Small "Business in the Spotlight" networking event

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO NETWORK at an event being organised by the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses).

In the latest edition of their online newsletter, the Enterprise Express, the FSB tells us:

Businesses large and small cannot survive in isolation; they need to be well connected if they are to create the prosperity and jobs the economy needs. Networking is an important activity for all businesses to get right and, if done properly, can have significant impact for ambitious people to develop their current and future relationships for the benefit of their organisation. For that reason, we serve the business community by staging regular "Business in the Spotlight" networking events.

The next event, also open to non-members of the FSB, takes place on Wednesday 27th July 2011 at Makro Cash and Carry, The Junction,off Clive Sullivan Way, Hull, HU3 4SA from 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

TO BOOK: Ring Neville Martin on 0114 261 7132 or email ro.southandeastyorks@fsb.org.uk 

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Business Networking Event

The Federation of Small Businesses is staging a FREE Business in the Spotlight networking event on Wednesday 25 May 2011 between 4.00 and 6.00pm at the Makro Cash and Carry, The Junction, off Clive Sullivan Way, Hull, HU3 4SA

Businesses large and small cannot survive in isolation; they need to be well connected if they are to create the prosperity and jobs the economy needs. Networking is an important activity for all businesses to get right and, if done properly, can have significant impact for ambitious people to develop their current and future relationships for the benefit of their organisation. For the individual and the organisation, it can have a massive effect on public profile and profitability.

This networking event is geared specifically to empower the region’s smaller businesses to get together, establish themselves as an effective element of the supply chain, buy, sell, and seek out joint trading collaborations. “Business in the Spotlight" is supremely simple: there are no star guests, no keynote addresses, no after-dinner speeches.... just you and a hundred other organisations doing what you do best – spreading the word about your respective companies as you meet, mix and mingle.

Refreshments will be provided throughout, and the event is entirely FREE OF CHARGE. “Business in the Spotlight" is open to all.... why not invite a friend!

TO BOOK: Ring 0114 261 7132 or email ro.southandeastyorks@fsb.org.uk and give us the names and contact details of those wishing to attend.

FSB Business in the Spotlight 25th May 2011

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IT Explained - Useful free handbook

"making the most of IT – particularly by smaller firms – could boost the UK economy by an additional £50 billion over the next five to seven years"

E-SKILLS UK - the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology – has produced a Business IT explained handbook for businesses that are getting started with IT.

Whilst the Handbook is light on the benefits of new modern social media it does offer an expert guide on getting started with IT including choosing your computers, securing your data, getting online, and marketing and selling online.

The handbook has been reproduced here on Scribd - but it is well worth small businesses (and voluntary organisations) having a look at the other free resources available on the www.businessitguide.com website.

Thanks to the Federation of Small Businesses for the 'heads up' about this publication.
Business IT Guide - IT Explained Handbook

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Climate Week - Recognise and reward outstanding efforts to combat climate change.

CLIMATE WEEK takes place from 21st-27th March 2011.

Supported by major partners; Tesco, Aviva, EDF Energy, Kelloggs and RBS, Climate Week will offer everyone the chance to influence the way society combats climate change by running an event for Climate Week, entering for an award or voting for their own Climate Week Hero. Find all about it at www.climateweek.com or view the e-flyer below.

Thousands of businesses, charities, schools, councils and others will run events during Climate Week. They will show what can be achieved, share ideas and encourage thousands more to act during the rest of the year.

You can help make Climate Week happen where you are. Ask an organisation or group you know, such as your workplace or local school, to run an event.

The Federation of Small Businesses is a partner of Climate Week 2011 and is helping to run a live environmental competition. The FSB in its latest edition of Enterprise Express has invited small businesses to take part in a survey to find out the daily challenges that UK businesses face when tackling climate change.

The survey on Survey Monkey should only take a few minutes to complete and respondents will be in with a chance of winning a case of wine!

To take part visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/climate_week_challenge.

Find out more about Climate Week in the e-flyer below:

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Put your local Business in the Spotlight

A "BUSINESS IN THE SPOTLIGHT" networking event has been organised for Wednesday 16th February 2011 in Hull.

The networking events, organised by the Federation of Small Businesses, are open to member and non-member businesses and representatives of the enterprise-support sector. This is your opportunity to get together with other organisations to network, buy, sell, and seek out joint trading collaborations.

The "Business in the Spotlight" idea is simple: there are no star guests, no speeches.... just over 100 organisations each spreading the word about their respective companies - including social enterprises - meet, mix and mingle. Business-to-business trade stands and access to help, advice and information on all business issues will be available at the event.

Refreshments are provided throughout, and the event is FREE. It takes place between 4pm and 6pm at the Makro Cash and Carry, The Junction, off Clive Sullivan Way, Hull, HU3 4SA.

