Your Development Manager: or call

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1 THE Leicestershire, Northants & Rutland Your Development Manager: or call September/October 2016 FSB STEPS UP STARTUPS SUPPORT FSB Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland aims to engage and support younger small business owners, start-ups and students through a programme of activity including networking, training and social events, writes Jiten Raikundalia, a young entrepreneur and an FSB Regional member. In my involvement with FSB I ve done a fair bit of networking, attended events and helped to support small businesses. However, for young entrepreneurs and new start-ups it can be lonely and hard to keep your finger on the pulse. There s more of a chance that your business will succeed if you network and take advice from peers because there is loads of support available out there. Building your network and getting to know other businesspeople in a similar situation helps to get ideas off the ground. With social media and technology, you can network more than ever and in areas that most interest you. We have created two Meetup groups called FSB Leicestershire/Northamptonshire Young Entrepreneurs Hub which brings together young entrepreneurs and startups from across the two counties in a virtual network where they can connect online and also attend meetups offline. So, join us at LEIA ANWAR, OF PETER JONES ACADEMY AND GO SHAKES, JAMES CUFFLIN OF KIBWORTH ELECTRICAL AND RICHARD NARAYAN OF DAYDREAMER PROJECT CHOCONETWORKING BUSINESSES AND STARTUPS AT FSB YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS HUB MEETUP FSB-YEH-Leicestershire and meetup.com/fsb-yeh-northamptonshire for all the event updates and to connect. The FSB Leicestershire Young Entrepreneurs Hub ran their first Meetup at Cocoa Amore in Leicester recently which combined networking, inspiring talks and a fun chocolate making workshop. Business and startups attended as well as students from the Peter Jones Academy. They heard about how to get support from FSB membership, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) and Business Gateway before making new contacts over truffle making. There is an invitation for you to join the Northamptonshire group in September for a cocktail making and Flair workshop. Jennifer Thomas, your local FSB Development Manager, said: We want to get more young people starting their own business and succeeding through support from other business people as well as FSB. We hope to run networking, training, information events and socialising on a regular basis. The FSB membership benefits, from free business banking to free legal helpline and tax assistance, usually mean that joining up is a no-brainer but if younger business people don t know about them, then they re missing out. We also lobby and campaign on business issues both locally and nationally and young people need to know that their voice counts. For more information visit uk or contact Jennifer on or jennifer.thomas@fsb.org.uk ONLINE DIRECTORY MATCHES BUSINESSES AND EXPERTS Suppliers of business services who are looking to secure more work locally have a new outlet for promoting themselves thanks to the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership s Velocity Growth Hub. Velocity Marketplace is an online directory for local businesses to find suppliers and professional advisers and listings are free of charge. It is also used by Velocity s business advisers to source consultants for their customers. Gayle Pope, Head of Business Services for SEMLEP, which manages the growth hub, said: Velocity Marketplace is not simply a directory of suppliers. It is a matchmaking tool that links business owners and managers to local experts, individuals who can offer everything from business planning, advice and mentoring to legal knowhow, financial expertise, exporting and sectorspecific support. Entering your details is quick and easy so register with www. VelocityMarketplace.com. REGIONAL NEWS 2, 11, 14 BUSINESS UPDATE 3-10 REGIONAL CONTACTS 14 TO ADVERTISE CALL

