Date: February 20, 2012
Time: 9:05 am
Mentoring start-ups will teach you a thing or two says Granby Marketing Services’
chief executive Stephen Bentley.
“Any business owner who has been lucky enough to receive advice and guidance from more experienced entrepreneurs during the transitional phases of their business’s development will appreciate just how influential and important mentoring can be.
Having had the good fortune myself to call upon three mentors throughout my business career and knowing what it’s like to be in a position of uncertainty, I decided to volunteer for the government’s New Enterprise Allowance scheme, managed locally by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, and wholeheartedly recommend that every business owner and entrepreneur in the region gives it some serious consideration too.
The NEA gives extra help to unemployed people who want to start their own business. Participants get access to a volunteer business mentor who provides guidance and support as they develop their business plan and through early trading.
Anyone who has ever set up their own business will know how challenging and daunting the first months are, but when you lack the relevant business skills and experience, even the smallest molehills have the potential to turn into mountains.
Starting your own business is a massive undertaking and not for the faint-hearted – sleepless nights and anxiety are pretty much a given. But having the ambition and guts to take that step and turning the idea into a sustainable and profitable business are two very different things.
Providing mentorship to others at the beginning gives you the opportunity to install good business practice from the outset and set them on the right track. Not having a robust business plan and an inability to manage cash-flows are arguably two of the most common failings for new businesses and the area where mentors can add the most value. Read More »
Date: February 16, 2012
Time: 3:05 pm
Mandy Richardson, who was made redundant last year, took the brave step of 
moving onto the New Enterprise Allowance and becoming self-employed with the help of a mentor recruited by the Chamber of Commerce.
In this case, Mandy’s mentor was John Gardner of North West Hampers who has a wealth of experience in helping companies in the food sector.
Mandy has now established herself as a artisan baker, The Bread Fairy, selling healthy loaves at farmers’ markets in East Lancashire. Read More »
Date: February 13, 2012
Time: 11:14 am
The Chamber of Commerce East Lancs has launched a new business network in a 
bid to stimulate growth in the Rossendale Valley.
‘Meet and Eat at the Chambers’ is a business-to-business networking group, where firms can forge contacts, debate hot topics that affect the region, and ultimately do business in a relaxed, informal environment.
The events, which are open to all businesses in East Lancashire, are being hosted at St Mary’s Chambers in Rawtenstall.
And the first one, which is free and takes place on Monday February 20, between 12 and 2pm, will feature a presentation from Andy MacNae, Councillor for Regeneration at Rossendale Borough Council. Read More »
Date: February 10, 2012
Time: 5:30 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is currently inviting tenders for the provision of Licensed Door Staff and Security Services to the King George’s Hall complex, Northgate Blackburn
Contract value: £135,000
Contract type: Open
Description: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is currently inviting tenders for the provision of Licensed Door Staff and Security Services to the King George’s Hall complex, Northgate Blackburn
Contract period: 3 years, with an option to extend for one year. It is anticpated the Contract will commence on 1st July 2012
Contact Name: Anne Macsmith, Regeneration Department
Contact Telephone No: 01254 582579 ext 210
Contact Email Address: anne.macksmith@blackburn.gov.uk
Postal Address: Head of Culture and Entertainment, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, 4th Floor Town Hall, Blackburn, BB1 7DY Read More »
Date: February 10, 2012
Time: 4:35 pm
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (BwDBC) is looking to award a Contract for the supply of Dog Control Officer Services for all areas within the boundary of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Applications: invited from suitably qualified and experienced organisations to provide Dog Control Officer Services (dog warden service and dog fouling surveillance and enforcement) which meets the relevant standards to which the Council subscribes
The Service: currently operates Monday – Sunday 9am to 5pm
Contract period: 2 years with 2 further 1 year extension options (on a 1 + 1 basis)
Contact Name: Maxine Philbin
Contact Telephone No: 01254 585120
Contact Email Address: maxine.philbin@blackburn.gov.uk
Postal address: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Strategic Procurement Team, E Floor, Town Hall, King William Street, Blackburn BB1 7DY
Read More »
