by Emma Liddiard, chairman of the Institute of Directors Kent branch, managing director and mum

Happy New Year! Most businesses will be working at least a month or two ahead and given my unusual timekeeping methods it’s a wonder I have any idea what date it is let alone what time it is.

It’s 2014 and the standard issue for many is how to motivate teams after the Christmas break.

For some it’s the start of a new financial year, for others it’s the last quarter of the old one – but for most, it’s back to work after bank holidays and many celebrations.

So in order to help, I have some suggested New Year’s resolutions for you:

1. Join the Institute of Directors (if you’re not already a member);

2. Come to more events (as a member or non member);

3. Get even more value from your membership and use more IoD services.

One thing that is perfect for the New Year to help re-energise your business is the Business Information Service.

As soon as I became a member, this was the first service I thought I’d use. Then other things got in the way and it soon got forgotten.

But finally, I am there and what a great service. I should have used it ages ago. I have the information I requested within two days of my email going over, and now I have a stack of useful intelligence ready for my 2014 strategy day.

I hope you can be similarly inspired to use it as it only takes an email request.

As a member you get up to 25 enquiries per calendar year. You get a quick response, normally within 24 hours, and access to the IoD resources including online databases, directories, journals, salary surveys and business books.

Information regularly provided includes company accounts, company listings, boardroom salaries, model business documents, directors’ duties and responsibilities.

To put this in to context, typical inquiries might include:

• Can you provide a list of companies in east Kent with a turnover of £5m to 15m?
• How do I go about doing business in UAR?
• What is the current legislation involving employment rights?
• Can you source a template for a non-disclosure agreement?

Of course, you will be aware of what you need to know for your business, but why not start the year with your team using the IoD Information and Advisory Service?

Oh and one last resolution for you – do come on the House of Commons tour and lunch in December.

We had a great day with a most knowledgeable tour guide.

Thank you to Tracey Crouch MP for sponsoring the lunch and to MacIntyre Hudson for teaching me the difference between a Chelsea Pensioner and a Beefeater.