Route to Market Help to give your business direction

11th March – 12th March 2010
 

Menzies Mickleover Court, Etwall Road, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 0XX

What's covered
Route to Market will provide you with a range of tools and skills that can be applied to your business. Based on best practice these modules have been designed to assist your business both now and in the future. Route to Market will help you to:
• Develop a business strategy to take your business forward
• Help you to retain and maximise your current customer base
• Provide you with tools to recruit and develop the best team
• Help you develop a sales and marketing plan
• Help you consider financial controls within your business.
 

What you will learn
Route to Market can help by developing the skills of senior managers in these key areas and supporting the implementation of these skills within the business itself. Route to Market is an integrated programme covering five key areas of business development and will support businesses to navigate the current economic climate by providing a platform for future growth.
 

Who should attend
Route to Market is open to all small and medium-sized businesses in the East Midlands that have been operating for at least one year, employ at least five people and have a turnover of at least £100,000. We welcome businesses from all sectors and backgrounds.
We are particularly keen to hear from businesses that have experienced a slowing of demand for their goods and services in the last six to twelve months.
 

Cost
Route to Market is a free programme funded by emda.
However, businesses enrolling on the programme are asked to provide a deposit to the value of £250 + VAT. Should you attend all of the workshops this £250 will be refunded in full but should you fail to attend a workshop this will be charged at £50 per day.
 

How to book
Book your place by contacting Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or info@businesslinkem.co.uk.

National Training Awards 2010 - Information Sessions
  

Leicester 10th March

Book your free session now – limited places!

If you would like to find out more about the National Training Awards, please attend one of the National Training Awards information sessions held throughout the UK from February to early April.
These hour and a half sessions are run by experienced NTA professionals who will talk you through the process of preparing your entry and give you hints and tips on what the judges are looking for. Their sessions aim to help you get the most out of putting together your entry - which entrants tell us is a valuable exercise all by itself!
You will also get the opportunity to learn about past NTA entrants as well as hearing from previous winners on what made them so successful and how they have benefitted from entering and winning.
 

Reserve your place now by calling the NTA helpline on 0800 019 1475, places are limited and the sessions are free to attend.

 
Tender Opportunities for London 2012

 

In 2012, the UK will be host to the world's biggest sporting event and with that comes enormous business opportunities for the region's business community. 

That is why Business Link will be hosting a number of free events across the region to outline what opportunities might be available, particularly for small to medium sized businesses and how you can go about accessing them.
These workshop style events will offer hands on, practical and jargon free advice on how to find tender opportunities for London 2012 and what businesses need to do to register and publish on the London 2012 procurement portal CompeteFor. So far, over 100 East Midlands based businesses have won contracts to support the London 2012 games.
During the events, you will have personal access to the internet to enable you to register and publish your business profile on the London 2012 procurement portal and an experienced Business Link team will guide you through the process offering practical tips to create and publish an eye catching profile.
This is a fantastic opportunity to punch above your weight and go for gold by maximising your potential at the world's greatest sporting extravaganza staged in the UK.
Cost

The events are free of charge.
How to book

There will be 2 session held at each venue, 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm. To secure your place, please click on one of the sessions below to register on the Business Link Event Website:

9th March - EMFEC Conference Centre, Nottingham
Morning Session Afternoon Session

11th March - Think Tank Innovation Centre, Lincoln
Morning Session Afternoon Session

16th March - Pera Innovation Centre, Melton Mowbray
Morning Session Afternoon Session

23rd March - Kettering Conference Centre
Morning Session Afternoon Session

25th March - The University of Derby, Buxton Campus
Morning Session Afternoon Session

Business Link East Midlands
Event Team
0845 058 6644   events@businesslinkem.co.uk

Bulletin 11 - Film Production Services - Roster opportunity - London 2012

Bulletin 7 - Office Furniture - London 2012

2010 iFestival - iEXPO – boost your business: innovate!
12th March, Athena, Leicester

 

The iEXPO is an event to inspire, motivate and equip businesses to compete successfully by becoming more innovative. It brings businesses and the support needed to turn ideas in to profitable new products and services together.

