2012 offers opportunities for UK importers and exporters - Fresh Business Thinking

By Marcus Leach

2012 will be a year of great opportunity for the UK’s exporters and importers, despite the bleak outlook for the UK economy, according to foreign exchange provider Global Reach Partners.

Stewart Blake CEO of Global Reach Partners, which helps hundreds of British businesses trade internationally, says there is plenty of hope for success.

“There is a lot of opportunity for success in 2012 for small and mid-sized businesses through international trade, as long as they take precautions against the wider financial problems," he said.

“For instance, the Government recently announced that it will be pledging £95million to Britain’s SMEs, to ‘unlock the UK’s exporting potential’. Another opportunity this year is the Olympics. It will mean lots of overseas business people will be coming to Britain to watch it: so I would urge businesses to arrange meetings with them to generate sales and meet with potential new suppliers.”

Foreign trade can appear costly and risky to businesses that have not done it before. One of the main risks, and one that is often overlooked, revolves around currency movements. In the current environment, currencies may change suddenly in value, having an impact on the business and its profits.

The economic climate and downturns of the last three years has meant that small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have had to be proactive and take measures to protect their businesses in different ways. Exporters need be particularly careful if their profitability is tied to the exchange rate, they must make sure they have a plan to protect this budgeted rate.

Hedging against currency fluctuations is one way to do this, but risk can also be reduced through good financial housekeeping, such as tight budgeting and forecasting. For example, if both your suppliers and customers use the same currency,... continued on page two >

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Opportunities aplenty for Dubai, Dutch business sectors - Zawya.com

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German companies ready to seize business opportunities in Libya

With its huge oil and natural gas reserves, Libya is viewed by German businesses as a trade partner with huge potential.

German Economy Minister Philipp Rösler and Foreign Minster Guido Westerwelle have already visited the country and agreed to provide economic support to the transition government.

Hans-Peter Merz from the Middle Ruhr Valley Chamber of Industry and Commerce points to the huge reconstruction needs in Libya following the fall of Gadhafi regime.

"There has been significant destruction as a result of the fighting," Merz said. "Much needs to be rebuilt, so there will be plenty of business opportunities."

Opportunities galore

Before the fall of Gadhafi, Libya annually imported goods worth 25 billion dollars (19 billion euros). Trade with Germany averaged around one billion euros, generated largely by some 40 companies including Bilfinger Berger, E.On, RWE and Siemens.

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Libya has huge oil and natural gas reserves"The construction and consumer goods sectors offer plenty of business opportunities," Merz said. "Libya has no consumer goods industry to speak of."

While the country has a potentially attractive agriculture sector, especially for fruits, it requires help in marketing these products in Europe, offering further business opportunities. Over the years, it has also shown healthy demand for agriculture equipment, particularly from Germany.

Müller International from the western town of Rommerskirchen, for instance, has been delivering equipment, such as tractors and combines, to Libyan customers for more than 20 years. "We advise people on spare parts that we supply for our equipment," he said. "We also consult on work processes and ways to increase yields."

Money problems

Despite all the trade potential, there are some obstacles, capital being one of them. Because many Libyans have withdrawn their savings, many banks now lack a sufficient capital base to finance imports.

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:  Marketing in agriculture is one of the business opportunitiesMüller is in permanent contact via text messages and e-mail with representatives of German companies in Libya to keep abreast of developments in the country and new contracts.

"We've just won a new contract but we have yet to complete it for lack of a money transfer or letter of credit," he said.

Müller lauds the support from the German government. The recent flight with Economy Minister Rösler, he said, was "full of industry representatives."

International competition in North Africa is fierce. Countries such as China, France, Italy, South Korea and Turkey are vying for an ever bigger chunk of business in the region.

Müller sees the opportunities for German companies in focusing on niche areas and products requiring a high level of specialization.

Author: Klaus Deuse / jrb
Editor: Nicole Goebel

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Business Opportunity Ideas - How to Be a Businessman like Ray Kroc (McDonald's)

*** Newest Video: http://www.evancarmichael.com/Masters/ ***

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Evan Carmichael discusses how you can find your next big business opportunity like Ray Kroc from McDonald's, one of the most recognized companies in the world.

"Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get." -- Ray Kroc

Learn more at: http://www.evancarmichael.com/Famous-Entrepreneurs/756/summary.php and http://community.telustalksbusiness.com/blogs/talk_business/2010/07/21/how-to...

Raymond "Ray" Albert Kroc (October 5, 1902 -- January 14, 1984) was a Czech American businessman who took over the small-scale McDonald's Corporation franchise in 1954 and built it into the most successful fast food operation in the world. Kroc was included in Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century, and amassed a $500 million fortune during his lifetime.

