East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has revealed the final line-up of specialist speakers who will be delivering the masterclasses at the Survive and Thrive events.  The events, which have been developed to help Derbyshire businesses survive and grow through the economic downturn, will be held on Wednesday 3 December at Pride Park, Derby.

There will be a total of four masterclasses, offering businesses practical advice and solutions to guide them through the current economic downturn.  

Business people attending the events will receive advice on key issues affecting their companies, such as how to cut costs, negotiating with their bank manager, avoiding redundancies and improving their bottom line.

There will then be an open floor question and answer session, when businesses will have the opportunity to put their questions to the panel of professionals from all of the masterclasses. 

The Managing Cash Flow masterclass will be delivered by Peter Sterling, Corporate Partner and Tyrone Courtman, Business Turnaround and Insolvency Partner from Cooper Parry, the largest independent firm of business advisers in the Midlands with offices in Nottingham, Leicester and Derby.  

Businesses will hear advice on how to reforecast and control cash flow; pick up tips on how to improve cash flow; understand the importance of credit control; learn more about controlling expenditure and get useful advice on using the right types of finance.

Peter Sterling said: “We have helped our clients through tough economic conditions in the past – advising lenders, creditors and shareholders in resolving financial difficulties and supporting businesses through the restructuring and turnaround process.

“The Survive and Thrive event is a great opportunity to learn how other businesses are tackling the economic downturn and to pick up practical advice on how to navigate through difficult times.”

The Legal Advice masterclass will be delivered by Shoosmiths Partners Andrew Pickin and Peter Duff.  The national law firm specialises in property, corporate, commercial and dispute resolution, and has dedicated specialists to advise on pensions, competition, planning, tax, construction, and regulatory matters.

In the masterclass, businesses will get legal advice on getting paid; credit control and debt collection; negotiating contracts; downsizing; legal action and; where to get further help and advice.

Peter Duff, who is also head of employment and pensions, said: “Businesses attending the Legal Advice masterclass will benefit from Shoosmiths’ commercially-minded, personable approach, combined with the absolute assurance of robust and relevant advice based on experience.

 ”Not only will businesses get answers to their legal questions on matters such as how to get paid by customers, controlling debt or taking legal action, we will also signpost businesses to further help and specialist advice.”

The Negotiating Finance masterclass will be delivered by Peter Smith, the Chief Executive of Freeth Cartwright.  Freeth Cartwright is one of the UK’s leading regional law firms with offices in Nottingham, Birmingham, Derby, Leicester and Manchester.

The masterclass will give businesses advice on how to negotiate terms with their existing bank; the advantages and disadvantages of switching banks; how to compare different bank accounts; how make a business attractive to other banks; how to switch banks successfully and; how to use different banks for different services.

Peter Smith said: “Our Banking and Finance team regularly advises our clients on a range of work including: acquisition finance; syndicated lending; development finance; asset-backed lending and; property finance.  We understand that business support needs change when the business environment changes.

“Survive and Thrive is the ideal event for businesses to get financial advice and tips on how to get the best from their banks, how to make their business more attractive if they need to apply for funding and how to spot financial opportunities.”

The final masterclass, Minimising Risk and Maximising Profitability, will be delivered by Paul Drabble of CBG Learning Academy.  The specialist training firm supports businesses in developing new strategies and organisational capability to address changing market conditions.

From this masterclass, businesses will get advice and support on: business efficiency, market opportunities, employee investment and skills.

Paul Drabble said: “Future uncertainty and risk make it difficult for businesses to predict the future – we will be discussing a range of initiatives to take advantage of market conditions without taking unnecessary risk.

“The Survive and Thrive event is vital for those businesses facing changing business environments brought about by the economic slowdown.”

Dr Bryan Jackson, emda’s Chairman, said: “emda is committed to helping businesses grow and it is especially true at this time as we support businesses through the economic downturn.  We have brought together a panel of experts from leading firms in the East Midlands to deliver the masterclasses, based on years of real, private-sector experience.  Aimed exclusively at businesses, the event will give Derbyshire business people the advice they need to help them through the uncertain times ahead.”

As well as the masterclasses, businesses will gain an insight into the availability of grants and opportunities and how best to access them.  Train to Gain, the Manufacturing Advisory Service and UK TI have already confirmed their attendance and numerous business support organisations have pledged to attend.

The Survive and Thrive event 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.

To reserve a place, visit www.surviveandthrive.org.uk where further information about the event is available. Alternatively people can call 01332 227774 to register or email enquiries@surviveandthrive.org.uk

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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