DDU Newsletter for October 2008: Issue 60
Monthly news and events from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Digital Development Unit...
Included in this edition:
Free seminar for local businesses to learn about VOIP technology
The new Pennine Lancashire Business Website is launched
We highlight the financial assistance available from Lancashire County Developments (LCDL)
VOIP - A practical guide for small business
Free seminar for Pennine Lancashire businesses
VOIP (Voice over IP) is a great technology that can be used to gain real benefit in business communications, to reduce call charges and increase business efficiency but is it really suitable for your business? Does the hype match the reality? Find out from the experts.
- What is VOIP - the key facts
- Increase staff productivity using VOIP
- Reduce telecom expenditure using VOIP
- Find the right supplier/case studies/pitfalls
Date: Thursday 30th October, 8:30 for 9:00 start, breakfast provided
Venue: The Hamburg Suite, Turf Moor Enterprise Haven, Turf Moor, Burnley BB10 4BZ
The new Pennine Lancashire Business Website launched
Pennine Lancashire Business Net has been created to provide access to information about business support, business resources and local events for businesses in and around Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley and Pendle. With the emphasis on Technology & Innovation, the website offers advice, knowledge base articles and useful contacts to help local businesses exploit their potential.
Through the Marketplace service, the site also helps to put Pennine Lancashire businesses in touch with each other with the aim of promoting local trade.
Business Finance and Loans
Business loans are available to Lancashire companies through the No Limits supported project, Business Investement Deals (BID). This government funded scheme, supports businesses with access to flexible finance.
Small loans of under £5,000 will be offered at affordable rates, achieved through local Credit Unions, who are supported by a Loan Guarantee fund. Loans over £5,000 up to £500,000 will be made available through Rosebud finance. Rosebud Finance is managed by Enterprise Ventures on behalf of Lancashire County Councils economic development department, Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL). This loan fund is available to all businesses in Lancashire except Blackpool and under the No Limits BID project, provision has been put in place to offer the loan to businesses in Blackburn with Darwen’s eligible areas as well. This is an unsecured loan. The interest rate is bank rate plus 2% and also has an administration fee of 2.5%.
For enquiries contact Ishwer Tailor or Sue Roberts on 01772 536600 or e-mail your enquiry
Lancashire Business Awards - The BIBA's
Hailed as the 'One that they all want to win', the BIBA's is the most ambitious business awards programme of its kind in the North West. The BIBA's 2009 are again supported by a star line up of sponsors. The extent of this support has helped the BIBA's to be the most recognisable and important endorsements of corporate and individual achievement in Lancashire.
Closing date for applications is 19th December 2008
Local News for October 2008
Precision Polymer Engineering 'seals' their growth
Precision Polymer Engineering Ltd (PPE) was formed more than 30 years ago and is a specialist manufacturer of elastomer (rubber) seals used in a wide variety of industries but generally always at the high end of technology. During the last five years the company has achieved a growth rate of some 25% per annum.
The DDU has been involved with the company supporting projects which have contributed towards this growth.
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