Froodee

Living.Blogging

The new dot-com era: a new business model?

By

We earlier wrote that the UK (and perhaps the rest of the developed world) is facing a new dot-com era. But it seems the trend nowadays is not only the venture capitalists infusing much-needed capital into startup companies. Now, it’s the tech companies buying the non-tech firms.

Take for example Apple Computers. A month ago, Disney bought Apple’s Pixar Animation Studios, in a deal that made Steve Jobs, Apple’s legendary Chairman and CEO, the largest shareholder in Disney. Now there are rumours that Jobs is mulling a bid for a buyout of Disney.

Jobs’ being in the know of both the entertainment and technology sides of Disney adds credibility to the rumour. However, business analysts agree that Disney is much in-need of added funds and new talent, especially with the increasingly competitive entertainment market. This is said to be the primary reason Disney acquired Pixar in the first place. But for now, these are just speculations.

Office party spirit can go out of control

By

Office staff are quite notorious for letting their hair down when it comes to holiday parties, but according to a shocking new research it seems that employees may be letting down quite a bit more than expected.

According to figures released by Canon, it was discovered that technicians experience a 25 per cent increase in call outs during the Christmas season. But far more shocking are the kind of items that have been found lodged in various equipment.

A survey of Canon technicians revealed that they have found, among others, kitchen knives, condoms, stockings, a cheque for £6,000 and a vibrator stuck in photocopiers and printers.

Company formation and business solutions experts remind office staff that with the coming Christmas parties they should temper their festive spirit with a bit more responsibility.

Pension Commission to recommend pension age ‘rise’

By

The Pensions Commission is due to issue a recommendation that employees should continue to work later in life but also claim a larger state pension.

Based on a report published by the Financial Times, Lord Adair Turner’s commission is expected to suggest that the claimant age for state pensions be raised rom 65 to 67 years old.

As a trade-off for working longer, the report will also recommend for a more serious pension package.

The commission is expected to recommend both an increase in individual saving, tax rises and extended retirement ages in order to avert a potential crisis. This will then be strengthened by a larger pension package.

The changes are expected to be implemented on a staggered basis, and will begin after 2020 when women’s claimant age will more be at par with men at 65. The increases will then peak at 2050, by this time pension payouts will top out at £109 per week. The current basic state pension pays out £80 a week.

The plans are expected to affect those who are currently under the age of 50.

The commission also revealed that almost 9 million people are not seriously saving money in time for their retirement. Thus, to encourage savings, they will also call for a new national pensions savings scheme where individuals will be enrolled automatically. Workers, however, have a choice if they want to enter the plan or not.

Company formation and business solutions experts hope that these new initiatives will be able to uplift workers’ welfare without necessarily affecting business owners who will also be affected by the proposed measures.