It’s certain there will be job losses, how many and exactly where, is yet to be announced. Kraft will already be working on the who and where but as yet, all that remains a closely guarded secret. There are legal implications and competitive consequences of divulging information about job cuts so we’ll just have to bide our time until the official announcements are made.

As with any business deal, Kraft believes there is a benefit to be derived from the acquisition of Cadbury. If there was not a financial return to be leveraged, why bother?

It’s possible though less likely that new products or markets can be sourced in an already mature marketplace, so it’s more likely that cost savings have been identified. Integration of ‘back-office’ systems as well as preferential buying terms from suppliers can also be anticipated but what about the human cost?

The takeover will mean significant change for those directly and indirectly associated with Cadbury.

We observers will likely have to wait for the passage of time to see whether this latest development benefits one of Great Britain’s world class brands.
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A century ago, ships set sail from this Wharf, delivering their cargo to all points of the globe. As you can see the dock has frozen-over.

This image is a metaphor for business conversations we’ve experienced over the last week. Things seem to be on hold; budgets are frozen, investment is halted, marketing and development plans suspended. Whether this is due to post holiday season inertia, pre-election hesitance, impending fiscal year-end or some other reason is any one’s guess.

Until the metaphorical and meteorological thaw sets in, it may be prudent to revise business plans for the ensuing flood. After all, we know from experience, when the snow and ice melt, the water has to go somewhere. Happy planning.
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In an unusual display of cooperation the major cellphone manufacturers have reached agreement on a standard charger interface.

This is great news for customers; it means we can charge our mobiles without the need for brand or model specific devices.

A sensible and rare example of competitor co-operation. Let’s keep this momentum going!

The need: keep the office cool and productive.
Solution: integrated blinds to stop the light and heat from heating the room.
Action: search on-line for suitable provider. One business features in both paid-for and organic rankings, investigate.
Site looks clear and quickly helps me identify the item I need and quotes a price.
Offers free phone number to talk with someone and confirm I have made the right choice.
Friendly, patient, helpful and knowledgeable person speaks and confirms what, how and when. We do the deal.

Confirmation email completes stage one of the buying process. Items arrive on the stated day, as informed by helpful person, straightforward to fit and hey-presto the office is restored to cool and calm hive of activity!

Thank you http://www.blinds-2go.co.uk/for two reasons.
1)    delivering all your stated and implied promises; and
2)    Providing inspiration for this post.

Taking charge, I ask  to order the item, one week delivery is quoted and deemed acceptable (begrudgingly). A week later the shelf is still empty and the grass continues to grow!

Result, unhappy customer, frustrated children unable to enjoy the lawn. Brand reputation of shop keeper diminishing FAST. The solution, drive 90 miles to neighbouring store where six items are gathering dust of the shelf.

Solution: at the first point of contact employee shows initiative does a stock check, orders new items and contacts stores for same. Arranges (at no cost to the customer) for stock transfer and notifies when item is available for collection. Result is happy customer, sale made, reputation maintained.

Come on please, it’s not that difficult. Business owners, unless you adapt you will not survive, employ staff who can and do without those employees who can’t.