Over the past six months UK small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have grown on average by six per cent despite the broader UK economy struggling, according to the latest SMB Index from HP.
HP’s survey of 1,000 SMBs, with between 1 and 50 employees shows that, compared to that of the previous six months, growth for UK SMBs has slowed slightly but optimism is still strong, with SMBs expecting to grow by up to 13 per cent over the next year. Optimism in the economy is also strong, with 66 per cent of SMBs optimistic about the year ahead. SMBs in Financial Services have grown the most (13 per cent), followed by Manufacturing (10 per cent). SMBs in Retail (4 per cent) and Professional Services (1 per cent) have seen the least growth. Nearly half of UK SMBs (48 per cent) are turning to social media to help grow their business and reach new audiences, with 56 per cent of sole traders recognising its value the most. However, although SMBs are finding social media beneficial for networking purposes (83 per cent), and as a mechanism for advertising (57 per cent), many SMBs are underestimating its true potential for business growth and lead generation.
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The results of The State of Compliance: 2011, an inaugural study conducted by PwC US and Compliance Week, will be released today at the Compliance Week 2011 6th Annual Conference for corporate financial, legal, risk, audit and compliance officers in Washington, D.C. The report – the first of its kind – identifies a wide range of compliance issues confronting organizations today and will stay current as new companies participate, accurately reflecting the changing compliance landscape.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/pwc/45949/
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC) announced today that it plans to construct the world’s most environmentally friendly skyscraper. The Tower at PNC Plaza will be located on the Southeast corner of Fifth Avenue and Wood Street, the same Pittsburgh intersection where PNC has been headquartered for more than 150 years. Once complete in 2015, the approximately 40 story building will serve as PNC’s executive offices.
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A new global survey suggests that home buyers around the world are poised to re-enter the housing market, but property market instability and worries about their personal finances are holding them back.
The International Mortgage Trends Report, commissioned by Genworth Financial and conducted by independent research firm RFI, is a new global survey of current and aspiring homebuyers aimed at gaining local insight into key world markets. More than 9,000 respondents across five continents in eight countries were interviewed. Countries surveyed were: Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/genworth/49964/
John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) today launched a new defined contribution consulting program to help JHFN financial advisors of all experience levels expand their retirement plan business and provide the best service to their clients. Elements of the program include training, practice management consulting, a dedicated retirement sales support team and in-depth expert resources for those interested in becoming plan fiduciaries.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/johnhancockfinancialnetwork/49220/
As homeowners continue struggling with foreclosures and mortgage defaults, Money Management International (MMI), the nation’s largest nonprofit, full-service credit counseling agency, is reminding consumers of the many tools and financial education resources available to help fight back against foreclosure and keep their piece of the American Dream.
As more American families struggle with mortgage delinquency, there are calls for more scrutiny of banks and lenders, and for the government to do something about it. Some predict improvement; others say it could get worse. Whatever the case, more and more homeowners are struggling to make ends meet and find a way to hold on to their most valuable asset – their home.
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According to the “2011 Financial Reality Check Study” conducted by Genworth, 75% of Americans have never had a conversation about long term care with their loved ones. However, 70% would not know what to do if a family member were to require immediate long term care assistance; an alarming statistic considering that 6 out of 10 people will need long term care sometime during their lifetimes. The data also suggests consumers are suffering from overall financial planning inertia; however, the lack of education around long term care (LTC) planning can have significant consequences.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52561-genworth-long-term-care-awareness-month
Experian® today announced the expansion of the company’s Global Consulting Practice that will provide its customers in the North American market with analysis, powerful insight and valuable recommendations that improve the speed and quality of business decisions.
Experian’s North American Global Consulting Practice will draw on the company’s deep expertise in financial services, banking, retail cards and payments, mortgages, automotive finance, small-business, telecommunications, utilities and government. The practice is made up of business consultants who average 20 years of experience working directly in these core markets and industries that the practice serves.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53035-experian-launches-new-north-american-focus-of-global-consulting-practice
Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) announced today the launch of two new index annuities designed to meet the growing needs of America’s security-conscious consumers. SecureLiving® Index 7 and SecureLiving® Index 10 Plus will be issued by Genworth Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52562-genworth-introduces-new-fixed-index-annuity-product-suite-secureliving
Baby boomers appear to be taking a second look at their life insurance policies as an alternative financial solution to paying for retirement. Retirees can sell an unneeded life insurance policy for a portion of the face amount. These transactions, known as life settlements, have become mainstream in the past several years, particularly as baby boomers begin exploring all financial options to paying for retirement, including previously unconventional alternatives.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54032-betty-white-boomers-life-insurance-settlements-fund-retirement
A $30 million investment from the Ford Foundation has enabled community development financial institution Self-Help to merge with seven credit unions in California, kick-starting an effort to expand low- and moderate-income families’ access to responsible and affordable financial services across the state.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54277-ford-foundation-low-income-community-development-self-help-california
E*TRADE Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: ETFC) today announced that E*TRADE Securities LLC has unveiled a new 30-second “Talking Baby” advertisement which will run during the NBC® television network broadcast of Super Bowl XLVI.
The Super Bowl spot, entitled “Fatherhood,” features the E*TRADE Baby reassuring a nervous new dad about planning for his newborn daughter’s future with help from Financial Consultants at E*TRADE.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/54519-e-trade-commercial-baby-super-bowl-advertisements-ads
