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Welcome to the July edition of the F4B - the Falkirk for Business monthly e-zine to keep you informed about our training courses, networking events and latest business news.
This month we are looking for YOUR help in putting together our new programme of networking and support events. Please take two minutes to take part in our Business Panel Plus on-line survey (below), so that we can deliver the kind of events that you want to attend.
If you do not wish to receive this e-zine, then please click at the bottom of the page to unsubscribe.
We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you at one of our events.
Best regards
Michelle |
| What's On? |
 Thinking of starting up in business, growing your business, developing your skills or just want to meet other entrepreneurs? We deliver a wide range of Business Gateway courses, as well as specialised training on request, and offer networking events to suit businesses of all sizes.
To find out more about Business Gateway courses at Falkirk for Business this month, click HERE
A reminder that there are a few places remaining for the FREE procurement event on August 31st, being run in partnership with Supplier Development Programme. If you wish to find out more about tendering for public sector contracts please register now by using the quick link in the right hand column of this e-zine, or by going to our website events page and following the link there.
Additional Event
Falkirk company Central Media Services are holding an evening workshop here at Falkirk for Business on August 18th. The aim of the workshop is to highlight the issues facing new businesses when dealing with graphic designers, printing companies and web developers. CMS will show how to give new business ventures a jump-start in promoting products and services professionally.There will be a free prize draw to win a start-up pack to the value of £299!
For more information go to www.cmsgraphics.co.uk or to book a place please contact Mandy at Falkirk for Business.
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| Falkirk Business Panel |
Business Panel Plus - the networking and events "arm" of the Business Panel - will be kicking off soon with a brand new programme. Please click HERE to complete 3 questions which will help us to deliver the support that you need for your business.This is your chance to have your say and request bespoke training - don't miss out!
The annual Business Panel conference will be taking place on September 24th at the MacDonald Inchyra Grange Hotel. Respected televison and radio journalist Shereen Nanjiani will be hosting the event and key speakers include Jane Wood, CEO of Scottish Business in the Community, and John Bennett, former managing director of Pack-IT and now CEO of the Welsh Social Enterprise Coalition.Admission is FREE to local businesses!
More details will be available soon on our website but if you wish to register in the meantime, please click HERE
The Leadership Group held its most recent quarterly meeting in June. To meet the Business Panel Leadership Group and read the latest minutes, click HERE |
| Spotlight on........Sign-now | Sign-now was co-founded by deaf entrepreneurs Andrew Thomson
and Dean  Humphreys who had the desire to remove the barriers the deaf community experienced when accessing information and services. The difficulties they had encountered personally, formed the catalyst in starting their own business, and in 2006 Sign-now was set up. To read more about the latest developments of this award-winning business, click HERE |
| Business news...news...news... |
Climate change
 While we are all, hopefully, enjoying the summer sunshine, the effects of climate change can have signifcant impacts on your business. Last winter's severe weather and flooding cost many businesses dearly. The SSCIP have now produced guidelines which help businesses to put contingency plans in place and which outline the resources available. To find out more click HERE
Trusted Trader  Falkirk Council, in conjunction with Trading Standards, is considering implementing a "Trusted Trader" programme for local businesses.
The main benefit to members is the promotion of their commitment to trading fairly and adhering to national standards, and this will be done via a listing on the Falkirk Trusted Trader website. If you would like to register your opinion on this idea or find out more information please click HERE
Trade mission to Italy
Local businesses are being invited to take part in the Bocchette Trade Expo in Tuscany later this year. This event attracts over 10,000 visitors over the 3 days 3rd-5th September, and is sponsored by The Italian Ministry for Economic Development and the Lucca Chamber of Commerce among others. If you are interested in finding out more please contact Ian White at Falkirk Council.
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| Best in Scotland! | In this year's Enterprising Britain awards, Falkirk Council, on behalf of all those involved in My Future's in Falkirk, were announced as winners of the Scottish finals at the awards ceremony on July 12th. The award recognises the strong partnership work between the local authority, the Business Panel, Falkirk for Business and you - the private sector businesses who link all of these organisations! We now go through as one of 12 "regional" finalists to the UK round - so keep your fingers crossed for more success.
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| Student Survey into Government Support for Business | | Falkirk for Business has been approached by a student seeking input for a study of government support for small businesses. Robert Stuart is a post-graduate student at the University of Stirling Management School, studying small business and entrepreneurship. His questionnaire (below) will collect data for a Masters degree dissertation - the purpose of which is to assess the present level/quality of business support for small business, and what it could look like in the future.
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| Falkirk for Business | |
The team at Falkirk for Business are here to support local businesses and to promote the Falkirk area through a range of enterprise initiatives and partnerships. Please contact us if we can be of assistance or if you have any suggestions about the kind of support you would like us to deliver.
Telephone: 01324 665 500
email: info@falkirkforbusiness.org |
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Staff Profile
 Mandy Campbell, Training and Conference Centre Manager
Mandy joined Falkirk for Business in 1998 and her role has developed from that of Training Centre Co-ordinator to her current post of Training and Conference Centre Manager. She is now undertaking training to
develop her career as a Premier business advisor.
Mandy is also a fully qualified Highland dance teacher and judge. | |
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| Awards and Funding |
The BP Business Loan Fund is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year! It offers loans of up to £10,000 to businesses who have been unable to secure funding from other sources. Eligibility criteria apply - to find out more click HERE |
| Falkirk Business Panel |  Business Panel Plus is coming......our two previous networking clubs (lunch club and growth club) are being merged to form one new networking group with a wide range of breakfast, lunch and evening events. To find out more and register as a member, or to join the wider Business Panel, please click on the link below.
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