Real-Life Entrepreneur Workshops

Setting up and running a business can be a daunting prospect. But the spirit of entrepreneurship that accompanies every new and growing business can also liberate, excite and inspire. The FSB have launched the Real-Life Entrepreneur campaign to ensure that at every level of Government, entrepreneurs are viewed as potential wealth, growth and job creators of the future.

The 6 workshops are an opportunity for the local small business community to tell us about their barriers to growth and to inform Government what polices they should focus on to help stimulate the economy.

Whether it be access to finance, regulation or tax we need to know what YOU think the Government can do to create a culture of entrepreneurship and to enable the smallest of businesses to flourish.

SOLIHULL: 24th February 2012 at 9am at Solihull College

STRATFORD: 30th March 2012 at 7am at Stratford Business Services

COVENTRY: 20th April 2012 at 9am at TBC

NUNEATON & BEDWORTH: 4th May 2012 at 9am at NW & Hinckley College

WARWICK & LEAMINGTON:18th May 2012 at 9am at Warwick College

RUGBY: 22nd June 2012 at 7am at Rugby College

Real-Life Entrepreneur Award

With our continued support for small businesses, we have now launched the ‘Real-Life Entrepreneur' award, which is  a great opportunity for local businesses to shout about their successes

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Entering the awards can't be easier, download a simple application form which asks for information about your business – a subject you will know like the back of their hand!

Successful applicants will be invited to the awards ceremony on Friday 13th July from 12pm at Warwick University.

Calling all High Street Retailers!

The number of empty shops on UK High Streets will grow, according to a report from The Local Data Company (LDC). The expected increase will be caused by weak consumer confidence, rising unemployment and growing online sales. Shopping in out-of-town shopping centres had risen to from 28.1% in 2000 to 31.5% in 2011.

So what can we do to stem the decline?.....The government announced that it was looking for 12 run-down High Streets in England to compete for a £1m prize as part of plans proposed by retail consultant Mary Portas. As part of the contest, areas will bid for support from a dedicated team and Ms Portas herself.

The FSB in Coventry & Warwickshire want to support our members to KEEP TRADE LOCAL and have been working with local authorities over the past 2 years to tackle the issues retailers face - read our manifesto - FSB says Keep Trade Local

If you feel your high street could benefit from a cash injection then you can apply to be a Town Team. Details of the pilot can be found online, along with guidelines and an application form - Portas Pilots.

The local councils and the CW LEPare also keen to support any local Coventry & Warwickshire high street wishing to apply.

Please contact Linsey Luke if you wish to move this forward and she will sign post you to the most appropriate person within the relevant Council and your MP.

Matching Graduates to West Midlands SMEs in 2012

In 2012, the Coventry University Careers and Employability Service is getting recent graduates into employment by matching them to internship opportunities in SMEs in the West Midlands.

The placement can be anything from 2 days to 12 months and can be paid or voluntary so if you are an SME business in the West Midlands and you can offer our leaders of the future the first step on to the career ladder then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Martin Perfect or on 02477 652 011

Coventry & Warwickshire Economic Survey

Read about the latest economic status of Coventry & Warwickshire, including updates on rail projects, employment statistics and GDP.

Coventry & Warwickshire Economic Survey

Finance for Small Businesses - Write to your MP

Support the FSB campaign to get more finance available for small businesses by writing to your MP. Find your local MP at They Work For You! and download the template letter 'Finance for Business'

Join our Survey Panel!

The FSB have a national survey panel where members can opt in to take part in a monthly business survey.  The survey consists of only 20 questions so won't take up much of your time.

The results are used to provide media comment for national and local lobbying issues, so they are vital to ensure the FSB remains the leading business support organisation. Sign up today!