28.02.07
'Starting in Business' networking event proves successful for Cornish entrepreneurs

Over 100 people with ambitions to grow or start a business were given the perfect opportunity on (Tuesday 27th February) to seek information and build vital links with like minded individuals at Business Link's first ever 'starting a business' networking event held in Cornwall.

The evening event took place at Kingsley Village, Fraddon and was run by Business Link Devon and Cornwall in partnership with Lloyds TSB and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

It was the second event in a series of networking events being held across the South West and was developed specifically for people thinking of starting a business or in the first year of trading.

Delegates were treated to a speech from guest speaker, Tom Edge, who discussed his 'Top Ten Tips' for business start ups. Tom, who has helped over 25,000 businesses through his own company, Training Projects, gave a presentation about how to manage personal goals and business goals, making sales, appropriate branding and marketing planning and how to be customer focused.

Bernard Curren, Start up Team development manager at Business Link Devon and Cornwall said: "This has been one of the biggest networking events of its kind that we have ever staged - we have had a great turnout. I think everyone has found it a thoroughly enjoyable and useful evening." He added, "These keen entrepreneurs were given the chance to do some vital networking and speak to Business Link's 'Starting in Business' team, Lloyds TSB managers and ACCA representatives. The delegates will take away some important information from a speaker who has been there, seen it and done it. With over 25 years experience in helping businesses start up, Tom delivered an entertaining seminar that gave the audience plenty to consider during such a crucial stage of their business journey."

Steve Wearn who runs a start up company in Porthleven called ComputerPort attended the event and said: "It was a great opportunity to put faces to the names of the Business Link people who have been so helpful in getting my business off the ground. The presentation by Tom Edge was very inspiring and I managed to take plenty of notes. Not being afraid to ask for help when starting or running a business was probably the most key message that I think people should take away from the evening."

Peter Blakesley, senior business manager, Lloyds TSB said: "We're delighted to be working closely with Business Link Devon and Cornwall to help start ups in Devon to reach their full potential. We are always looking at ways to add value to our clients and sessions like these enable us to deliver the right support at the right time."

The event is part of Business Link Devon and Cornwall's successful new programme that combines a multitude of support and information services for people just starting out in business. The new four stage 'Starting in Business' package of services combine to offer new business start-ups a mixture of tailor-made advice, seminars and guidance in their first twelve months of trading.

For further information contact Adam McPherson of the Marketing PR company on 01566 771861 or email amcpherson@marketing-pr.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested Business Link Devon and Cornwall through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.bldc.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally It provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the national Business Link service to the region under contract from the South West RDA.

Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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