DDU Newsletter for March 2009: Issue 65
Monthly news and events from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Digital Development Unit...
Included in this edition:
Last of the free Survive and Thrive events from the Manufacturing Institute
The British Library offers free intellectual property and business information online
Local manufacturer Tiny Tots wins contract, brought back into the UK from China
Internet Marketing: Building a successful web business
ONLY 10 PLACES LEFT: BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPOINTMENT
Online sales are forecast to double to £60 billion in the UK alone by 2011. Make sure you get your share by building a successful web business.
This powerful free seminar will give you all the tools, techniques and approaches to equip you for a successful online future.
Jan Klin, one of the most sought after speakers in internet marketing, will share with you some great success stories and powerful success techniques.
Date: Thursday 26th March, 8:30am for 9:00am start, buffet breakfast provided
Venue: Lancashire Digital Technology Centre, Bancroft Road, Burnley BB10 2TP Map
Manufacturers' Survive & Thrive: Winning Through Innovation
Last in the series of free events on how to guide your business through tough times
Shrinking market opportunities and challenging times call for new ideas and different ways of doing things. Speed to market is also critical in beating your competitors to the winner's post. Dr Adegoke Oke, a world authority on innovation will talk you through the innovation life-cycle and the best approach for the downturn. We'll also bring you an inspirational case study and practical information on the initiatives, opportunities and support open to you.
Date: Wednesday 25th March, 8:00am to 12:00pm
Venue: Mysercough College, Bilsborrow, Preston, PR3 0RY Location details
Free e-courses on intellectual property.
The British Library Business & IP Centre is offering courses on intellectual property which are totally free, easy to access, and being on-line don’t require you to come to the British Library in London. The Business & IP Centre provides free help for people that are thinking about starting a business or have already started one giving access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Find out more be visiting the website below.
Helping Businesses Explore New Horizons
As the economic downturn takes hold, many local businesses are looking overseas to create and exploit new sales channels. However operating in an overseas market brings new challenges, which can be time consuming and are further complicated by language barriers and legislation. The Enterprise European Network (EEN) is part of the official European Union business support network that helps companies take advantage of the wealth of opportunities across Europe.
Latest Business Finance from NWDA
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) manages or funds a number of finance products aimed at helping businesses start up and expand. These include:
Research & Development Grants - A grant scheme to help business owners fund the R&D required to get new products and processes to market.
Grant for Business Investment - Grants aimed at major investment projects which will increase the Northwest's productivity, skills and employment.
Small Loans for Business - A loan scheme help new business owners and entrepreneurs start up and develop their ventures.
Business Angel Finance - Putting robust, proven small businesses in touch with potential private investors.
For local Pennine Lancashire support and advice on accessing finance in this area, contact the No Limits team on 0800 612 2029 or email info@no-limits.org.uk website: www.no-limits.org.uk
Local News for March 2009
Recycling works for Ethical IT
This Blackburn based start up business specialises in asset management and the recycling management of IT equipment. Their market research suggested that there was a need for a business locally that can collect, grade and recycle IT equipment especially for large users such as the Police, Local Authorities, schools and colleges. There appeared to be no other business in the area that provides this full collection and grading service. The DDU assisted Ethical IT with the development and marketing of their website which is now effectively marketing their brand to the local area.
Tiny Tots tutu good
Tiny Tots was established in 1992 and became a limited company in 2003. The company started life manufacturing babies’ trainer pants and embroidered nappy pants and other baby wear and then moved progressively in to ladies nightwear, selling generally to wholesalers. Since 2002 the company has lost business to off shore competition and by 2007 turnover had fallen to 60% of the 2002 levels.
The company had been approached by one of its current customers to develop a range of ladies and girls tutu skirts. The customer was sourcing these skirts from China but due to problems with poor quality and unreliable delivery wanted to place this business in the UK. In order to fulfill this order, Tiny Tots needed to invest in new machinery and turned to the DDU for advice and assistance. The DDU provided help and financial support to allow the project to go ahead and it is now expected that demand for the tutu skirts will reach 1,500 to 2,000 pieces per week.
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