Free taster sessions for university business development programme

With the closure of Business Link many Sussex business owners may be wondering where to turn to for specialist support.  The answer could be the Profitnet programme, developed by the University of Brighton seven years ago, which will be starting new groups this autumn.

Profitnet brings together experienced business minds to share their collective knowledge to solve problems and develop opportunities in their own and other member businesses.

Profitnet members describe it as “a high level focus group”, “a facilitated master class” and like “having a group of non-executive directors working monthly on my business”.

The 12 month programme consists of monthly 3 hour group meetings supported by an active online community. The groups, consisting of businesses from all sectors and led by trained facilitators, exchange innovative and creative business solutions ranging from product development, marketing, financial planning to recruitment and staff retention.

Profitnet’s goal is to encourage business growth by putting innovation and knowledge exchange at the heart of each member’s business journey. The results speak for themselves.

• 91% of Profitnet members say that the programme improved their planning and strategic skills and 72% say they have developed new innovation strategies. 86% of member businesses would recommend Profitnet to other businesses.

Three new Sussex based Profitnet groups will start a 12 month programme in October 2011.

Prospective members can attend a free taster session in September to sample the Profitnet experience.

• Gatwick Diamond Taster session – 16th September – 9am-11am – K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley
• Brighton & Hove Taster session – 20th September – 9am-11am – Huxley Building, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton 
• Coastal West Sussex Taster session – 23rd September – 9am-11am – Field Place, The Boulevard, Worthing 

Places are limited with only 15 members selected for each group. Applications are welcome from business owners and managers who:

• Are keen to innovate, grow and develop their business
• Are happy to share expertise and support others
• Have an established company i.e. trading  2+ years

To apply visit www.brighton.ac.uk/profitnet or contact the Profitnet team on 01273 641039

Lorraine Bell or Roz Buchan on 01273 641037 – profitnet@brighton.ac.uk