PRIME business club

Date: Wednesday 15 July and Tuesday 8 September, 2009
Time: 10am - 4pm
Venue: Central London

Meeting and building relationships with business contacts can be a real challenge, especially if you’re starting from scratch. This networking event will make it easy and enjoyable for you to meet like-minded people in an informal setting.

The event will include:

Networking activities

Hints and tips on how to best use your time to make quality contacts and what to do with them after the evening is over

One-to-one business advice sessions with John Mitchell

One-to-one benefits advice sessions with Shirley Spong

Workshop with Penny Power on how to network effectively both at the event and online, and how to turn those new contacts into business

Inspirational story from the guest speaker 

Event speakers

John Mitchell

John is an acknowledged specialist on self-employment for disabled and disadvantaged people who has recently assisted the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform in the development of the Business Support Simplification Programme launched in 2008.

Shirley Spong

Shirley started work for Greenwich council in 1983 providing free legal representation.
After three years she moved to work in a law centre as a specialist tribunal worker in what was then the third poorest borough in London. Shirley is currently working with Business Link in London to develop supportive and accessible programmes for would-be Deaf and disabled entrepreneurs that overcome the barriers that the benefit system creates.

Penny Power

In 1998 Penny came up with the idea of Ecademy, a Social Business Network to connect business people for learning, career and business development. Glenn Watkins joined Penny right at the beginning becoming Chief Executive in 2001.

Glenn built the business whilst Thomas Power took over as the front person for Ecademy. Penny spent time bringing up the children, remaining in the background of Ecademy, but always watching and contacting members.

Booking details

Reserve your place at this event on Wednesday 15 July, Stamford Street - Opens in a new window

Reserve your place at this event on Tuesday 8 September, Euston Road - Opens in a new window

Anne Walsh, 53 from Manchester, went from BT operations manager to quirky craftswoman, when she applied for voluntary redundancy.

BT operations manager Anne Walsh was the breadwinner for a disabled husband and three children. Fed up with her office job, Anne promised herself she would change her life when she turned 50. Anne applied for voluntary redundancy, sold her Porsche, and bought a van. She began to make gifts for family friends, and to sell on eBay. Anne made flowers out of socks, cakes and trifles out of soap and face cloths, and large cakes out of baby’s nappies. Anne says ‘the cakes definitely started as a hobby, but more and more people wanted them, and it soon became a business.’ My Unique Gifts now caters for a wealth of occasions from births and weddings to dog and cat pampering, with products ranging from £3.95 to £55.

Research

Anne’s first idea was the ‘nappy cake’. This is a fake cake made of disposable nappies, which Anne saw on holiday in San Francisco in 2001. Anne researched the product on the Internet and found that though extremely popular in the US and Canada, the nappy cake was barely on the British market. Anne purchased a ‘teach yourself’ DVD, and began to experiment. My Unique Gifts now boasts a whole range of nappy cakes from single to five tiered, complete with 96 nappies, two bottles, a pair of baby socks, baby suit and matching hat or bib, receiving blanket, crystal keepsake, photo frame, and soft toy.

Training

When Anne registered with PRIME, she was told where to go for business advice. She attended a free HMRC Business Advice Open Day, where PRIME hosted a seminar on working for yourself. Anne then booked herself onto a free HMRC workshop on self-employment tax issues. Anne says ‘both events were extremely helpful in getting to know the basics.’ But she did leave some things to the professionals, and hired a bookkeeper to document her accounts. The rest of Anne’s training was simply trying new things and learning as she went along.

Marketing and development

An early marketing tool was to circulate an email round Manchester College. A family friend, worked at the college, and sent out pictures of Christmas cakes that were on offer. This was very successful, and large orders flooded in. Anne now keeps her own mailing list, and sends out details of new gifts, or seasonal promotions.

Anne attended a craft fair with her Daughter in the Lake District, and was thrilled by the positive feedback her gifts received. The buzz spurred her on and Anne began to go to craft fairs and farmer’s markets on a regular basis. This brought in repeat customers, and the business began to expand.

