As technological means of communication become more and more popular, businesses have to choice but to keep up. These days, most people prefer texting to actual phone calls, leaving retailers and other service providers with a tough challenge. RingCentral, a cloud telephone systems business, has come up with a solution: business-class SMS. Matt McGinnis, director… Continue Reading
Small Business Saturday, recently celebrated by shoppers throughout the U.S., was a lucrative event for both residents and local businesses. In Milford, Connecticut, many dedicated consumers ventured into boutiques late on Friday night to get a head start. The day was designated to support small businesses during the momentum of Black Friday, and has been… Continue Reading
Many experts believe China’s economy is headed for a turnaround. Recent analyses of the country’s manufacturing activity show that this may in fact be true. This month saw an increase in the preliminary HSBC China Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index, which reached 50.4 compared with a 49.5 reading in October. Fox Business explains that a reading… Continue Reading
According to a Bank of America survey, Boston-area small business owners are feeling optimistic, if cautious, about the upcoming fiscal year. Many expect to increase sales as well as workers throughout 2013. Though 9% of small businesses in the region expect revenue to fall in 2013, more than half of those polled project significant increases.… Continue Reading
According to a study undertaken of 50 private equity firms, when investing in lesser-known EMs, more ground work is required than for developed markets. The solution is to adopt a full integration approach – less necessary for developed markets investments. This is because EMs come with additional risks than developed markets. What are the benefits… Continue Reading
Small business advocacy groups have been appealing to Washington to call off the $607 billion tax increases and spending cuts set to start in 2013 immediately. Aside from the fiscal cliff issue, many organizations have put forth complaints regarding federal contracting reform and the never-ending government investment into clean and renewable energies. The National Small… Continue Reading
Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc., a Marshall Islands corporation, is one of the leading owners of Handymax dry bulk vessels in the United States. Focusing mainly on ocean transportation of both minor and major bulk cargoes, the company ships iron ore, coal, grain, cement, fertilizer and many other commodities on global shipping routes. Founded by Sophocles… Continue Reading
Despite what some observers see as a slow-down in the Asian investments sector, there are several hedge funds that have proven these observers to be too pessimistic. Take for example the recently launched Oasis Investments Limited fund, which had an extraordinary beginning. During the first 14 months of investing with its internal funds the global… Continue Reading
Walt Disney Co. is purchasing Lucasfilm Ltd. for a little over $4 billion. Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger’s $15 billion bet on creative franchises has been strengthened thanks to the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Indiana Jones’ films. George Lucas is the sole owner of both series. According to a statement from Disney, Mr. Lucas will receive… Continue Reading
According to the Chicago Tribune, businesses expect this year’s Halloween candy sales to be higher than any other time in the last decade. National Confectioners Association spokeswoman Susan Whiteside explains that while candy “is a luxury,” it is “a very affordable luxury.” This is especially true when “economic times are tough, the things that bring… Continue Reading