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An interesting option for new start-ups and something that can give a great return on investment is opening a business in a shopping centre. This reflects the fact that this type of complex maintains a constant flow of relevant consumers.However, for a commercial initiative of this kind to succeed, it is essential to gain information on the following aspects: market, selecting the centre, consumption habits of potential customers, paperwork, financing and growth strategies and consolidation. This is crucial because blindly undertaking a project of this scale can devalue your investment.

To successfully implement your business in a shopping centre, put into practice the following recommendations:

- Define your goal. What is your goal? Succeeding in the big leagues, where you will face more intense competition and have to invest more money - or start with intermediate links, which requires an investment of smaller rivals and there will be less income due.- Perform market research. Once you've defined your goal, you must know thoroughly the chosen site. It is no longer enough to know how many people will walk through, but to identify what kind of people too, what kind of offers exhibits the complex and what need can or will solve your business in that place, or if you will create one. Thus, it is essential that you evaluate the site's features, customer profile and know kiosks, and local islands that are already up in their place.- Know your potential competition. Display initiative and visit the places you are interested in for a week for example and at different times. Observe the behaviour of users with respect to established businesses. Identify trademarks displayed on the site; detect who your rivals are and how prestigious they are. This is an important indicator of what you will face, because if you stumble upon a top-end business, your chances of success are reduced - unless your concept is so original and powerful enough, that it overcomes the expectation.- Investigate costs. Weekly costs can range according to the location, the time of year that you wish to trade and floor space, but the average rents are from between £300 - £700 per week.If instead, you want a kiosk or an island to trade from, investment costs and monthly rent per square metre are decreased, but are a function of the total occupation of the allocated space.Moreover, you should not forget the expenses for maintenance; typically represent 10 to 20% of the monthly rent, payable additionally.- Define the ideal business model needed to transform the market need that you detected or created in a conceptual project. You must select the right business twist, the ideal space and give identity to your initiative, one that differentiates you from the competition, but that makes it seem alien to commercial ecosystem of the centre.- Create a solid business project to use all the information gathered to develop your business plan.. At this point, you should be clear about your strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities, as well as capital you need to implement your idea.- Comply with the necessary formalities with the managers of the shopping centre and complete the paperwork related to admission to the leasing of space.- Implement strategies from the beginning. As soon as you start your business, you need to engage your employees to your business and differentiate your initiative further, which is only possible with added value. What do we mean? Promote your offer with services or additional benefits.

Crowdfunding - also called collective financing or collective microfinance is to get multiple small donations to raise money or other resources to finance projects.

Small but effective contributions

British rock group Marillion are usually considered as the pioneers of crowdfunding when in 1997, they were able to finance their first US tour with contributions from fans.So began massive funding appearing in the artistic environments, and thus was born the website Kickstarter, a web platform to fund creative projects. The widespread success of the Kickstarter crowdfunding concept is used today for many purposes, such as financing of political, social or charitable campaigns or to finance new businesses.After Kickstarter, other platforms have emerged as RocketHub , P2P Financial or Potlatch , specialising in social entrepreneurs.

Crowdfunding basically works like this:

1. The creator posts on one of the platforms all the information of the project, its aims and objectives of the funding.2. Contributions made by the public may correspond with different rewards: from a minimum contribution with a corresponding "thank you very much" through average contributions that report for the donor to be named. This goes up to a level of most important patronage that can be rewarded with more exclusive things like dinner with the creators, an exclusive edition or original work, etc.3. Only if the entire amount requested is collected, will the creator receive the money and keep the rewards.4. If the entire amount is not met, the project is postponed or cancelled, and the funds are not allocated to the project.At a time when everyone wonders how to fund your business plan, crowdfunding can be a good alternative. But even with a platform to publish your project, you cannot expect to have pouring donations coming in straight away. On the contrary, to be successful, it is very important to organise a system of diffusion in online and offline networks to publicise the project and the possibility of financing it.This form of financing is another example of how the network can collaborate and cooperate with other people and organisations to take forward projects. Another example would be the crowdsourcing (in which a function is outsourced to a community or group of people).

Corporations are organisations established to manage various businesses. They have different legal rights, accountabilities and obligations, apart from members of the corporate office. When a corporation's bylaws are approved, members incorporate them in the most constructive way to meet your business objective and financial interests.Although corporations establish residence in a specific place, they are allowed to locate the corporate offices of the organisation (headquarters where business and transactions of the day is done) in a different area. The leaders of a corporation are located in corporate and registered offices in different authorities due to a more developed and better chance of profit.