To book contact the FSB on telephone 0114 261 7132 or email ro.southandeastyorks@fsb.org.uk with the names and contact details of those wishing to attend.

A poster for the event is available via the HU12 Box.net.

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Did you know... that cheques are to be abolished in 2018?

THE 31st OCTOBER 2018 is the date on which payment by cheque will end. Cheques, which have been used to make payments instead of cash for centuries, will cease to be used by the banking system from this date.

Cheque - a thing of the past?

Cheque use has fallen by 40% in the UK since 2004, although over 4 million of them are still issued everyday. But the payment method is considered outdated by the Payments Council who speak on behalf of the major banks and financial institutions. They see electronic forms of payment as cheaper saving both time and processing costs, the benefits of which can be passed onto customers.

However, the abolition of cheques may have a detrimental affect on small businesses and charities claims Yorkshire MP, David Ward. The MP has moved a Bill in Parliament to ensure that cheque facilities continue after 2018. The Federation of Small Businesses argue that cheques provide an easy-to-track audit trail, are easy to reconcile, require minimal administration, and they are convenient for customers. The abolition of cheques would increase the admin burden on small businesses.

Charities receive a significant proportion of their income via cheques. Whilst many major national charities will be able to adapt to electronic forms of payment, it is believed that smaller local charities reliant on volunteers will suffer.

Those who will find it hardest to adapt to a cheque-less society, are those who will be elderly in 2018. AGE UK believe that 64% of elderly people do not use the internet, and whilst that figure is expected to fall by 2018 there will still be a significant proportion who will revert to using cash for transactions rather than the internet. The fear is that elderly people start keeping large volumes of money in their houses. The 'cash under the mattress' becomes the pot from which to pay for day to day necessities and outside help. Elderly people then become targets for burglars and other criminals.

David Ward MP's Bill to prevent cheque abolition will be heard in Parliament in June 2011.

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Meet the Buyers - and boost local trade!

MEET THE BUYERS EVENT:

The Federation of Small Businesses is staging a Meet the Buyers event on Tuesday 16th November from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Costco Wholesale, Parkway Drive, Sheffield S9 4WU. The aim of the event is to encourage large public sector organisations to buy services and contracts from local firms.

It is estimated that the combined purchasing power of the organisations planning to attend Meet the Buyers event is in excess of £1.8 billion annually!

Let us hope that some local Holderness firms can have a slice of that pie!

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Enterprise Express brings Weekly Small Business e-News

Enterprise Express is the business e-newsletter from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) which is circulated to MPs, local council members and the wider business-support community in East Yorkshire. The e-newsletter is published every Friday. The current edition is reproduced below. You can sign up for your own FREE copy at the FSB website.

Enterprise Express Volume 24th Sept 2010

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'Business in the Spotlight' Networking Event

THE FEDERATION of Small Businesses (FSB) is staging a Business in the Spotlight networking event at 4pm-6pm on Wednesday 22nd September at Makro Cash and Carry, The Junction, off Clive Sullivan Way, Hull, HU3 4SA.

Many business people spend a large proportion of their time looking for work but the world's most successful people, according to the FSB, focus on seeking out and building networks. The Business in the Spotlight concept is supremely simple: there are no star guests, no keynote addresses, no after-dinner speeches.... just our attendees doing what they do best – spreading the word about their respective companies as they meet, mix and mingle.

Refreshments are provided throughout, and the event is entirely FREE OF CHARGE. Business in the Spotlight is open to all - and non-FSB members are especially welcome to attend!

TO BOOK: Ring 0114 261 7132 or email ro.southandeastyorks@fsb.org.uk with the names and contact details of those wishing to attend.

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School governors needed in East Yorkshire

School Governors' One-Stop Shop (SGOSS) is a Company and Registered Charity which aims to encourage people to volunteer as governors in schools. They are running a campaign in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire where there is a large number of school governor vacancies.

SGOSS is working closely with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and the Federation of Small Businesses in a bid to recruit and place people with transferable skills. Running a school is very similar to running a small business or service. Schools are expected to take responsibility for their own finances, policy development and the appointment of senior staff members. 

To become a school governor, you do not need to be parent or involved in education. Fundaementally, you need to be willing to invest your time (approximately 6-8 hours per month) and give your skills to ensure that children get the highest possible standard of education and the best start in life.

Those applying to become school governors can gain access to training, networking opportunities and also the chance to build upon existing skills. As the school gains - so do you!

Anyone interested can get in touch by ringing 020 7354 9805 or e-mail info@sgoss.org.uk

For further information visit the SGOSS website at www.sgoss.org.uk.

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