The Association of Professional Financial Advisers (APFA) has responded to the Financial Ombudsman Service's (FOS) plan and budget for 2014/15. While APFA welcomes FOS' decision to keep its levy, standard case fee and the number of free cases at the same levels as last year, it has called on the Ombudsman to require all claims management companies (CMCs) submitting claims to pay a fee.

The legend of Robin Hood, prince of thieves, is known to practically everyone. The self-proclaimed wealthy benefactor stole from the treasures of the rich and gave them to the poor. Sounds like a fairy tale for children? Maybe once upon a time it was. Today, it is a new, innovative tax that can save the UK economy!

The IKEA Group net income increased by 3.1% to EUR 3.3 billion for the financial year 2013, and market conditions continued to improve with strong growth in China, Russia and the US.“Consumer spending is improving in many countries. While the challenging economic situation may not be over, there are positive signs. Important consumer markets such as the US are coming back and Europe in general is starting to recover. Even some of the challenging markets in Southern Europe are showing good signs of activity”, says President and CEO Peter Agnefjäll.

Fears of weakening prospects for the new year have knocked business confidence back to a two-and-a-half year low, according to the latest Business in Britain report from Lloyds TSB Commercial. Firms remain particularly worried about the outlook for demand in domestic markets and the eurozone, and are continuing to rein in recruitment and investment spending as a result. However, businesses are still upbeat about prospects in export markets outside Europe, where trade has remained resilient in recent months.

Telephony is the cornerstone of many businesses. If a potential customer cannot contact you over the telephone, they will likely move onto the next company in the phonebook and try them instead. More importantly than just having a phone system that can get somebody on the end of the line is