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Attend Explore Export & Expand Overseas

May 31, 2011 in Event with Comments Off

Exporting has been hailed as the antidote to the recession, and South West firms are being urged to attend an event hosted by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) which could help them expand overseas.

ExploreExport is the South West’s largest gathering of international representatives and offers businesses in the region the chance to connect with over 80 countries including; Africa, North and South America, SE Asia, Australasia, the Baltic States, Belgium, Bratislava, Bulgaria, Canada, the Caribbean, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Far East, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Mexico, Middle East, Nordics, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Turkey.

Taking place on Tuesday 28^th June at the University of West of England Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bristol, the event is a must visit for any business which is currently exporting or which has global aspirations.

Now in its 4^th year ExploreExport is bigger and better than ever with 500 delegates expected to attend and some fantastic speakers lined up including Lord Green, Minsterfor Trade and Investment, Nick Hewer, business advisor and mentor on BBC’s The Apprentice and Lara Morgan, Entrepreneur and Founder of CompanyShortcuts.com.

ExploreExport will allow you to build the network of contacts you need, find out more about the sources of support available, and have individual face-to-face access to specialists from markets across the world.

There will be a number of workshops, networking opportunities and one-to-one meetings on offer to delegates, providing you with the insights and support that you need to shape and launch your export strategy.

Registration fee: £100 (+ VAT) per delegate, including lunch and parking.

For more information and to register, visit http://bristol.ukti-exploretour.com

Proposed cuts to Legal Aid: What impact will it have on business?

March 1, 2011 in Employment with Comments Off

In 2010, Employment Tribunals increased by 25% and with Government plans to cut Legal Aid this will affect businesses in the South West, making mediation increasingly important in the business community.

What is mediation?

Mediation can be used as a possible solution by bringing in impartial professionals to help resolve disputes. This is where Mediation in Business can help.

Mediation in Business is a joint venture between GWE Business West and ADR Group and provides a complete resolution package to help family businesses resolve disputes with a specialised hybrid panel of expert mediators. These are highly qualified professionals with expert knowledge in family and business.

James Monk, Director of Commercial Services, GWE Business West said: “We are delighted to have joined forces with ADR Group to offer this service. Mediation in Business provides a source of unbiased information which could save you time and money, which is especially important in the current economic climate.”

The Ministry of Justice stated that National Audit Office figures on legally-aided mediation show the average time for a mediated case to be completed is 110 days, compared to 435 days for court cases on similar issues. Mediation is also often cheaper than going to court – data from Legal Aid cases show the average cost per client of mediation is £535 compared to £2,823 for cases going to court.

Find out more www.mediationinbusiness.co.uk

Tessa Coombes, Director of Policy and Strategy, GWE Business West

February 28, 2011 in Policy & Legislation with Comments Off

‘Localism’ and ‘Big Society’ are the catch phrases of this new government – very much at the heart of their philosophy and approach. The questions for business are: ‘how does it relate to us?’ and ‘what role does business have to play in these agendas?’

In Bristol we have coined the phrase ‘Business Localism’ to try and engender more recognition for the very real role that business plays in local communities and local places. We are keen to emphasise that local communities are not just residential – they are business communities too.

After listening to the government’s rhetoric about private sector job creation, there is a real opportunity for businesses to step up to the plate. If many of the barriers to growth are removed, we can carry on less hindered by regulatory burdens and unnecessary bureaucracy.

In reality, what we are faced with is the loss of any real face to face support for business and a constant tinkering with employment regulations that serve to confuse us all. Potential changes to the planning system will make development even more difficult to secure, with greater costs attached to permissions and additional powers for local communities to stop any development they don’t like.

The challenge is there for local chambers of commerce to seize the localism agenda as a business agenda – business localism is the way forward.

The Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner 2011

February 1, 2011 in Bristol, Event with Comments Off

The GWE Business West Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner sponsored by HSBC, which celebrates business across Bristol and the region, takes place on Thursday 24 March at the Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel.

This year we are delighted to welcome guest speaker, The Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox, Secretary of State for Defence and local MP, who has held a variety of high profile positions within Parliament since entering politics in 1987.

Dr Fox said: “It is a great pleasure to be invited to speak at the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. This annual event is an invaluable opportunity for a wide range of regional business leaders to meet and discuss the issues specifically affecting this part of the country. I am very much looking forward to what I am sure will be a stimulating evening and I am grateful to GWE Business West for inviting me.”

Dr Fox, a former GP, contested Roxburgh and Berwickshire in the 1987 General Election and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Woodspring (renamed North Somerset for the 2010 General Election) in April 1992.

In June 1993, Dr Fox was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to Michael Howard, then Home Secretary. In July 1994, he was appointed as Assistant Government Whip, and promoted to the position of Senior Government Whip the following year. He was a Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1996 until the 1997 General Election.

