‘Made in’ labels raise controversy in Europe

The European Commission has announced plans to demand global manufacturers importing goods into the EU to apply a ‘made in’ label to all their products or risk sanctions. The World Trade Organisation is a staunch critic of such labels which it describes as making little sense in a world of globalised supply chains. Similar regulations…

How To Plan For Small Business Succession

More than 90% of business in the United States are family owned, but less than a third will survive in to the following generation. With the prevalence of small and medium sized business, the intricacies of business succession planning must be considered as a part of your retirement plan. Preoccupied with 401Ks and SEP-IRAs the…

Britain’s electrified ring fence

The British chancellor has proposed a ring fence separating high-street retails banking from investment banking branches within institutions will need to be ‘electrified’ with severe sanctions. Osborne will publish the Banking Reform Bill giving regulators the power to split banks up if they do not comply fully with new rules designed to protect British taxpayers….

China proposes development zones for business in US

China has been planning a proposal to convert over $1tn of Chinese-owned land in the US into ‘development zones’ that could see the establishment of Chinese business and citizens in North America. The proposal would mean China would own American businesses, infrastructure and valuable land. In exchange for the investment the US government would guarantee…

Amazon reports disappointing holiday sales

In the final quarter of 2012, the most important for retailers, the online shopping giant’s revenue grew by 22 percent to $21.3bn, about $1bn short of Wall Street forecasts. Reported holiday sales in the US were disappointing across the board, despite growth of 14 percent, according to ComScore, a research group. Amazon profits have diminished…

Using Social Media in Unusual Places

Have you ever had a desperate need to go the bathroom, and stood waiting in line, crossed your legs, or hummed to yourself while waiting for that the person to be finished using the facilities? It might sound surprising that in recent years, a growing reason why some people are hogging up the stalls is…