business support overview - wigan business. support includes: • free two day business step up...

Business Support 2013 / 2014

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This document has been developed in order to raise awareness of the support and advice services available to businesses in the borough of Wigan. Although not an exhaustive list, it provides comprehensive details of a wide spectrum of support, offered by Wigan Council and other key stakeholders.

If you find this information useful, you may wish to subscribe to Wigan Council’s quarterly Business E-Bulletin, which includes everything

from forthcoming events; funding opportunities; good news and much more.

To subscribe to the Business E-Bulletin email [email protected]

To keep up to date with local business support, please join us on: twitter.com/wiganexpo; facebook.com/wiganbusinessexpo or linkedin.com (search groups for Wigan Business Expo).

Business Start Up Support (BSUS)

Wigan Council is one of a number of partners working with Blue Orchid to deliver the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Business Start Up Support (BSUS) programme, which aims to create and sustain new business in a number of areas including Wigan. Blue Orchid Management Consultants will lead on this, working with a number of partners to help new businesses establish themselves and create employment. Support includes:

• One to one specialist advice

• Business coaching

• Full assisted business planning and cash flow forecasting

• Networking opportunities

• Business related workshops

• One to one advice for existing businesses i.e. SME’s trading less than 3 years.

They have a base in Wigan Investment Centre, but with drop in sessions and activity taking place across Wigan and Leigh.

For further information, please contact:

Blue Orchid Wigan Investment Centre Waterside Drive Wigan WN3 5BA 01942 862832 www.theblueorchid.co.uk

New business start ups

Business Support in Wigan Borough

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School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE)

SSE provides free Social Enterprise support in Wigan as part of the Business Start Up Support (BSUS) programme.

SSE North West is part of the award winning Blackburne House Group, a training led social enterprise which delivers high quality training, education and opportunities to enable individuals to reach their true potential.

SSE North West is offering free business advice and support to create and sustain new social enterprises in Wigan.

In 2013, SSE will continue to work to strengthen and grow the social enterprise sector throughout the borough. Blackburne House Group are supporting the development of the growing social enterprise sector across Wigan by promoting opportunities to network, trade, learn and share.

For further information, please contact:

Cathy Varley 01942 748806 www.the-sse.org catherinevarley@ blackburnehouse.co.uk

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust

Through Creative Boost, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) is targeting the creative industries sector by supporting people to set up their own business. Support includes:

• Free two day business step up programme

• Free financial advice

• Free advice on how to exploit creative potential

• Free dedicated one-to-one mentoring.

This project will run until June 2015.

Most activities will take place within the borough’s libraries.

For further information contact:

Wendy Heaton 01942 489791 [email protected]

You can also leave your name and contact details at any library in the borough.

Twitter:@CreativeBoostWL

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New Enterprise Allowance (NEA)

Blue Orchid delivers the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) funded New Enterprise Allowance scheme in Greater Manchester. The Government funded New Enterprise Allowance Scheme is to help Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants aged 18 and over who want to start their own business.

In October 2012, the Government announced that JSA claimants would have access to NEA from the first day of their claim, instead of having to wait for 6 months.

For more details contact:

Blue Orchid 01942 862832 or visit: www.theblueorchid.co.uk

Douglas Valley Properties Limited – Enterprise Centres

Douglas Valley Properties Limited offers new businesses the opportunity of unique start-up incubator units/workshops at affordable prices through its Enterprise Centres, situated in Wigan, Atherton and Leigh.

Tenants can access on the spot business advice and planning from a qualified business advisor.

With flexible licences and a variety of styles of units/workshops Douglas Valley Properties Limited offers a variety of options for any business, new or existing.


John Burns Enterprise Manager Douglas Valley Properties Ltd 01942 208801 [email protected]

Start Up Support for Disabled Entrepreneurs

From the 14 January 2013, Esther McVey – Minister for Disabled People, announced that disabled entrepreneurs will receive extra support to start up their own business in 2013.

The support will come via the Government’s flagship programme ‘Access to Work’, a disability employment programme delivered by Jobcentre Plus.

The programme will give disabled people the same choices as everyone else – in every sector, from hairdressing to engineering.

The measure aims to further boost the number of disabled people who are self-employed.

