Deciding to Start and Business Planning

Brocks Hill Visitor Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ

This workshop is an introduction to all aspects of running your own business. The session will help you decide whether self employment is right for you, look at your personal motivation and cover pitfalls and benefits of being your 'own boss'. You can also find out more about legal and regulatory issues such as business status, Insurance, employment legislation and taxation. Time: 09.30 to 16.00 Cost: Free.

Contact: Welland Enterprise Agency

Phone: 01476 531027

Supercharge Your Sales

Park Plaza Hotel, Nottingham

This free seminar from Kando Business Coaching will show business owner what they can do to implement a real marketing plan that works and ensures profits grow exponentially - even during a recession. Time: 18.30 to 20.30. Cost: Free.

Contact: fiona@kandobusinesscoaching.com

Phone: 01246 822 405

Amber Workshop - East Midlands

Highgate House, Groom's Lane, Creaton, Northampton NN6 8NN

A two-day workshop aimed at early stage businesses in the East Midlands - particularly those seeking seed, start-up or early stage funding. Delegates undertake this top-class workshop to understand what investors are really looking for, to build a sound business case and a winning investment proposition, and to learn how to undertake that all important pitch for finance. Organised by Connect Midlands. Time: 08.30 to 17.00 on March 16 and 17. Cost: Free.

Contact: Ian Hope

Phone: 01509 228707

Email: invoredeast@connectmidlands.org

Letters of Credit & Getting Paid

Commerce House, Lincoln

This course takes you through the procedures from receipt of an enquiry to presentation of documents. It deals with the problems of how to avoid unworkable credits, avoiding the necessity for amendments, and basic errors. It looks at the new code of conduct, UCP600 and some of the areas where it differs from the previous code, UCP500. It examines basic documentary collection methods using Bills of Exchange, and concludes with a practical exercise in checking documents courtesy of one of the major banks. Time: 09.00 to 12.30. £120 + VAT for Lincolnshire Chamber members, £150 + VAT for non-members.

Contact: Helen Tomkinson

Phone: 01522 523333

Enterprising Women Annual Luncheon

Shottle Hall Country House Hotel, Shottle, Derbyshire DE56 2EB

A two-course luncheon featuring guest speaker Michelle Feeney, CEO of St Tropez self-tan. Time: 12.00 to 14.00. Cost: £25 + VAT for members of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, £45 + VAT for non-members.

Contact: events@dncc.co.uk

Phone: 01332 851280

Introduction To Importing

Commerce House, Lincoln

This course is aimed at staff involved in buying, administration, shipping, and accounts, for the Importing function, also those who require an understanding of Import Duty, VAT and Duty Relief. Time: 13.00 to 16.30. Cost: £120 + VAT for Lincolnshire Chamber members, £150 + VAT for non-members.

Contact: Helen Tomkinson

Phone: 01522 523333

Financial Planning

The Old Wisteria Hotel, Catmose Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HW

This workshop will illustrate the importance of sound financial planning when setting up a business as well as equipping you with an appreciation of the basics involved in the financial planning process. Time: 09.30 to 12.30. Cost: Free.

Contact: Welland Enterprise Agency

Phone: 01476 531027

Managing the Money & the Risk

The Old Wisteria Hotel, Catmose Street, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6HW

This practical workshop examines different ways of keeping financial record. It covers the importance and value of keeping basic financial records, what to keep and how to go about it vital - information for new businesses. Time: 13.00 to 16.00. Cost: Free.

Contact: Welland Enterprise Agency

Phone: 01476 531027

Sales & Marketing

Brocks Hill Visitor Centre, Washbrook Lane, Oadby, Leicester, LE2 5JJ

A free workshop which looks at Research, Competitive Advantage, Advertising & Promotion. Learn how to overcome the fear of selling and convert your effort into sales, examining and practicing some closing techniques. Time: 09.30 to 16.00. Cost: Free

Contact: Welland Enterprise Agency

Phone: 01476 531027

The Companies Act 2006

Angel Hotel, 37 High Street, Market Harborough, LE16 7AF

A course covering all the major areas of change introduced by the Companies Act 2006. Time: 14:00 to 17.30. Cost: £70 for members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, £85 for non-members.

Contact: Vicky Nicholas

Phone: 0115 822 1883

Email: vicky.nicholas@icaew.com