Latest Posts

For most small b2b companies the telephone is a critical business tool: When and how you answer it could make the difference between business success and failure. When your competitors are only a phone call away, make sure your customers don’t need to call them:

1. Answer the phone on the third ring. Don’t answer too quickly; you may catch your caller off guard, don’t let it ring longer; you don’t want your caller to think you aren’t there.
2. Answer the phone with a smile. The caller’s first impression of your company will be the warmth of the greeting.
3. Introduce yourself and your company. Ensure your caller knows they have called the right number and who they are speaking with.
4. Pause for breath. Don’t speak too quickly; make sure your caller is able to understand what you are saying.
5. Be positive and helpful. If you can’t help the caller offer to find someone who can to call them back.
6. Have a telephone message pad and take detailed notes including the time of call, name and company of caller, who the message is for and the nature of their call. Repeat anything you are unsure of back to the caller and check any odd spelling.
7. Make sure all messages reach the intended recipient promptly and accurately.
8. If you must put a caller on hold, ask their permission to do so and never leave them on hold for longer than 30 seconds.
9. Avoid the use of your speaker phone, the caller will sense that you aren’t focussed or think that someone else might be listening in.
10. Return all calls from messages as soon as practically possible. This should be within one business day, if you are not able to, get a colleague to do so; offering your apologies and offering to help with their query.

For many small businesses, the reality of life is that you cannot always answer your own phone; you may be with customers, in a meeting or simply out of the office. Of course answer machines and mobile telephones can help, but many potential customers don’t like leaving messages. So, better still is employing a telephone answering service like those offered by Hyde Park House. With your own assigned telephone number the live office support team at Hyde Park House will answer your calls as if they were your dedicated receptionist. They will handle calls exactly as you specify and get accurate and detailed messages to you. With the full range of Hyde Park House secretarial services on hand you can also get your post handled, your correspondence handled and your filing complete.

To find out about the extensive Virtual Assistant Services at Hyde Park House including:

• Telephone answering service
• Postal collection
• Fax and photocopying facilities
• Full administrative and secretarial services
• Live answering and full reception support
• Bookkeeping services

…call Lynsey now on 0161 367 9000 or email her. Hyde Park House, Tameside, Cheshire; offering virtual office services to the World as well as flexible terms on Office Space to Rent, convenient for Manchester, Stockport and just a short drive from Manchester Airport.

Visit the Hyde Park House Gallery, click the image.

For two to three people.
Furnished or unfurnished.
160 sq. feet.
Available NOW.

Image shown is for illustration purposes only.

Visit the Hyde Park House Gallery, click the image.

For 4 to 5 people.
Furnished.
320 sq. feet.
Available NOW.

For a limited time there is no extra charge for furniture.

Complete Protection: Fire and Security Systems.

Centurian Fire & Security is based at Hyde Park House in the North West and has a network of engineers covering all of the UK; optimally located to professionally operate UK wide. This versatile company is equipped to manage any fire, security, electrical or data system.

They cover the design, installation, service and routine maintenance of any of the systems offered and those installed by third party companies.

Their services can be specifically tailored for the domestic, commercial or retail sectors. Products ranging from small security systems installed in your home to vast fire aspiration systems for the public sector.

As a company their aim is to provide you, the customer, with complete satisfaction and leave you with peace of mind; knowing the job in hand will meet your demands and expectations. They always aim to be at the forefront of their industry and their commitment coupled with their extensive knowledge and range of services makes Centurian the only solutions provider you will need to deal with.

Quick Facts
www.centurianfire.co.uk
sales@centurianfire.co.uk
0845 094 9870

Case Studies.

Centurian has undertaken many projects for both business and domestic properties:

Leftbank Apartments are the only residential part of a £650 million redevelopment of Spinningfields in Manchester. Centurian was requested to look after the complete fire and security systems for the multimillion pound apartments. Responsibilities included the servicing and maintenance of the fire alarm, intruder alarm, access control, intercoms and emergency lighting systems. Centurian also undertook the refitting of several systems including various fire facilities, CCTV security cameras and network data cabling.

Crown Oil is a UK leading supplier in biodiesel, boiler juice and central heating oil. Established for over 60 years Crown Oil is an independently owned family business supplying oil throughout the UK to both homes and businesses. Centurian was responsible for the installation and maintenance of the CCTV and fire systems for this major UK distributor.

An Office Base at Hyde Park House.

Centurian Fire and Safety has recently moved in to Hyde Park House: With fixed prices for the office support services offered by Hyde Park House Business Centre – such as telephone answering, secretarial support and message forwarding, the company is going to find it much easier to control costs, by knowing what they are going to be charged in advance.

For four to six people.
Unfurnished.
360 sq. feet.
Available APRIL 2010.

A Quality, Reliable Building Contractor.

Manchester & Northern is a local specialist building contractor with an extensive knowledge of the construction industry; it is large enough to cope, but also the ideal size to give close personal attention to every project.

Since our formation in 1986 we have remained a family run business and have built an outstanding reputation for our commitment to quality, reliability and service throughout Manchester and the North West.

We offer a full range of building services from design and build concept through to completion, incorporating total new build, conversions, extensions, renovations, fitted kitchens and bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, swimming pools , home gym/ leisure suites and home cinemas.

Customer Praise.

