We rode the wave and won

The winter of 2010 was looking bleak; the impact of the government spending review had not been fully realised and fears of the dreaded double dip were rife. And it snowed, and snowed…

It was into this environment that the Ride the Wave free business support initiative brought a breath of fresh air; offering local businesses the impetus and know-how to survive, and perhaps turn a downturn into an opportunity to thrive.

Between November 2010 and March 2011, ten very different events were held to help local businesses boost their income and find innovative ways to beat the hard times. Each offered forums, guidance, training and advice and were designed and delivered by the Chamber and funded by the Council.

We were confident that the programme would be useful to the city’s small to medium business community, but we could not have hoped for better reviews: the events attracted 560 people, far in excess of the original target, and were extremely well received. In fact, 9 events were rated ‘Excellent’ by delegates and 1 event rated ‘Good’. Here’s just some of the feedback:

“I thought it right to commend you on the seminar yesterday morning.  All the speakers were good and the topics discussed were all of great value; I would be surprised if no one took anything positive away from the get together!” Doug Taylor-Johnson

“The content of the workshop was focused and very relevant to small to medium enterprises wanting to provide services to local government.  This was the most useful Chamber event I have attended this year!” Lindsay Mannigan

“Really well-run, great content, well put together, thanks!” Susie Howelly

“It was the best presentation I have been to for information!” Stephen John

“As a small business looking for help and advice on tendering opportunities it was a great to find support from the local Chamber of Commerce and Council working together.  It was probably the best business support event I have been to and, it was free! It has certainly got us off the starting blocks and over the first hurdle towards tendering.” Richard Excell, Excell Design

I am glad it was such a successful event, it was the best one I have been to and there have been quite a few!” Jonathon Campbell, Corporate Procurement Manager, East Sussex County Council

Spanning diverse types of businesses such as retail, black and minority ethnic companies, arts and media and food and drink companies; a range of speakers, advisers and experts offered guidance and tips (and even entertainment) on how to boost turnover by learning new business skills.

Going for Gold gave advice on bidding and winning public and private sector contracts. Turn Heads showed how a window display can attract increased custom, and The Trading Post helped people with creative talents to reframe their skills to suit the market. The value of being in a network was explored in Knowing Me, Knowing You, and many other topical issues were brought to the fore in:

100 ways to grow your black minority ethnic business
Do It & Do it Well: Free business workshop for East Brighton businesses
Surviving a Rent Review: commercial property lease renewal and advice  
Grab Shoppers' Attention: how to attract new customers and keep them coming back
Let's Get Together: how to make work collaboratively
Eat & Drink: Introducing our local buyer, suppliers and producers

If you missed the events, there’s still an opportunity to

Listen again:
You can also listen to again to Going for Gold, 18/11/2010, Knowing Me Knowing You, 26/01/2011, Let's get Together, 23/02/2011 via our podcast library.

Watch again:
A film of the 'Surviving a rent review: commercial property lease renewal and advice' event 01/02/2011 is available on our YouTube channel.

And finally…
To guide all businesses in Brighton and Hove around the wealth of useful organisations, the Chamber has designed and created an online guide to business support www.businessinbrighton.org.uk/businesssupportfinder

For further information please contact: Sarah Springford, director, Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce, Tel: 01273 719097 / Email: director@businessinbrighton.org.uk

Copy by Laura Darlingwww.lauradarling.co.uk

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk