Ask Timpo: When to turn off the smartphone?
Q: My partner insists I turn my Blackberry off during weekends and when I'm on holiday. But I worry I'm missing important messages about my business. What's your view?
Ask Timpo: Should we move to just-in-time production?
Q: I’m considering moving towards “just-in-time” production so we can reduce the costs of holding stocks and improve cash flow. But I’m nervous about glitches in the system â and letting customers down. How do you balance stock and working capital at Timpson?
Ask Timpo: Should we ban cheques in our stores?
To improve our working capital, I'm thinking about banning cheques in all our stores – they only add to the delay with payment. Have you done this? And if not, why not?
Ask Timpo: Our large clients are bullying us
Q: Many of our large clients are only willing to do business on the basis that we agree to their (ludicrous) payment terms. This means we’re on terms we can’t afford, simply to keep the business â and it’s impacting our working capital. Help!
Ask Timpo: Should I hire a soon-to-be mother?
Q: One of my line managers have shortlisted three candidates for a marketing position. The standout candidate is a female in her early thirties who has openly admitted that she’d like a family soon. To hire or not to hire?
Ask Timpo: should I lease or buy?
Q: I’m expanding my retail chain into three new UK cities this year. Do you lease or buy your stores â and how do you decide on the best location?
Ask Timpo: Outsource my marketing or hire someone?
Q: Weâre launching a new brand next year and I want to bring in some marketing expertise. Should I get a full-time employee or outsource?
Mary Portas’s high-street review: John Timpson responds
Retail expert Mary Portas unveiled her 28-point-plan to revive Britain’s high streets earlier this week. Here’s what John Timpson, chairman of the high-street cobbler Timpson, thinks of her review.
Ask Timpo: Share options – where do I draw the line?
Q: Iâm considering share options for my staff, but where do I draw the line? Should I offer share options to directors/senior staff only, or to all employees?
Ask Timpo: My sales team are taking advantage
Q: My sales team performed really well in our last financial quarter so I took them for a celebratory night out. But the bill is three times what I expected. Is it bad form to ask them to contribute?
Ask Timpo: Should I become a non-dom?
Q: I’m a (fairly well-off) business owner fed up with being taxed so heavily. The non-dom life appeals and I’m thinking of moving to Monaco. Should I leave the UK?
Ask Timpo: Should I hand over the keys?
Q: How do I know I can trust an employee with the keys to the office?