Will the travel disruptions caused by the volcano highlight to business owners the importance of having anytime, anywhere access which is offered via web-based business applications such as online accounting software?

The eruption of a volcano in the tiny, isolated island nation of Iceland is threatening to turn into a major headache for businesses and travellers across Europe and around the world.

Planes were first grounded in the UK at midday on Thursday amid fears particles in the ash cloud from Eyjafjallajoekull could cause engines to shut down.

Mr Brown believes this is one of the most serious transport disruptions we have faced. “It's got financial consequences as well as human consequences and we will do everything in our power to make sure all the arrangements are in place to help people where possible to get back home."

The Met Office has advised that the volcano is now less active than it had been previously, although weather patterns continue to blow volcanic ash towards the UK.

Travel agents' association Abta said its "rough estimate" was that 150,000 Britons are currently stranded abroad, and rail and ferry services have been stretched to the limit by passengers seeking other means to return.

What are the consequences of this volcano for businesses?

The volcano will have huge financial implications for many businesses across the world however to some it may only cause minor upset. No doubt every business has been affected in some form or another.

To date the only effect it has had on our business is that it has delayed a direct mail campaign. The printing has been delayed slightly due to the volcanic ash issue, as even though we are using a local firm, the perforated paper was coming from England.

To encourage business owners to try our online accounting software (Fusion Accounts) we give businesses a free 30 day trial. During the trial period we contact these businesses to assist them in any way we can and also to answer any questions they may have. Having contacted Staffordshire business owner who recently signed up to our free trial we discovered that he had set off on a business trip to South Africa two weeks ago and due to the volcano his two week business trip has now been extended to longer than expected as he has been left stranded in South Africa. Although this extension will have many implications for him on a business and personal level it will not affect his trial period. Our software is web-based which means it can be accessed from anywhere in the world. All the user needs is an internet connection.

An Armagh based accountant who is on vacation to France and was due to return home yesterday has been advised that it will be Friday at earliest before they are able to return to Ireland. Again as his clients data is hosted on web-based accounting system Fusion Accounts he will be able support his clients remotely from France as Fusion provides him with real-time access to his clients accounts’

These travel disruptions will no doubt lead to more businesses considering the use of web-based applications such as online accounting software and online CRM solutions as it highlights the importance of being able to access your data from anywhere in the world rather than relying on data which is held within the office.

Fusion Accounts – Online Accounting – Anytime, Anywhere

www.fusionaccounts.com