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Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are critical for the economic and social development of emerging markets. They are labor intensive, create jobs, generate income for low income group, promote economic growth, increase social stability, and contribute to the development of a dynamic private sector.

According to United Arab Emirates Ministry of Labor, there are around 350,000 SMEs in UAE, making up 86% of the total workforce in private sector and contributing up to 60% to GDP. The UAE Vision 2021 aims to increase this contribution to 70%.

The biggest concern of SME is access to financial services. Banks play a vital role in this regard by funding for equity, loans, mezzanine finance to financial intermediaries, credit lines, risk mitigation advisory and raising awareness on best SME Banking practices.

On the advisory side, banks support in areas such as strategic direction, market segmentation, product development, risk management and IT/ MIS facilities.

During the last twelve months, many SMEs have packed up and have departed UAE, leaving their companies in trouble and defaulting on their loans. The wholesale traders of foodstuffs and oil were amongst the highly affected. Many analysts deduce that SME’s balance sheet was hit hard by the economic slowdown, triggered by a sharp decline in the price of oil and currency.

Banks in the UAE are cutting credit lines to SMEs after a wave of defaults. A few months back, banks of United Arab Emirates got together and developed a framework, called the “mini bankruptcy law“. This law basically discourages the banks to act prematurely against SMEs financial complications. It also insists on bank advice to SMEs by involving other banks to try and deduce an effective solution.

Furthermore, the country’s banks will coordinate together more, allowing SMEs to arrange for suspended payments, and restructured loans. Bank chiefs have already worked on loan-restructuring scheme for indebted SMEs to help them reduce their debt burden.

The UAE government, also contributing to the facilitation of SME financial services, announced its reformed policy stating that some small and medium-sized enterprises in the country will no longer require a bank guarantee to continue their operations.

A notable initiative for SME sector development in UAE is by National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD). The bank opened a free, business skills academy in September 2015 with the purpose of driving growth in the UAE SME sector. It has trained over 100 small medium enterprises (SMEs) so far in essential skills. The pilot programe focused on the following areas: How to make your Business Bankable; Understanding and Implementing Principles of Accountancy; Understanding Corporate Governance; Attaining Leadership in Customer Service; and Expansion and Growth – Key Strategies. The NBAD SME Academy is surely an innovative step in promotion of SME growth in the region.

To decrease SME’s funding difficulties, the banks have to stay committed in applying a coordinate approach. Further reforms are required to provide SME with institutional support to better deal with market forces and offer them credible credit guarantee scheme in order to decrease risk of default and move towards a bright UAE Vision 2021.

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Buying shoes is not just about fashion and bagging a bargain. These things are important but the main focus should be the health and welfare of your feet. Shoes play a vital role in protecting our feet, cushioning the weight of your body and feeling comfortable so we can carry on with our busy lives.

Shoes that don’t fit well can cause many problems including calluses, blisters, bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis and even stress fractures. To make sure you look good and keep your feet healthy, follow these foot care tips:

• Get your feet measured. Many people prefer to shop online for bargains but you can still go to a store and have your feet measured. Your shape and size can change as you get older but many people believe that their foot size remains the same as they age. Having your feet measured by a professional will ensure that you know the best fit for your feet.
• Your feet change size just during the course of one day so try to have your feet measured towards the end of the day when they will be at their biggest. Feet go through a process of swelling and settling slightly as we walk around. Getting your feet measured first thing could mean that your new shoes are not the best fit come the end of the day.

• It is commonly thought that new shoes will stretch over time. While this could happen, it’s not a given so don’t rely on this when buying new shoes. Make sure the shoes fit well at the time of buying and there shouldn’t be any need to think that shoes will ‘give’.
• It’s important to think about getting the right shoes for the activity. For example, running shoes are specially designed to provide additional cushioning on the heel and flexibility in the toe area. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking then a shock absorbing heel is important.
• You’ll also want to look for signs of good construction. Good quality shoes will have a cushioned heel, a sole that doesn’t twist or bend easily, breathable, durable material and strong arch support. For a Gloucester Shoe Shop, visit http://www.cottersshoes.co.uk/

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• Never buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first. Try them on, walk around and check that they don’t rub, pinch, chafe or slip on the heel. The ball of your foot should sit well into the widest part of the shoe and there should be about ½” of space between the end of your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• Make sure you have both feet measured and not just one. Most people have one foot larger than the other and you’ll always want to measure your shoes to fit your largest foot.
• Looking after your feet is often overlooked. Much information is provided about how to take care of yourself nutritionally and physically but not so much about foot health. We often wear shoes that are not the right shape or the right material and only realise when we end up in pain.