In June 1997, Dr Fox was appointed Opposition Front Bench Spokesman on Constitutional Affairs. For four years from May 1999 to November 2003 he served as Shadow Secretary of State for Health before being appointed Co-Chairman of the Party in 2003. Subsequently, from May 2005 to December 2005, he served as Shadow Foreign Secretary, and then as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence from December 2005 to May 2010.

He was appointed Secretary of State for Defence by Prime Minister David Cameron in May 2010.

When he addresses the annual dinner, Dr Fox will give his insight into both the short and long term challenges for our local economy and how we can best capitalise on our strategic assets for companies large and small. Set against GWE Business West’s Bristol 2050 project, he will also talk about opportunities for our businesses and in particular for those in sectors such as defence and high value manufacturing.

Michael Bothamley, President of Bristol Chamber of Commerce said: “We are delighted to have secured Dr Liam Fox as our guest speaker this year. This key event on the business calendar is always a sell-out with over 200 business people attending from across the region.

Guests use this prestigious occasion to network and make valuable new contacts. So, we urge businesses to mark this date in their diaries and book online today to avoid disappointment.”
Tickets are available online now, priced at £95.00 + VAT for full members and £120.00 + VAT for subscribers and non members/guests. Tables of 8, 10 or 12 are also available.

To book your tickets visit www.gwebusinesswest.co.uk or contact events@gwebusinesswest.co.uk

Come and meet Enterprise Europe Network at the Business Show Swindon!

January 31, 2011 in Event with Comments Off

Andy Bates, Project Manager, Enterprise Europe Network South West

As we come to the end of a financial year, here at the Enterprise Europe Network South West, we have been busy planning for the year ahead. You may also be making plans and what better way to kick-start these than by coming along to a business show!
The Business Show Swindon takes place at STEAM on 10th February. The show, organised by our host organisation, GWE Business West and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial, will feature a topical seminar programme, free speed networking sessions and a conference cafe for networking, refreshment and one to one meetings. There will be a broad showcase of 80 exhibitors from across the region (including us) so its’ an excellent chance to network, ask questions and gather information.
The show is free to attend so if you are planning on growing your business this year, why not come and visit your friendly European business experts at stands 31 and 32. This is an opportunity to ask questions about trading in Europe, raise any concerns you may have, learn how to access European funding and generally find out how to make trading overseas an important part of your business strategy.
As I have mentioned before, our key offering is helping organisations find like-minded business partners across Europe. We currently have access to over 13,500 viable business opportunities and would be delighted to tell you how you can sign up to receive tailored alerts advising you of potential business partners.
We will be at the show from 9am – 4pm and really hope you can make it!
To register to attend the show and for further information, please click here

GWE Business West is proud to be associated with Network Central – A day of great networking events

January 25, 2011 in Event with Comments Off

Bristol City Football Stadium, Ashton Gate, Bristol

27 January 2011, 10.30 am – 3.30 pm

With over 100 exhibitors and 14 networking/business support organisations the event will be buzzing. The 5 seminars with nationally renowned speakers are expected to sell out, as are the Speed Networking sessions.

Special offer for Chambers of Commerce members - either FREE power table and chair, wifi value £25 or FREE goody bag insert worth £35

Email rod@networkcentral.me or call Rod Major on 0845 307 1954

Business Show Swindon exhibition stands sold out

January 17, 2011 in Event, Swindon with Comments Off

The Business Show Swindon launches on 10^th February at STEAM organised by GWE Business West [1] and sponsored by Lloyds TSB Commercial. All 80 exhibition stands, which will feature a broad showcase of businesses from the region, have now been sold.

Delegates can expect a topical seminar programme, free speed networking sessions and a conference café for networking and refreshments. There will also be an exclusive espresso bar for members of the Initiative in Swindon and GWE Business West’s LinkedIn group. The group currently has 1800 members making it the largest LinkedIn group in the South West. Members can meet at 10-11am or 1-2pm on the mezzanine floor. Join the GWE Business West LinkedIn group today and come along and meet us!

Ian Larrard, Director of the Initiative in Swindon and Wiltshire, GWE Business West said: “The LinkedIn Espresso Bar is an innovative way of bringing the members together so that they can network face-to-face. This is an ideal way for people to do business and bring their online discussions to life.”

The seminar programme will cover topics including social media, networking, marketing, intellectual property and funding for growth. The Funding for Growth seminar will bring together a group of trusted experts to offer advice and up to the minute information on types of funding that are available. Delegates will be networking throughout the afternoon, culminating in a dynamic Q&A panel discussion.

Neil Higginson, Programme Manager – ERDF Projects, GWE Business West said: “This seminar will provide a unique insight from organisations whose task it is to help businesses successfully attract funding in these difficult times. The GWE Business West High Growth team will also be on hand to offer practical advice on other assistance available for growing businesses.”