Corporate Offices

The corporate offices are where the organisation has its principle place of operation. These offices are generally known as the headquarters of the corporation. The leaders of the corporation such as supervisors, shareholders and the board of directors all work from and are based at these offices. Corporate personnel also work from these offices and seldom from the registered office of the corporation.

Registered Offices

The registered business address is the legal headquarters of the corporation, the place where the company has been formed. Individuals wishing to take legal action against a corporation must submit legal papers such as process notifications, news or demands of the registered office of the corporation. Employees do not usually do business from the registered offices of a corporation.

The life of an entrepreneur is full of choices, whose significance is palpable beyond the corporate universe. Driving your own business is the realisation of a dream that invariably has an impact on your personal instance.In fact, experts in entrepreneurship and business management say that creating a company that is able to grow and make an impact on the market, is a journey that begins with a dream and ends with success or failure. This depends on the acuity, sweat, self-criticism and conviction of an entrepreneur.Men and women in business have to face a host of challenges daily between which are: a needs assessment, identifying opportunities, exploiting these elements and, of course, decisions to be taken to solve problems. However, one of the main challenges facing all corporate leaders is self-analysis. The specialist in corporate psychology describes some characteristics of entrepreneurs, which, as a coin show two faces, will have one positive and one negative.Optimism, for example, can help you keep on fighting, but is also able to lead you to overestimate your power to predict the future and predict illogically promising scenarios.Confidence and conviction, which are essential aspects in any business personality, can quickly transform into presumption and apprehension, respectively.It can be helpful to split the business venture in three phases. Here we present them:1. Birth Sleep / Contemplation. At this stage, the future entrepreneur identifies a need that can be met with a business project. The way it detects that opportunity is unpredictable, the truth is that it becomes a thought in your head; is incubated and leads them to wonder what would happen if a business developed from it? Do you have what it takes to undertake it? Can you combine it with another activity?2. Preparation. At this stage, you should research absolutely everything that relates to your business idea from the target to its competition, not forgetting financing options. This is also a key moment of self-evaluation, because it is at this point that you should identify if the initiative is sound and feasible, and if you are really committed to it.3. Implementation. In this period, the theory turns into practice. It`s when you`re officially open for business and start to operate. Here you begin to have contact with the public and to demonstrate the real impact you can have on consumers.At this stage, self-criticism will help to find flaws or areas for improvement. It is all part of the daily challenges on the road to becoming a successful leader.This post was brought to you by Robert Carter, you can read more helpful blog articles here.

When one of the partners of a limited liability company dies, the other fellow members may take any of the following acts:If otherwise not stated in the partnership agreement, they should continue with one or more heirs of the deceased.If a term is established in the bylaws for any of the partners who could obtain shares of the deceased partner within the term, then partners may acquire these.The shares of the deceased partner who wishes to acquire these can be purchased by the commercial value of these at death.The company will continue with one or more heirs of the deceased partner, unless otherwise specified. However, the bylaws may provide that within those mentioned, one or more of the surviving partners are entitled to acquire shares of the deceased, the market value at the date of their death. If there is not a reached agreement on the price and payment, terms will be determined by experts appointed by the parties.If there are several partners involved who will acquire the shares, they will be distributed among them in proportion to those held in society.Keep in mind that when acquiring shares of the deceased by the other partners, it is necessary under the necessary provisions that the period provided in the bylaws is met, so that other members can acquire the shares.Make preparations for these kinds of events. The resolution of shares within a private business if one of the shareholders dies is a crucial problem that company directors and owners need to discuss and have correctly recognised. It is not the kind of thing that anguished families and co-directors should need to deal with after a death. There are lots of different possible provisions, which include:

• A previous arrangement that the shares can pass to specific people, such as the shareholder's spouse or children and so on.
• Pre-emption rights in support of current shareholders (or some of them)
• Measures to buy the deceased shareholder's interest, to make estimates on the valuation and possibly time to pay
• A cross-option contract. This is made amongst the shareholders for the sale and acquisition of a late shareholder's shares and also occasionally those of the family members too. This in tandem with life insurance policies to deliver the money that pays for the shares, should the situation arise.

If you found this article helpful you can read more insightful blog posts in our company formation blog section.

A company that wants to succeed, regardless of size, must be kept current and know what is happening around them to understand how changes in their environment can affect it. It's important for business men and women to watch for corporate trends of 2015, which represent invaluable information to develop their brand.

