It may already have plans in place for a crack at the British electric car land speed record, but green energy firm Ecotricity is already turning its hand to a rather less glamorous form of electric-powered transport – tractors.

Speaking to BusinessGreen.com, Ecotricity chief executive Dale Vince revealed that the firm was preparing to launch a research and development project to produce an electric-powered tractor capable of replacing conventional diesel-powered agricultural equipment.

“We’ve identified three areas of the economy that remain heavily dependent on oil: energy, transport and food production,” he said. “

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That’s the poster from the not so good 1979 movie, The Shape of Things To Come. You kinda get the picture from the tagline Beyond the earth… Beyond the moon… Beyond your wildest imagination!

The movie was an adaptation of  the 1933 science fiction novel, The Shape of Things To Come, by H.G. Wells which speculates on future events from 1933 until the year 2106.

My own prognostications for the future are not nearly as expansive. But rather limited to the world of 401(k) for 2010. Here’s a link to my January 2010 column in Employee Benefit News, The Shape of Things To Come for 401(k) Plans. 

China’s exports rose 17.7% in December, state media has reported, suggesting the country has overtaken Germany as the world’s largest exporter.

The rise, compared to a year earlier, breaks a 13-month decline in trade as a result of the global downturn.

Xinhua said total exports for 2009 were $1.2tn (£749bn), but total foreign trade over the year was down 13.9%.

Correspondents say the figures will lead to new demands from China’s competitors that it revalue the yuan.

Last year saw a continuing decrease in China’s trade as the global economic downturn led to a fall in demand for its products.

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Spending hours and hours in calculating, scrutinizing and drafting of accounting records and reports can take a heavy toll on you. It tends to wear out your day’s energy in few hours. Instead of wrecking hell on your business hours why not opt for accounting outsourcing? This is one of the best options available for business industry in present times. Whether you are a small firm or a big one, it is mandatory for you to present your flawless financial record at AGMs. This will decide the future and market position of your business. H

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2009 was certainly a banner year for social media. Sites like Twitter and Facebook grew and expanded at an astounding pace, and you can now find everyone from Martha Stewart to your neighborhood mom on Facebook. Tens of millions of internet users from around the world have signed in and set up accounts to keep in touch with friends, family, and new contacts.

Of course, where millions gather, marketers arise. While 2009 saw the growing emergence of business marketing on social media, 2010 will refine how marketers use social media to reach customers.

Big and small companies alike have found that social media tools can enhance their business.

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