2 Leicestershire, Northants & Rutland Signpost 2 Grow, the new business signposting service from the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership (GCGP LEP), helps to connect Rutland businesses with the help, funding and advice they need to grow. Businesses of all sizes from across the LEP area can access free advice and support on a range of topics from grants and loans through to local networking events and training opportunities. Neil Darwin, Chief Executive of the GCGP LEP, said: Helping businesses to grow is an incredibly important part of the work we do here at the LEP. There is a wide range of help out there for businesses, from mentoring and expert exporting advice through to affordable finance options and apprenticeship funding. Our Signpost 2 Grow team draws together hundreds of different options and help to direct businesses to the support or funding advice they need. Finding the right support for you and your business is made even easier by using our handy events and support search tools. Visit and answer three quick questions about the type of support you are looking for. You can find out more about the help available at the same time as reading our helpful business advice guides by visiting our website. You can contact the team direct by ing hello@signpost2grow. co.uk or by calling our Rutland line PAGE 2 SUPPORT FOR RUTLAND BUSINESSES STAFF AT SIGNPOST2GROW EDITORIAL: This publication is produced by and published for the Federation of Small Businesses, Sir Frank Whittle Way, Blackpool Business Park Blackpool, Lancs, FY4 2FE. Copyright 1996 Federation of Small Businesses all rights reserved. Editor: James Connor. Tel: james.connor@fsb.org.uk. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this publication errors or omissions are not the responsibility of the Federation of Small Businesses and opinions expressed are those of the authors and are not necessarily the policy of the Federation. PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS ONLINE BY ATTENDING OUR CYBER CRIME SEMINAR The next GCGP LEP event for businesses in Rutland will focus on cyber security and how to protect your business online. Taking place at Oakham Enterprise Park on 10 November, the event will explain the risks of cyber crime and suggest steps businesses can take to avoid attacks. Cyber security is one BEHIND THE SCENES AT LEICESTER BUSINESS EXPO With FSB acting as main sponsor for this years annual Leicester Business Expo at Tigers ground on Thursday, 27 October, we thought we d catch up with FSB member Elaine Vandelli of Hi2Events about how it all started, what the challenges are and where she sees it going from here into the future: FSB: Tell us about the first event: The first LBE was in 2007 and was much smaller. It just about broke even in the first year. The businesses that exhibited all did really well and increased their turnovers but it was a lot of hard work and I made no profit at all. It was a scary project and with no history was certainly a risk for the exhibitors, but it was a great start and I felt brilliant helping local companies to promote themselves to a wider audience. FSB: What are the challenges of running such a big event? The biggest challenge is finding good people to work on the details such as all the administration involved. The back office work that goes into a huge event like this is incredible. Personally, the challenge has been not having someone to explore ideas with but THE of FSB s priority issues with over 60 per cent of members saying they ELAINE VANDELLI have experienced a cyber attack, costing the business an average of 4,000. The event is free, but only a limited number of places are available. You can book your place by visiting: signpost2grow.co.uk/ events/cyber-securityprotect-business/. For FSB cybercrime support and info, go to it is made easier by the feedback from last year s Expo which I see as really valuable for planning. FSB: What is the biggest challenge for Leicester businesses? Many of them just don t realise the enormous value of being seen at the Expo and how much better it is to have face-to-face exposure rather than relying on s and social media. Sometimes it s not about taking orders on the day, it s about being visible as one of the trustworthy and reliable businesses in the city.

