Delegates attending The Business Show Swindon 2012 at STEAM on 1 February can expect a broad showcase of over 80 exhibitors from across the region.

The show, which is free to attend will feature James Averdieck founder of GU as the keynote speaker, speed networking sessions and a conference café for networking, refreshments and one-to-one meetings.

The Swindon Strategic Economic Partnership (SSEP) Annual Conference 2012 will run in the morning of 1 February, alongside The Business Show Swindon. After a busy year, SSEP will provide an update on current activity, including links with the newly formed Local Enterprise Partnership. A full agenda will be provided shortly. Book now.

The show, easily accessible from the M4 and Swindon railway station, will run from 9am to 4pm.

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Marlborough Profit Club

When: January 25, 2pm

Where: The Thorns, Marlborough

Contact: Nigel Scott on 01672 512001

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Swindon Connections

When: January 18, 6pm

Where: New College, Swindon

Contact: http://www.business-scene.com/event_detail.php?e=18704

With the rise of fuel prices set to continue next year, Basepoint Swindon has invited local company, Electric Bike Solutions, to promote an alternative form of travelling to the centre for work. There will be a demo area for test running the bikes and Graeme Pitts-Drake from the Electric Bike Solutions will be on hand to advise and answer any questions. For those who are keen to set the trend straight away, there will also be a chance to purchase or order the bikes.

Lyn Chapman, centre manager, commented: “We decided to support this ‘green’ initiative as it will have a positive impact on our local area by reducing emissions. It sounds like a good alternative to the car, helping people not only make great savings on fuel, but also keep fit and healthy.”

The event will run from 10.30am -3.30pm and is open to Basepoint licensees and the public. There will also be light refreshments available – all free of charge.

Electric Bike Solutions has also agreed to make a donation to Basepoint Swindon’s chosen charity, The MS Therapy Centre.

Basepoint Swindon comprises 88 unfurnished office and workshop units across three buildings, set in an attractive landscaped courtyard setting. The centre boasts a full-time reception, licensee’s breakout area, meeting rooms and free car parking. All units are Cat 5e wired with state-of-the-art digital phones and superfast broadband. Ideally located at Westlea, Swindon, the Centre offers easy access to Swindon town centre, and J16 of the M4 motorway. For further information please contact the team on 01793 608800 or email swindon@basepoint.co.uk

Pictured: Graeme Pitts-Drake, Electric Bike Solutions, with centre manager, Lyn Chapman and Jane Pitts – Drake, Electric Bike Solutions, with one of their electric bikes.

Quizmaster for the event, David Roblin of Monahans Chartered Accountants, said: “I am devising questions around the two main themes of Christmas and Wiltshire – a helpful hint for those who want to take the prize home.”

The event, organised by Monahans, Withy King Solicitors, Aldermore Invoice Finance, the FD Centre and HSBC, is at the STEAM museum, Churchward, Swindon, on December 7 from 7.30am to 9am. To book visit www.gwbb.co.uk or contact Lisa Badger at lisa.badger@aldermore.co.uk.

Andrew Phillips of MAS-SW will explain what support is available to businesses and how customers will only pay for quality products, delivered at the right time and at the right price.

Dr Kegang Wu, chief China adviser at the British Chambers of Commerce and project director of LinkToChina, will detail the Chinese partnership opportunities for manufacturers and present examples of successful case studies.

Staged in conjunction with BCC LinkToChina, the business match making service, the event will be held on Thursday November 10, between 07.30am and 10am at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields.

Also covered will be procurement and investment opportunities including how to get invoices paid and available support. Manufacturers will also have the opportunity for questions or a one-to-one discussion after the presentation. Information will also be available on a new chamber service, International Trade Apprenticeships.

Dr Wu said: “British exports to China increased by 40% in 2010. UK and China complement each well with different strengths in their manufacturing and services. With the fast growth of Chinese domestic consumption, rapid expansion of industrial sectors and strong desire and policy support for international investment, the chamber believes that many manufacturers in Swindon are best positioned to capitalise the potential.”

To book a place at the event visit www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events

Expert advice on ways of handling this difficult subject for employers will be available at a free, one-off awareness session staged in Swindon in November.

The event, called Domestic Violence and Abuse  – What employers need to know, is the result of a link up between Swindon Community Safety Partnership and the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) along with the Swindon Mindful Employer Network which is managed locally by Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire.

Speakers will include Neil Blacklock, a leading expert on domestic violence with the national charity Respect. Neil has recently worked with Refuge to produce a domestic violence resource manual for employers and will be presenting alongside co-author and colleague Nicola Sharp.