Here we present a few of this year's trends:

1. The incursion of generation Z. The business world will be permeated by those of 20 or 21 years, members of the so-called Generation Z. These begin to transcend the world of work with Generation Y (Millennials). The difference between them is that the percentage of those born after 1993 (55%) show the conviction of creating their own businesses and create jobs.2. Promotion of creative enterprises. With the addition of generation Z's businesses, supporting innovative projects and creative businesses will be a trend worthy of consideration. The "Z`s" show a greater willingness to take risks, so it is not surprising that they love the funding model "crowdfunding".3. Failure has established itself as a source of learning. Business conditions are continually transformed and corporate leaders have to adapt to them to remain standing. Failure is part of that process and, as such, should not cause embarrassment, but to become an uplifting experience - even an honourable one. This thought permeates the corporate universe this 2015.4. Mobility. Technology will trend in 2015, especially the mobile variety. With corporate members of the Z generation, the mobile phenomenon will accentuate its impact on the world, concentrating on portable devices to perform any type of action. This is not just to talk about searches, entertainment or payments, but to manage the operation of thousands of objects remotely.5. Shared mentality. There will be an increase in willingness to share, collaborate and even transform to some extent, trade relations. The propensity to rent instead of buying products will become apparent in the New Year.6. Protection of privacy. Young people will act more cautiously in providing information to businesses and to manage social media. Your goal will be to keep their privacy safe.7. Unprecedented Experiences. More and more people, especially those associated with the Z generation, look to get rid of the monotony and everyday stress experiences in a creative and extravagant way. This requires companies to design strategies with a dual approach, i.e. to create mechanisms to provide such customers with shopping experiences and memorable services, as well as best serving this age group to staff working conditions.8. Geographical mobility. Newcomers to the business sphere will show their desire to grow professionally, not only locally, but in the international environment. This will be a growing trend as many young people search far afield for work or to undertake corporate projects.

The main objective of business owners is that their businesses increase in profitability and productivity. But what is the formula to achieve this? There are many factors that affect the success of companies, but not all are valued in the same way as in the case of interpersonal relationships, which usually occupy a secondary role compared with topics of financial and commercial.This is explained by the fact that, in the eyes of many business leaders, the emotional connection between employees is harmful to their roles. However, specialists in management and human factors explain that the friendly ties between employees can improve productivity and provide a sense of purpose.Data from the pollster Gallup confirm this argument. According to the survey titled, "I have a best friend at work" employees that forged a friendship with colleagues made it beneficial to their job performance.The survey of 80,000 people found that these kind of links between partners is essential for creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in the office, and hence for organisational cohesion.For many, having friends at work is an incentive to get up every day and meet their daily work routines, and to overcome difficulties associated with them.It also represents a decisive reason for when employees are considering a job change. So much so that at least half of respondents found in friendship a renewed source of commitment and 25% decided to extend their stay in their jobs.Statistical work also yielded important information on the characteristics of workers. Specifically, they distinguished three types:- Lonely Employees: those who make a clear line between work activities and friendship.- Employees moderately sociable: manage to create emotional bonds with their peers through the months.- Socially active Employees: within short deadlines establish ties of friendship and affection with colleagues.What should business owners think of this information? The importance of appealing to emotional intelligence to strengthen relations within their organisations.Therefore, experts in human resources management, recommend companies to establish rules ensuring the durability of these links and finding a healthy balance between friendship and work.Some suggestions for achieving this are:- Set limits. Friendship does not exempt anyone from carrying out their tasks in a timely manner. Project implementation and delivery dates must adhere to the objectives of the company, not effective guidelines.- Create a culture of punctuality. Friendship should be a work stimulant and not a hindrance. Each member must do their part and make them endure relationships within the organisation.If you are thinking of starting a new business venture Capital Office can help get your idea off to a great start. We provide new businesses with important services that can really help boost client confidence. Our range of virtual office services include mail forwarding, call answering and company formation services. If you would like help or advice please do get in touch with our team today.

