HIE Argyll and the Islands run the following courses on a regular basis, details of when and where they will be held can be found by following the appropriate links below

Record keeping for small businesses

This is a practical seminar, giving business operators the opportunity to work through and develop skills in book-keeping. This course is designed to provide you with the skills required to maintain the books and records of your business.

Course highlights: how to record sales and purchase transactions; maintain the cash book and record petty cash; reconcile your bank account and account for VAT.

Marketing and promotion clinic

Businesses are constantly seeking new ways to reach customers, promote their products and services, and persuade people to buy. This course puts you in the driver's seat and demonstrates how to get better results from your promotional approach.

Course highlights: setting objectives; external performance audit; information gathering; customer 'package' designing; basics of effective promotion; design and layout; monitoring effectiveness.

Improve selling skills

This course is designed to teach business operators a professional approach to selling including preparation, understanding the selling process and determining and satisfying customer needs.

This course is suitable for new businesses and experienced owners wishing to hone and refresh their skills.

Course highlights: Selling as part of marketing; correct mental attitude to selling; value of preparation; the stages of selling; communication; buying signals; closing a sale and gaining commitment.

Please contact Development Partners to register an interest in a particular course on 01463 223993 or email enquiries@developmentpartners.co.uk

Full course details can also be found in our Business Support booklet 2007-08 which is available on request or an electronic copy is available on our Start your own business page.