This month (October 09) Nottingham Police launch their new single non-emergency phone number - 0300 300 99 99.The new 03 number replaces the 12 individual numbers that are currently in operation across the county and was chosen following a public consultation where 96% of people agreed that one single number would make it easier to contact the force.By using an 03 non-emergency number, Nottingham Police can smarten up the way they deal with their calls and offer their callers a free or inexpensive call.Here are 10 reasons why Nottingham Police has chosen an 03 number:1) The force has handpicked a highly memorable number that reflects the emergency element of their service (999).2) 03 numbers meet the needs of the public as they cost the same to call as 01/02 numbers -- even from a mobile (research by one police force found that 75% of all their incoming calls are from mobiles).3) 03 numbers are also included in the free minutes offered by mobile and landline tariffs.4) 0300 numbers are exclusively for public bodies and not-for-profit organizations meaning they are trusted by the public.5) It's possible to record calls to 03 numbers for staff training purposes and dispute resolution.6) 0300 numbers can easily move with the force if it relocates.7) Callers can be queued, meaning that all important calls will be answered.8) Like all non-geographic numbers, 03 numbers don't have traditional area codes. This is valuable for Nottingham Police which covers alarge area spanning different dialing codes and means that callers in Mansfield and Nottingham City will dial exactly the same number.9)  Promoting a single 03 number means that the force's marketing and communications are clear and consistent.10) Online call management solutions work alongside 03 numbers. For example, professional intro messages ("You have reached Nottingham Police") and menu options to help organizations deal with their calls ("press 1 if you know the extension number or  http://www.blurty.com/users/cryssrose99/ please wait to speak to a representative etc.)Many UK police forces now use 03 numbers including; the Met Police, Northants Police and Tayside Police and you only have to look at the above reasons to establish why there are becoming so incredibly popular.

Protective packaging is essential if you're involved in moving or handling products, manufacturing, delivery or storage. Using the wrong sort of packaging could be extremely detrimental to your business.Here's what you need to think about.1. Using the right sort of protective packaging will dramatically reduce the number of orders that are damaged in transit. This in turn will reduce the number of returns, and reduce customer dissatisfaction.2. As there are fewer returns, there will be less resources and costs spent on sourcing and replacing damaged goods.3. If you're involved in manufacturing or selling mattresses, kitchen worktops, sinks and carpet rolls, and bulky  http://www.blurty.com/users/cryssrose99/ items of a similar nature, then you'll want to make sure that you're using the most appropriate packaging. These types of products will have different packaging requirements than electrical goods or foodstuffs.4. By choosing reusable transit covers, you'll also help to reduce costs. Also, as a removal company, you will always be able to have some suitable packaging with them. This can also be essential for delivery drivers and haulage companies too.5. You'll want to choose protective packaging that can be branded, so that your name, logo an contact details can be seen by more people, so that your customers can easily find you, and so you benefit from free publicity.6. Having carry handles on your transit covers will also make bulky items much easier to carry, and so reduce the risk of dropping or other accidental damage.7. Perhaps you'll want packaging that offers an easy opening pocket. This means that there will be less time spent unwrapping the product. This can help to speed up deliveries and installations, and so mean that workers can be more efficient and productive.8. As products can be delivered quicker, more products can be delivered or installed during the day, which leads to improved delivery times which is bound to impress customers.9. The reduction in shipping costs can be passed onto customers, and so help to make your company more cost effective compared to your competitors.10. As your company is more cost effective, and offering better prices, faster delivery, and fewer returns, you're likely to appeal to more customers, and so see an increase in sales.Now you know some of the benefits, isn't it time for you to think about protective packaging?

When choosing new workwear clothing for your employees, it's important to get it right first time. Otherwise, you could end up having to spend more money putting it right. With that in mind, here is a 10 point plan to help you  http://www.blurty.com/users/cryssrose99/ with the ordering process.1. Your first step should be to sit down with your team and discuss your plans for the new workwear. Ask for their ideas and suggestions with regards to safety, comfort and practicality.2. One of the most important steps you can take is to find out all the necessary legal requirements you need to meet with the new clothing. From both a safety and legal standpoint, this cannot be overlooked.3. While the legal specifications should cover everything, there may be extra safety measures you can take to ensure your employees are safe.4. As well as safety, you also want to help your team by giving them the appropriate waterproof and winter workwear clothing in order to keep staff dry and warm. As well as helping them to perform, it will also reduce the chances of them getting sick.5. Another vitally-important safety consideration is whether your staff require high visibility clothing. If they work at night, during late afternoons or by the roadside, this may be vital.6. When choosing the clothing, you need to consider what appearance you want for your team. Do you want them in smart, corporate clothing? How about embroidered polo shirts? Make sure it fits with your company's brand values.7. This is also an excellent opportunity to expand brand awareness for the company. Incorporating your logos, through embroidered or cheap T shirt printing could help you to spread the word.8. You also need to make sure your contact information is somewhere on the clothing. The workwear clothing could be used as a form of advertising, so consider adding your website address on telephone number on the clothing.9. Never overlook the importance of comfort when choosing the clothes. If you're staff are uncomfortable, they may kick up a fuss or perform poorly.10. One way to achieve comfort is to look for quality clothing. Value for money will obviously be important, however, you may achieve that better with quality items that last for a long time.When ordering workwear clothing, remember to consider the benefits of cheap T shirt printing, waterproof items and high visibility clothing.

Don't let the urge to redecorate be hampered by a lack of funds!These are just a few ideas for redecorating on a tight budget:Placemats and Table Runners - Using colored cloth placemats and table runners on furniture surfaces will add an accent to your room without causing clutter.

  Lamp Shades-You can change out your lamp shades on existing lamps for a lot less than purchasing an entirely new lamp.  Try using colors to change the mood of the room you are working on.

  Garage Sale Knick-Knacks-Wake up early on a Saturday morning, and hit some garage sales.  You can find accent pieces and even antique furniture pieces that will change the look of your room for little cost.

  Candles -A set of three candles, whether the same size or different sizes, in different colors, will add warmth to your room.  You do not need anything fancy, just a few 3in x 6in pillar candles on a table with a bamboo mat underneath can make a wonderful centerpiece.

  Prints -Visit your local craft store and look at their selection of poster sized prints.  You can either have these framed, or stop at Wal-Mart for a poster frame.  You can get inexpensive poster  http://www.blurty.com/users/cryssrose99/ frames in oak, black, silver, gold, brass...there are usually quite a few options for generally under 20 dollars.

  Original Art -Posterboard, acrylic paint, any size picture frame.

  Unused Furniture -Using the same acrylic paint, you can paint your unused or old wooden furniture to use as accent pieces.

  Tables-Old board games, mounted on a piece of fabric covered plywood and coated with a sealant, can make a fun table top for a child's room.

  Old Books-Stop at your local thrift store and pick up a stack of old books that you can stack on a table to create a pedestal for a candle grouping, plant or lamp in order to some depth on a flat surface.

  Lighting-As simple as it sounds, change the wattage of your light bulbs for a whole different look to the room.

Again, some simple and fun ideas to change the look of your existing decor when the money just isn't there!(c) 2006 Terri Oh