The funding is available from the 14 January 2013 and disabled people need to be enrolled on the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), which provides expert coaching and financial support for jobseekers with a business idea. The programme provides grants direct to the individual to reimburse them for approved costs and is very flexible in order to meet individual needs.

During 2012, Access to Work helped over 30,000 disabled people retain or find jobs, with around 4,500 working in small businesses.

Research also shows that around half (45%) of Access to Work customers would be out of work if they did not receive support through the scheme.

To be eligible for the programme a person must:

• Have a disability or health condition that stops them from being able to do parts of the job

• Have work-related costs because of the disability or health condition

• Be 16 or over; and

• In a paid job; or

• Unemployed and about to start a job; or

• Unemployed and about to start a Jobcentre Plus Work Trial; or

• Self-employed.

Types of support that can be provided under the programme include:

• Special aids and equipment

• Support Workers

• Travel to work

• Communicator support at interview.

Anyone interested in applying for this support can search ‘Access to Work’ at www.gov.uk to find out details of the appropriate contact centres.

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The Micro-market project

The micro-market project covers the whole borough. For the next 12 months the project will be supporting people who have ideas for local support services or activities that have a health, social care or wellbeing focus, to make their idea a reality. People will be offered help in using their talents and imagination to set up sustainable, small-scale social care and health services (micro-enterprises) that people can buy to live their lives.

These micro-enterprises are offered by a wide range of people, including disabled and older people and family carers. They provide a real choice for people and have proved to be an accessible route into enterprise for local people and an important source of local jobs and volunteering opportunities.

The project will support local people to gain the information and advice, funding and support needed to develop ideas and make them sustainable. Whether it is creating a voluntary service or making a living from the idea, the team are there to help.

For further information contact one of the project co-ordinators:

Mark Gallagher (Wigan, Orrell, Standish, Winstanley) 07741 260674 [email protected]

Jenni Kirkham (Hindley, Platt Bridge, Ashton, Golborne) 07741 260675 [email protected]

Clare Roberts (Leigh, Atherton, Tyldesley) 07741 260676 [email protected]

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Staff Finder Service

Wigan Council provides free support for businesses to recruit local staff. The support includes a single point of contact for all recruitment needs, impartial help and advice to access Government financial incentives to employ local people, and support in employing apprentices. Every companies recruitment needs are different and the service is individually tailored to ensure your business recruits the right staff and is successful.

For further information contact: Kevin Walsh Wigan Council Business Support and Growth Team 01942 489179 [email protected]

Employment and training / development

The Employment Charter

Wigan Council’s Employment Charter is a voluntary agreement which invites employers to recruit and train local people in their businesses. The aim of the Employment Charter is to help develop the social and physical regeneration of local communities within Wigan Borough.

It is designed to encourage businesses to employ local people. By working together it is possible to create and maintain a skilled and highly motivated workforce in Wigan Borough.

Benefits to employers include:

• Free vacancy promotion service.

• Identify and offer relevant training.

• Publicity and promotion.

For further information about the Employment Charter and how to sign up to it contact:

Matt Stockwell Wigan Council Business Support and Growth Team 01942 489177 [email protected]

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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to national recognised qualifications. You can use Apprenticeships to train both new and existing employees who are moving into a new or changed job role and need to learn new skills. They are designed by the Sector Skills Councils, while the National Apprenticeship Service helps to fund the training.

Training and Employment

Most of the training is ‘on the job’ – at your premises. The rest can be provided by a local college or by a specialist learning provider, or you could deliver everything yourself.

For further details about apprenticeships and how they are funded visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk Alternatively, for information on apprenticeships or learning providers operating within Wigan borough contact:

Claire Todd Wigan Council Learning and Transition Team 01942 486014 [email protected]

Work Place Learning Initiative

Wigan and Leigh College are offering free work related skills training for employed individuals with low skills.

The employee will access training that will raise their level of attainment, potentially improve their employment status and to undertake higher levels of training.

Individuals must be:

• Over 19 years of age

• Live or work in the North West; and

• If they do have a qualification already it has to be below level 2 (GCSE or O Level is Level 2).

The training offer is wide and varied and covers multiple sectors including catering; customer service; care; cleaning; business; skills for life; manufacturing; trades; childcare and much more.


