THRIVE WITH THESE NETWORKING DIARY DATES
THRIVE is Scotland’s leading business-to-business membership-based networking organisation hosting sector specific events across Scotland. Its mission is to bring togeforther the business community to share knowledge and contacts in order to develop their organisations. Thrive’s clubs - including property, technology, energy, hospitality, services and discussion groups - are based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries.
All Thrive business-networking events have VIP Speakers and its calendar boasts an impressive array of relevant and prestigious names. Previous speakers include representatives from Microsoft, Creative Scotland, Coca Cola and Glasgow 2014
Thrive for Development also provides high quality business training sessions throughout the year. These sessions are free to members and available on a ticketed basis to non-members. See our Event Calendar for up and coming sessions.
With fixed membership criteria, a portfolio of sector specific clubs and competition restrictions we guarantee relevant and valuable business relationships for our members.
FUTURE THRIVE EVENTS
- Thursday 24 April: Networking skills Workshop with Amanda Kremer, founder of Thrive, at the Royal Scots Club, 30 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, from 9am to 11am. The cost is £35 plus VAT.Visitors can book and obtain more info at http://www.thriveforbusiness.co.uk/networking-event/thrive-for-development-networking-skills-24-04-2014-2
- Thursday 29 May: Marketing Workshop by Emma Thomas of Impact Marketing Solutions at the Corinthian Club, 191 Ingram Street, Glasgow, from 9am to 11am. The cost is £35.00 plus VAT. Visitors can book and obtain more info at http://www.thriveforbusiness.co.uk/networking-event/thrive-for-development-marketing
- Thursday 26 June 2014: Thrive Network Conference. Is a properly facilitated networking conference where you will meet and engage with approx. 100 business owners and decision makers operating in the Scottish SME marketplace. It’s being held at the Royal Scots Club, 30 Abercromby Place, Edinburgh, from 9.30am to 2pm. The cost for members is £95 plus VAT, for visitors £125 plus VAT
Places are limited so early booking is advised!
Call now on 0131 526 3104. Email [email protected] or book online at http://www.thriveforbusiness.co.uk/networking-event/network-conference-petroleum-experts
WHAT SMALL FIRMS NEED TO HELP THEM EXPORT
Ruth McKay
With the UK current account deficit reaching all-time highs, it is vital we seek new avenues where small firms can grow and prosper.
One that offers significant growth opportunities is exporting. The FSB’s quarterly business index reports that a net balance of 24% of FSB members expects exports to rise in the next three months.
The recent survey of nearly 9,000 small businesses found that the sectors most likely to export are manufacturing (42%), wholesale trade (41%), research and development (36%), engineering (34%) and digital/telecoms businesses (25%).
Six per cent of members that don't currently export say they would like to do so. This could generate millions in additional revenue. It would also help the government meet its ambitious targets to get 100,000 new businesses exporting by 2020 - potentially adding £5.6 billion to the economy.
However, with only one in five businesses accessing the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) organisation’s exporting services, there is clearly still growth potential in the small business export market. So what is stopping more small firms exporting when the world of business has never been better connected?
The FSB has highlighted the challenges facing small businesses. Twenty three percent of members report that issues such as access to finance are a barrier. A further thirty five per cent say exchange rate volatility also affects trade. The FSB would like to see a referral mechanism so that banks refer more businesses to organisations who can advise small firms on exporting and accessing finance such as the UK Export Finance organisation.
In my experience there are a great number of small businesses that could achieve real growth by exporting. However, many simply do not know where to start. There are also any small businesses who do not trade online - a barrier to exporting.
Many small businesses also still believe that it is an activity reserved for larger businesses and are unaware of the support, advice and help they can access through organisations such as the UK Trade & Investment. The FSB has recommended that, to encourage more firms to export UKTI needs to focus on tailoring and promoting its products and services to small and micro-businesses and to raise awareness of the support on offer.
Mike Cherry, FSB National Policy Chairman, said, “UKTI has clearly listened to the concerns raised by small firms and offers much wider support and advice to small businesses. They just need a helping hand to get on the way and be made more aware about the help that is out there for them.”
This certainly chimes with my own experience. In addition to greater awareness I believe we need more detailed and practical information designed and tailored to small businesses enabling them to take that very first step in exporting to entering new markets, growing their businesses and offering new jobs.
More information, greater education and more practical support will see small businesses export, grow and achieve success abroad.
