Welcome

SURVIVE & THRIVE E-NEWSLETTER
Issue 2 - February 2009

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

This issue focuses on the Government's recently launched 'Real Help for Business' campaign, as well as the forthcoming Showcase, Market and Sell events, organised by the East Midlands Chambers of Commerce as a follow up to the successful Survive and Thrive events held in December.

By promoting a range of free support, the 'Real Help for Business' campaign aims to help businesses find finance, raise productivity and save money. Access to information and support is available to cover a range of business issues including waste reduction, increased cash flow, staff retention, energy efficiency and workforce skills development. Business Link is committed to helping you to access real help to keep your business fighting fit.

Explore the links below for more information on the help available to businesses.

Major events programme is positive action to help business

A programme of free regional 'Showcase, Market, and Sell' events has been announced to help companies across the East Midlands to find new markets and new opportunities to trade. The events, which are being organised and led by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber and funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda), will be taking place throughout the East Midlands.

At each event, 10 major companies or procuring bodies will be asked to take part in meet the buyer activities. In addition there will be room for a further 50 companies to showcase themselves in an exhibition area. The events will be hosted by the relevant Chamber in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

For more information or to book call 01332 851281 or email showcase@dncc.co.uk

How you can save money?
The business health check tool helps you analyse key areas of your business' finance and administration with the aim of avoiding failure. Alternatively, look at the top 10 tips for reducing waste and saving energy.

Do you need help with identifying sources of finance?
Government finance packages have recently been made available through 'Action for Business' to support the sustainability of businesses in the current economic climate.

Assess your eligibility for Government guaranteed lending schemes available to help viable businesses with temporary cash flow problems.

View a series of guides to help managing your cash flow.

If you're worried about being able to meet tax, National Insurance or other payments owed to HMRC, or you anticipate that payments coming due will cause you problems, you can get in touch with them to discuss payment options to help you deal with temporary cash flow difficulties.

Retaining staff and improving sustainability and profitability

Train to Gain is a service offering independent advice and funding support to improve the skills of your employees.

Visit the Department of Work and Pensions website to access the right services and partners to provide straightforward solutions relating to redundancies and recruitment, leaving you with more time to devote to your business. Explore ways to avoid redundancies.

When your business reaches a new stage in its development, you may need to change the way it is organised. Read about advice available for reorganisations, restructuring and other major changes.