Twitter is one of the internet’s newest social marketing and advertising crazes. Twitter is reshaping the way that people consider standard marketing and it is spawning a new generation of web 2.0 advertising and marketing gurus. A single on the keys to marketing with Twitter is to obtain a sizable targeted following. Learning how you can get Twitter followers quickly is simple in case you have the best assets.

There is some Twitter following limits you need to bear in mind of. Twitter limits the number of those that you’ll be able to stick to in an attempt to lessen the spamming activity that’s prevalent on Twitter. As soon as you reach 500 followers Twitter will put a hold on your following activities and can make your followers catch up to the 500 mark. After you catch up and now have 500 followers per 500 people who you adhere to, you will now possess the 10% rule applied. The 10% rule will only let you comply with 10% a lot more men and women than are presently following you. You will need to develop your account by these guidelines but there are some methods to lessen the time that it might naturally consider for your followers to develop.

 

Targeted followers would be the important with Twitter advertising. The a lot more those that you’ve in your Twitter account that are interested in the goods or services that you are advertising, the much more accomplishment you may have. As soon as you discover a handful of individuals which can be tweeting about your topics, verify out their bios to view if they’re within your niche. A great deal of individuals now have auto followers that will automatically stick to your back but to genuinely get free twitter followers rapidly you may really need to unfollow the people who usually do not follow you back. Routinely doing this may permit you to maintain including followers without stalling out through the 10% rule.

Protect your privacy does not mean you’re a criminal. It means that your data with others are not shared without your agreement. You’d be surprised to know that emit a lot of information, doing nothing more than visiting a website: your geographic location, operating system and type of Internet browser you are using, your Internet service provider, the links you’ve visited, your passwords, etc. Your IP address reveals most of this information.

What is an IP address? To summarize, it is what identifies your computer when you browse the Internet. Your IP address changes on the place / country where you are. So, if you live in Canada, you have a different IP than you would if you were in China (for example).

What’s a Vpn? Regarding the VPN allows you to surf without a trace, to the extent that the provider gives you a different IP address to a different location. In other words, if your VPN gives you a German IP address, it would be like if you were in Germany. So with this new IP, you can not know who you are, or where you are. All information is visible on the website you visit is the IP address you use, nothing more.

Moreover, the fact of being anonymous on another IP address gives you more freedom when you’re writing in your blog or email. They can not recognize you, and then you can squeeze freely. Indeed, thanks to the VPN, you have the freedom of expression.

Secure your Internet Connection to a VPN

The VPN guarantees anonymity, giving you a new IP. Prevents websites take the information contained on your IP address, but a part of this same information remains visible though. Well, the only solution is to encrypt / make invisible all your online activities (email, file sharing, Windows Messenger or Skype, for example). There is usually an encryption between your computer and the VPN server, which is different depending on the protocol used. For example, no one can see what you’re typing in your emails. So reassures companies have to communicate by Internet, but also to people who fear identity theft (ie someone else is like you).

Avoid Locking the Geographical VPN

Some sites use a “geographic lock” . It means that according to your geographical location, you have access to websites that are not local. Thus, only the Americans can go to American websites. If you sail from Germany, for example, do not have access to these same sites. The webs recognize your geographic location, thanks to your IP address . Indeed, your IP address gives information about your location. When websites are blocked in your country, it is necessary that your IP address corresponds to the region where the web is (if it is an American site, you must be in the United States). If not, you can go to the website in question.

For example, only US residents have access to Hulu (which is a free American website VOD). The VPN avoids this problem to the extent that your VPN provider gives you a new IP address. All suppliers have VPN servers worldwide. Each server has a number of IP addresses. For example, installing a server in New York, a VPN provider can give IP addresses from there. So you can, for example, navigate an American IP address from Germany and have access to Hulu easily. So for secure access take the best vpn provider for Netflix.

When you subscribe to a VPN, you can choose between different server’s sites. Many American websites use geographical restrictions. It is the reason why most of the proposed American VPN IP addresses providers. However, you can also find deals with European and Asian IP addresses. You can then maintain that come from the UK, while in China.