This year’s iEXPO programme will include:

• Motivational and inspirational speakers
• Specialist advisers to help with access to innovation related funding, knowledge and skills
• East Midlands companies showcasing how they have benefited from the region’s innovation support
• Last Business Standing competition – the opportunity to win a bespoke package of intensive innovation support.

Opportunities for all of your questions to be answered – from how to apply for grants to reaching new markets – will abound.

This event is free to attend but register quickly, as places are limited.

Last year the event was fully subscribed.

 http://www.iexpo.org.uk/ to register

Get in touch

Remember, if you are holding an event that you think demonstrates the importance of innovation email ifestival@bydesign-group.co.uk

Manufacturing & Technology Exhibition 17th March 2010

This is an ideal opportunity to explore the latest tools, technologies and techniques including:
- Microwave processing
- BioFuels by fermentation
- Social Science technical applications
- Computing displays including artwork and gaming
- Thin Film technologies
- and many others...
 

Also, find out about university initiatives that are supportive of our manufacturing and design
businesses, and talk to the people behind them. There is no charge to attend this event.

Venue: Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)
             28 High Street
             DE74 2DA
             Kegworth
             Derbyshire

Time: 08.30 h - 12.30 h

 http://www.ingenuitygateway.com
 

Do Business in New Mills

23rd March 2010 09:45 - 14:00

New Mills Adult Community Education Centre, Spring Bank, New Mills, SK22 4AZ

What's covered
If you are looking for new leads, suppliers, local companies to work with, marketing ideas, help and advice from Business Link, High Peak Borough Council and more…this event should not be missed.
Meet other local companies who are exhibiting or attending, swap ideas and do business!
Attend one of the FREE workshops and speed networking sessions being held throughout the day.
 

Who should attend
Anyone intereseted in doing business in New Mills.
 

Cost
The event is free to attend.
 

How to book
Book your place by calling Do Business on 01457 857 111 or by emailing contact@do-business.co.uk.  
 

emda EVENTS 25 March, 2010

Tender Opportunities for London 2012

Location
The University of Derby, Buxton Campus
 

In 2012, the UK will be host to the world's biggest sporting event and with that comes enormous business opportunity for the region's business community.
That is why Business Link will be hosting a number of events across the region to outline what opportunities might be available, particularly for small to medium sized businesses and how you can go about accessing them.
 

These workshop style events will offer hands on, practical and jargon free advice on how to find tender opportunities for London 2012 and what businesses need to do to register and publish on the London 2012 procurement portal CompeteFor. So far, over 100 East Midlands based businesses have won contracts to support the London 2012 games.
You will have personal access to the internet to enable you to register and publish your business profile on the London 2012 procurement portal and an experienced Business Link team will guide you through the process along the way offering practical tips to create and publish an eye catching profile.
 

This is a fantastic opportunity to punch above your weight and go for gold by maximising your potential at the world's greatest sporting extravaganza staged in the UK for the very first time.
 

The events are free of charge.
 

There will be 2 session held at each venue, 9.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 4.30pm. To secure your place, please click on one of the sessions below to register on the Business Link Event Website:

25th March - The University of Derby, Buxton Campus

Morning Session - please use link below to register
http://public.rebsis.com/evocos/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=36&id=1489&p=&orgId=1&guid=ed8220fb-d141-4c7d-9eec-f525d67ed42f 
 
Afternoon Session - please use link below to register
http://public.rebsis.com/evocos/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=36&id=1490&p=&orgId=1&guid=a4aff9f7-f28c-4d93-8df3-aa60540287a7

For any queries please contact Business Link East Midlands Event Team on 0845 058 6644
Contact
Business Link East Midlands Event Team by emailing - events@businesslinkem.co.uk  

The Route to Market programme
 

What is Route to Market?

Route to Market - is a business support programme from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and forms part of emda's continued response to supporting businesses in the current economic climate and to help them prepare for the upturn. A series of Route to Market workshops will be held around the region in early 2010.
 

http://www.route-to-market.co.uk/index.htm

Businesses are now being encouraged to register their interest in this programme through the Route to Market site or with Business Link. The workshop programme will be delivered across the East Midlands between January and March 2010.
 

