill set that is in particular demand, you could as much as double or triple your present take home pay.

There are, however, certain factors that could impinge on your annual earnings as a contractor, such as gaps between contracts and the ever-thorny issue of IR35. However, becoming more professional in your pursuit of contracts and engaging specialist IR35 accountants are effective ways of tackling these respective issues.

It’s difficult to keep your skills up to date

While it may be true that as a contractor, you are not being constantly sent onto new training courses by your boss, the fact that you are your own boss simply leaves you with greater responsibility in this area.

With no need to ask the boss for permission, contracting gives you the freedom to search out and enrol on as many courses as possible, in addition to buying training materials and books and applying their lessons. There’s therefore no reason why keeping your skills up to date should be any more of a chore for you, a client of one of our accountants in London, than it would be for a permanent employee.

You don’t get sick pay, health insurance, holidays or a company car

This may be true, but your status as your own boss does give you the freedom to buy such benefits as you may require, and to bear them in mind in your negotiation of contracts. If you are concerned about possible long-term sickness, for example, health insurance is available at competitive prices while you are still well.

Setting up a company and doing the accounts is a hassle

Those looking to become a contractor for the first time can opt for limited company formation or even joining an umbrella company, and neither arrangement involves a great amount of hassle. The administrative burden of running a limited company is modest, and our seasoned and skilled contractor accountants here at Freelancer Accounting (http://www.freelanceraccounting.com) can certainly help you to navigate those issues that do exist.

Editor’s Note: Freelancer Accounting (http://www.freelanceraccounting.com) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

Do you want the focus of a winning Sportsperson?

Do you wish you had the winning focus of a sportsperson? Do you envy the ability of athletes to not only know the outcomes that they want in life, but also achieve them with ease? This article by the leading provider of NLPcourses in Birmingham, Opt2xl (http://www.opt2xl.co.uk), will show you how sportspeople at all levels have used NLP to their own ends, as well as the applicability of many of these lessons to non-sportspeople who simply want to know how to live their life in a more fulfilling way.

For the sportsperson, there really is a very simple goal: to win. All of the world’s top athletes have a Mind Coach so it isn’t such an unusual thing for sportspeople to engage the services of an NLP practitioner in Birmingham or elsewhere in the UK. However, mental preparation applies to many more people than sportspeople, and the things that you focus on have a real impact on your results. We are generally taught in modern society to have positive thoughts if we want positive results, but there are many other aspects of our focus that we often ignore.

Our focus is made up of the pictures that we see in our minds, the sounds that we hear in our heads and our own self-talk and the feelings that we get in our bodies. So positive thoughts alone will not give complete focus for success. You need to make sure that all of these things are aligned towards the goal. The pictures that you see must focus on completing the goal with sounds, self-talk and internal feelings that support this.

In our NLP coaching in Birmingham for both sportspeople and non-sportspeople, we assert the importance of paying attention to the whole package, rather than just a few of the aforementioned elements that make up your focus. Let's imagine, for example, that you are a runner at the start of a race, and you cater for the aspect of self-talk by telling yourself positive, affirming things like, "I'm going to win". As good as that is, its effect is nullified if you neglect the visual aspect to support that, for instance, by picturing yourself coming second to your rival who beat you in the last race. You are beaten before you start. This is exactly the same for the non-athlete in, for example, a job interview saying positive things to themselves but not seeing themselves getting the job. Positive affirmations by themselves do not work.

As you can see, there are therefore many possibilities for a human being - whether or not they are a sportsperson - to be distracted from a given goal. An NLP practitioner in Birmingham will help you to achieve the absolute positive focus that you need by teaching you how to achieve the focus of a laser beam rather than that of a 40 watt light bulb. They will combine this focus with the 5 principles to Success – Know your Outcome, Take Action, Have Sensory Acuity, Use Behavioural Flexibility and always Operate from a Physiology and Psychology of Excellence so that you are always successful.

So with the help of our professionals in NLPin Birmingham here at Opt2xl (http://www.opt2xl.co.uk), you'll learn that you have the power to change your focus to achieve the outcomes that you want in life - and both sportspeople and non-sportspeople can appreciate that!

Editor’s Note: Opt2xl (http://www.opt2xl.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.

What you should know about our paper products

Here at Simpson Packaging (http://www.simpson-packaging.co.uk), we may be renowned for the supply of all manner of packaging materials - from adhesive tapes to furniture and floor protection - but it is often our paper products to which our customers first turn.

The sheer versatility, cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness of paper has made it a mainstay of packaging since seemingly the beginning of time. However, you might not be aware of the big difference that can be made by the right choice of packing paper for a particular item, or for that matter the significant savings that can be achieved when you purchase yours from Simpson Packaging.

Having been operating since 1988, we've definitely learned a thing or two over the years about packaging materials, to the point that we now have a quite staggering range of paper products to cater for the most specialised needs and applications. All the while, we provide a personal service befitting a family owned group of companies.

For the wrapping of a wide range of items, for example, you might want to invest in sheets or rolls of our General Purpose Kraft Paper. You can specify it in grades of 39gsm, 70gsm and 90gsm, in various sizes. We also offer 120gsm rolls of Kraft Union Paper, which with its bitumen layers providing a tough, puncture-resistant surface, is perfect for case lining.

There are so many specific requirements for which you may choose to order certain paper packaging materials from us. Those who want to store or transport ferrous metals, for example, may be interested in our VCI (Volatile Corrosion Inhibitor) Kraft Paper, which is available in 55gsm rolls and sheets and has been specially coated for the prevention of rust.

Or why not stock up on Waxed Kraft Paper for when you next need to wrap oily or greasy machine parts, or even highly polished furniture? Purpose made Jet Wraps can be bought for the swift and efficient wrapping of glassware and crockery, while delicate items, fabrics and polished surfaces may be best wrapped with acid free tissue paper if they are not to be tarnished.

You can also use our paper blankets to protect furniture and highly polished antiques - with bespoke paper blankets also able to be manufactured to specific sizes and with a greater number of ply for heavier duty requirements. They are an extremely affordable and environmentally friendly form of export wrapping. Meanwhile, you may opt to use news off-cuts for the outer wrapping of food products, or crepe paper coils for more awkward shaped items like chair legs. And given that the paper blankets are manufactured here, in-house, by our group company Dependable Packaging, this really is paper packaging you can depend upon!

You can probably already sense that there are few packaging suppliers that offer the extensive range of paper products that Simpson Packaging (http://www.simpson-packaging.co.uk) does! Contact us now to discuss your needs in more detail.

Editor’s Note: Simpson Packaging (http://www.simpson-packaging.co.uk) are represented by the search engine advertising and digital marketing specialists Jumping Spider Media. Email: info@jumpingspidermedia.co.uk or call: +44 (0)20 3070 1959 / +34 952 783 637.