Anne is now considering larger trade markets and has applied for her first two day event, the Stars and Stripes Classic American Car Show in Cheshire. Larger markets are £25 - £60 for the pitch; more expensive than the small craft fairs Anne is used to. But they provide a great opportunity to hit a larger and more commercial audience.

When going to get a logo painted on her van, Alan, the graphic designer gave Anne a tip. He recommended investing in a 0800 number. This means that if Anne’s real number (or ghost number) changes, the business line will remain the same, and customers will not be lost. The freephone number costs Anne about £60 a year. Calls cost an extra 4p a minute, but Anne keeps costs down by using her answer machine to take messages, then phoning people back from her landline, which has free minutes.

Anne’s main marketing weapon came in the form of stepson Steven Walsh. Steven is the Director of Marketing Success Unlimited, a company which specialises in branding and marketing campaign management, with a focus on online marketing. Steven provided Anne with business cards, letterheaded paper and flyers, and crucially created her website and online shop. This made Anne’s products more visible and accessible to customers outside Manchester. It also allowed people to pay by credit or debit card, which made the transaction process easier and safer for customers.

Problems

Anne’s main problem was finding suppliers that would keep the costs down. Where the Internet had proven an invaluable research tool in other areas, a lot of old warehouses were just not online. The Internet pointed to expensive and commercial manufacturers, and Anne had to dig a lot deeper to find wholesalers that provided a cost-effective price. Word of mouth became the best resource here. Anne asked friends that worked in retail, and got some good leads. Finally she was able to get her materials at a bargain, and bring down the asking price of her own gifts.

Future

Anne’s business is steadily growing and expanding. With each request, more socks and nappies are taking over the house. On 1st June 2009, Anne opened a shop and workshop, giving her business more space and achieving her target for 2009.

Contacts

Anne Walsh
53B North Road
Droylsden
Tameside
Manchester
M43 6NN
Freephone no: 0800 043 7156
Website: www.myuniquegifts.co.uk

Free Cobwebs (information factsheets) on renting, buying and choosing business premises are available from PRIME on request.

Business Link Enterprise Gateway Service, East Sussex is running a programme of FREE workshops.

Building Business Confidence
This FREE start up service builds your confidence through workshops, networking and one to one advice.

Four Simple Steps to Help you

 Step 1 - Personal Empowerment

Empower yourself! How to set goals, improve your confidence and communication and find your inspiration for business.

Step 2 - Beginners’ Market Research

How to research the people that matter, and understand the facts and figures you need to increase your confidence for business.

Step 3 - Business Basics and Budgets

Helping you decide if running a business is for you - giving you the essential grounding that you need and a clear next step action plan.

Step 4 - An Introduction to Tax

A no-nonsense tax workshop including straight-forward layouts, giving you confidence in your record-keeping and form-filling.

Workshop dates:

Tuesday 30 June, Hailsham - Step 1: Personal Empowerment

Wednesday 17 June, Hailsham - Step 2: Beginners’ Market Research

Wednesday 8 July, Hastings - Step 2: Beginners’ Market Research

Monday 22 June, Hailsham - Step 3: Business Basics & Budgets

Thursday 16 July, Hastings - Step 3: Business Basics & Budgets

Wednesday 24 June, Hailsham - Step 4: An Introduction to Tax

Monday 20 July, Hastings - Step 4: An Introduction to Tax

 To find out more or to book on to an event please contact Guy Walsh on 01444 259 329, email him at guy.walsh@businesslinksussex.co.uk or visit www.bringyourideastolife.co.uk  

Two big changes affecting the way government deals with small business have emerged out of the current political turmoil.

Firstly Alan Sugar, the business star from TV’s The Apprentice has accepted a new role promoting enterprise from within government. The role is unpaid, but Sir Alan is expected to accept a peerage, which will enable him to speak on business topics from within the House of Lords.