Route to Market is designed to provide practical support in the key areas of:
• Business strategy
• Customer retention
• Recruiting and developing your staff
• Sales and Marketing
• Managing finances.
 

What are the benefits
Route to Market will provide businesses with a range of practical tools and techniques to assist in building a strong platform for future growth.
It will help businesses to:
 

• Develop a business strategy to take the business forward
• Help to retain and maximise the current customer base
• Provide the business with an understanding of how to recruit and develop the best team
• Help develop a sales and marketing plan
• Help businesses improve financial controls and cashflow management
 

Who is eligible
 

Route to Market is open to small and medium sized businesses in the East Midlands that have been operating for at least one year, employ at least five people, and have a turnover of at least £100,000. We welcome businesses from all sectors and backgrounds.
We are particularly keen to hear from businesses that have experienced a slowing of demand for their goods and services in the last six to 12 months.
 

What support does the business receive?
Route to Market is delivered in a series of participative workshops delivered by business support specialists over 5 days. It is made up of:
 

Day 1 - a one day workshop covering Business Strategy
Days 2 and 3 – two one-day workshops covering Sales & Marketing and Finance
Days 4 and 5 - two final one-day workshops covering Customer Retention and Recruitment and Development

http://www.route-to-market.co.uk/index.htm

These workshops will take place over a two-month period and will be held at locations around the East Midlands. It is expected that each business can send up to two managers to attend the workshops.
 

How many places are available and what is the cost
Route to Market is a free programme fully funded by emda.
 

However, businesses enrolling on the programme will be asked to provide a purchase order or deposit to the value of £250 + VAT. Should the businesses attend all of the workshops this £250 will be refunded in full but should they fail to attend a workshop this will be charged a £50 + VAT per day.

There are 90 business places available in 2010 but please note that spaces are limited.
 

How do I apply?

The Route to Market programme will commence in January 2010, with five county based workshops programmes running from January to March 2010. A sixth regional workshop programme will also take place in March which can be used by businesses that could not make their local workshop date.
To apply, visit the http://www.route-to-market.co.uk/index.htm site.

Businesses can also register their interest by contacting Business Link on 0845 058 6644.

 iRail 2010

The Transport iNet and Derby & Derbyshire Rail Forum have announced details of their
innovation Rail (iRail) event taking place at the Roundhouse in Derby on 18th March.

Supported by the Derbyshire Economic Partnership the event includes a business breakfast,
student enterprise challenge and the first annual iRail Distinguished Lecture.

For further details go to
http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=YEAR%3d2010%2cMONTH%3d3%2cFILTER%3d18%2f03%2f2010+00%3a00%3a00%2cEVENT_PKEY%3d284

Innovation Day 2010

The Healthcare and Bioscience iNet and Medilink East Midlands present the region’s
pre-eminent event to showcase the latest advances in healthcare and bioscience.

Taking place on the 15th April at the Pride Park Stadium in Derby the day will culminate
in a Business Awards Dinner with special guest speaker Miles Hilton-Barber, the blind
adventurer who has set numerous world records.

For further details go to http://www.medilinkem.com/web/MEDILINK/showevents.cfm?id=475&dm_i=185,3CGR,5RJBC,AFF6,1
 

FREE Social Enterprise Business Master Classes for February and March 
 

Great news! A set of high-quality Social Enterprise Business Master Classes has now been finalised for February and March. All are free to attend and run from 9.30am to 4.30pm and will provide social enterprise managers with key information to aid the growth of their organisations. They are being held all over the region so there will be one near you (we will be holding Master Classes in Lincolnshire after March).You will also have the opportunity to network with your peers over lunch
 

Building on the success of the workshops we held last year and taking into account the feedback we received from those who attended them, we have identified 4 themes which will help social enterprises looking to expand their business.
Below are the all-important dates and venues, as well as a summary of what each Master Class will cover.
 