When you are looking at wedding venues and you have narrowed it down to a possible option, there are a few important things that you should ask the wedding venue before you book. It is always a good idea to ask these questions before you make a commitment to the venue, in case any issues arise. Before you sign on the dotted line and agree to have your wedding there, sit down with the manager of the wedding venue and ask them these crucial inquiries.

Questions About Payment

Before you book the venue, make sure that you have discussed the costs clearly and that you are on the same page when it comes to the price of your wedding day.

• Are there any hidden costs in the fee such as cleaning fees, service charges, gratuities or charges for overtime?
• Is there a deposit required for booking the venue?
• When will the full payment for the venue be due?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Is there a payment schedule?
• Are the fees cheaper if we book the wedding during a non-peak time such as a weekday or in the off season?

Questions About Wedding Day Logistics

When the big day happens, how will it all work? Here are some important questions to ask about the logistics of planning the day when you are meeting with hotels in Chester.

• Does the venue have its own sound equipment, or will that need to be rented?
• Does the venue only allow their approved vendors to be used, or can I choose my own vendors?
• How many guests will the venue be able to hold?
• Will there be ample parking for all of my guests? Will guests have to pay for parking?
• What time will guests need to leave the wedding venue? This is an important question because sometimes the venue will charge guests for overstaying.
• Who will be responsible for setting up and taking down the wedding décor?
• Will the site be handicap accessible?
• Is the venue accessible via public transport?
• Is there a coat check available?
• Is there somewhere secure to store the wedding gifts?
• What is the back-up plan if something goes wrong?

Questions about Catering

Another important aspect of the wedding to discuss beforehand is the catering. Getting the food right is an important part of your special day, so make sure you have it all figured out before you go ahead with the booking.

• Does the venue have its own in-house caterer?
• Can we arrange a tasting with the in-house caterer?
• If we choose not to use that caterer, can we use a different outside caterer?
• Does the venue have a liquor license?
• Will there be a hosted bar, a cash bar or perhaps a type of combination?
• What are the prices and options for alcohol at the wedding?
• Will we be allowed to bring our own alcohol? Will we be charged a corkage fee?
• Will you be able to accommodate for our guests who have dietary restrictions?
• Will the table linens, silverware, plates and glassware be provided or will we have to rent them ourselves?

Questions About Accommodations

If you are having your wedding in a hotel, you and your guests might be staying in the hotel as well. Make sure that you ask about the accommodations so that you know what to expect.

• Will there be enough rooms available for all of the guests who want to stay at the hotel?
• Is it possible to receive a discounted rate for booking multiple rooms?
• Will there be a couple of suites available on the morning of the wedding for getting ready?
• Can the guests and the newlywed couple have a late checkout the following day so that they don’t have to rush?
• Will you be able to accommodate the special needs of guests? For example, an extra cot for children, a handicap accessible room, two rooms adjoining for a large family, etc.

These are just a few of the most important questions that you should ask whenever you are booking with one of the many beautiful wedding venues in Cheshire. When you take the time to make sure that you and the venue are on the same page then the wedding will go more smoothly and you’ll have a much better experience.

Rashed Ahmed regularly contributes to online news magazines and living ideas to various blogs around the web. When he’s not busy working with the work, you will find him undertaking many of her own lifestyle-related topics and living ideas! He has a lot of dreams. He works hard to fulfill his dreams. He loves to share his ideas, tricks, tips, and information by blogging. He also works at craziest business ideas, a business marketing company that committed to helping businesses with online marketing.

Cycling is a great way to get around while keeping fit – but for some it’s more than that.For some it can be a passion that drives them to cross mountains and deserts, or to shave fractions of a second off a lap time.Unlike jogging, cycling requires a little bit of an investment in order to get started – and for beginners it can be difficult to know where to begin.Let’s run through a checklist of the items you’ll need to get pedalling – along with a few extra ones that will make things that little bit easier and more comfortable along the way.

Bike

In order to get cycling, you’ll need a bike.Unfortunately, selecting exactly which bike might prove a challenge – particular if you enter the shop without the slightest inkling of what you’re looking for.Fortunately, most cycling shops come with knowledgeable and helpful staff who’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

To being with, you’ll want to spend no more than a few hundred pounds – just in case you decide that cycling isn’t for you.Once you’re convinced, however, you’ll want to invest in the future – a thousand pounds or more will get you a machine that’ll last long into the future.