Gareth Sutton 01942 761859 or 07747715744 [email protected]

Amy Atherton 01942 761615 [email protected]

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Access2Finance NW

Access to Finance (A2F) offers free and impartial one-to-one advice for Business Growth Hub clients (see Business Growth Hub entry) and partners, from a team of finance specialists including qualified accountants and former bank managers. Support available includes:

• An assessment of existing financial position and funding requirements

• Advice on the development of a business plan with financial and other supporting information

• Identification of the finance products which are appropriate for a business. Funding sources include equity and debt products relevant to the stage of business development

• Typical manufacturing funding requirements handled cover –

• Capital Investment programmes

• Business Development – Introduction new products / development new markets , including exporting

• Coaching and mentoring to develop an investment proposition suitable for a lender or investor

• Specific support with identifying and accessing appropriate grant funding for project developments and establishing a route of access to Regional Growth Funds within the region

• Introductions to suitable finance providers

• Introductions to other business support and financial service providers appropriate to the circumstances of the business

• Support at meetings with lenders and investors

• A2F services are also offered in a group learning environment.


Ian Dixon, Head Of Access to Finance Northwest 07825 072109 [email protected] www.a2fnw.co.uk

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Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

Greater Manchester Chamber is the largest Chamber of Commerce in the UK with over 5,000 members. It is an independent not-for-profit, private company providing business support to companies of all shapes and sizes through a range of sector-based membership services. Although they are a membership based organisation, they also deliver business support services to thousands of non-member companies.

They influence key decision-makers in local and central Government and are regularly consulted for feedback from the business community when policy is being developed, locally and nationally. So, being a member of the Chamber means that your voice will be heard.

For further information on membership details and costs, contact the Chamber via their website or the relevant team on the numbers below:

Membership team 0845 602 9469 [email protected]

Chamber Policy team 0161 236 3210 [email protected]

Chamber PR team 0161 237 4103 [email protected]

Events team 0161 359 3597 [email protected]

International Trade team 0845 603 7053 [email protected]

www.gmchamber.co.uk

Business support

Business Growth Hub

The Business Growth Hub offers ambitious businesses the opportunity to find solutions to issues and plan for growth. From finance to accessing specialist technical expertise, the Hub team can formulate a package of assistance that will help a business achieve its objectives and overcome barriers to growth.

Initial enquiry handling, growth assessment and planning support provided by the growth Hub team is free of charge to companies and entrepreneurs. Business networking events and Growth groups are also currently free of charge.

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Specific services/programmes:

Online resources and registration: The Business Growth Hub Website offers a range of information, services, blogs and access to events for registered users. Registration is quick and simple and is free. The website also offers a secure online questionnaire, the Business Growthometer which analyses seven areas that are critical to business growth. This creates an initial first step assessment that shows how well a business is currently doing.

Information and advice: Businesses can speak to a member of the Hub team who will discuss specific business needs and look to map out a bespoke Growth Plan. The team will connect clients to those services which best meet their needs.

Business Growth Hub Mentoring Programme: Growth Hub mentors will be able to steer, develop and help you grow. They will also pass on that crucial insider knowledge and trade secrets of how to get things done.

Business Growth Groups: A Business Growth Group draws upon the support of the Group members who can offer a different perspective to help the ‘issue holder’ solve their problem. Groups of 5-8 business leaders meet every 4-6 weeks for these facilitated sessions

aimed at providing the space ‘to do the best thinking about their business’.

Business Growth Lunches and workshops: There are monthly networking events, hosted by Hub partners, featuring a range of expert business speakers. Topics are planned around requests from Hub clients and have included Social Media, Trading Internationally, Accessing Finance and Marketing Strategies. The Business Growth Lunches form a core part of the wider Hub events calendar.

The Hub also offers access to various workshops on a range of topics, which can benefit businesses from social media to Intellectual Property.

Growth Start-Up Programme: The Hub, through a partnership network, offers mentoring, start up advice and start up loans.

For further information contact the Business Growth Hub Team 0161 359 3050 [email protected] www.businessgrowthhub.com Twitter: @bizgrowthhub Linkedin: Business Growth Hub

Chris Greenhalgh, Business Growth Hub Manager 0161 237 4066 [email protected]

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MAS (Manufacturing Advisory Service)

MAS is designed to help manufacturers in the North West streamline processes, reduce waste, become more energy efficient and generally improve and grow their business.