To book a place – telephone: 0115 871 4760 or email: events@seem.uk.net

MARCH

10th Understanding, Measuring & Reporting Your Impact
Phoenix Studios, 253-255 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3HU
 

11th Exploring Finance for Social Enterprise
Phoenix Studios, 253-255 Belgrave Gate, Leicester LE1 3HU
 

17th The Business Environment for Social Enterprise
Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering NN15 6PB
 

18th Selling to the Public and Private Sectors
Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering NN15 6PB
 

24th The Business Environment for Social Enterprise
Castle Cavendish Business Centre, Dorking Road, Nottingham NG7 5PN
 

Master Class summaries

Exploring Finance for Social Enterprise
Now more than ever it is essential for social enterprises to identify the right financial mix to assist them to develop and grow. In this master class you will explore accessing non-grant finance. During the day you will learn about the different types of finance available to social enterprises, explore the opportunities presented to social enterprise by accessing non-grant finance, receive information on the requirements of financial providers and evaluate the costs of different types of finance. There will be a strong practical focus and you will create an individual action plan for accessing the finance that is best suited to your organisation.
 

Understanding, Measuring & Reporting Your Impact
Measuring and demonstrating your impact to your customers is becoming increasingly important. This master class will help you understand how you can measure and report your economic, environmental and social impact. You will look at every stage of this process from defining a social mission and values to reporting and auditing social accounts. A number of frameworks for measuring impact will be considered including the Social Return On Investment (SROI) framework and the Balanced Scorecard. You will have an opportunity to practice applying the different frameworks to ensure you are in a strong position to begin creating social accounts in your own organisation.
 

The Business Environment for Social Enterprise
Operating a social enterprise is more than just choosing the right legal structure, there are many other things to consider. During this master class you will learn about the different legal structures for social enterprise and identify the structure that is most appropriate for your organisation. You will also explore the types of taxation that are payable by social enterprise and evaluate your insurance needs. Finally you will learn about building and managing relationships with third party professionals such as accountants and lawyers. At the end of the day you will create action plans to apply what you have learned to you own organisation.
 

Selling to the Public & Private Sectors
Doing business with the public and private sector may seem challenging, but it can be achieved. In this master class you will learn about every stage of the procurement process from understanding pre-qualification questionnaires to preparing for contract interviews. You will learn how to interpret briefing documents and evaluate their competitiveness when applying for contracts to ensure you can write effective tenders. The different procurement processes in the private sector are also considered and you will learn how to write proposals and become familiar with documents such as memorandums of understanding and non-disclosure agreements.

The Business Master Class programme has been made possible by funding from the Office of the Third Sector, delivered on behalf of East Midlands Development Agency by Business Link and SEEM

East Midlands Funding Forum

East Midlands Funding Forum (EMFF), part of Regeneration East Midlands, are holding a network meeting to discuss future funding for 2010/11 and beyond.

The EMFF network meeting will be following up on last year's Funding in the Economic Downturn. There will be guest speakers from a range of different funding sources giving their perspective on funding in 2010/11 and beyond. Speakers confirmed for the day so far include:

Big Lottery Fund;
Charity Bank;
Citizens Advice;
Institute of Fundraising; and
The National Trust.

The meeting takes place on 9 March from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Leicester YMCA.

The event is for EMFF members, local authorities and other organisations involved, working with, contributing and investing into the third sector.

The event is free to paying members of the EMFF and £35 to anyone else. To book a place for the event please visit the Regeneration East Midlands website

http://www.regenerationem.co.uk/

or call James Kirkpatrick on 0115 979 2333.

other events for other events from Community Action see link below

http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=0018GD5KmAFhowW65j1WKzgePQ6be1MtDlHyJu8tOSaAA0LDS0Rk-CCm7NUrZlKOeEu4Qcs3FfF6D0YpCe_Agw7iyKr9vWPkEPez3D9F88wWzpOCWDWPJ_bBQ%3D%3D

Access to finance Roadshow

Funding innovation
Access to finance Roadshow – helping your business access finance
East Midlands Development Agency supported by Connect Midlands and other partners invites you to explore funding options for your business plans and innovative ideas.
At the roadshow, experts from banks, business angels and publicly funded initiatives that support business at all stages of development will lead surgeries for small groups of delegates across all sectors.
All your questions will be answered and the key issues around finance and individual initiatives will be explored in depth. Plenary sessions will set the scene and introduce the business finance landscape of the East Midlands.
Don't miss these free opportunities to discover how your promising business initiatives could be funded.

