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New free business briefings from Business Link |
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Business Link has launched its new programme of free workshops and briefings for businesses and entrepreneurs in Nottinghamshire.
The events will take place from October through to March, at convenient locations across the county. Aimed at those just starting out, as well as established businesses, they are designed to develop business skills, ideas and knowledge. From business planning, to finding new customers and using social media, there’s something to suit every need.
Several new briefings have been added to the programme. For more established businesses, these cover employment law changes, the VAT increase and pricing strategy, franchising your business, cashflow and forecasting, sales and marketing conferences, workshops for retailers and selling overseas.
That’s in addition to the existing, well established workshops, which have been further refined based on customer feedback, as well as current market conditions and legislative changes.
For those looking to start a business, there’s a workshop to provide support every step of the way. Whether looking for business ideas, buying a franchise or simply finding the answer to the question ‘is it for me?’, Business Link’s workshops for new businesses will help get the basics right and provide support every step of the way.
Last year, Business Link workshops attracted over 10,000 delegates and received an overall customer satisfaction rating of 91%. So far this year, customer satisfaction has risen steadily to 93.5% achieved in September; these figures tell a story of high quality presenters, appropriate content and good locations.
Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering local access to the East Midlands Business Link service says: “Our new event programme really does provide something for everyone, whatever stage they are at with their business. We’ve listened to feedback from customers and refined the programme to ensure that the events we run are exactly what our customers want and need to help them start, run and grow successful businesses.”
More than 100 events feature in this latest schedule, at over 150 locations across the East Midlands. Most are half-day workshops or morning briefings, making them suitable for those running businesses or juggling work-life commitments.
For full listings, information on workshop content and to book, visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/events or simply call the events booking team on 0845 058 6644. |
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East Midlands businesses feel much brighter-survey |
BUSINESS owners and managers across the East Midlands are expecting to see a recovery in the economy by the end of 2010 according to the latest Bibby Financial Services Business Factors Index.
Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of business owners in the East Midlands are hopeful for a return to pre-recession trading conditions with a third (33 per cent) experiencing a steady flow of business displaying a general feeling of positivity in the region.
In addition to this, half (50 per cent) of small and medium-sized business owners in the region feel their business is doing better than six months ago, up from 37 per cent in the previous Index, with only 18 per cent of the region’s firms finding things tough or even incredibly tough – a welcome decrease from 41 per cent in the last Index. Two thirds (66 per cent) are also experiencing an increase in new business with only nine per cent believing the region’s economic recovery will lag behind that of other UK regions.
The Index also reveals that one in three (34 per cent) businesses think that maintaining interest rates at the same level will benefit the local economy.
The Business Factors Index is unique within the alternative finance sector. It tracks small business turnover since July 2007 and the trends derived from this data have been collated with the results of a series of interviews conducted with more than 300 business owners across a range of sectors. |
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Recovery specialist promoted to partner at Berryman |
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REORGANISATION and recovery specialist Carl Mifflin has been promoted to Partner at Nottingham law firm Berryman.
Carl, who is head of Berryman’s dedicated and specialist Reorganisation & Recovery team, originally joined Berryman in 2006 into the then new team, and was promoted to Associate just 12 months later.
From a standing start, Carl has worked with team members, including Barry Delaney and Sue Lowry, to build and establish its reputation, acting on both contentious and non-contentious corporate insolvency and bankruptcy instructions. The team today takes instructions from organisations across the UK, and has recently seen an increase in the number of instructions out of London in particular and from specialist Insolvency Practitioners, based both regionally and across the UK.
This year, Carl has received individual recognition in The Legal 500 Directory - regarded as the largest and most in-depth survey of UK legal firms – which states he ‘stands out for clients who value quick response times, coupled with accurate and appropriate advice’.
In addition, the Reorganisation & Recovery team which has achieved turnover in excess of £400,000 in its latest financial year figures, has also been recognised in the Legal 500, securing a ranking, for the first time, within the insolvency and corporate recovery category of the latest edition of the Directory.
Commenting on his promotion, Carl says: “Promotion to Partner is great recognition of my personal achievements and those of the team over the last few years. It comes at an exciting time for Berryman, which has successfully weathered the last two years and the challenges brought by the recession, and remains focussed on growing and building the excellent service we deliver to clients.”
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CMEC- Your first call for asbestos removal
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DO you suspect asbestos may be present in your building?
For peace of mind, call CMEC Environmental, a fully licensed contractor who has many years experience to discuss your requirements whether you own a domestic or commercial property.
As licensed contractors, CMEC are able to undertake all works relating to asbestos from surveys, to encapsulation through to removal and disposal. The dedicated team can remove any asbestos materials with the minimum of disruption, leaving you to get on with your work.
Call CMEC a Nottingham based company today for peace of mind on 0115 942 0600 or email: enquiries@cmecdemo.com |
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Gleeds celebrate re-launch of Roundhouse |
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THE Roundhouse in Derby has opened its doors to a first wave of students following an extensive redevelopment of the historic site by Derby College.
Gleeds, the International Management and Construction Consultancy, was employed to secure over £10m of funding for the £36m project which has become Derby College’s flagship site. This included £4.3m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £1.5m from the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership (DDEP), £3m awarded by the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) as well as £1.3m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
In order to achieve this, Gleeds first identified potential funding sources and prepared a comprehensive strategy for the project. They were then responsible for demonstrating the public benefits of the proposal to financial supporters and key stakeholders through the preparation of a highly structured Outline Business Case. This cited the enhanced educational opportunities, and subsequent positive impact on the local economy, that the establishment of a Further Education College would have.
Stuart Senior, Managing Partner of Gleeds said of the project, “We feel confident that the developed Roundhouse will encourage further regeneration in the local area and are delighted to have played such a vital part in securing the funding necessary for this venture to go ahead.”.
The 18,000sq m flagship campus now provides cutting edge vocational facilities for more than half of the College’s 25,000 students. Catering kitchens, hair and beauty salons, art and design studios and engineering workshops are just some of the state-of-the-art study areas on site. In addition, the campus benefits from a brand new library and resource centre and link building with innovative ‘chameleon glass’ walls which change colour from deep red to yellow and from blue to purple.
The Grade II* listed Roundhouse was originally constructed in 1839 but had since fallen into a state of disrepair. Surrounded by three other structures including an Engine Shop, a two storey ‘Carriage Shop’ and a three storey office complex, all four buildings have now been compassionately redesigned by local architects, Maber. In addition to this, a new four storey, 8,888sq m building has also been created. |
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Why your business needs SAS |
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STRUGGLING to keep on top of finances in the recession? Tired of accountancy firms that treat you as just another business? Then you need Sue’s Accounting Services (SAS).
It’s not just all about year-end at SAS. They work closely with you throughout the year and provide comprehensive management accounts to you every month or as required.
SAS is a family-run business with a strong customer service ethos. They recognise that your business is unique, so will tailor their service to suit your exact, individual needs. You’ll find them flexible and friendly – yet professional – to work with.
Why not contact them today to arrange a FREE initial consultation to discuss how they could help your business?
For more information about SAS and how they can benefit your business, visit the website www.suesas.co.uk
Or call today on 0115 941 1002 to discuss your accounting needs or to book your FREE initial consultation.
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