MAS helps companies ensure their operations are set up to meet production demands when bidding for new contracts with quality high street fashion chains. They will help meet the demands and high quality standards of internationally famous brands at a time when economic pressure and recession could impact on delivering the high turnover expected. The service offer includes:

• Help with advice on relocating to new premises and adopting better lean manufacturing processes in new production line set-up

• Advice on selection of investment in new technology.

• Innovation,new product design and new process design for manufacture.

Support can be provided to SMEs and large companies, across a wide range of sectors. Onsite visits are free, however, contributions are required towards in-depth projects which can be partly supported by MAS.

For further information contact: MAS Team – central enquiry system 0161 359 3050 [email protected] www.mas.bis.gov.uk

Town Centre Management

Business Support Town centres are recognised as our social, economic and cultural assets. However, nationally, they are experiencing considerable challenges as they face changing lifestyles and considerable long-term shifts in patterns of consumer behaviour.

Town Centre Management aims to assist with regeneration and economic development initiatives by providing support for the local business sector and encouraging public and private sector co-operation in tackling issues relating to the town centres and their long-term vitality.

Business Units Exciting commercial and promotional opportunities are available within Wigan Town Centre. These areas are located on the high street, the Grand Arcade and Galleries Shopping Centre.

All locations offer excellent visibility and are available to hire for promotional and retail purposes, providing a great stage for both national and local businesses to promote their services and products to hundreds of thousands of shoppers each week, with competitive rates. The Shopping Centres also have the ideal venue for you to rent a RMU for direct sales.

For further details on the areas available:

Wigan Town Centre Promotional Space contact: Inner Space 0161 477 3652 [email protected]

The Galleries RMU Lettings contact: Brandspace 0800 2 300 300 [email protected] www.brandspace.com

The Galleries Promotional Space contact: Brandspace Contact: Kelly Wing 01625 418841 [email protected] www.brandspace.com

The Grand Arcade For details of price and availability contact: Shoppertainment Management Ltd 0161 817 5221 [email protected]

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Vacant Units For details of available retail units within the borough, use the Council’s Property Finder Service which is an extensive database holding details of available commercial units (see Property Finder Service entry for more details).

www.move2wigan.com

Market Traders Wigan Borough was granted a Royal Charter to hold a market in 1246 by Henry III and has held markets continuously since that date. The present market in Wigan was built in 1988 as part of the Galleries shopping centre.

Leigh was granted a Charter in 1254 and the present market was completed in 1989, winning Best New Market of the Year by the Trade Press.

Whether someone is a complete beginner, a seasoned market

professional, or already running their own business, Wigan Council offer advice and support to anyone who wishes to trade on either Wigan or Leigh markets.

There are more than 170 stalls on the busiest day in Wigan and 149 stalls in Leigh. Both have indoor and outdoor markets. Trading is Monday to Saturday between the hours of 8:30am and 5:00pm. Both markets can prove to be a great place to sell goods or services.

Both markets are situated in the centre of town with excellent transport links and ample parking.

For further information regarding any of our Town Centres please contact:

Mike Matthews Wigan Council Regeneration and Town Centres [email protected] 01942 489194

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The Environmental Business Pledge

This is a free advice and award scheme to support businesses to improve environmental performance and save money. Any business or organisation with premises within the boundaries of Wigan Borough is eligible to join the scheme. By joining, they will receive free advice and support on:

• Reducing your energy usage and bills

• Monitoring and reducing your carbon footprint

• Minimising water usage

• Recycling and waste management

• Environmental legislation

• Free environmental resource efficiency audits.

Since its launch, the Environmental Business Pledge has proved to be extremely beneficial for local businesses, with headline figures including:

• Over 100 businesses engaged

• Just under £4m of identified cost savings

• Carbon savings of over 12,000 tonnes

• 67,000 cubic metres of water savings identified

• Over 41,000 tonnes of material diverted from landfill.