Confirmed iFestival Access to finance Roadshow stops:

• Friday 26th March – Dunston Innovation Centre, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.

For further information and to register for this event please http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=YEAR%3d2010%2cMONTH%3d3%2cEVENT_PKEY%3d315

• Wednesday 14th April – The Turbine Innovation Centre, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.

For further information and to register for this event please http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=YEAR%3d2010%2cMONTH%3d4%2cEVENT_PKEY%3d321

• Wednesday 21st April – NVision Technology Centre, Northampton.

For further information and for details on how to register for this event please http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=YEAR%3d2010%2cMONTH%3d4%2cEVENT_PKEY%3d320

Low carbon series

Innovation and sustainability
The growing importance of low carbon technologies and economies cannot be underestimated.
There are enormous opportunities for businesses and individuals in the years to come to develop lower carbon products and services.
This year the iFestival will introduce you to the exciting business possibilities which affect virtually all sectors.
Regional, national and international themes in this area and opportunities for exploitation will be at the heart of a series of events during this year’s iFestival.
From manufacturing to skills, biotechnology and renewable fuels, waste and recycling, at least one event in the low carbon programme should be relevant for your business.
 

Don't miss these free opportunities to discover how the low carbon agenda may have positive impacts for your business.

Confirmed iFestival Low carbon series events:

•Tuesday 23rd March – Low carbon supply chain opportunities - MAS East Midlands, PERA Innovation Park, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire.

For further information for this event please http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=YEAR%3d2010%2cMONTH%3d3%2cEVENT_PKEY%3d371

• Thursday 25th March – How resource efficiency can benefit your business - The University of Northampton, Northamtonpshire.

For further information for this event please http://www.eminnovation.org.uk/Events.aspx?WCI=htmEvent&WCU=YEAR%3d2010%2cMONTH%3d3%2cEVENT_PKEY%3d366  
 

R&D Tax Relief for SME’s

(Breakfast awareness raising event – free of charge)

1st April 2010
 

You could be eligible for R&D tax relief if:
- You employ technical staff such as engineers, scientists or technicians
- Your company has developed any new products, processes, materials, devices or services
- You investigate any technological or scientific issues
- You solve system integration issues
Colleagues from KPMG will give a pragmatic overview that could benefit your business.

Venue: Sir Colin Campbell Building
               University of Nottingham Innovation Park
               NG7 2TU
               Trumph Road, Nottingham

Time: 07.45 h - 09.30 h

 http://www.ingenuitygateway.com
 

Business Planning Workshop (One day workshop)

14th April 2010

This workshop will help delegates develop essential skills required to write a clear
and effective business plan; it will focus on:
- Understanding the narrative aspect of a business plan
- Presenting a snapshot view in time of a business opportunity
- Articulating a clear and convincing vision for the future
- Securing external finance or stakeholder buy-in
- Flexibility and dynamism as key considerations in an ever-changing business environment
- Presenting the business plan
 

Teaching staff from Nottingham University Business School will deliver this interactive workshop.
A nominal fee of just £50/person will be charged for these highly subsidised one day workshops.

Venue: Sir Colin Campbell Building
               University of Nottingham Innovation Park
               NG7 2TU
               Trumph Road, Nottingham

Time: 09.30 h

 http://www.ingenuitygateway.com

Project Management for SME’s (One day workshop)

11th May 2010

‘Managing the Introduction of New Products Processes and Services’ is a proven project
management approach designed to meet the specific challenges experienced by smaller
businesses when introducing a new product, process or service.
This workshop will be presented by two experienced Project Managers for the University of Nottingham.

A nominal fee of just £50/person will be charged for these highly subsidised one day workshops.

Venue: Sir Colin Campbell Building
               University of Nottingham Innovation Park
               NG7 2TU
               Trumph Road, Nottingham

Time: 09.30 h - 16.00 h

 http://www.ingenuitygateway.com