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One week to go until The Business Show Swindon

January 25, 2012 in News, Events, Opportunities, Swindon, Wiltshire with Comments Off

Excitement is building with only one week to go to the Business Show Swindon.  The show returns on 1 February 2012 at STEAM organised by GWE Business West and sponsored by Team South West, Relays (Regional Educational Legacy in Art and Youth Sport), County Marquees and Manor Printing. The show is an ideal opportunity for Swindon businesses to showcase themselves and will feature over 80 exhibitors from all across the region.  It’s free to attend and will run from 9am to 4pm.

There are only four remaining stands available, prices ranges from £200- £600.  Visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk for further information.

James Averdieck, founder of luxurious dessert company Gü is set to give a fascinating keynote speech at 12.30pm.  James will share his secrets for success on how he started Gü in 2003 with just £150,000 taking the company to sales of over £30m before selling in 2010.

The show will also feature the innovative LinkedIn Espresso Bar which is exclusively for members of Business West’s LinkedIn group – the largest business group in the South West with over 3500 members.  Organisations can join the group and come along between 11am-12pm or 1.30pm – 2.30pm to enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and extend online connections offline. Businesses can visit www.bwlinkedin.co.uk to join.

HM Revenue & Customs will be exhibiting at the show. Their specially trained Business Education and Support Teams will be on hand to help you understand your tax responsibilities and give you the confidence to get it right first time. Their services are free of charge and are designed for everyone in business, especially new businesses or new employers.  Drop by stand 36 to find out more about Research and Development (R&D) Relief for Corporation Tax.

Robert Gardner, Chief Economist, Nationwide Building Society has been confirmed as The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference speaker.  The conference will run in the morning and will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership.

To add to the sense of occasion County Marquees will be showcasing their products at the 2012 Show providing a marquee with some stunning extra floor space.  By creating the right ambience for networking opportunities it will allow attendees to meet up with existing or new clients in comfortable and stylish surroundings.

Ian Larrard, Director of The Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “The Business Show Swindon 2012 is a great opportunity for businesses to connect with companies in Swindon and beyond, to network, exchange ideas and make new business contacts.  The show provides a platform to connect with hundreds of local businesses in one arena and is an opportunity not to be missed.”

The show is easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Fredericks Wiltshire first funded case enjoys growth

November 25, 2010 in Wiltshire with Comments Off

In May 2010, Peter Fitchett approached Fredericks Wiltshire and applied for a loan to help his business, Absolute Rubbish, take off. This is (1)Frederick Wiltshire’s first funded case in Swindon and much to their delight the business has taken off, with Peter recently having taken on a work placement through a scheme run by the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Fredericks Foundation was set up in 2001 and helps disadvantaged people who aspire to become entrepreneurs to start and grow their own businesses. The charity provides a range of business support and microloan funding to those who have difficulties with securing business loans or investment via traditional means.

Fredericks Wiltshire was launched in April 2010 in partnership with (2) GWE Business West and Wiltshire Council, who have both made major investments over three years. It is also supported by Swindon Borough Council.

After leaving school, Peter temporarily worked at a pizza parlour before joining the British Army in 2000. He left the Army in 2003 and held a range of positions including sales manager, ground worker and manager of a gym.

In 2009, following redundancy, Peter was keen to start-up a business as a licensed waste carrier for both commercial and domestic waste. To do this, he attended Business Link workshops and worked with the Princes Trust. Unfortunately they were unable to provide Peter with the money needed to start his business and so Peter turned to Frederick’s Wiltshire.

Nicky Alberry, chairman of GWE Business West, said: “In the current tough economic climate, businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire have enough worries without the stress of being unable to obtain start-up capital to realise their business ideas. The work that Fredericks does is crucial in helping these start-ups.

For over twenty years, we have been supporting businesses in both good and bad economic times and we are thrilled to be making a considerable investment in Fredericks Wiltshire over the next three years. Obtaining start-up capital is very challenging and we are delighted that Absolute Rubbish have succeeded and are having a positive impact on the local area.”

Tim King, Fredericks Foundation, said: “I am delighted that not only is Peter getting busier but that he now has enough work to take on long term unemployed people from the jobcentre to give them 13 weeks work experience. This is a real benefit to the community and exactly what Fredericks are looking to achieve.”