We have had a highly successful 2009, completing several projects that left the clients very pleased:

“Manchester & Northern provided a most competitive quote which was clear and easy to read, all items were patiently explained, which helped to avoid costly extras.
The site manager ensured minimum disruption during the build for the other residents on the Drive and was happy to provide re-assurance regarding any concerns.
The workmen were clean, tidy, polite and friendly and made sure the site was swept through each night. If tea was made, cups were returned straight away and never left lying around! Our children loved the workmen being around and are still asking when they are coming back!
In all Manchester & Northern Developments Ltd are a company we would not hesitate to use again, we also have peace of mind with a 10 year Insurance backed guarantee.”  Ms T Tottey

“In the process of obtaining quotes for a single storey extension to the rear of our property we approached several building companies including Manchester & Northern. Their quote was the most comprehensive and offered the best value for money. Prior to work starting a full schedule of the work was provided with detailed information with regards to costing.
The building started on schedule and the builders stayed with the work until completion. The work was completed to a high standard and any issues that arose were addressed immediately. The entire project took 6 weeks and was carried out professionally and to a very high standard.
The entire workforce inspired confidence and were highly skilled, we would have no hesitation recommending Manchester & Northern for building projects however small or large.” L Evans

Contact Details
www.manchesterandnorthern.co.uk
gordon@manchesterandnorthern.co.uk
0161 367 9000

An Office Base at Hyde Park House.

Manchester and Northern have been based at Hyde Park House for over three years; a decision they have never regretted.

“The invaluable office support services offered by Hyde Park House Business Centre – such as telephone answering, secretarial support and meeting facilities – all of which impress our clients and help us to stand out from our competitors, has certainly justified our decision to move into Hyde Park House.”

Hyde Park House, Tameside has great value office space for rent right now: A prestigious address, virtual office services including telephone answering available on site and just a short distance from Manchester and Stockport, with access to the M60 motorway, the national rail network and Manchester Airport.

For details of the office space for lease and the range of flexible rental options available at Hyde Park House, call Lynsey on 0161 367 9000.

The success of Hyde Park House virtual office services is perhaps most aptly demonstrated by one of its ‘apparently’ largest clients.

Having taking up the option of an e-Space desk this sole trader set about business;

• Exporting from the Far East
• Importing to the UK
• Managing manufacturers and suppliers in the Far East
• Managing large clients in the UK.
• Dealing with incoming phone calls, faxes, post, parcels and email.

This business man spends much of his time in the Far East; a fact that could have posed quite a few obstacles to the success of his business in the UK; what with its significant time difference and slow postal service. But these obstacles are easily overcome by Hyde Park House virtual office services;

• Phone calls are answered as if by his own reception and PA.
• Post and faxes are opened, sorted and dealt with according to his instructions.
• Parcels are accepted and despatched within the UK.
• A daily email provides the client with an update of all work carried out.
• A daily return email provides Hyde Park House with answers to queries, new tasks and outstanding actions.

As far as his suppliers and customers are concerned this business is highly professional, is able to handle large orders and is a significant force within his industry:  All this is true, thanks to the support and service he receives from Hyde Park House virtual office services.

A Hyde Park House e-Space is available from just £99 a month; it provides a work station in a modern high-tech business suite, free from the distractions of working from home and with access to the full range of virtual assistant services.

So, whether you are an individual seeking a professional image, a prestigious address or simply administrative support, renting a virtual office at Hyde Park House could be just what you are looking for.

To discuss the professional virtual office services at Hyde Park House, call now on 0161 367 9000. Hyde Park House, Tameside, Cheshire; convenient for Manchester, Stockport and just a short drive from Manchester Airport.

There is talk about green shoots of recovery and that the UK is out of recession, but if you run a business this talk may seem a little premature. Businesses that survive a recession are often stronger and more profitable than before; this is because they’ve reassessed all aspects of their business and reduced their cost base. When recovery comes, a reduced cost base leads to greater profits: If you haven’t done so already you should consider:

1. Change office space: Moving out of city centre or high profile office space can reduce your rental costs by up to 60%, you may also benefit from lower business rates, employment costs and parking charges. Choosing a modern, purpose built complex may also reduce your utilities charges. Look for accommodation that is on the outskirts of city or town centres with good motorway links and access to the transport network; buses, trains and planes.
2. Take advantage of reduced prices: The cost of many raw materials is now lower than ever; therefore a lower price could be negotiated for many regular supplies. Although sales are usually on consumer goods, many business suppliers are trying to attract extra custom with the same tactic: Sales can now be found on everything from office furniture to photocopier paper. 
3. Re-evaluate your personnel requirements: Do you really need a full time secretary?  Making use of ‘pay as you go’ staff and virtual office services, offered by many business centres, can seriously reduce your staffing costs and employment headaches! 
4. Introduce programmes that encourage healthy living: Your employee’s good health should reduce absenteeism and could drive down insurance costs.  Consider offering discounted gym membership or install a cycle rack and encourage employees to cycle to work.
5. Cut down on meetings: Travelling to and from meetings incurs many hidden costs; travel costs, subsistence and the opportunity costs of the person’s time.  Use technology; conference calls, video conferencing and webinars are very simple to use and extremely cost effective. This approach will also reduce your company’s carbon footprint.

Hyde Park House, Tameside has great value office space for rent right now: A prestigious address, virtual office services including telephone answering available on site and just a short distance from Manchester and Stockport, with access to the M60 motorway, the national rail network and Manchester Airport.

For details of the office space for lease and the range of flexible rental options, including e-Space; a virtual serviced office space at Hyde Park House from just £99 a month, call Lynsey on 0161 367 9000.