Saturday, 10 April 2010

International Retirement Benefit Scheme - s615(6)

Was recently introduced to the benefits of a s615(6) trust scheme by Matthew Steiner of the Company s615(6) - The International Retirement Benefits Scheme. A tax efficient way for companies  (UK Limited Companies) and individuals (who's duties are conducted wholly outside the UK - non UK resident) to save for retirement.
To find out more go to http://www.section615.co.uk/
Happy Saving...

Tuesday, 30 March 2010

How to avoid Jet Lag

To follow on with my recent theme of air travel and IT. I recently read this great article about jet lag on the LinkedIn Global Worker Group:

'American mathematicians are working on a new software that could potentially halve the number of days it takes to adjust to a new time zone. The software, which is being developed by the University of Michigan and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, which focuses on the proper way to use an already-accepted method for beating jet lag–timed light exposure. For many, timed-light exposure works. But what some don’t know, is that if it is applied incorrectly, it can actually worsen your jet lag.

Researchers say the computer program they’re creating will allow travelers to maximize their efforts to beat the problem, resulting in more efficient sleep, a decrease in fatigue, and an increase in cognitive performance.

Travelers would simply enter the details of their flight into the program to receive specific instructions on the basics, such as when to sleep, when to go outside and spend time in the daylight, or how to take supplements believed to help curb jet lag, such as melatonin.

The research and resulting solutions could take another five years or so to complete, but when the work is complete, there are likely to be multiple applications, not just for jet lag. If you work the night shift, or under extreme work conditions, the software may be able to help you, too.

A book on jet lag was also recommended - Overcoming jet lag - Charles F Ehret, Lynne Waller Scanlon

Happy Sleeping!

Tuesday, 23 March 2010

Worlds Best On-Time Airlines

Great article from Forbes on the worlds 10 most on-time airlines
We need all the help we can get when travelling overseas.
Hope this article will help you when planning your trip.
Why not let us know what personal experience you have of these and other airlines?
Happy Flying!

Tuesday, 16 March 2010

World Travel Mobile Applications

worldmate iphone application
I was recently advised by a frequent traveller to download and use the worldmate iphone application. This app is also available for Blackberry, Nokia and Windows mobile.

The features include: flight status, travel calender, weather, world clock, maps, LinkedIn, etc.....
Well worth a look at the site to see the benefits for world travellers.
Happy travels.........

Wednesday, 3 March 2010

iphone travel apps

21 travel applications for iphone

I was recently sent this blog link by a colleague, it has details of 21 travel applications that can be downloaded and used on an iphone, some are even free. Great information for all those who own an iphone and travel, whether for work or pleasure.

Tuesday, 23 February 2010

Portugal - what is it like there?

Portugal know-how
My first overseas business trip in 1987 and later my first expat posting in 1991 was to Opporto (Porto) Portugal.
What a dream first posting. Loved the food, loved the wine and especially the Port wine... chilled white or smooth warming red. Friendly people, great language, wonderful countryside and culture.
I would recommend a trip to anyone whether going for holiday, business or to live.
My colleague and I took a trip back there again in 2007 and saw that it has got even better in recent years, with improved road and infrastructure.

I was recently sent the above link by the same colleague and love the fact it contains great pictures and useful information about visitng Portugal, that echo my own thoughts and experience. As well as the fact that the information comes from a U.S fashion company photo shoot trip, as my working roots and what took me there are from the same industry.

Friday, 5 February 2010

Antarctica Culture?

Further to my Blog in January where I stated the trips that I would like to take in 2009, I received a link from a friend and colleague who has a cousin who has been working there. For those of you who are interested do go and take a look at his Blog -
http://frostofheaven.blogspot.com/
Wonder what type of cultural know-how would be required for that type of posting!
Anyone with first hand knowledge let us know all about it...........