Text of official announcement below.
Press comment: Sugar

Secondly the government department with overall responsibility for business in the UK, BERR, is disappearing in a merger with DIUS, the department in charge of higer education. The new merged department, called BIS or “Business, Innovation and Skills”, will be taking over both roles - under the control of the current Business Secretary Peter Mandelson.

From BERR site

Sir Alan Sugar has been appointed as the Government’s Enterprise Champion.

Areas he may look at include access to finance, prompt payment, how to handle the downturn and how to start a new business. The post will be unpaid.

New Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS)

The Government has today created a new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills whose key role will be to build Britain’s capabilities to compete in the global economy. The Department will be created by merging BERR and DIUS.

According to the official announcement the new department’s tasks include:

Advocating the needs of business across government, especially of UK small businesses;

Investing in skills … to help people through the downturn and to prepare Britain for the future.
More in BERR press release

Press comment: BIS

Anne Martis, 58, from Banbury started her own walking holiday business after being made redundant in the summer of 2008. Less than a year on, Walk the Landscape is in full swing offering over 15 different guided walks. Anne says that ‘walkers get to know about England’s rich history and nature, as well as getting exercise and companionship.’ Prices are £25 per person for a day walk or £60 for the family, £230 per person for a 2 night weekend, and £590 per person for the week.

Walk the Landscape is a family business offering knowledge and experience of the Cotswold and Oxfordshire countryside. An average walk lasts 5-7 miles, but this can be made longer or shorter depending on ability and preference. The commentary can be anything from the Norman Conquest of 1066, mythological stone circles, Jane Austen, or the Cotswold Olimpick Games. And the group can refuel halfway through, and socialise with the locals at a traditional rural pub.

Anne first thought of Walk the Landscape, to subsidise her pension. But when she was made redundant from her job as a project manager in software development, Anne took the opportunity to do something about it. Anne’s first step was to seek training.

Training

PRIME recommended Enterprise on Track, a free course for older women starting up in business, at London Metropolitan University. The course consists of ten day-long sessions, spread over 20 weeks, and is focused towards health and community based businesses. London Met offers a selection of courses specific to women starting up in business, so they are worth checking out.

Anne also attended a Business Link course in Oxfordshire, for business start-ups. Here she learnt about public liability, which was essential in protecting the business legally. Anne devised a thorough booking form, so that she was aware (and welcoming) of any health problems, disabilities, or special requirements.

As well as the basics, Anne needed some qualifications for health and safety. She says ‘all our guides are now trained in first aid’. Walk the Landscape is therefore prepared for any accidents that may occur while the group is walking.

Research and Preparation

Anne boasts degrees in Botany and Agricultural Science, so she knows what to say about the flowers and wildlife. Anne’s historical knowledge of the area came from the five years she spent volunteering as a warden for the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As Anne got to know the Cotswolds by foot, she researched its heritage, and there began the desire to share what she had learnt with the community.

Anne did a lot of research in the local library. She searched the Internet, read popular history books, and discovered many things for the first time. Finding out about local Roman remains, was a particular surprise.

Establishing a presence

One way to make her business known was to get a website. Anne had previously done a Open University course in Website Design, which taught her how to use html. Anne was able to create an efficient website, using only Microsoft Word 2007, and skills she had learnt on the course. The website includes detailed descriptions of the walks available, a downloadable brochure and booking form and information about accommodation and the local area. As a special flourish, the site even has its own weather forecast.

Anne recently gave the business more authority, by registering as a Sole Trader. A Sole Trader has complete control of their business, as opposed to a Partnership; where two people have control, and a Limited Company; where the business has legal independence from its owners. One advantage of becoming a Sole Trader is that you do not have to register before you start trading. Anne says the process was ‘surprisingly easy. I just made a short phone call to Companies House, and that was that.’ For more information on choosing or registering a legal status, contact PRIME, and ask for the information factsheet (or Cobweb).

