February 4, 2012

In Scotland? Pitch your business idea to win cash

pile of money

New Start Scotland is a national business event targeted at start-ups and small businesses.

This year, its being held on 19th and 20th March at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.

The event’s seminars are being headlined by Shaf Rasul and Doug Richard – both of Dragon’s Den fame.

New Start Scotland will also feature of series of workshops, including help with increasing efficiency and managing staff. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to take part in The Bright Business Idea Competition, where entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of judges for the chance to win a £5,000 cash prize.

There will also be a Small Business Club clinic, a networking area, as well over 120 exhibitors.

The event is free to attend and runs from 10am until 5pm on the Friday, and 10am until 4pm on the Saturday.

For more information, visit New Start Scotland.

Want to give your start-up a jump-start?

Electric spark wire

The Business Start Up Show is a national event geared towards fledgling businesses.

Held at the Excel Centre in London on the 20th – 21st May, the show will feature several special guest speakers including West Ham United co-owner David Gold, Apprentice winner Michelle Dewberry, and Richard Farleigh from Dragon’s Den.

The event will also feature exhibitors from a wide range of industries, as well as seminars covering subjects such as writing a business plan, managing your finances and cash flow, branding and advertising.

Attendees will have the opportunity to attend one-to-one business advice sessions with business experts, as well as taking part in speed networking – a great opportunity to widen your business network.

Businesses in need of funding will be queueing up for ‘The Midas Touch’, a Dragon’s Den style event where entrepreneurs pitch to a panel of potential financial backers in the hope of leaving with an investment.

The event runs from 10am – 5pm on both days, and is free to attend.

For more information, visit the Business Start Up Show.

Raise the profile of your events business

Crowd audience

Is your business involved in creating, hosting or running live events? If so, the Event Awards 2009 are aimed at you.

Hosted by the recently re-launched Event magazine, the awards celebrate accomplishment in ‘experiential, creative and live events’.

The deadline for entries is 21st May 2009 and applications must refer to work undertaken between 10th May 2008 and 8th May 2009.

The categories for this year have been altered slightly to reach exhibition organisers, in-house event teams, venues and production companies.

There are 25 categories available:

  • Showcase Award
  • Exhibition Organiser of the Year
  • Brand Experience Agency of the Year
  • Creative Event Agency of the Year
  • Event Supplier of the Year
  • Entertainment Agency of the Year
  • Caterer of the Year
  • Best International Exhibition, Brand Experience or Creative Event
  • Best Consumer Exhibition
  • Best Trade Exhibition
  • Exhibition Feature Area
  • Exhibition Stand
  • Best Launch Exhibition
  • Creative Event of the Year
  • Creative Event Space of the Year
  • Exhibition Venue of the Year
  • Brand Experience Venue of the Year
  • Best Conference
  • Best Public or Outdoor Event
  • Best Brand Experience Event
  • Best Brand Activity at Festival or Public Event
  • Best PR Event or Stunt
  • The Green Award
  • Venue In-House Team of the Year
  • Grand Prix (not open for direct entry)

The cost per entry varies depending on the status of your business. The standard rate is £140 + VAT but certain association members will be charged £125 + VAT, while charitable organisations will pay just £90 + VAT.

For further information, visit the Event Awards 2009.

Grow your business at Olympia

Sapling

If you happen to be in London, it’s not too late to get down to the Growing Your Own Business Conference & Exhibition in the Grand Hall at Olympia, London.

The event, which is being held throughout today and tomorrow is aimed at anyone looking to start, develop or grow their business.

On the programme for this afternoon:

  • ‘Maintaining and growing cash flow, sales and profitability’ with Geoffery Matthews, MD of Matthews Business Associates
  • ‘Leveraging social networking sites to generate business’ with Mike Segall, MD of The Business Resources Group
  • ‘Funding your business growth’ with Emmett Kilduff, CEO of cmypitch.com
  • ‘Creative marketing on a shoestring’ with Carl Pihl, Founder and MD of Drinkyz
  • ‘Giving your sales a boost’ with Adam Goodyer, Founder of Concert Live

On tomorrow’s programme:

  • ‘Building a business during a recession’ with John Paleomylites, Founder of BeatThatQuote.com
  • ‘Transforming your business into a successful franchise operation’ with Brian Smart, Director General of the British Franchise Association
  • ‘Taking your business to the next level’ with Vincent McKevitt, Founder of Tossed Salad Bars
  • ‘Profiting from email marketing’ with Steve Kemish, Client Services Director of Adestra
  • ‘Retaining your customers with outstanding customer service’ with Derek Bishop, MD of Abeo Consulting
  • ‘Getting your business noticed online’ with Mitesh Soma, Founder of ChemistDirect.co.uk

Tickets are £13 on the door.

If you can’t make it down, there are also Growing Your Own Business Business Conference & Exhibitions being held at:

SECC, Glasgow
Friday June 5, 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday June 6, 10:00 – 16:00

NEC, Birmingham
Friday October 2, 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday October 3, 10:00 – 16:00

RDS, Dublin
Friday November 20, 11:00 – 18:00
Saturday November 21, 11:00 – 17:00

Visit Grow Your Own Business for more information.