3 Leicestershire, Northants & Rutland LOAN CHARITY SUPPORTS STARTUPS IN LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity is an Equal Opportunity organisation providing loans for new business ideas and young businesses needing investment. Eligible candidates may borrow up to 15,000 to establish themselves in their chosen career. Loans are interest free for nine years repayable by equal instalments after three years. Over the years, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity has helped a number of businesses get off the ground, including the Barrie Stephen Hair Group and Grays Coffee Shop & Kitchen. In order to be eligible for a Sir Thomas White Loan Charity business loan, applicants must be over the age of 18 and under the age of 35, a resident of Leicestershire or Rutland and intend to establish the business within the area. In addition to business loans, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity also provides loans of up to 6,000 for education purposes, providing young people with the opportunity to study for postgraduate qualifications, which will in turn enhance career prospects. To request an application pack, please info@ stwcharity.co.uk or call LARGE NETWORKING EVENT TO THANK DISTRICT BUSINESSES FSB LEICESTERSHIRE VOLUNTEERS AT MELTON BUSINESS AWARDS 2016 YOUR INPUT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE One of the reasons FSB is such a strong, influential and respected organisation is that it boasts a fantastic national lobbying team and an unrivalled network of active and enthusiastic local volunteer groups. What makes us stand out from many other business organisations is that we have hundreds of branches made up of members, just like you, who are fighting on behalf of their small business community. In this Region we have five great Branches Northampton, East Northamptonshire, Leicester, North Leicestershire and Rutland and South Leicestershire and all of these groups are looking to recruit new members. A lot of people are nervous about joining committees but each of our FSB teams aim to create a friendly environment and they are always looking for people with fresh perspectives. Between them our Branches organise events such as business seminars, visits to local businesses and lobbying MPs and each of them are free to decide where their priorities lie. If you want to organise events or join the battle to get small businesses heard then the doors are open for you. To know more about what is involved contact your local Development Manager Jennifer Thomas (jennifer. thomas@fsb.org.uk or ) Nominations are called for for these Branches: Leicester City Branch: THE Chairman, Vice-Chairman (2), Secretary, Treasurer and committee member South Leicestershire Branch: Chairman, Vice- Chairman (2), Secretary, Treasurer, committee member Northampton Branch: Chairman, Vice-Chairman (2), Secretary, Treasurer, committee member North Leicestershire Branch and Rutland: Chairman, Vice-Chairman (2), Secretary, Treasurer, committee member East Northants Branch: Chairman, Vice- Chairman (2), Secretary, Treasurer, Committee member. Contact Trevor Wood Regional Secretary for a nomination form on trevor. wood@fsb.org.uk. South Northants Council s Open for Business event at Towcester Racecourse aims to thank 200 local businesses for locating and operating within the district. This large networking event will give senior leaders of the district council an opportunity to meet with local businesses to detail: How the council will take forward commitments to support the local economy How they will increase their engagement with the business community The council s objectives to strengthen the local economy and its long-term vitality. FSB are supporting and attending the event which is open to all members to network and meet with council representatives who are keen to hear your views. Tickets are limited so please visit FSB s Regional pages for more information and book at org.uk/regions/leicestershirenorthamptonshire-rutland PAGE 11

4 DEVELOP YOUR sustainable business growth strategy The event for SMEs looking to grow, develop or diversify business 80+ free to attend seminars and workshops be inspired by business leaders 150+ SME friendly suppliers and service providers in the exhibition Conference hosting a speaker line-up of successful entrepreneurs and titans of industry Network with thousands of SME owners and decision-makers and dedicated drop-in areas Join the very best of the UK s small and medium sized businesses to secure growth and build a smarter enterprise. PRESENTING BUSINESS LEADERS & SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS, INCLUDING: LARA MORGAN MARK FOSTER OLI BARRETT MBE Register for your FREE ticket EliteBizEvent Elite Business Live