Shoes and Pedals

High-end bicycles can be fitted with separately-sold shoes and pedals.These will allow you to tailor the experience to your liking.You’ll also be able to make minor upgrades to your bicycle without getting rid of the whole thing.

The best are those which clip into one another, thereby ensuring that you’re able to not only push the pedals down, but pull them up, and that you’re able to do so as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Many shops will offer bulk-buy discounts for matching packages of shoes and pedals, so keep an eye out for bargains.

Helmet

The most essential item for a cyclist is a helmet.Without one, you simply won’t be able to cycle safely – or legally.Get one that’s lightweight, and comes with holes that’ll allow your scalp to breathe.If you’re going to be spending many thousands of pounds on a bicycle, then it makes little sense to skimp on the safety equipment.All cycling helmets must conform to certain safety standards – but with the more expensive ones, you’ll be able to meet those standards while maintaining a certain standard of comfort.

Clothing

As well as securing yourself a decent standard of helmet, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve gotten clothing that’s roadworthy.A cycling jersey that’s made from a breathable fabric will allow you to enjoy the experience of riding without turning into a sweating mess while you’re doing it.

You’ll also need to ensure that your shorts are suitable.Again, comfort is key – you’ll want to keep friction around your crotch to a minimum, as this is the area where the pedalling action can cause the greatest potential discomfort.Ideally, cycling clothing should be tight enough to cut down on wind resistance at high speeds – but it should also be loose-fitting enough to maintain comfort.The best cycling clothing should provide the best of both worlds.

Repair Kit

You’ll want to be able to perform on-the spot repairs in the event that your bike should break down.You’ll therefore need a selection of tools in a kit that you can take with you.Again, if you buy this together with the other items you’ll need, you’re more likely to secure yourself a discount.

Water Bottle

While you’re out all day on your bike, you’ll be working up a sweat.In order to avoid the danger of dehydration, you’ll want to keep a water bottle attached to your bike.All decent bikes will come with a place to attach a water bottle – so be sure that you’ve got one.

Boot Liner

In order to transport your bike from place to place, you’ll need a means of securing it to your car.You can get racks which attach either to the rear or roof of your car which serve just this purpose.If you’re storing your bicycle in your boot, however, you’ll need a means of protecting it against dirt – and a boot liner provides exactly such a means.Boot liners come in several different shapes and sizes – you’ll want to opt for one that’s made to measure for your chosen model of vehicle.You can get Audi, BMW and Mercedes boot liners from specialist retailers – along with liners to fit a range of other models.

Black Sabbath, E.L.O. Duran Duran, UB40 and The Moody Blues all hail from Birmingham, a city known for its fantastic live music venues. Below are brief details on nine of the most popular.

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1 – Symphony Hall [The International Convention Centre, Broad Street]

This city centre venue is a popular spot for the usual classical and pop genres, and more. Hundreds of events are hosted here each year with a combined audience of around 400,000.

2 – Barclaycard Arena [King Edwards Road]

Although smaller than the Symphony, this arena can still hold nearly 16,000 people for shows by big names from both rock and popular music. With several restaurants on site it’s a great place to make a night of it.

3 – The O2 Institute

Boasting 3 rooms with a 300 – 1,500 maximum capacity, the O2 is able to showcase both established musicians and those searching for stardom.

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4 – The Hare & Hounds [106 High Street, Kings Heath]

This eclectic venue serves up musical acts from all genres and at all stages of their career, along with good craft beer, top-notch food and a warm welcome to all.

5 – The Red Lion Folk Club [The Red Lion, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath]

A place which welcomes everyone to Thursday evening gigs. Pay a fiver for membership for discounted tickets.

6 – The Sunflower Lounge [76 Smallbrook Queensway]

With a bar upstairs and a music venue for 120 on the ground floor, expect to see both local musicians and established bands.

7- Centrala [Unit 4 Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley Street, Digbeth]

This not-for-profit space hosts experimental musicians in its two live event space.

8 – The Night Owl [17 Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth]

It’s all about Motown and Northern Soul here, with weekends boasting live music acts.

