The Chairman of East Midlands Development Agency (emda), Dr Bryan Jackson, OBE, will visit Nottinghamshire next month and alert businesses to the wide range of support services available to them during the economic downturn.

Dr Jackson will open Survive and Thrive, a free business support event being staged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham on Thursday 11 December.

Former Managing Director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited, Bryan Jackson will also use the opportunity to reinforce emda’s commitment to helping businesses in the county weather the current economic climate.

As well as hearing from Bryan Jackson, those attending the event will also receive practical help and advice via masterclass presentations addressing four key areas: Managing Cash Flow; Minimising Risk and Maximising Profitability; Seeking Legal Advice and Negotiating Finance.

“We are committed to doing all that we can to help businesses survive and thrive in these uncertain times,” explained Dr Jackson. “There is a lot of support available now to businesses, ranging from advice and coaching, to loans and grants to help them to develop.

“However, I also know that many businesses aren’t aware of the various tools that are available to them. By coming to this event, not only will business people gain some very useful and practical advice for surviving during this difficult period, but they will also be able to make contact with the specialists who can work with them to provide the specific information, help and support that they need.”

Organised by emda the Survive and Thrive event will also be attended by representatives from numerous business support services, including Business Link, Manufacturing Advisory Service, Train to Gain and UKTI, each of whom will be able to deal with specific enquiries and provide details of how they can help county businesses.

Survive and Thrive runs from 8.30am until 1.30pm.  Breakfast and lunch will be offered and with a capacity of 200, people wanting to attend are encouraged to reserve their place as soon as possible.

Places can be reserved at www.surviveandthrive.org.uk where further information about the event is also available. Alternatively people can call 01332 227774 or email enquiries@surviveandthrive.org.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Business Link and emda by Lava. For further information please contact Matt, Louise or Lindsey at Lava on 01522 842 800 / 07870 567 968 or matt@lavapr.co.uk, louise@lavapr.co.uk or lindsey@lavapr.co.uk