There will also be a discussion session featuring Pride of Swindon winner Frank Mullane who runs AAFDA. 

Frank’s life was turned upside down eight years ago when his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will were murdered as a result of fatal domestic abuse.

Frank said: “It is of benefit to employers and employees that employers understand the effects of the hugely prevalent domestic violence affliction and the appalling impact it has on individuals and families.

“Many of the vulnerable people being abused, and those doing the abusing, are employed in local businesses. This will have significant implications for employers and the employees being abused.”

Arlene Griffin, chair of the domestic violence steering group at the Swindon Community Safety Partnership, added: “Very often work is the only place the perpetrator can access the victim after the relationship has ended.  We urge businesses to send representatives to this important event which will help them appreciate the devastating consequences of domestic violence on their people and productivity.”

Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire’s David Latham, who manages the Swindon Mindful Employer Network, said: “It is very pleasing to see that the network is engaged in this important initiative and strongly encourage local employers to participate. The suffering and mental distress caused by domestic violence is damaging so many lives.”

The event, free to attend for employers and business people and which is supported by Swindon Business News, takes place at the Steam museum, Churchward, on November 21 from 10am.

To book a place contact David Latham at david.latham@richmondfellowship.org.uk

Organised by the highly successful and popular Swindon Mindful Employer Network along with Swindon Business News, Swindon Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.  The Question Time panellists include Kerrie Hunt of Thrings, Malcolm Gregory of Withy King and Paul Archer of Lemon&Co and a lively interaction on employment law including latest legislation is in prospect.

Managers, business people and company bosses from all sectors are invited to attend in what should also be an excellent free networking opportunity for delegates which includes free parking and refreshments. Delegates get to ask the questions and decide topics raised. The event is supported by Swindon Business News, Swindon Marriott and the Swindon Chamber of Commerce.

"There has been a plethora of employment laws in recent times and businesses need to keep abreast of the latest developments – this Question Time takes place at a crucial time for employers.  I urge local businesses in all sectors to book a place at this free event”, says Melanie Richens who chairs the Swindon Mindful Employer Network. 

If you wish to attend this free networking event at the Swindon Marriott – please contact david.latham@richmondfellowship.org.uk or 01793 433571.

Already the three lawyers have indicated which important issues they feel employers need to consider.

Paul Archer, Lemon&Co: "In my 21 years of working as an Employment Lawyer in Swindon, for both aggrieved employees and companies, I have been aware of some profound changes in the employment law landscape.  One of the most notable changes is an extraordinary increase in the number of employees suffering from stress related illnesses and the consequent difficulties faced by companies in managing this situation.

"I hope that the Question Time will give us an opportunity to explore this and other issues and discuss the practical strategies that can be adopted by companies and employees in the legal context of the Equality Act and the broader employment protection legislation.  I expect a lively process of questioning and debate."

Kerrie Hunt, Thrings: “As an employment specialist, I cannot recall having a quiet year in terms of new Acts or regulations hitting the statute books.  This year is no exception, whilst still adjusting to the new Equality Act, October brings in the new Agency Worker regulations, giving Agency workers rights to parity of terms with your workforce. So if employers use temporary staff to flex their workforce, they will need to be aware of this.”

Malcolm Gregory, Withy King : “In light of employment law having become so technical and burdensome to business, the Government is undertaking a review of legislation to remove unnecessary bureaucracy.  It will be interesting to see what issues are brought up during the Question Time event and whether the audience perceives employment law as having got too complicated.  For my part, I think that employment law has too many pitfalls for the unwary.

"The law needs to be more transparent and workable.  Sadly I doubt the Governmental review is going to achieve that.”

If you wish to attend this free networking event at the Swindon Marriott – please contact david.latham@richmondfellowship.org.uk or 01793 433571

The workshop aims to help businesses convert more of their leads into customers, by encouraging owners to look at:

• How positive beliefs about sales can bring better results
• The importance of understanding yourself and your business
• What is the buying cycle?
• Understanding the value of the sales pipeline
• Creating and improving the sales process
• Looking at areas of growth, by maximising income streams and minimising costs
• Extracting more profit from the business, for reinvestment and growth opportunities

The workshop is for business owners and directors, particularly those who have a team in their business. It takes place at Stanton Manor Hotel, near junction 17 M4 from 9am to 12.30pm, on Thursday, July 7.

Refreshments, bacon rolls from 8.30am and buffet lunch, are included and there is plenty of time for networking.

To book a place call 01672 512001 or email nigelscott@actioncoach.com