Following in the footsteps of Lord Sugar

NORTH East entrepreneurs aiming to be the next Lord Sugar will be given a helping hand to turn their business ideas into successful ventures at a series of Business Link conferences.

The ‘Start Your Business’ events provide an opportunity for anyone who is thinking of starting a business to get face-to-face advice from business experts on a range of specialist topics from finance and marketing to planning and law.

Delegates can also take part in interactive workshops and seminars, and access a series of free guides which are packed with practical information on how to start a business.

Julie Spowart, events manager for Business & Enterprise North East (BE-NE) which delivers the Business Link service in the North East says: “There’s a lot to consider when starting up a business so we’ve designed these events to help budding entrepreneurs get all of the information they need – all in one place and on one day.

“The information and advice will be delivered by business experts who have experienced first-hand how to run a business, giving delegates a valuable insight into what it takes to get started and be successful.”

One such expert is Michael Thompson, owner and creative director at graphic design and brand communications agency Urban Giants. Michael delivered creative marketing seminars at last year’s event and will be offering his advice at the 2010/11 series. He said: “I really enjoy taking part in the Start Your Business events. There’s something really exciting about being able to inspire people and play a part in helping them realise their ambition of being their own boss.”

The ‘Start Your Business’ events will take place across the region from November 2010 until March 2011 at six locations: Darlington, Newcastle, Peterlee, Alnwick, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.

If we can, you can will be supporting the fairs as usual - and many of our members have already generously donated some of their precious time to lend a hand and talk to other delegates about starting their own business.

If you would like to join them and help shout about 'If we can, you can', and give tips and advice to those that were once in your shoes, then please drop Will an email and let him know what your preferred times, advice area and venue will be. We would be enormously grateful for your support.