Time to get in tip-top condition for 2011

AS the new year gets into its stride, now is the time to take a look at your business and make changes that will help you get 2011 off to a flying start.

That’s the message from the regional Business Link organisation, the Luton-based University of Bedfordshire and the town’s Headstart project.

While Business Link advises taking a look back over the course of 2010 to identify areas for improvement and growth, the university and Headstart recommend looking for educational opportunities to get more training.

Malcolm Williamson, head of information at Business Link in the East of England, said: “Looking back at the aims and achievements of your business over the past year can help identify areas for improvement and growth”

Business Link provides Bedfordshire’s small and medium enterprises with support to help owners make the right decisions.

As well as advising the use and updating of a business plan, Business Link says it is vital to assess finances, including reassessing costs and changing suppliers, the support organisation advises the use of training for staff and owners to update their skills.

Business Link says training is essential for personal development as well as business productivity. It offers free workshops while local membership organisations like the Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the local council also run training events. Check the website www.bookevents.org for an idea of what is on in the area.

The University of Bedfordshire will be holding open days at its campuses in Luton and Bedford next week. It runs loads of business-oriented courses including in project management and sales and marketing. It also runs language for business courses in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Polish and Russian. Its tutors can also offer a range of bespoke courses and distance learning.

John Sentinella, business development manager, at the university said: “In the current economic climate businesses need to ensure that their staff are well trained and are up to date with the latest processes to remain competitive. Individuals need to be able to offer potential employers competency and the most up to date qualifications.”

For further information, contact [email protected], call 0800 328 5334 or visit www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub/calendar/cpdopendays for more details.

The Headstart Project based at Grosvenor House in Alma Street, Luton offers free one to one support with a fully qualified business advisor, print facilities topped off with short workshops for just £5 each. Courses, seminars and workshops are available in Dreamweaver, Photoshop, InDesign and Flash.

Additionally others include specific seminars and workshops on business management, managing volunteers, time management and recruitment and interviewing”.

For more details visit www.headstartproject.org or call the Headstart team on 01582 417 878.

Business Link adds that its own e-newsletter, called The Loop, has information on regulations and opportunities, such as grants offered by councils or support organisations. Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east

Other hints offered up by Business Link are

> Explore new markets. It pays to be aware of new opportunities and research.

> Have policies in place to cover the unexpected, including writing a policy on whether staff will be paid if they can’t make it to work for, whether they can work from home or take holiday and who they should notify if they can’t get in.

> Consider apprenticeships or graduate internships, even if it is for short-term support to identify opportunities or to get a new project up and running.

> Start networking, with groups like Network Luton, to increase your chance of getting new business from word of mouth and personal contact.

> Provide outstanding customer service. Efficient service, fast delivery, flexible payment terms and so on can persuade people to spend their money with you rather than competitors.

> Take advantage of free help at Business Link.

Phone 08457 17 16 15 or email [email protected]

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