NEWS
Social entrepreneur to address annual dinner
T COMMENT
BY CLIVE WRAY DIRECTOR, PUBLIC SECTOR CONTACTS, BUSINESS WEST
Right time for a fresh approach
The beginning of a New Year is a great time for any business to take stock, to review what is going well, to analyse things that could be improved and above all, to assess where new customers are to be found. One of the answers to the last question could well be overseas. I really would encourage any business, no matter what goods or services they provide, to at least consider the international market. Almost three quarters of businesses don’t export and one of the most common reasons given is that there would be no demand for their products in other countries. But I think many people would be pleasantly surprised if they looked into the possibilities. For a start they will find plenty of support. The Government is committed to doubling the number of SMEs assisted by UKTI to export to 50,000 by 2015. The Prime Minister has supported new measures to help SMEs export to new markets and Trade and Investment Minister Lord Green has stressed the vital role that exports play in securing economic growth. We are forging new partnerships with banks, accountants and lawyers, as well as with local enterprise partnerships and Chambers of Commerce, who can advise SMEs and point them in our direction. As you’ll read on page 18 of this edition, there is also help available from Acorn Interactive and a variety of Chamber members.
International trade has always been vital to the UK and our status as a leading industrial nation was built on the strength of our ability to export. In these days of global uncertainty it has never been more important for us to regain that reputation and virtually all of our Chamber of Commerce members could play a part in that process. Why not make it your New Year resolution to give doing business overseas some serious thought ?
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ickets have gone on sale for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on 29 March 2012.
A highlight of the business calendar, the Chamber annual dinner celebrates enterprise in Bristol and across the region.
Guests use this prestigious occasion, which includes a three-course meal and features a high profile guest speaker, to network and make valuable new contacts. Such is the popularity of this event, businesses are urged to book their places today to avoid disappointment. This year’s guest speaker is John Bird MBE, joint founder of The Big Issue and president of The Big Issue Foundation Board of Trustees.
‘John Bird will offer an authoritative, fresh approach’
John Bird was born into poverty, brought up in care and has lived through a lot. His life's journey has included spells as a thief, prison inmate, artist and poet. Now an established iconoclast, activist and publisher, Mr Bird is
John Bird MBE, joint founder of The Big Issue
the force behind The Big Issue, the world's most successful street magazine. He is an inspirational business leader with an outstanding record of using business as a tool for social change. A publishing phenomenon, The Big Issue has been delivering both commercial profits and a social return on investment for over 10 years. During this time the magazine has sold over 50 million copies and employed over 15,000 homeless people in the UK alone, generating over £25m in payments to vendors
At a time when Corporate Social Responsibility is preoccupying business leaders and consumers alike, Mr Bird will offer an authoritative, fresh approach, and some original perspectives on the interaction of business and society. His diverse experience, combined with his exuberant personality, erudition and often trenchant views make him a compelling and entertaining speaker.
Tickets cost £75 for members of the Chamber of Commerce, £110 for non-members and are available to buy individually or in tables of 8, 10 or 12. To book your place contact Amie Vaughan on 01275 370 850 or email
events@businesswest.co.uk
LEP secures £11m investment
The Local Enterprise Partnership for the West of England is celebrating the announcement that £11m has been earmarked to help its work in generating economic growth. The news came only days after bids to the Regional Growth Fund generated a further £40m.
The latest cash injection comes from the Government’s £500m Growing Places Fund, which was set up to address infrastructure and site constraints and to promote the delivery of jobs and housing. The intention is to allow Local Enterprise Partnerships to prioritise the infrastructure they need and so helping to deliver their economic strategies. In addition it is hoped to help establish sustainable revolving funds so that funding can be reinvested to unlock further development and leverage private investment. Colin Skellett, chairman of the LEP in the West of England, said: “This is an important
Business West Update JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
Colin Skellett
announcement, which will help maintain the tremendous momentum we are building up. Following so closely on the Regional Growth Fund decisions, it really shows what a central role the Local Enterprise Partnerships play in Government thinking.”
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