5 FSB ROADSHOWS 2016 WHY ATTEND? Each roadshow will include: Free Seminars which are all aimed at giving you practical help and advice to help your business survive Network with business contacts from all over your region Exclusive offers and discounts. Exhibitors will be offering great value for money deals and exclusive offers And it s all FREE! WHY EXHIBIT OR SPONSOR? Don t miss out on this opportunity to market directly to this highly engaged, smaller business audience. Raise your profile and awareness Develop new business contacts Speak at the event and be positioned as a thought leader Win new business! There are a wide range of opportunities available at the FSB Roadshows which can be tailored to fit your marketing objectives. BRISTOL LEEDS Pick your nearest roadshow: LEEDS BRISTOL WINDSOR WINDSOR TUES 4 OCT 2016 WED 2 NOV 2016 MON 21 NOV 2016 BOOK TODAY! For further details go to fsbroadshows.org.uk or Call

6 Leicestershire, Northants & Rutland ARE YOU MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP? PUT THESE ON YOUR LIST OF PRIORITIES Check FSB s website for business support and news and the current Member Benefit package at org.uk Also check the Regional pages for all the latest local news and events leics-northants-rutland Don t forget to for local FSB for member info for our lobbying and campaigning. Ensure you re getting FSB Member s of events and the Weekly Brief and join Big Voice to make your voice heard where it counts. All event details and booking is available via leics-northants-rutland. Meanwhile, regular networking events are: Northampton Business Breakfast: Westone Manor Hotel, Northampton, 9 September, 14 October at 7am. East Northants Business Breakfast: Kettering Golf Club, 16 September and 21 October at 7am. No Nonsense Networking: Leicester Costco, Wednesday 14 September 6pm. Relax over drinks at the Exchange Bar, Leicester City: 11 October at 6pm. BUSINESS FESTIVAL BACK FOR A SECOND YEAR Leicester Business Festival (LBF) will return for the second year running between 24 October and 4 November with headline sponsors De Montfort University. The LBF maximises inward investment opportunities for local businesses and enhances local economic growth, as well as providing individuals and businesses with a reason to visit Leicester and Leicestershire as a business destination. FSB is proud to be an affiliate sponsor and has been part of the steering group ensuring that small business are represented in the planning. Delivering exciting opportunities for the Leicester and Leicestershire business community, LBF 2016 will feature scores of local businesses, welcome thousands of visitors and attract increasing recognition for the Region nationally and internationally. Companies from across the city and county will host conferences, summits, seminars, trade shows, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, networking events and workshops. Headed up by local leaders and specialists in their field, nine key business sectors will form the programme structure for this year s festival. Sport & Health has been added as a new category to the existing eight sectors of focus, food and drink manufacturing, textiles manufacturing, distribution and logistics, tourism and hospitality, creative industries, low carbon, professional and financial services and engineering and advanced manufacturing. As a festival by business for business, companies hosting events under the LBF umbrella include TEDX, UKTI, LLEP Business Gateway and, of course, FSB. The Leicestershire Business Expo will return as part of the Business Festival. Go to com/ for a list of events and how to get involved. YOU CAN HELP MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN Make your business count by joining FSB s Big Voice digital research community and have your say on the issues affecting your business. Why sign up? FSB uses the accumulated data to gain an insight into the needs of the business community, then uses it when lobbying. Your experiences count. We really can create change for better legislation for business. The information gleaned from Big Voice forms the basis of our discussions with MPs, Ministers and even the Prime Minister. It helps Government understand how businesses run. We can make change happen so see www. fsbbigvoice.com REGIONAL OFFICERS REGIONAL CHAIRMAN: Dave Nicholls E: david@better-it.net VICE CHAIRMEN: Clare Elsby E: clare@elsbyandco.co.uk Tim Watt E: tandcwatt@ntlworld.com SECRETARY: Trevor Wood E: trevor.wood@networkmidlands.co.uk TREASURER: John Hardwick E: John@double-disc.co.uk BRANCH OFFICERS LEICESTER CHAIRMAN: Vimal Chauhan E: FSB@LeicesterChauffeurs.co.uk SECRETARY: Trevor Wood E: trevor.wood@networkmidlands.co.uk SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE CHAIRMAN: Kevin Bragg E: Kevin.bragg@virtualbusinesspartner.co.uk SECRETARY: Bill Curteis E: Bill.curteis@fsb.org.uk NORTHAMPTON CHAIRMAN: John Socha E: John.socha@yahoo.com SECRETARY: Adrian Hicks E: adrian@kalamunda.co.uk EAST NORTHANTS CHAIRMAN: Eddie Rodwell E: admin@eddierodwell.com SECRETARY: Alison Hadley E: alison@motivationuk.com NORTH LEICESTER & RUTLAND CHAIRMAN: Dave Nicholls E: david@better-it.net SECRETARY: Sue Richardson E: Sue.richardson@mintwm.co.uk MEMBERSHIP ADVISORS Bill Curteis: Les Larkins: THE PAGE 14