Economic Development & Business News

ENTER THE 2010 WEST KENT BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
ENTER YOUR BUSINESS NOW!

These awards are designed to recognise business leadership and achievement across West Kent and provide a platform upon which success can be celebrated. Succeeding and being recognised for success by peers, customers and suppliers sets winners apart from the competition and can provide important recognition to management and staff whose continued contribution is vital.

Any business or organisation with a presence in West Kent, either in the public or private sector, is eligible to enter and there is no limit on the number of entries that can be submitted.

Entrants will generally compete in different size groups based upon employee/contractor count. These groups will usually consist of micro companies (up to ten people), plus separate groups for medium and large companies split by the sizes of companies that actually enter at the discretion of the judges. There will generally be two finalists in each group.

Enter your business now by clicking on http://beta.thisiskent.co.uk/businessawards2010/home

FREE WORKSHOPS!!

Starting a Business - is it for me?

FIND OUT BY JOINING ONE OF THESE BUSINESS WORKSHOPS IN
TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Formerly called "Foundations for Success", this workshop will help you decide if running a business is for you and give you the essential grounding you need to get started.

Workshops will be held on each of the following days so that it gives you a chance to attend one of the days.

15 May 2010, 7 July 2010, 21 August 2010

Venue: The Spa Hotel, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ

Formerly called "Foundations for Success", this free workshop is the vital first stage of your journey to starting your own business. It is designed to help you decide if running a business is for you and to give you the essential grounding you need to get started.

As well as looking at the day-to-day realities of starting your business, it will give you an insight into the commitment involved and the skills and qualities you will need. It will also help you prepare a workshop action plan that will take you forward.

What does the workshop cover?

The workshop will help you explore the following:
• What you want out of your business
• Defining your product or service
• How to sell your product or service
• What makes up a business plan
• Defining your personal survival budget

By the end of the session you will be able to:
• Understand what is involved in starting and running a business
• Decide if going into business is right for you
• Lay down foundation knowledge for future workshops
• Gain support and ideas from fellow participants
• Complete an individual workshop action plan detailing your next steps
• Understand the Business Link package of support and what happens next
• Know how to access the support that is available locally and nationally

The session will last for three hours and will be guided by a professional trainer who has a wealth of experience you can draw on.

To book, click on http://events.businesslinksoutheast.co.uk/default.aspx

BOOST YOUR SALES AND PROFITS
2 June 2010 from 8am - 12.30pm
2 June 2010 from 1.30pm - 6pm

Venue: Ramada Hotel Tunbridge Wells, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4QL

A FREE half day workshop designed to inspire YOU and refresh YOUR business - Exclusively for the local owner manager with no more than two full time employees.

This is not your usual workshop where you make a few notes and take home a few pointers. This is a one-off opportunity for you to take a refreshed look at your business, challenging you to come up with new ideas.

· Develop your business aims and aspirations
· Decide your key financial targets
· Evaluate your key issues and opportunities
· Identify THREE key goals that will lift off your business within 90 days

As a publicly funded event, it is available only for those not having had a Business Review with Business Link. It is a half-day workshop held in a variety of venues throughout the South East and at various times to suit different needs.

· An owner manager in business for some time and without the benefit of a business and marketing plan? This workshop will provide you with both a health check and an action plan with clear priorities to take your business forward

· Recently started in business? This workshop is the next step after your preparation, using your early trading experience to review what you have achieved and plan your way forward with the continued help of Business Link.

To book, click on http://events.businesslinksoutheast.co.uk/default.aspx