FSB host events to boost small firms (From Salisbury Journal)

FSB host events to boost small firms

10:03am Thursday 1st May 2008 in

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TWO branches in the Federation of Small Businesses' Wessex Region are hosting events for members in Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

The New Forest branch is inviting members and guests to hear Steve Jones, managing director of business and personal coaching practice Skills for Business, speak on the subject of Strategies to Grow Your Business.

The Southampton branch has organised a Meet the Experts event for people considering setting up a business or for new businesses needing direction.

The talk by Steve Jones takes place at the Crown Hotel in Lyndhurst on May 8 from 6.30pm.

It will offer tips and techniques on increasing profitability, growing business and finding new customers.

FSB New Forest branch chairman Rob Dewing, said: "We are pleased to welcome Steve to one of our events and hope that local small business owners will come along and listen to his advice.

"He is adept at explaining business strategies and the best methods of managing and developing staff to create high levels of motivation in your businesses."

The Meet the Experts event takes place on June 4 at Southampton Solent University and is aimed at small businesses from pre-business start-up to development stage.

Twenty-five companies and organisations will be on hand to answer questions and offer free advice, including accountants, IT specialists, bankers and solicitors, as well as local government departments.

The business-to-business event, which needs no booking, is free and runs from 3pm to 7pm.

Alan Chatfield, chairman of the FSB's Southampton branch, said: "This is the first time we have put on an event like this and on this scale and it is open to small businesses throughout the region needing advice.

"We are confident that the occasion will not only encourage a significant level of attendance and ultimately help to enhance the small business community, but also to become an annual FSB event."

For further information about the two events, contact the FSB Regional Office on 01425 280080.

nBusiness owners and directors in Wiltshire, who run firms with fewer than 250 staff, can take advantage of business mentoring free of charge, thanks to a project by economic development organisation Great Western Enterprise.

The scheme is backed by Rural Renaissance, the South West Regional Development Agency and the Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership.

For more information and to download an application form, visit www.gwe.uk.com.