Action Item #1: Always Be On The Lookout For Opportunities

Most entrepreneurs don't end up being successful with the product or service that they start with. There are always tweaks and changes that will happen once you start talking to customers and they tell you what they want. Your prospects and customers will lead you to many potential opportunities to grow your business - the key is to jump on those opportunities and take action.

In Ray Kroc's own words: "The two most important requirements for major success are: first, being in the right place at the right time, and second, doing something about it."

Kroc started out as a salesman for paper cups and his customers twice brought him to new business opportunities that he acted on. Sometimes this can mean selling a completely different product or service than you were offering before. Look at your current customers - are there hidden business opportunities you can develop with them or improvements to what you currently sell that can bring them more value and put more money in your bank account? If you're always on the lookout for new opportunities to grow your business you will eventually find the one you can hit a home run with.

Action Item #2: You're Only As Good As The People You Hire

As your business grows beyond yourself you'll realize the importance of having a good team. They are the ones representing your company, making decisions every day, and talking to your customers. Having a good staff will make or break your ability to build a successful company beyond yourself.

To make sure he had the best team possible in the early stages of the business, Ray Kroc personally took charge of the entire hiring process. Once he had made the decision to bring someone on board the McDonald's team, Kroc would give each and every one of them a badge with the title of Management Trainee. It didn't matter what their actual job was; Kroc wanted every employee to feel valuable and like an important part of the team. Kroc would then tell his workers to think of a better way to do their job or of any improvements that could be made in customer service, which could then be written down and placed into a Suggestion Box. The Suggestion Box led to countless successes like the Happy Meal, Filet-o-Fish, Big Mac, Hot Apple Pie, and Egg McMuffin.

When you hire a new employee make them feel like they are an important part of your team. Encourage their suggestions on how the business could be run better, create opportunities for them to advance, and let them know that you value their contributions. A loyal and hardworking team will reward you with outstanding business results.

Action Item #3: Be A Part Of Your Community

Ray Kroc launched a number of initiatives to help build the communities around each McDonald's restaurant. First off he insisted that his franchise operators lived in the communities where they worked. He also hired regional advertising agencies so they could work "on the ground" and organize grand openings, birthday parties, and community programs. Finally he believed in community involvement through charities and the company continues to give back to this day as part of its corporate philosophy.

You don't have to run a restaurant to be involved in your community. Just think about the people you sell to and where they hang out. Can you get involved in making their lives easier and better? It's a longer term strategy but an extremely profitable one if you can win the hearts and minds of your customers by giving back.

Closing Thoughts

How are you planning on finding your next big business idea? Have you found it already? As always, I've love to hear your thoughts if you leave a comment below!

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Research and Markets: Significant Sludge Treatment and Disposal Opportunities in China

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d4b2ba/significant_sludge) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "Significant Sludge Treatment and Disposal Opportunities in China" to their offering.

Sewage sludge treatment and disposal is far behind the development of wastewater treatment in China. Majority of the sludge is not properly treated and caused various environmental incidences and public health and sanitation issues. From 2011 on, China's 12th five year plan (2011-2015) puts sludge treatment and proper disposal as one of the key priorities in the environmental protection industry with favorite policies and guidelines for technology and engineering providers to tackle the market. The market is expected to welcome its golden development period for the next ten years.

This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Significant Sludge Treatment and Disposal Opportunities in China describes the market growth potential, opportunities and trends in two vertical markets and four segments in each vertical market. In this study, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors: sludge treatment (thickening, digestion, drying and dewatering) and sludge disposal (incineration, compost, landfilling and building material).

Market Overview

Recent Legislation to Create Growth Opportunities in the Chinese Sludge Treatment and Disposal Market

Sewage sludge treatment lags far behind the development of wastewater treatment in China. The environmental impact of the improper treatment of sludge has gained the attention of the Chinese government, which is determined to implement strategies to deal with this situation in the next ten years. The national 12th five-year plan (2011-2015) makes sludge treatment and disposal one of the government's development priorities. Healthy growth is expected, and the market is likely to be five times the size it was in 2010 by the end of the forecast period, presenting exciting opportunities for technology suppliers.

