news 11


Is your firm a 'zombie business'?


According to the recently published R3 Business Distress Index, there are 146,000 'zombie businesses' in the UK – these are businesses that are only able to pay interest on their debts and are having to negotiate payment terms with their suppliers, writes Keith Stevens, partner at Egham and head of WKRR at Wilkins Kennedy LLP


The recession has affected most businesses large and small across the UK and we have seen how a breakdown in the business chain can lead to a domino effect. Cashflow problems can start due to customers negotiating different payment terms, paying much more slowly than usual or even defaulting on invoice payment completely.


Finance can be difficult to obtain and the lack of income has left businesses unable to pay their debts as and when they fall due, and having to do deals with their suppliers to survive.


Many businesses are now stuck in a rut and trapped by their obligations – so how long can this go on? Any change in circumstances such as a rise in interest rates or the loss of a key customer could be disastrous and tip a business on the brink over the edge.


Wilkins Kennedy is a firm of chartered accountants and business advisers and has decades of experience advising businesses and dealing with companies in distress. As professional experts in this field we offer the most up to date information and options for business owners to consider for survival and turnaround. We can also advise directors of companies upon their obligations when their business hits problems.


Business owners asking for assistance at the earliest stages can often solve the problem completely, but if this isn’t possible then we will make sure that you receive advice to achieve the best outcome available.


If you would like to discuss your business problems, in confidence, or would like to know your options then get in touch with your local Wilkins Kennedy office.


Win your own copy of The Good Pub Guide 2013


The 2013 edition of the pub-goers' bible is now out, announcing - among other recommendations - Pub of the Year, a Dining Pub of the Year for each county, and 16 national award winners. And this month eight copies are available to readers of The Business Magazine


The Good Pub Guide 2013 (Ebury Press, £15.99) details 4,700 pubs – including a bumper crop of 252 new entries this year. With up-to- date contact details, descriptions and opening hours, it is a national institution – a bible for pub-goers.


Thousands of loyal readers report in each year to keep fellow pub- lovers in tune with how a pub is doing and to share their personal recommendations on service, food, drink, cost and atmosphere.


Edited by Alisdair Aird and Fiona Stapley, this essential guide gives readers the succinct, reliable and honest information needed to plan their experience; and the


confidence to drive that extra mile to avoid a dismal pub and enjoy instead the best watering-holes Britain has to offer.


Published last month, the 2013 edition is organised into counties so wherever you happen to be the best pubs can easily be found. Outstanding pubs are clearly starred and there are awards for food, stay, wine, beer and bargain prices.


At last the pub tide is turning


This year the editors report clear signs of a turn-around. "Most strikingly, the mood among publicans themselves is changing,"


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2012


says Stapley. "Although it is extremely hard work, for the first time in over 10 years most landlords and landladies have been more upbeat.


"We have had fewer complaints from readers about service this year than we can ever remember in the Guide's history. And to add to this positive trend, more pubs are going the extra mile.


"A great many pubs are now more than just pubs. At the most basic level, this means being open when customers find it useful, and not just at lunchtime and in the evening. Dogs in pubs have never had it so good. The great majority of good pubs now welcome dogs − by our count, more than eight out of 10. And with more and more cycle trails bringing people to pubs on two wheels, some pubs now make special efforts to welcome cyclists too."


HOW TO ENTER


Q: How is the 2013 edition of The Good Pub Guide organised?


Send your answers by email to: competitions@elcot.co.uk


along with your name, your company name and postal address.


• The closing date for entries is October 31, 2012.


• The eight winners will be picked at random from the correct entries received, and the judges' decisions will be final.


• Winners will be announced in the December/January editions of The Business Magazine.


www.businessmag.co.uk


Details: Keith Stevens 01784-435561 keith.stevens@wilkinskennedy.com


Egham: 01784-435561 Reading: 0118-9512131 Guildford: 01483-306318 Winchester: 01962-852263 Romsey: 01794-515441 Amersham: 01494-545570


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60