For further information contact: Matt Stockwell Wigan Council Business Support & Growth Team 01942 489177 [email protected] www.wigan.gov.uk/environmentalbusinesspledge

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Active@Work: building a healthy workforce

Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) can support local businesses and their employees to improve their health and well-being. Active@Work assist local employers to achieve the ‘Good Work: Good Health Charter Award’ and demonstrate their commitment to helping their employees become healthier.

There is training available for employees to become workplace Health Champions to support their colleagues to improve their health and well-being. Support is provided for businesses to access local healthy living services such as:

• Weight Management Support

• Stop Smoking Services

• Health Trainers

• Physical Activity Services

• Stress and mental health support

• Drug and alcohol misuse

• Active and sustainable travel.

There are no costs to the business and at the end of the process a nationally recognised standard of achievement is awarded (like ‘Investors in People’ but with a health, safety and well-being focus).

The accreditation lasts for two years. There are many benefits for organisations. The programme includes:

• Access to free training for staff that is accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health

• Free health checks for staff worth £40 each

• Help to review policies and procedures in a systematic way whilst promoting workers’ health and well-being.

• Improved morale, reduce sickness absence levels and ongoing cost savings to the business.

For further information or to book an appointment for a Workplace Health Advisor to come and visit your company contact:

01942 828587 [email protected]

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Healthy Business Award

The Healthy Business Award is delivered by Wigan Council. The team works with the staff in businesses and food outlets to improve the nutritional profile and appeal of healthier options, by reformulation of existing products /dishes, procurement, processing and presentation.

The team use a range of tailored interventions to ensure the award is inclusive and appropriate for different settings, ensuring any changes are cost neutral for the business. They will help to develop a marketing edge for businesses by offering healthier food which is affordable to both the

business and consumer.

The programme includes a Breastfeeding Award that supports settings to promote and welcome breastfeeding. This contributes to improved health for babies, young children and mothers.


Julie Searing Wigan Council 01942 489330 [email protected]

Greater Manchester Fit For Work Service

Fit For Work is fully funded by the Department of Health and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is aimed at getting staff who are off sick and in receipt of a fit note to return to work quickly, reduce sickness absence costs whilst improving workplace productivity.

Employers can refer a staff member to the Fit For Work service or ask them to contact the service directly. There are no waiting lists and the employee will be contacted within 24 hours. They will be assessed within three working days and will be assigned an individual case worker.

Their case worker will help them resolve any underlying non-medical issues. These may include financial worries; helping staff deal with stress due to the pace of change and performance management; childcare issues; drug and alcohol misuse; and social and personal issues.

The staff member is also supported for a further six months once back in employment to ensure no other issues develop.


08717 813 548 [email protected] www.pathwayscic.co.uk/greater-manchester-fit-for-work-service

https://www.pathwayscic.co.uk/manchester-fit-for-work-service.html

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Health for Work Adviceline

The free Adviceline provides small business managers with the expert advice and support they need to help team members experiencing ill health.

All managers will have experienced how the health of an individual impacts on their performance. What’s more, with the increase of mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, it is now more important than ever to find the advice and support needed to help an employee experiencing ill health. The scheme will enable a plan to be developed to effectively and sympathetically deal with employee sickness absence; establish how to deal with similar problems in the future; and think differently about the business and the potential investment required to make a healthy workplace.

The Adviceline service provides free, quick and easy access to effective professional advice and guidance in this key area.

The Health for Work Adviceline service is provided by NHS occupational health services.


0800 0778844 during working hours www.health4work.nhs.uk

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UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) assist North West based companies in all industry sectors, to expand their business internationally. They offer a range of services for all, from new to export and inexperienced exporters, to high growth, research and development focussed companies. Their services are available to all sizes of company from SME and mid-size to large businesses.

The professional team consists of International Trade Advisers with a wealth of export knowledge; country and sector specialist teams e.g. Asia Pacific & Europe; consultants with in-depth market experience; consultants focussing on International Strategy Reviews and Strategic Alliance Services. This is complimented by the UK Embassy and International Chamber networks overseas, as well as a wide range of UK partners with specialist international and industry sector skills.