Problems

Despite Anne’s website, publicity is a big problem. She says: ‘Potentially, I have customers throughout Britain and the rest of the world, but it is difficult targeting them effectively on a limited budget’. Anne has no external funds to support Walk the Landscape, which means she is financing the whole thing with her redundancy money.

So far, Anne’s main cost has been travelling to the London Met. There is no equipment to buy, premises to rent, or employees to pay, so Anne has managed to set the business up on a remarkably low budget. Anne does not have to rely on loans or sponsorship to keep the business moving, which is great. But it does mean some of her options for growth are restricted. For example, Anne can probably not afford to target large circulation magazines or newspapers on a regular basis.

Anne is combating the publicity issue, by slowly building up a client base. She has devised a newsletter which people can subscribe to when they book their first holiday. By this means, Anne will gain regular customers. Other marketing strategies have been to give contact details to the South East and South West tourist boards, become linked to holiday websites, and provide hotels with leaflets to put in their foyers. Anne’s next idea is to approach schools, which will provide large numbers, and benefit from her educational style.

Contacts

Anne Martis
Tel: 01295 811003 (home) 07718 660070 (mobile)
Email: Anne.m@walkthelandscape.co.uk
Website: www.walkthelandscape.co.uk

Companies House
Tel: 0870 333 3636
Website: www.companieshouse.gov.uk

London Metropolitan University
Enterprise on Track - 020 7716 7015
The Centre for Micro Enterprise - 020 7320 1573
Email: hilary.farnworth@londonmet.ac.uk

PRIME
Astral House
1268 London Road
London
SW16 4ER
Tel: 0800 783 1904
Email: prime@ace.org.uk

Made redundant at 52, and suffering from Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME), the Job Centre told Tony Palmer that his chances of paid employment were slim. Tony took matters into his own hands and started his own engraving business.

Crystal Mountain Glass sells engraved awards, wedding gifts, decanters, bowls, and paperweights, as well as rock tablets with multilevel carving, and Swarovski crystals. Tony bulk buys the glass from a supplier in Scotland, and engraves it in a 12ft x 15ft workshop in his back garden. Prices vary, with engraved pet tags at £5, Swarovski Suncatchers from £15, and Champions Trophies at £250.

Tony was made redundant in April 2008. He applied for jobs, but was never granted an interview. Tony suspected this was due to his age and health issues, and the Job Centre agreed with him. Tony says ‘I sat down and discussed it with my wife Marion. We chose self-employment because it was the only option’. On the 1st September 2008, the business was launched.

Starting up

Tony cashed in his pension to buy his equipment and start the business. The equipment cost around £12,000 as some of it had to be imported from America. By giving up his pension, Tony runs the risk of relying on job seekers allowance if the business is unsuccessful. Yet Tony is confident in his ability, and so far, all is going well.

Tony’s first step to becoming self-employed was to ‘get advice’. Tony attended free HMRC workshops on tax returns and VAT. This helped Tony decide whether to be VAT registered or not, and helped him understand about accounts and bookkeeping. Tony is now thinking of taking on an accountant to save time, but is clued up enough to know what is what.

Tony took part in Business Link workshops, which focused on starting in business, and creating a website. He plans to attend a further course on increasing website traffic, and has requested an information factsheet (or Cobweb) on the same, from PRIME. Tony’s main tip in becoming self-employed is ‘Get as much advice as possible. It is free and always valuable’. You can find details of free workshops in your area by going to www.primebusinessclub.com/category/events.

Marketing

Tony and Marion attend craft fairs each month. A pitch can cost anything between £70 and £170 for a 6ft area. The fairs are a way of spreading the word, and can often bring in large orders a few months down the line. Tony says ‘people will talk to us at an event, then a sports day or award ceremony will pop up, and they’ll remember and give us a call’.

Tony wanted to employ a website designer, but every quote was 4 figures so he did it himself instead. Tony went to www.123-reg.co.uk and bought a domain name. It was then about £70 for a software package, which allowed Tony to upload information via already formatted templates.

