Mansfield and Ashfield: Free sessions aid new businesses

The first in a series of free seminars for new Mansfield businesses and those considering starting up has got off to a flying start.

The 2014 programme launched with a presentation by award-winning PR professional Graham Parker on how social media can help businesses.

Under the title ‘Social media, the big picture’, he explained how social media platforms such as Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter can be vital communication tools for business development.

The series has been organised by The Entrepreneurs’ Forum, which itself was set up by Ashfield and Mansfield Regeneration Shared Service.

The aim is to connect like-minded individuals for the sharing of ideas and learning, as well as providing support and encouraging inter-trading.

The forum’s sessions are delivered by expert speakers and are funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Future sessions include: Thursday 15 May 7.30am - Creative thinking and problem solving with Amanda Pearce-Burton; Thursday 17 July 12noon - The art of being brilliant with Tony Seymour; Thursday 18 September 7.30am - Taking customer meetings from good to great, with Charles Barnascone; Thursday 6 November 5.30pm - Marketing with a passion with Lindsey Newman-Wood.

The two-hour workshops take place at The Summit Centre, Pavilion Road, Kirkby.

They all start with a 30-minute breakfast, lunch or buffet tea and are followed by a networking session.

The forum also provides advice, support and information on a wide range of issues facing businesses as well as a one-to-one mentoring support programme, which helps business owners to increase their business knowledge, self-awareness and confidence.

“The programme of seminars for 2014 aims to address some important current issues and challenges,” said coun Kate Allsop, portfolio holder for regeneration at Mansfield District Council. “These seminars provide the ideal opportunity for people who have just started their own business, or those thinking about starting a business, to meet and learn from others in a similar situation.”

To reserve your place at a session, call the Ashfield and Mansfield Shared Regeneration team on 01623 463165 or email [email protected]