Business people in the East Midlands are being encouraged to attend free events in December to ensure their businesses are in the best condition possible to withstand the effects of the economic downturn.

Organised by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) in conjunction with Business Link, the Survive and Thrive events will be at venues across the region during the first two weeks of December.

Developed as a direct response to the needs of businesses in the region, the half-day events will feature several practical sessions and an exhibition of key regional business support services.

Masterclasses from experienced business people will cover vital areas such as efficient resource management, negotiating with banks, seeking legal advice and managing cash flow. Business people will also be able to meet and network with providers of business services, and have the opportunity to gain an insight into the range of business support products that are available to help them.

Train to Gain, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and UKTI’s trade services are amongst a range of business support programmes that will be highlighted at the Survive and Thrive events, which promise to be some of the biggest business support events ever to be staged in the region.

“We are committed to doing all that we can to help businesses survive and thrive in these uncertain times,” explained John O’Reilly, emda’s Business Support Director. “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 know that many businesses aren’t aware of the help that is available to them. By coming to one of these events, 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 Business Link advisers who can work with them to provide the specific information, help and support that they need.”

John O’Reilly’s comments are echoed by Stephen Smith from EMB Ltd, the organisation that delivers the regional Business Link service. He said: “This package of comprehensive advice and support will give businesses the tools they need to take positive steps and help identify areas that could improve both their business performance and competitiveness. By acting now, businesses can reduce the impact that the current economic situation may have and can access help to avoid running into serious problems.”

The Survive and Thrive Business Support Events are taking place on the following dates:
•    Northamptonshire: Tuesday 2nd December, Hilton Hotel, Northampton, 8.30am to 2pm
•    Derbyshire: Wednesday 3rd December, Pride Park, Derby, 8.30am to 2pm
•    Lincolnshire: Thursday 4th December, Lincolnshire Showground, 1pm to 5.45pm
•    Leicestershire: Tuesday 9th December, The Ramada Hotel, Leicester, 8.30am to 2pm
•    Nottinghamshire: Thursday 11th December, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham at 8.30am to 2pm

Breakfast and lunch is provided and with a capacity of just 200 at each event, people are encouraged to reserve their place as soon as possible.

Places can be reserved at www.surviveandthrive.org.uk where further information on the events is available. Alternatively, people can call 01332 227774 to register or email enquiries@surviveandthrive.org.uk

In the meantime, businesses can request a copy of a FREE Business Link information guide or advice on online tools available by contacting Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or email info@businesslinkem.co.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

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Notes to editors:

About emda

•    East Midlands Development Agency (emda) is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England, set up in 1999 to bring a regional focus to economic development.

•    Working in partnership with public, private and voluntary organisations the aim is to deliver the 2006 Regional Economic Strategy (RES) ‘A Flourishing Region’, which sets out regional priorities until 2020.

•    The RES, coordinated by emda, highlights the themes of productivity, sustainability and equality and builds on the previous two strategies; ‘Prosperity Through People’ and ‘Destination 2010’.

•    In early 2007 the National Audit Office announced emda had received the highest possible grade of ‘performing strongly’ in an independent assessment of our work – scoring 22 out of 24.

•    For more details visit www.emda.org.uk.