FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT – Welland-sponsored internet advice and online shopping facilities
The Welland are offering a free one to one advice session with an internet expert to give you advice about building / improving your website, search engine listing and trading online plus and free website template and shopping cart software. For more information contact the Welland Business Team on 0845 456 1901 or email: info@wellandbusiness.co.uk
PUBLIC PROCUREMENT – Website
Have you signed up to www.supply2.gov.uk Register for free to receive free access to lower value contract (under £100,000) opportunities with the public sector.
OVERSEAS SUPPORT – Introducing OMIS – the UKTI Overseas Market Introduction Service
OMIS is an export facilitation service delivered by local international trade specialists, a tailored service to suit your individual business needs including: sourcing contacts and arranging appointments, market research and much more. For more information call 0845 052 4001 or visit www.emids.uktradeinvest.gov.uk
AWARDS – 2008 £35 Million Entrepreneur Challenge
Businesses that can demonstrate entrepreneurial spirit and commercial viability are invited to enter this challenge of which 7 businesses will be chosen to receive interest free funding for 3 years. Split into 7 regions, (Midlands and East Anglia), each regional winner receives £5 million interest free for 3 years. Eligibility criteria are applicable including a turnover of at least £2million. Closing date is 19 May 2008. Visit https://entrepreneurs.bankofscotland.co.uk/challenge/entry_criteria/
VENTURE CAPITAL – Angels Den
Angels Den offers a service for two types of people: those who are trying to obtain business funding and small business finance – and those private investors (the business angels) looking for exciting business ideas to invest in. These services do incur a charge, but are useful to have a look through it you are seeking investment to your business idea. Visit their website www.angelsden.co.uk
WEBSITE – Access to Contracts for Women-owned businesses
WEConnect is the leading UK supplier diversity initiative spearheading the connection of women-owned business and multinational corporations. It is the UK's leading advocate of women-owned businesses as suppliers to global and national corporations and government bodies. Visit their website for more information www.weconnect.org.uk
Funding News – Is Your Business Ready to Step Into The Dragon’s Den?
The BBC television series Dragon’s Den is calling for entrepreneurs to pitch their proposals to a panel of some of the UK’s most successful business people.
The series is seeking entrepreneurs with a business plan or product that is investment-ready, with the show’s Dragons willing to provide their own cash support to the best ideas.
For further information and the chance to apply email dragonsden@bbc.co.uk, call 0871 200 3003 or visit the Dragon’ Den website www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/
Event – Business Event and Conference
Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference 4 & 5 April 2008 – Olympia, London. There is an array of features on offer than can help you gain all the information you need to grow your business.
Register now at www.sme-events.com
Event – Climate Change Summit for Business
May Day Business Summit on Climate Change, The Kingsgate Conference Centre, 2 Staplee Way, Parnwell, Peterborough, PE1 4YT
This event will bring together over 1000 business leaders from across the UK and mark the beginning of the second year of a business-led movement for action on climate change. There is no charge for the event but in order to attend you must complete the simple registration on line at http://www.bitc.org.uk
Prince Charles, as President of Business in the Community, very much hopes you will be able to attend.
Event – Biz-Net Welland in Oakham. The Whipper-In Hotel, Market Place, Oakham, LE15 6DT. Thursday 3rd April at 6pm
The aim of the event is for local businesses to get to know each other in an informal atmosphere, but also hear from the guest speaker Martin Hagement of MDH Associates on a no-nonsense approach to Marketing and the small business. For more detail contact Lynn McGinn