9 – Mama Roux’s [23 Lower Trinity Street, Digbeth]

Bands on the rise often appear at this New Orleans themed venue with space for 250 people.

The quality and variety of live music available attracts lots of visitors to the city every year. Many choose to stay in Birmingham serviced apartments at locations such as http://birminghamservicedapartments.co.uk/luxury-2-bedroom-birmingham-serviced-apartments/, to enjoy a comfortable and truly private break away from home.

From wannabes to big names across all genres, Birmingham truly is the place to experience live music.

Sewing is very much back in fashion, with TV programmes giving us ideas and inspiration. Here are some top tips to help you get started with dressmaking.

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The right tools

According to recent statistics, one million people have taken up sewing in the last three years. There are some essential tools you need before getting started, such as fabric scissors with a 20cm blade and long dressmaking pins.

If purchasing a sewing machine, ensure it has a seam allowance gauge. This tool can be picked up separately if your machine doesn’t have one, and makes measuring seams and hemming a breeze.

Choosing fabric

Find dress making fabrics at websites such as http://www.quality-fabrics.co.uk/dressmaking-fabrics-14-c.asp. By merely changing your fabric, you can make the same garment in seasonal, personal and unique ways to match your own style and taste.

Firstly, think about the item you want to make, and what fabric you will need. Fabric is classed in three categories; non-woven, woven and stretch or knit fabrics. Ensure you have your pattern to hand when searching for fabric, and thoroughly read the instructions before beginning.

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Samples

It is a useful idea to build a swatch file, as you buy and collect fabrics. Cut a small sample from each fabric, attaching it to a notepad, making notes of the fabric, laundry care advice and what you used the fabric for.

Garments that fit

Practice makes perfect, and the secret to making sure the clothes you make fit is to keep practicing your skills.

One pattern will not fit every body variation, and women’s sewing patterns are generally cut for a 5ft 5in tall woman with a B cup. The trick is to blend at least two pattern sizes to get a good fit. For instance, if your bust is closer to a size 10, but your hip measurement is a size 14, trace the size 14, and use a curved ruler to draw a line down from the bust to the hips. This pattern will now be tailored to your personal body measurements.

Also allow extra room in your patterns to ensure they are comfortable to wear.

Notches are marked as small triangles on the edge of the pattern which instruct you which pieces will be joined together.

The position of wicket keeper is a unique one and is more skilled than people sometimes realise. A good wicket keeper is an invaluable asset, and if that is the kind of asset you want to become, there are a few things you can do to sharpen your abilities.

Practice Does Make Perfect

Wicket keeping is possibly the single least-practiced position on the cricket field. A few practice catches over the course of a minute or two before the game seems to be the level of effort that most wicket keepers find it necessary to put forth. This is unfortunate because the position of wicket keeper is different from any other place on the field, and it is not something that you can just slide into and expect to perform perfectly. If you intend to be a wicket keeper, practice your skills in that position just as you would practice bowling or batting.

Know Your Own Importance

The wicket keeper is also a much more important figure than most people give it credit for and even more than a lot of wicket keepers realise themselves. When it comes to leading the team, the role they play is not so very far below that of the captain. They are responsible for keeping the team focussed and providing encouragement on both the team and individual level, even if it’s just shouting words of praise when things are done well.

Being the wicket keeper also puts you in a position to see a lot of things that other members of the team will miss. Make sure you take advantage of this, and communicate the information you gather with the captain.

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The Right Equipment

Wicket keeping equipment is vital if you want to perform well when playing in this position. It works on two levels. First, the right gear – particularly gloves – will help you to perform better. Second, proper safety equipment is absolutely vital for somebody whose job is to regularly be right in the path of the ball.

The way you make use of your equipment can also make a big difference. For example, consider taking returns with only one glove on. This will enable you to more quickly and accurately turn around and throw the ball again. This ties back into the matter of practice. When honing your skills as a wicket keeper through training, you may want to specifically practice taking catches and throwing down stumps with one glove on and one glove off.

Standing Up and Standing Back

Standing up has become increasingly popular among wicket keepers in recent years, but it is not always the best option. Knowing when to do so and when to stand back is invaluable. For example, when batsmen are feeling the pressure, standing up can intensify that pressure. When the ball is unpredictable, on the other hand, standing back will put you in a better position to make a difficult catch in the best possible way.