The 4.5 million plus small enterprises that form the backbone of the UK economy are celebrated this week in Small Business Week 2007.
A series of events across the UK starting today (Monday) sees Government, industry and advisory bodies unite in support of the small business community. National and local government, business experts, support services and owner managers will focus discussions on the triggers and barriers to long-term success for the small business community and explore practical ideas for sustaining businesses and supporting growth through providing the services they most value and need.
Dr Saroj Duggal, owner of Crownsway Insurance, International Insurance Brokers, said: “Small Business Week 2007 offers owner managers like me a raft of opportunities and tips to improve and develop our businesses. Whether it’s advice on how to start up, or insights into environmentally-friendly practices, the tools and resources available are invaluable in helping small businesses to deliver good customer service, motivate staff and enable and ensure long-term growth.”
BT Business has created the week in partnership with selected organisations including: British Chambers of Commerce, Business Link, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, Everywoman and Angel News. The week will see a host of initiatives taking place at locations across the UK, including a series of events, round table discussions, web seminars, podcasts and advice clinics.
David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “National Small Business Week 2007 demonstrates to small businesses that they have a committed group of supporters with the resources available to help them prosper.
“This is a great initiative and something the British Chambers of Commerce is proud to be a part of. Together we are capable of making a real difference to the millions of existing small businesses and we can create further opportunities for entrepreneurs and enterprising people looking to pursue their ambitions.”
The launch event at BT Tower in London will be led by Bill Murphy, managing director, BT Business, with Stephen Timms, Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and David Frost, director general, British Chambers of Commerce delivering keynote addresses. The findings of an independent “state of the nation” SME report will also be revealed at the event.
Further events throughout the week will focus on a range of issues currently having an impact on the UK’s small businesses and aspiring start-ups, such as flexible working, running a home-based business and addressing the green challenge. BT Business will release the first in its series of Better Business podcasts and web seminars, looking at how small businesses can grasp the potential of technology from starting up and beyond, providing guidance for aspiring business start-ups and identifying the tools required to break down the barriers to starting a business.
A full calendar of events, along with advice and guides for small businesses, can be found on www.smallbusinessweek2007.co.uk