Company owners seeking to make history in the business world need to operate with a winning attitude and understand that success or failure are the product of their own choices.The true corporate leaders have to avoid some practices to move in the right direction. Would you like to know? Here we present what not to do:1. Envy. Being obsessed with other people's success is a big waste of time and limits the progress of companies. The idea is that you, as a business leader, should focus your attention on the development of your company and not the performance of your rivals.2. Look to the past. The key to progress is to make mistakes and use learning resources for your company. You should not waste time on regrets.3. Make excuses. If you mess up, you have no choice but to assume the error. Look at how to remove and learn the lesson - not to repeat it in the future. Doing the opposite only guarantees the perpetuation of faults.4. Give up too soon. Success in life and business is the result of a long journey that requires strength, determination and willingness for owners to learn more. Inspired billionaires and successful businessmen never give up the fight to win.5. Associate with bad people. If you are already making excuses, bringing individuals into your circle who make excuses too is even worse. Instead, surround yourself with good attitude and commitment. Seek talented and committed people to join your projects and resize favourably.6. Lack of a plan. It is essential to set goals and define activities in advance, in order to get the most of each day.7. Have fear of change. Changes in the environment define the demands that men and business women will have to adjust. Entrepreneurs have to adapt to change and find ways to redefine their approach and their offer if necessary.8. Speaking without acting. To materialise your dreams, you have to fight for them, so you will have no choice but to transform your thoughts into actions.9. Concentrate on numbers. Making money is the goal of any company, but the major unresolved issue is how to achieve it. Therefore, think about your offer and your services on money, because that way the chances of success will multiply.10. Allow failure to stop you. Before reaching the summit, falls are frequent, but if you learn to get out of each dilemma and understand the cause of these setbacks, you can learn from the mistakes. There are people who after failing thousands of times, matched and transformed into stories worthy of replication.This was a blog brought to you by Capital Office Your Virtual Office London.

With the close of the year, companies are forced to reflect on the successes and failures that they experienced over the last 12 months. This is so they get relevant information to chart the course that will continue over in the New Year as well.As part of this analysis, corporate leaders like you should take the time to review what they did right, what went wrong and what actions to make to strengthen their businesses and maintain positive growth trends.Specialists in corporate management and coaching explain that business men and women cannot lower their tempo and work ethic in December, otherwise, they will face many difficulties to start off 2015.First of all, you need to stop and realise that starting a new cycle requires some stability, which is only feasible if your company, your family, your hobbies and your spirit are synchronised.

To achieve this synergy, there are some specific actions you can take:

- Analyse your finances and find weaknesses. This action makes you discover processes capable of modernisation. Try to make monthly reviews and prevent futile expenses.- Define objectives. Once you identify the weaknesses and areas of excellent performance, plot on a document clearly, making specific and realistic goals, so that you and your team succeed.- Fulfil your tax obligations. Keep in good condition with the finances of your business, meeting taxes in a timely manner.- Save money. Avoid the heavy expense and optimise the use of services to meet the costs of the new year with more tools and resources.- Communicate the status of your company. Once you evaluate the successes and failures of your business in the year, and identify the areas in which it is essential to work with greater emphasis, tell your employees what the results were and offer them the guidance they need.- Take a breath. Do not combine family life with business dynamics. Separate both types of activities, with fixed time schedules and assign each of these areas.If you enjoyed this blog please share it with your friends, you can also read more insightful articles on our business blog.

1: Look at the trade mark database closely to make sure there are no matching or comparable trade marks that have been registered for the same kinds of products and/or services you want to register. You can, though, seek permission to register a related trade mark from the owner of a current one – this necessitates a ‘letter of consent` and this should be added in with your application. You might want to hire a trade mark solicitor to help with the search and registration procedure.2: Send an application online or by post to the IPO. This must contain details of what you wish to register, the trade mark classes you want, as well as a completed fee sheet.3: You should receive an examination report within twenty days of sending an application – this will give feedback and notice of any issues that need resolving. You need to deal with any issues within two months. If there are no other objections, your application will be available in the trade marks journal for a period of two months to let third-parties to contest the registration.4: If all is well, your trade mark will get registered and you`ll be given a certificate as verification. If any opposition is raised, you have the choice to remove your application, talk about the objection with the said party, or support the application.

Registering a trade mark abroad

The protection of a trade mark is only true in the country where it was registered; consequently, if you list a trade mark with the IPO, it will only be protected within the UK.To both look after and use your trade mark in EU countries, you can send off for a Community Trade Mark (CTM). This comes from the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market (OHIM). You can post an application straight away or else, you can apply through the IPO.If you want to register your trade mark in countries outside the EU, you could apply to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).If you are thinking about forming a company we can help. We have helped over 5000 UK businesses start up, we provide many supportive and administrative services for fledgling businesses. Our services include mail forwarding and address services, virtual offices, call answering and company formations.We are open Monday to Friday 9.00 am - 5.00pm and can be contacted on the phone, email and face to face. Get in touch with us today if you would like to discuss your business ideas.