Date: 18/01/2010
High Peak Borough Council has lined up a series of free and low-cost workshops for established and fledgling businesses alike.
Events to be staged in Buxton and Glossop will throw the spotlight on issues including sales and marketing, business planning, making the most of social networking, and setting up a new enterprise.
The series starts in Glossop on Tuesday 19 January with a free surgery for start-up businesses. Professionals from organisations including Business Link, HM Revenue and Customs, and Nat West will advise on subjects including marketing, banking, accountancy and IT.
The focus switches to sales and marketing at Glossop on Wednesday 27 January with a free workshop on converting marketing effort into sales, overcoming the fear of selling, and perfecting closing techniques. The session will be staged again in Buxton on Tuesday 16 February.
HM Revenue and Customs will take centre stage at Glossop on Wednesday 10 February for a free, three-hour workshop on understanding VAT and National Insurance.
The art of promoting businesses on social marketing platforms like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn will be the subject of a low-cost event on Thursday 25 February at a venue to be confirmed.
A free introductory workshop for start-up businesses will be held in Glossop on Wednesday 17 March when topics under the microscope will include personal motivation, legal and regulatory issues, business planning and whether running a business is the right option for everyone.
Said Tony Kemp, Executive Councillor for Regeneration: "A strong economy needs thriving businesses that provide jobs plus vital goods and services. This is why we work with our partners to organise free and low-cost workshops that promote best practice and highlight some of the pitfalls to avoid".
Details of these and many other events can be obtained by visiting www.highpeak.gov.uk/business.