Downstream Value Chain Needs to Recoup Investments in Sludge Treatment Facilities over the Long Term

The lack of exemplary policies on sludge treatment fees, which will guide local wastewater treatment authorities in levying a reasonable charge on the public for the cost of sludge treatment remains a key challenge. This lack of regulatory and financial support is the primary restraint for participants entering the Chinese sludge treatment market, says the analyst. Systematic protocols are needed to regulate solution adaptation and technology transfer, as well as to eventually increase the rate of effective sludge treatment and disposal.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

Sludge treatment (thickening, digestion, drying and dewatering) Sludge disposal (incineration compost, landfilling and building material)

Key Topics Covered:

Market Overview Total Sludge Treatment and Disposal Market External Challenges: Drivers and Restraints Forecasts and Trends Demand Analysis Market Share and Competitive Analysis The CEO's 360 Degree Perspective on the Sludge Treatment and Disposal Industry Sludge Treatment Segment Breakdown Sludge Disposal Segment Breakdown The Last Word

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/d4b2ba/significant_sludge.

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Boeing teams with Brazilian companies

Published: Dec. 22, 2011 at 8:09 AM

SAO BERNARDO DO CAMPO, Brazil, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Two Brazilian companies have joined with Boeing of the United States to explore business opportunities in logistics, machined parts and engineering support.

The two companies are MSM Powertrain Ltda. and Pan Metal Industria Metalurgica Ltda.

"These companies are recognized for their experience in the aerospace industry," said Susan Colegrove, regional director of International Strategic Partnerships for Boeing Defense, Space and Security.

"Boeing looks forward to developing opportunities that will bring best-value solutions to our customers and support regional economic development objectives for expanded opportunities in the aerospace industry and other sectors."

Business areas to be explored under the Memorandums of Understanding include logistics services, ground support equipment, engineering support, assembly, subsystem installation and machined parts.

Boeing is bidding on a Brazilian contract to replace 32 air force fighters. Its identification of potential local suppliers "enhances Boeing's industrial participation offer on the F-X2 fighter program, with a focus on identifying near-term opportunities," the company said.

In addition to MSM Powertrain Ltda., and Pan Metal Industria Metalurgica Ltda., Boeing has identified more than 25 Brazilian companies as potential suppliers.

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How India’s ‘untouchable’ entrepreneurs use capital to fight caste

Equal Rights

Published Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 7:42PM ESTLast updated Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 12:13AM EST

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When Prashant Tambe sought a loan to expand his private college last year, the bank didn’t turn him down outright. “It was just red-tape-ism,” the young entrepreneur said, using a popular Indian expression for business death by a thousand bureaucratic hurdles.

His brother, Avinash Tambe, had an identical experience seeking funds to build his coal import firm. They have no illusions about the source of the banks’ reluctance: It began when they wrote their surname on their loan applications.

The name Tambe identifies them as Dalits – the people once known as “untouchables,” at the bottom of the Hindu caste system. And so despite the fact that the brothers have eight post-graduate degrees and two successful businesses between them, they struggle to get access to capital and chafe at the opportunities they are missing.

They recently had an opportunity to share that frustration, and to seek out new partners, at a first-ever trade fair organized by the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“It’s a strange irony and it tells you a lot about the ground reality of India,” Prashant Tambe mused as they set up their stall in a vast Mumbai exhibition hall – it’s popular wisdom in the country today that the booming economy will end the influence of caste, but the best way they can find to be part of that economy is to join a caste-based business association.

The Dalit business lobby, founded in 2005, has 1,000 members; 180 of them came from across the country to exhibit and network at the three-day fair. There were companies making solar-power systems, military uniforms, car parts, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and industrial piping; there were also small financial-service companies and construction firms.

The DICCI slogan is “fighting caste with capital.” But many business owners at the fair said they share one key problem: They can’t get their hands on that capital.

As the Tambes and others described, Dalit business owners struggle to obtain conventional bank loans. Sometimes it’s malice from dominant-caste bank employees who do not want to see a Dalit business succeed, said Prashant Tambe; other times it’s simply that the bankers doubt that a first-generation Dalit business owner will have the acumen to be a safe loan risk.

Almost always, they lack collateral – while Dalits are a sixth of India’s population, they control only an estimated 1 per cent of the country’s wealth. The vast bulk of the population continues to be landless labourers working for occasional daily wages of one or two dollars.

And they have no access to the other key source of funding for Indian entrepreneurs; loans from extended family or their caste community – “internal funding,” as it’s known here. The Tambes’ father was the kind of general labourer called a “peon” here and their mother was a nursing assistant with a primary-school education; the cousin who is a co-owner of the coal business is the son of a cycle rickshaw driver. They pushed their sons to seek education, but they had no funds to bankroll their good ideas.

The Indian government has attempted to address the issue through a Dalit-focused national finance-development corporation, but it provides only small loans of up to $5,000 – enough, as DICCI chairperson Milind Kamble put it, to buy a large photocopier and set a family up as a corner copy shop, but not enough to bankroll an entrepreneur whose ambitions stretch beyond that.

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