When looking for a glass supplier, Tony made a shrewd move with The Glass Scribe International in Scotland. As well as getting a good deal on wholesale glass, Tony became sole distributor for The Glass Scribe in London. This meant that Tony got a free listing as a stockist on The Glass Scribe’s website, as well as being able to show off his collection to those picking up orders.

Networking

Tony attends a small business club, once a month, in Thurrock. ‘It is good to mix with businesses that are in different stages of development’ says Tony. People share knowledge and tips, and it is also a good chance to gain contacts, and talk about your own product.

Problems

Tony suffers from Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME). ME can cause severe fatigue and malaise after mental or physical activity. Tony’s old job demanded long periods of visual processing; about 60% of the time dedicated to looking at a computer screen. Tony would go for so many weeks, but then have to take time off to recover. Now his own boss, Tony can have what his specialist calls ‘a modified living style’. He brakes up his time in front of the computer, interchanging it with other aspects of the business. As a result, Tony’s ME becomes more manageable.

Seven months after Crystal Mountain Glass began, and the business is beginning to fund itself. But work is sporadic, and Tony and Marion sometimes have to dip into their bank account to keep the cash flow going. This is a temporary solution, until orders become more regular.

What Tony really wants, is enough profit to support a showroom or a shop. That way people could peruse the collection first hand, just like they do at the craft fairs. With an increasing customer base, and regular marketing, it is surely just a matter of time.

Contact

Crystal Mountain Glass
23 Somerset Gardens
Basildon
Essex
SS13 3JJ
Tel: 07504 779038
E-mail: tony.palmer@crystalmountainglass.co.uk
Website: www.crystalmountainglass.co.uk

The Open Day programme is the biggest government business support road show, designed to provide free information and support to businesses, through a series of exhibitions across the country.

It is organised by HM Revenue and Customs, who invite local organisations and representatives of national bodies such as PRIME that can provide support and advice to local businesses. The organisations chosen all operate on an “other than for profit” i.e. non-commercial basis.

At this free event you will have access to a full team of experts who provide advice and technical support on a range of subjects, covering every stage of your business from start-up, through growth and expansion to pension arrangements when you retire. Free seminars cover topics such as meeting government regulations, funding, marketing and enhancing your business through new technology.

Click on the link below to find out more and to book your place.

Website Link: http://www.businessadviceday.gov.uk/events/

The Open Day programme is the biggest government business support road show, designed to provide free information and support to businesses, through a series of exhibitions across the country.

It is organised by HM Revenue and Customs, who invite local organisations and representatives of national bodies such as PRIME that can provide support and advice to local businesses. The organisations chosen all operate on an “other than for profit” i.e. non-commercial basis.

At this free event you will have access to a full team of experts who provide advice and technical support on a range of subjects, covering every stage of your business from start-up, through growth and expansion to pension arrangements when you retire. Free seminars cover topics such as meeting government regulations, funding, marketing and enhancing your business through new technology.

Click on the link below to find out more and to book your place.

Website Link: http://www.businessadviceday.gov.uk/events/

The Open Day programme is the biggest government business support road show, designed to provide free information and support to businesses, through a series of exhibitions across the country.

It is organised by HM Revenue and Customs, who invite local organisations and representatives of national bodies such as PRIME that can provide support and advice to local businesses. The organisations chosen all operate on an “other than for profit” i.e. non-commercial basis.

At this free event you will have access to a full team of experts who provide advice and technical support on a range of subjects, covering every stage of your business from start-up, through growth and expansion to pension arrangements when you retire. Free seminars cover topics such as meeting government regulations, funding, marketing and enhancing your business through new technology.

Click on the link below to find out more and to book your place.

Website Link: http://www.businessadviceday.gov.uk/events/

Date: Thursday 28 May 2009 - Friday 29 May 2009

Time: 10am to 5pm both days

Venue: ExCeL London, One Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock,London E16 1XL

Status: PRIME exhibiting

PRIME has a stand (740) at this excellent free show. Come and talk to us.

