Understanding the Planning and Deployment Requirements of Today's Software-as-a-Service Solutions

Customer loyalty is fleeting. Competition is rising due to globalization and eCommerce. Employees are being encouraged to work from home or forced to spend more time on the road meeting with customers and partners face to face In addition, rising fuel costs combined with tightening credit is forcing organizations to tighten their operating and capital budgets to withstand these uncertain times. In today's rapidly changing business environment, Software-as-a-Service as opposed to on-site IT solutions can offer vital flexibility at significantly reduced cost. Click here to download a primer by THINKstrategies, sponsored by SAP, which describe the critical consulting and support services required to successfully select, deploy and fully utilize SaaS.

The Changing Shape of UK Manufacturing

Over the past two years we have experienced the deepest recession the country and the developed world economies have seen since the 1930s. There is little doubt that this recession and its impact on developed economies will have speeded up the transfer of economic power fromWest to East. It has also had a fundamental and massively detrimental impact on the UK economy – one that is likely to be felt for several years.

Manufacturing Outlook - March 2010

The first quarter 2010 ‘Manufacturing Outlook’ report reveals a larger than expected improvement in output and orders over the past three months and a broad based return of confidence across manufacturing. Companies’ are consequently the most upbeat since the financial crisis began in mid-2007. However, the fortunes of individual sectors have been very mixed. Electronics stands out as one of the strongest performing sectors whilst motor vehicles, helped by the scrappage scheme, also saw an increase in the output balance for the first time 2008q3.

Manufacturing Advantage - Global Value Chains

This latest report in BDO and EEF's Manufacturing Advantage series lands in the middle of an extraordinary economic period. Following the recession of the past 18 months, where we have seen a rapid contraction in activity as global demand dwindled, we now look to be on the long road back to recovery with confidence and, importantly, investment returning to manufacturing. Based on a survey of 300 companies from across manufacturing, the report shows that while the world economy has been through 18 turbulent months, firms’ ambitions and strategic priorities have not been knocked off course by the global recession.

Economic Prospects 2010

Produced by BDO and EEF this report considers the issues of the global economy and financial crisis, and how they are likely to be addressed over the next 12 months. The report also looks at how the various manufacturing sub sectors will fare over the next 12 months and identify the "winners and losers".

How do we compete with the developing markets?

Rt. Hon. Sir Richard Needham discusses the impact of foreign markets on UK Manufacturing and the considerations companies will need to take into account when building strategies for the future.

What is the Future of UK Manufacturing?

Hon. Angad Paul discusses the impact of the economy, strategy for manufacturing and the skills base in the UK.

The Future of UK Manufacturing - Panel Discussion

Our panellists discuss the issues of credit, skills and the impact that Government can have on the future of UK manufacturing.

Finance for growth - can we bank on it?

Industry and government have accused banks of starving small businesses of funding and making a private-led recovery from recession impossible. The banks say the money is there to borrow but there is little demand and even less viability. Mark Young weighs up the arguments.
August 2010

Finance news

The latest news from the financial sector.
August 2010

Bank lending: Hunting for finance in a tight market

Banks say they are open for business to manufacturers, but do they really understand the working capital needs of small firms trying to get going after a punitive two years? Borrowing terms can be harsh for companies with orders but no new assets to offer as security. Meanwhile HP options, while expensive, suit some firms as few of them demand personal guarantees. Brian Davis reports.
01 Jul 2010

The new economic world order

In February 2010, BDO LLP announced a series of reports outlining how the post-recession landscape is changing for businesses in the UK. Here, the business services firm offers a snapshot into of the first of these.
June 2010

Finance news

The latest news from the financial sector.
June 2010

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