April
 bartering is back in vogue. Are there other business initiatives we could introduce?
 Despite being a modern ICT company, we've always had traditional values.
We delivered a high quality service during the good times and that has stood us in good stead during the current market conditions. Factors such as quality of work and service shouldn't come and go, but remain constant whatever the economic climate.
Perhaps there is an opportunity for apprenticeships to once again come to the fore. There are still opportunities for well-run companies despite the doom and gloom.
We will be looking for experienced staff and graduates to develop our business. What better way to develop our telecommunications, network and support services than on-the-job training for young apprentices who can grow with our company?
After all, I started my own career as an apprentice.
Gordon Adie, Managing Director, Arrowdawn
 Barter offers several advantages in the business-to-business context, the most obvious being the avoidance of cash flow risk because cash is the missing ingredient!
The performance risk remains, however ,and in fact takes the place of payment risk - what if you deliver your side of the barter bargain but the other party has cash flow difficulties and cannot source the goods or labour it needs to complete? If the other party becomes insolvent and cannot perform you will not be able to force a trustee or liquidator to perform.
Timing performance to coincide clearly reduces the risk but may be difficult to manage. Barter can be ideal where two parties' needs are aligned in value and timing, but it is unlikely to replace cash for most businesses and consumers - at least until the major utilities and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs are willing to accept goods and services in kind in payment for the liabilities we all incur daily!
David Laing, Chairman, Ledingham Chalmers LLP
 It is all somewhat fascinating to see business bartering returning with such an impact amidst the deepening global recession.
Bartering has its origins in the Old French word -'barater', which means to trick or cheat. This makes it seem underhand or dodgy, which, of course, is not the case.
On a major scale there might be a case where the buyer could invest in shares in the selling company - enabling the seller to push up its stock market price and make it more financially sound, thus attracting further investment or a better case to put to its bankers in the quest for an overdraft or loan.
And rather than cash, one could deal in a commodity like gold or oil and gas, or have a transfer of labour, skills, or resources (eg vehicles) or intellectual property between the buyer and seller on a short or medium-term basis.
Joyce Youngson-Lamb, Director, Youngson Properties Ltd
 Contra-dealing can be very useful, especially for smaller companies or start-ups - as long as the services on offer are clearly defined and not left open-ended which can lead to issues. As well as getting a service of use to your particular business, such business bartering can be useful in building your personal network.
And to benefit businesses and recruitment, employers' national insurance contributions (currently standing at almost 13%) could be reduced, at least in the short-term. This would help businesses to afford to take on more people as, for many companies, salaries are the biggest overhead but people will always be the most important asset. Any initiatives that allow us to increase our assets but lower the associated costs would be a benefit whilst also helping employment levels.
Annabel Sall, ThinkPR Director
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