Whats on the web
As one would expect from a site with such a name, this company is aimed at helping potential entrepreneurs to get started in business. This is a part of the Business Link site and has a fresh even funky appearance though the content is severely lacking; all links lead to the same page. On the plus side the service that they offer is free, as a government-funded organization they provide starter packs (including business plan templates and “need to know”hints), as well as seminars and workshops. Several case studies are presented on the site to give one an idea of how Business Link may help develop an enterprise. An advice line number is also supplied. Although the site itself does not give very much information, and there are many better start-up sites around, it may be worthwhile marking it as a research starting point.
Informative and ethical
“Our goal is to identify and discuss sustainable business models that address the needs of the world’s poorest citizens.” An admirable sentiment gives a good first impression to the World Resources Institute web site. The content is quite extensive though varies in degree of interest and use. Comments sections, news and archives form a large part of the site. The Activity Database contains some interesting information and focuses on projects aimed at providing products and services to underdeveloped countries. A nice feature of this sometimes slightly bitty site is the pop-up information that appears over several of the links; this gives an overview of the content of many of the links without actually having to follow them. Various blog topics on issues from agriculture to telecommunications are listed, some of which offer some interesting and useful information. Although this site is not the most user-friendly in terms of layout, it is worth looking at for those with an interest in sustainable business practice.
Commercial but very useful
HW Chartered Accountants offer various services in areas such as auditing,forensic accounting, corporate finance and expense control amongst others, with offices scattered across the UK. The site is well laid out with a simple but effective color scheme and design. Loads of information about the company is provided on the site, the links are easy to follow and seem to lead to where one would expect them to, yet it has a pleasantly uncluttered feel to it. News articles are featured on the site focusing on the general business and finance sectors as well as press releases specific to the company itself. Under the resources section one can find useful tools such as business forms along with overviews of what they are used for, fact sheets, calculators and budget and tax rate reports. If the company lives up to its web site then one would expect an excellent service. Overall this site is a great find and definitely one to earmark.
Write on
Despite aesthetics more attuned to a wedding rather than a corporate services one, this site does give some good advice regarding business communication. The services on offer are concerned with the written word and a short piece on what the company offers, by company owner Vicky Robertson, shows prospective clients the standard that can be expected. Copywriting and proofreading are the main provisions of the company; the types of document that could benefit from such a service are catalogued on the site. Under the link “free advice” one finds some handy hints on writing both feature articles and press releases;along with tips on how to grab a reader’s attention and the importance of correct punctuation. Professional, well presented (as one would expect), but also easy to navigate, this site instills confidence about the service that one could expect to receive.
Looking east
The slogan “Where technology means business” suggests the direction that this site takes. Mainly concerned with the ways in which technology affects businesses throughout the countries of Asia, this site provides a mix of news, blogs, insights and technical aid. Though a little on the haphazard side in terms of layout, this web site is packed with information,some of which undoubtedly would be useful to those with business interests in Asia. The “download” link offers heaps of software downloads covering various areas, many of which are available for free. As one may expect from a site promoting the value of technology within the business sector the site is comprised of multi-media components including videos and photo galleries. Though the focus appears to be in quite a specialized arena, this site also contains several reports and pieces of information that are relevant to the wider business world.
And finally
A quote that sums up the debate between environmentalists and big business:
The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun (Ralph Nader).
Best of all
For a particularly interesting and useful site you could always try the Emerald one!
If you have any favorite (or otherwise) sites that you would like us to review on these pages, or wish us to consider your own site, please drop us an e-mail and we will ask our reviewers to check them out.