Business Startup 2009 is a large event with 230 exhibitors and a programme of over 140 seminars. Both the show and the seminars are free. You can order tickets online at www.bstartup.com, or phone 0800 328 0467.

GETTING THERE
ExCeL London is located 10 minutes from Canary Wharf, in the heart of the former Royal Docks. The site is bracketed by three Docklands Light Railway stations, and has parking for 4,000 cars. Venue details.

Gill from Wigan asks:

Are there any tax incentives to run a business from home?

Emma Jones, Business woman, author and editor, replies: 

Hi Gill

 There are many incentives to run a business from home! If you’re already doing so, you’ll be feeling the benefits of low overheads and no commute. But yes, on top of that and in answer to your question, there are some tax benefits too. The biggest one is related to the expenses you can claim when running your business from home. The simplest way to carry out the calculation is to add up the annual costs (as applicable) of:

• Gas / electric / solid fuel
• Council Tax
• Contents / buildings insurance
• Water rates

Next, simply count up the number of principal rooms in the house (kitchen, reception rooms, bedrooms, bathroom etc). If there are seven, and one is used for half business, half personal (eg spare bedroom / office) then half of one seventh of these expenses are allowed and can be claimed against your tax bill. You can also claim for the business element of telephone bills and business travel.

Other planning you can do, is issue a number of shares to your spouse or partner so they are able to receive part of a dividend paid for the year, and you can claim their personal allowance.  Also, did you know that paying your children to work in the business is a way to reduce tax? As long as your children are over 13 and perform appropriate tasks within the business for a sensible salary, there is nothing to stop you paying them for work done to reduce your business tax liability.

We have many features on this topic at www.enterprisenation.com so I hope you’ll visit to take a look. It would be well worth your time - and will cut your tax bill!

 Emma Jones is founder of Enterprise Nation the home business website, and author of Spare Room Start Up - how to start a business from home.

John Lamb, editor of Ability magazine, replies:

 I have a home office and there are no tax incentives to encourage people to work from home; rather the opposite. Local authorities don’t want people carrying out businesses from residential properties that might disturb the neighbours or cost them lucrative business rates. However, you can claim a proportion of your home heating, lighting, maintenance and rent or mortgage against business expenses (your accountant will work that out for you).

John Lamb is the editor of Ability magazine, a campaigning publication for people who have difficulty using IT.

There are no special tax incentives of running a business from home. However, expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business should be deductible in calculating the taxable profits of the business - either as revenue expenses (for example, heating, telephone, lighting) or under the capital allowances system (for example, in respect of computers, furniture and other qualifying plant and equipment). In many instances, the “wholly and exclusively” rule may not be satisfied and the local inspector may agree to an apportionment on a just and reasonable basis for the purposes of determining the amount of tax relief available.

One trap to be careful of is the restriction which could apply to the principal private residence exemption. The exemption is available under the capital gains tax regime in respect of gains arising from the disposal of a principal private residence - the gain normally is free of tax. However, if any part of the house is used exclusively for business purposes, then the capital gains tax exemption may be limited. So ensure that no space is used exclusively for the purposes of the business, and substantive private use is made of the space from which the business is run.

 Vishvas Kanji is a Tax Consultant for Mishcon de Reya Solicitors. You can find out more about his services here.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and are not held by PRIME unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute legal, accounting, tax or other personalised advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. It is not a substitute for independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

About Ask the Experts

PRIME has assembled a team of business experts who have generously volunteered to answer your questions for free. You can read more about them here, or Ask your own question.

Elizabeth from Doncaster asks:

I would love to start up my own little business in Horticulture /gardening. Where can I get the best possible training?

Dick Stroud, Author, managing director, lecturer, repies:

It is not clear if the training you require is about horticulture/gardening or how to establish a small business. I will give you some advice about the latter.

