News
LOCAL BUSINESS GROUPS COMMIT TO THE NFEA CREDIT CRUNCH WEEK AND SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
The media is full of scare stories about the impending Credit Crunch and the impact that it is likely to have on small business. NFEA (National Federation of Enterprise Agencies) is taking action on this issue with the launch of a national Credit Crunch Week, 28th April – 2nd May. Business Link in partnership with local enterprise agency Gloucestershire Enterprise Business Services are running an event, Don’t Fall Victim To The Credit Crunch aimed at local small businesses.
This free to attend breakfast meeting is being hosted by Mike Warburton, Senior Partner at accountants at Grant Thornton and one of Britain’s leading financial commentators on Friday 2 May, 7.45am – 9.00am at Chargrove Business Centre, Shurdington Road in Cheltenham.
The NFEA Credit Crunch Week will include a range of activities across England, all focused on giving small businesses the skills they need to survive and thrive in a more hostile environment than that to which they are accustomed.
Commenting on the Gloucestershire event GEBS Director, Philip Timson said: "We know from talking to small businesses in Gloucestershire
that they are worried about what they are reading and hearing, and we know that many entrepreneurs, particularly those who have started businesses in recent years, have not had the experience of managing their business through a downturn."To find out more information or book your place on the Don’t Fall Victim To The Credit Crunch Business Breakfast,
held by Business Link and Gloucestershire Enterprise Business Services, please call Nicky on (01242) 864200, email info@glosebs.co.uk or visit www.glosebs.co.ukFACILITATED NETWORKING LUNCH
Women Entrepreneurs in Business (WEB)Venue Hatton Court Hotel, Upton St Leonards, Gloucester GL4 8DE
Date Monday 12th May
Time 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Cost Members £10, Non members £15
The countrywide business women's network, Women Entrepreneurs in Business (WEB) is pleased to announce the return of a WEB favourite - our networking lunch!
Open to members of WEB and guests, previous attendees have found the lunches to be enjoyable, friendly and a great way to make new connections!
Facilitated by local business owner, Miranda Jenkins of Skills to Go, the networking lunch gives you the opportunity to:
meet other business women from the local area
promote your business
grow your business network
increase the amount of referrals you give and receive
enjoy a buffet style lunch
If you've been to our networking lunches before then you'll know that everyone gets the chance to spread the word about their business and exchange business details - evin if you're a networking novice you'll be able to get involved via some safe and enjoyable networking activities! If this is your first time then rest assured, it will be easier than you think.
Now, if you need more convincing then give us a call on 01242 864200 and we'll explain more about how the The WEB Group works. But if we've sold the idea to you already, then book straight away as places are limited.
Whether it's your first time, or you've been before, we look forward to welcoming you!
WANTED ! - Volunteer Business Mentors
Would you like to use your business experience to help others?
As anybody who has successfully started or run a small business will confirm, it can be a lonely and difficult job. There are frequently major decisions to be made on a wide range of issues, finance, marketing, staff, premises and so on, all at a time when day-to-day activity is taking all the available resources and more!
It is at times like these when the opportunity to talk things through with a successful experienced business mentor can be invaluable. At Gloucestershire Enterprise Business Services (GEBS) we match the business owner to one of a team of enthusiastic, committed mentors.
Due to the popularity and success of the scheme, we need to recruit new mentors to join the team.
What does the mentor do?
A mentor is defined as ‘A wise or trusted adviser and guide’. Mentoring is a unique partnership set up for or by two individuals. It is shaped by the needs and aspirations of the client and the talents and expertise of the mentor.
How does it work in practice?
The staff at GEBS meet with a potential mentee, find out what their particular needs are, and identify the most appropriate mentor for them. The mentor & mentee then agree the parameters for an ongoing relationship. The arrangements vary but experience shows that regular meetings (possibly monthly) supplemented by calls and emails, gives the right level of support.
The mentee would be asked to pay £120 plus VAT per annum once they sign up to the agreement. (The initial meeting is free).
What’s in it for you?
There is huge satisfaction to be gained from these relationships, seeing the individual and their business overcome difficulties and start to flourish. It provides the opportunity to really make a difference. GEBS provide support throughout, as needed. You would also be invited to the quarterly mentor team meetings, where you get the opportunity to meet the others, and share ideas and experiences.
Our mentors give their time for free, but can claim back reasonable expenses for travel etc.
If you would like to find out more, we would be delighted to hear from you:
Call and ask to speak to Mally or Philip. 01242 864200
Womens Action Learning Group
Specialised Support Programme for Women Business Owners
The female entrepreneurs Action Learning Groups are a service specifically designed for entrepreneurs who wish to grow and develop their businesses. This highly successful programme runs for 5 months, with regular late afternoon sessions at a convenient central location in Cheltenham. Businesses will benefit from the experience, advice and ideas of the members of the group and meetings are fully facilitated, and supported by an experienced Business Adviser.
The group sessions help you to focus on your personal objectives and business goals for the future. Over the 5 month period you will have the opportunity to identify current issues and take positive action to drive your business forward in an open and honest environment.
Research shows that true entrepreneurs prefer to learn from and have more confidence in advice and guidance given by their peers rather than traditional sources.
Local Action Learning graduate, Tamsin Barnett of Duo Interiors commented, "The Action Learning process was invaluable in helping me make difficult decisions about the future strategy and direction of my business. By meeting regularly with other likeminded women business owners, I benefited from years of business experience and advice, which resulted in me being confident about making positive business change."
Action Learning gives you the ability to act decisively, knowing that you are taking the right course of action, whilst giving you access to a network of proactive contacts. The benefits are endless and in return all you need to do is to commit to 5 monthly meetings and all for just £150 plus vat. We are only running two intakes for 2008 with a maximum of 8 women per group, so book now to guarantee your place.
To take this opportunity to change and develop in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment, please call Emily or Nicky on 01242 864200 or email info@glosebs.co.uk. The first group starts on Tuesday 22nd January 2008.
Understanding and Improving Your Finances
A NEW WORKSHOP FROM GLOUCESTERSHIRE ENTERPRISE BUSINESS SERVICES
‘I really don’t understand my business finances, can you help?’
Over the past few weeks many clients have turned to us for guidance. They feel confident about their product or service, the business seems fine, but they feel out of touch with how the finances are doing and don’t know how to manage them effectively.
We have developed a half-day workshop specifically to meet this need. It is designed to be equally valuable for all small businesses (sole traders, partnerships and limited companies) whatever your line of business (retail, service or product based).
This practical workshop will help you not only with understanding the key numbers in your business but also in improving profitability and business performance.
The workshop focuses on a few vital aspects of business finance including-
What are the key numbers in your business?
The importance of Profit & Loss, Cash Flow Forecasts and Balance Sheets.
Structure and component parts of a Profit & Loss account.
Gross profit margins and how to improve them.
Breakeven and how to calculate it.
Improving net profit.
Forecasting and budgeting.
Key elements of a balance sheet.
With limited time available we will not be able to cover detailed tax issues (for which specialist advice should always be sought), bookkeeping (for which we have a separate excellent workshop) or raising finance (if there is sufficient demand we will develop a further workshop looking at the particular financial issues associated with a fast growing business).
We are planning to run these workshops, priced at only £50 plus VAT, every couple of months throughout 2008 with the first being on Thursday 31st January from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Chargrove House, Shurdington, Cheltenham.
To find our more or to book your place please call Emily or Nicky on 01242 864200 or email info@glosebs.co.uk.
Gloucestershire Enterprise Business Services
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