New dates for free workshops and clinics across Bath and North East Somerset have been announced.
The Starting in Business Awareness Workshops and One-to-One Business Advice Clinics are organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council and Business West and are part of the council’s efforts to help businesses thrive and grow during the tough economic climate.
They will be hosted by experts working for Business West, the business support organisation that runs Bath Chamber of Commerce, and are free to any business based in Bath and North East Somerset.
Starting in Business Awareness Workshops
These workshops provide insight into what to consider when going self-employed or starting a business. Topics include: Is setting up a business right for me?; planning how to set up; complying with legislation; understanding your customers.
When: 5:30 – 7:30pm on the following Wednesdays in Central Bath: 12th June/ 17th July/ 18th September and in Midsomer Norton: 14th August.
One-to-one Business Advice Clinics
Clinics are hour-long meetings with an experienced business adviser provide an opportunity to talk through any operational issues in a private and confidential office space. They are open to those setting up a new enterprise and experienced business owners alike.
When: Hour slots bookable between 10am – 4pm on the following Wednesdays in Central Bath: 12th June/ 10th July/ 14th August/ 11th September and in Midsomer Norton: 26th June/ 17th July/ 28th August/ 25th September.
Independently financed from the council, but supported by its economic development team, additional one-to-one sessions have also been arranged by Business West and UKTI where local business leaders can access advice about trading internationally and protecting intellectual property rights. These will all take place in Central Bath.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Clinics
An opportunity for business leaders to generally explore ways to trade internationally or discuss a targeted approach to export their goods and services. UKTI is a Government department with professional advisers across 96 international markets that help UK-based companies take advantage of export opportunities.
When: Hour slots bookable between 10am – 4pm on the following Tuesdays in Central Bath: 23rd July/ 27th August/ 24th September.
Intellectual Property Clinics
The aim of these sessions is to help businesses exploit new commercial opportunities by making maximum use of their intellectual assets and complements the programme of business support available from Business West. Business leaders can learn not only how to protect their intellectual property but also benefit from commercialising it. Intellectual property can include trademarks, patents, designs and copyright and also intellectual assets such as specialist knowledge, company manuals and technical expertise.
When: Hour slots bookable between 10am – 4pm on the following Thursdays in Central Bath: 27th June/ 25th July/ 29th August/ 26th September
All sessions are free of charge but places must be booked in advance via Business West on 01275 376233 or Email info@growthsouthwest.co.uk
Cabinet member for sustainable development Ben Stevens said: “Encouraging local businesses to thrive and grow is a crucial part of Bath & North East Somerset Council increasing the number of jobs for local people and supporting greater prosperity in our area. The free workshops and clinics and additional sessions offered by Business West and UKTI will help improve opportunities for local businesses to operate effectively in increasingly competitive markets.”
Business West partnership manager Mark Rogers said: “I would encourage local companies to take up these opportunities to access face-to-face sessions and one-to-one advice. Our experience shows that companies that take advantage of the support that is available are better placed to improve their performance and achieve future growth.”