 Firstly, there seems to be a great deal of advice available on the Web. From a few minutes searching I found a site that was packed with information called start a gardening business.

There looks to be an excellent book called : ‘Starting Your Own Gardening Business: An Insider Guide to setting yourself up as a professional gardener.’ This is available from Amazon for under £4.00.

I would suggest that you look at the resources available from your local Business Link. You can find these by going to www.businesslink.gov.uk and putting in your postcode. The national Business Link site contains lots of advice guides about all types of start-up business issues. Look at them here.

I am sure you will also find there will be courses run at your local colleges about starting a business. The man who does my gardening has more work that he can handle so there is undoubtedly a demand for gardening services!

Good luck.

Dick Stroud founded and expanded his own marketing consultancy company 20plus30, focusing on 50-Plus consumers. His latest book is The 50-Plus Market.  

Robert Ashton, author, speaker and small business owner, replies:

Contact your local agricultural college and ask their advice. Also consider working part time for someone already in the business you’re planning and then learning from them.

Robert Ashton is a popular business speaker and runs ‘Business Boot Camps’ for entrepreneurs seeking growth. 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and are not held by PRIME unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute legal, accounting, tax or other personalised advice. You should not rely on this information to make (or refrain from making) any decisions. It is not a substitute for independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

About Ask the Experts

PRIME has assembled a team of business experts who have generously volunteered to answer your questions for free. You can read more about them here, or Ask your own question.

Expect the fear of a pandemic and measures taken to combat it to have an impact well in advance of the disease itself, if or when it arrives.

Most of the advice so far seems to be aimed at large businesses, but many of the principles still apply. Have everyone’s mobile phone numbers to hand, backup computer and web data properly in case services go down. Observe enhanced hygiene practices. Think through the implications of things like restrictions on travel, the closure of venues and the unavailability of key services and staff.

Time for preparation not panic (PDF) - thorough discussion of possible impact from insurance broking giant and risk management specialist Willis.

Gartner business continuity blog Frequent updates but from a very American perspective

Basic facts about influenza pandemics - PDF briefing from European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC)

Personal protective measures - PDF briefing from ECDC goes into more detail than most

Latest on outbreak from European Centre for Disease Control

The Pitch 2009 is a competition run by Sift Media, the company behind the useful BusinessZone.co.uk small business web site. Its aim is to find “Britain’s most innovative small companies”. The winner gets a package of business support including practical help on PR, marketing and doing business online valued by the organisers at £50,000.

To enter, your business must be based in the UK, established for less than three years and employ no more than 20 staff. If you are just starting you don’t have to be fully up and trading yet, but “you must be able to demonstrate a sound business plan and evidence that there is a proven market for your product or service”.

According to the application form “the judges will look for innovation, engagement with customers, sound financial and business planning, and an understanding of where the opportunities exist in the market for your product or service”.

The entry form is a Microsoft Word document that you can download here. Any queries contact Sift Media’s Rita Andrews on 0117 915 9619.

Shortlisted entrants get to attend their nearest regional heat, where they pitch to a live panel Dragon’s Den style. These are taking place on 9 June 2009 in Bristol, 17 June in Manchester, 23 June in Glasgow, 8 July in Birmingham and 14 July in London.

The final will take place in central London during Enterprise Week, the week of 16-22 November 2009.

The application closing dates for the regional heats are as follows:

• Bristol: 18 May
• Manchester: 25 May
• Glasgow: 1 June
• Birmingham: 15 June
• London: 22 June

PRIME is currently working with Success Doncaster to help you assess your idea and decide if this could be the right move for you. To take up this offer you should reside in the DMBC area.  

For more information about starting your own business come along to our free Workshop Session for beginners!!

We will focus on:

• What your strengths are and how you might be able to use them by working for yourself
• What you have to do to ‘officially’ start ‘trading’
• How to start looking for customers, finance and premises

To book your FREE place call PRIME on: 0800 783 1904