UKTI Team – central enquiry system 0845 603 7053 [email protected] Twitter: @UKTI_NW

Caron Flitcroft International Trade Director 0161 875 2342 [email protected]

International trade

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Property Finder Service

The Property Finder Service has been a Wigan Council function for 25 years and is delivered through the Economic Development Team. Its extensive property database holds details of available industrial and commercial units and land within the borough (owned privately or by Wigan Council). This can help any business considering relocation into or expansion within it as well as assistance with shortlisting the premises or land most closely matching their requirements. The database is regularly updated and is the most comprehensive source of commercial properties in the borough.

A major hurdle facing any business when relocating, setting up operations or expanding, is finding suitable commercial premises or land. This can be complex, time consuming and frustrating. The Property Finder Service is designed to help make this process that little bit easier.

Once a property has been identified we can offer as much or as little assistance that is required in terms of viewings, liaison with agents / owners and the council itself.

The service also maximises marketing efforts for those who have property for sale or to let by ensuring the details are passed on to interested parties.

This is a free of charge, independent and confidential service that has been awarded and holds the BS EN ISO 900: 2012 quality standard. A public property search facility is also available via our website www.move2wigan.com which features an online search facility.


Wendy Coyle Wigan Council Business Support and Growth Team 01942 489192 [email protected]

Inward investment

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Business Rates, also known as Non-Domestic Rates, are taxes collected to help pay for local services. Although Wigan Council collect the payments, the council currently has no control over the amount of rates that is charged for a property, however, changes to this are planned from April 2013.

The rates collected each year by Wigan Council are paid into a central Government pool and are then redistributed to Local Authorities according to the number of people living in their area. This money is then used to pay towards the cost of local services.


01942 828632 [email protected] www.wigan.gov.uk

Business rates

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Creative Wigan

This is an online directory of creative or digital businesses and services based within Wigan Borough. The web site is intended to help organisations source local creative services – artists, designers, craftsmen, developers, photographers, musicians, performers and so on - and for creatives looking to collaborate with other creatives.

www.creativewigan.com

Wigan Low Carbon Environmental Technologies Network

A regular networking event for local businesses that operate in the low carbon or Environmental Technologies sector or those who are keen to take advantage of low carbon opportunities, supply chain linkages and collaborative working.

For further information contact: Dave Armstrong [email protected]

The Wigan Borough Manufacturing Group – Made in Wigan

Wigan Borough Manufacturing Group (WBMG) is the voice of the manufacturing sector in Wigan Borough. It brings together the best of the sector and its wider supply chains and business partners to help everyone win more business and keep business within Wigan Borough.

For further information contact: Matt Stockwell Wigan Council Business Support & Growth Team 01942 489177

Sector networks

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Social Enterprise Network

Wigan’s vision is of a dynamic and sustainable Social Enterprise sector that delivers services and products and actively improves our communities. The network meetings are a free service for local social entrepreneurs promoting opportunities to network, trade, learn from experts and share.

For further details contact:

Angela Stanley 01942 748806 angelastanley@ blackburnehouse.co.uk www.the-sse.org

Wigan Borough Food Manufacturing and Related Supply Chain Collaborative Group

The meetings are held on a monthly basis and help businesses in the food manufacturing sector to acquire new knowledge and share existing expertise to stimulate growth, increase turnover and reduce operating costs through collaborative advantage and be a collective influencer. The breakfast meetings are held between 7:30am and 9:30am at Wigan Investment Centre.

The proposed schedule of meetings for 2013 are as follows:

• Friday 24 May - Breakfast start – Members Site Location to be agreed

• Friday 26 July - Breakfast start - Investment Centre, Wigan

• Friday 27 September - Breakfast start - Investment Centre, Wigan

• Friday 6 December - Lunch start - Wigan Borough Restaurant Venue to be agreed.

The above collaborative meetings are run / supported by group workshops that operate between meetings on key themes decided by members on a rolling basis.


Harry Cunliffe Cromedale Associates [email protected]

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Network of Networks

Wigan Council host a network event open to all thematic networks and local businesses in Wigan Borough to meet informally. Updated information is provided on a variety of topics to help businesses to promote and develop their organisations.


Matt Stockwell Wigan Council Business Support and Growth Team 01942 489177 [email protected]

Action for Business

GM Chamber’s networking events, such as Action for Business Forums, will not only help you make contacts and do business they will also offer a chance to have your say on the issues that are holding your business back and tell your Chamber of Commerce what you want them to do about them.

