Q The position of my business premises makes the building very hot in the summer and with the temperature rising quite high this year, my employees are beginning to complain about the heat and also that our smart suit-style dress code is uncomfortable in this weather.

I can't afford to have air conditioning fitted, but I have compromised with a water cooler and a couple of desk fans, but they still seem to be demotivated. Do you have any suggestions of how I can make them happier and more productive without breaking the bank?

A Why not introduce a summer dress code? Perhaps short-sleeved shirts for the men and light trousers, which can still be very smart. For the ladies, light blouses and skirts. Remember to give both sexes the same dress option though, so if a man wants to wear a skirt he can and vice versa - aren't some laws pathetic?

Q I have a small business, which through good service, successful local advertising and competitive pricing has a recognisable profile in my area. I am now expanding and want the business' image to reflect its new modern outlook, but I am concerned that if I turn my back on my current business branding I may lose something of the formula I have achieved success with. How would you approach this?

A Re-branding is always a risk and the best solution might be to incorporate your current branding in with your new profile. You should think very carefully about this move, as it has to be done correctly. People like to buy recognised brands and deal with recognised people because it makes them feel secure. If you get it wrong, or need to re-brand again, the damage to your business could be catastrophic.

Q My business is being affected by noise. A private contractor is renovating offices nextdoor to ours and it's driving me and my staff crazy. I have spoken to the owner who is mildly sympathetic, but is insistent the work is done during business hours so he can move into his new office, and apparently there is two months worth of work to do. What would you do?

A There are government guidelines on noise pollution and I am sure that if the noise is excessive and having a detrimental effect on your business there are certain steps you can take. Firstly, I would contact the Environmental Health Department. However, as the work is only taking a couple of months, negotiation with the owner is probably the quickest option. Give it another go and appeal to his better nature. In the end, you have to be neighbours.

Q I have read in your previous advice pages that the best way to raise funds for a new business is to work with the bank. I have my idea and know what I would like to borrow, but I'm not sure what else I have to take to them - can you advise me?

A Confidence in your business and an accurate business plan are essential. You need to show that you have done all the necessary research into your product and its anticipated market. Borrowing the money is easy if you can prove you can pay it back. Good luck with your venture.

Q I read in the newspaper recently that bosses of 50 employees or more will, in the next few years, have to tell their staff their business plans and management decisions. I try to be quite open with my team about certain decisions and plans and we have an informal process to filter the information I deem necessary and worthwhile to all my staff. To make it a formal consultation arrangement and non-compliance leading to government fines seems quite harsh and burdensome on a business owner. What do you think?

A This matter needs a lot of thought and I will have to read the full Government guidelines before I can really comment. What I will say is that you will only have to disclose information that directly affects their employment. Anyway, this is something that is still under review by the Government and some time away from implementation for businesses of your size.

Published: 23/07/2003