The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference will run alongside The Business Show Swindon 2011 in the morning. SSEP will outline their achievements over the last 12 months, together with their vision for the future, including Swindon Borough Council’s ‘One Swindon’ strategic framework. Prior to that there will be a Swindon Chamber of Commerce breakfast in which there will be a launch of the ‘Link to China’ programme.

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm. To register to attend visit www.businessshowswindon.co.uk

Local Enterprise Partnership News

January 7, 2011 in Local Enterprise Partnership with Comments Off

Some of the region’s leading business people will be helping to drive forward the newly formed West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

Colin Skellett, executive chairman of Wessex Water, Katherine Bennett OBE, vice president and head of political affairs at Airbus, David Sproxton, co-founder of Aardman, Professor Joe McGeehan, a managing director at Toshiba Research Europe Ltd and Robert Sinclair, chief executive of Bristol Airport will represent business on an interim board for the LEP, following it’s formation.

They will be joined on the interim board by the leaders of the four local authorities in the West of England – John Calway (South Gloucestershire), Barbara Janke (Bristol City), Nigel Ashton (North Somerset) and Francine Haeberling (Bath and North East Somerset) – in a joint partnership between the business community and councils.

The creation of the interim board marks the latest milestone for the LEP, which will promote economic growth and prosperity in the West of England.

It will play a key role in delivering 95,000 jobs in the area by 2030 and attracting at least £1billion of private sector investment over the next five years.

The business representatives will use their skills and experiences to help put the West of England on the map nationally and internationally, raising the profile of the key high-growth sectors of aerospace; creative industries; environmental industries, silicon and microelectronics and tourism that are vital to the region’s economy.

The LEP will also encourage high-levels of new business start-ups and the growth of small businesses, help to create a skilled workforce that meets the needs of business, attract inward investment and develop and lobby for an infrastructure to help businesses thrive.

The LEP will also be able to bid for a share of a national £1.4billion regional growth fund over the next three years.

As well as the five business representatives and four council leaders as interim board members, there will also be representation from the education and skills sector. It is planned for the interim board to meet for the first time later this month (January).

Colin Skellett, who is the new chair of the LEP, said: “This new partnership is a great opportunity to promote and develop the West of England’s powerful and vibrant economy and innovative and highly-skilled workforce. The partnership will work hard to ensure our rightful place in the national and global economy is recognised, and to create the right conditions for businesses to grow. The interim board will be meeting later this month and will begin by drawing up a business plan for the LEP.”

Councillor John Calway, chairman of the West of England Partnership and leader of South Gloucestershire Council said: “The West of England has all the ingredients for a stronger, competitive economy. Councils and businesses must now work together to create jobs and economic growth for the benefit of our communities. I am excited by the prospect of working closely with the business community to make the West of England the best place in the UK to start and grow a business, and where people have access to the right skills and employment opportunities.”

Business leaders meet with MPs to discuss issues facing Swindon

December 15, 2010 in Policy & Legislation, Swindon with Comments Off

Businesses from across Swindon met with their local MPs recently at a meeting organised by GWE Business West’s [1] Initiative in Swindon [2]. Justin Tomlinson, MP for Swindon North and Robert Buckland, MP for Swindon South, met with over 15 local business leaders to discuss a range of issues and identify areas for future collaboration.

One of the themes for discussion was the rise in student tuition fees. The businesses voiced their concerns about how this would impact poorer students in the education system. There was a call for universities to be more accountable for the new fees by providing shorter academic years, and businesses were keen to offer more sponsorship opportunities for students.

Other issues raised included the hold on electrification of the mainline and the redoubling of the Swindon-Kemble line. The MPs stated they would keep pushing central government on both these issues and would do all they can to help the projects ultimately go ahead. The Initiative members stated they would do all they could to keep lobbying too.

Business backing for localism bill

December 14, 2010 in Policy & Legislation with 1 Comment

The Decentralisation and Localism Bill announced in Parliament today represents one of the most significant pieces of legislation for local government for some time. It shifts the balance of power away from the centre to local authorities and local communities. It includes new powers for communities to play a greater role in local service delivery and provision, and brings in proposals for directly elected mayors in all our major cities.

The Bill sets out an agenda for significant change to the way we plan for the growth and development of our communities. It fundamentally changes the dynamics of the planning system, from top down targets to local neighbourhood plans and visions, connecting local people and communities with planning for their area.

Tessa Coombes, Director of Strategy & Policy at GWE Business West said: “We welcome the general thrust of the Bill and many of the proposals and powers contained within it. Indeed the concept of creating a planning system that is responsive to community needs and aspirations is absolutely the right approach and one we applaud.”

Tessa continued, “However, we do have some concerns about how this will work in reality, with experience showing that those who shout loudest are the ones who are heard by the decision makers and therefore have the greatest influence over future plans. We need to provide all communities with the skills and confidence to express their views and we need to ensure the business communities voice is heard alongside local people.”

She concluded: “Perhaps the biggest test for the localism agenda is whether or not it helps or hinders the growth and prosperity of the UK economy going forward.”

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