Welcome

to the first issue of the Survive and Thrive newsletter from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda)... helping you put your business in the best possible shape to ride out the current economic storm.

As the region's development agency, we are committed to making the East Midlands the best place in the UK to be in business. We are sending you this newsletter because we believe it is vital for businesses to have access to clear solutions that meet the widest range of business needs, especially in the current economic climate.

Working in partnership with other organisations, including Business Link, we have a record for delivering positive results that help bring about real change across the East Midlands. This newsletter will keep you up to date with the latest information and initiatives available to business in the region.

We're committed to ensuring you have quick access to accurate well-informed advice and support to help you deal with the challenges ahead. In future issues of this newsletter we will put the spotlight on some of the issues we know are affecting businesses like yours at this difficult time:

`Real Help` for business
Find out more about the `Real Help for Business Now` campaign, following Lord Mandelson's recent announcement on the multi billion pound package available to support SMEs.

Business help for a challenging economic climate
Use online tools and guides to get advice that could help your business during the economic slowdown.

Survival of the Fittest
Businesses across the region are being urged to seize the opportunity and discover how they can save money and increase their profits whilst improving their resource efficiency.

10 ways to beat the `recession depression`
Don't let the recession get you down. Find out how to stay motivated during the economic downturn...

Take the `Route to Market`
A new business support programme from emda... register now for your free place as the programme starts soon.

Showcase, Market, and Sell!
Free events that will give businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves as part of an exhibition, network with other businesses and take part in sessions to help them in a time of recession. For further information call 01332 851 280 or email events@dncc.co.uk.