For more details about the events go to:

www.gmchamber.co.uk/events

Wigan Borough Business Club

A free networking and support group which holds events each month throughout Wigan Borough.

The aim of the Wigan Borough Business Club is to provide all local business people with a free and informal opportunity to network with other business people; to hear advice on topical issues from a range of high quality speakers; and to share business problems and find solutions. No membership is required, so attendees are welcome to come along to meetings as they wish, though pre-registration is appreciated.

Wigan Borough Business Club offers:

• Regular informal meetings, open to all

• Forum for discussion and advice

• Helping businesses to gain new suppliers and customers

• Encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences.

For further information visit:

www.wiganbbc.org.uk

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Federation of Small Businesses

Small businesses are the engine room of the economy, employing more than half of all private sector workers and contributing 50 per cent of UK GDP. The Federation of Small Businesses represents small businesses in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels as well as Councils across the UK.

Members are encouraged to feedback on their most pressing issues in the ‘Voice of Small Business’ Survey. These include employment, business confidence, pensions, planning and tax. The FSB give small businesses a voice by influencing

legislation to make it easier for businesses to grow, employ and do what they do best - running a business.

For further information on membership benefits and costs, contact:

Phil McCabe Development Manager, Merseyside, West Cheshire and Wigan Federation of Small Businesses 07917 628907 www.fsb.org.uk

Business Networking Wigan (BNI Wigan)

BNI has been operating for over 25 years, offering support for any business, large or small, thriving or start-up, profession or trade. They provide a structured, supportive, business environment in which local business people get together to network, learn valuable new marketing skills and develop the strong personal relationships that lead to trust, helping each other to generate significant business. Meetings are held every Thursday morning at Wigan Investment Centre.


Wigan Investment Centre Waterside Drive Wigan WN3 5BA [email protected]

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Wigan Athletic Club 32 Business Networking

A Business Networking service designed to ensure that all businesses associated with Wigan Athletic are acquainted with each other.

Quarterly networking events will be complemented by other special events, whilst all member businesses will receive a range of benefits including website listing, match day programme listing and corporate newsletter.

For details on the available packages and prices contact:

Commercial team on 01942 770400 [email protected] Anthony Clarke [email protected]

Women in Business

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce host regular meetings specifically for Women in Business. These networks provide opportunities and topic discussions relating to business growth and development.


Pauline Pawlykiwskyj Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce [email protected]

Good Trader Scheme

Wigan Council’s Good Trader Scheme is administered by Trading Standards and is an online database of reputable local traders. Consumers can view customer feedback and reviews for each business member. The benefits include:

• Enhancing your reputation

• Standing out from the crowd

• Gaining a competitive edge

• Gaining independent recognition of your business

• Receiving free advice on Trading Standards law

• Earning a place at the annual Good Trader Awards

• Improving consumer confidence in building and associated trades

• Helping combat doorstep crime by marginalising rogue traders.


Julie Middlehurst Wigan Council 01942 827476 [email protected]

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Wigan Business Awards

The Wigan Business Awards are organised by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce to celebrate business excellence across the borough and highlight the achievements and hard work of a diverse range of Wigan businesses.


Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce 0161 646 5871 [email protected] www.gmchamber.co.uk

Wigan Business Expo

Wigan Business Expo is the biggest business event in the Wigan Borough business calendar. Since the debut event in 2010, it has grown to become one of the largest events of its type to be held in the North West in recent years.

Wigan Business Expo has four main elements to it:

• An exhibition of local businesses and social enterprises

• Meet the Buyers

• A seminar programme

• One-to-one advice from experts on a range of relevant topics.

The Expo is held in October each year. It is free to attend. Exhibition stands normally go on sale in the Spring.


[email protected] www.wiganbusinessexpo.co.uk or follow at www.facebook.com/wiganbusinessexpo www.twitter.com/wiganexpo or linkedin.com (search groups for Wigan Business Expo)

Events

We can make this information available in other formats and languages on request.

Contact us at: Citizen Support Services Wigan Council, PO Box 100, Wigan, WN1 3DS.Phone: 01942 828632 Email: [email protected] Produced March 2013

PR-13-264

business support overview - wigan business. support includes: • free two day business step up...

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