Newsletter
Letter from the Editor...
It is time, unfortunately, to say goodbye to two members of the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) team, Sharon Harrison and Elaine Simons. Both played an integral part in the team and we would like to thank them for all their hard work and wish them every success for their future. Thank you as well to all of you who nominated the WEI staff for RMBC’s customer services award which recognises and rewards council staff that have provided excellent customer service and gone the extra mile. We should know the results in October and we will keep you informed. Jane Glaysher-White—editor
Network News
Our June networking event was sponsored by the NatWest Bank’s new Women in Business service. During her brief talk on the services the bank offers to women;
Angela Bate, Business Development Manager from the NatWest, commented that 70% of women learn about a new product or service from other women and that having access to networks and social groups is really instrumental to staring a business. Thank you also to Network member Sheila Knight of Payroll Wizard for advising us on the benefits of allowing her company to take on your payroll responsibilities, giving you more time to concentrate on your business. The benefits of showcasing your business at our events were clear on the night as Sheila picked up two new contracts for work.
If you would be interested in showcasing at a future event please contact Jane at the WEI on 01706 646471 or email jane.glaysherwhite:rochdale.gov.uk
We also received a visit from Jo Cocker from the North West Development Agency. Jo highlighted the need for more women entrepreneurs to help with its aim of promoting a culture of women’s enteprise. More information about the Women’s Ambassadors Programme can be found at ww.nwda.co.uk/docs/WomenAmbassadorInfoSheet_FD.doc.
The September network event to be held at Touchstones on September 16th, is been kindly sponsored by HSBC and will feature local businesswoman, Ginette Brogan. Ginette has agreed to talk briefly about her experiences with the start up and how HSBC Bank were able to assist her. This will be followed by a questions & answers session with Ginette and members of the HSBC team. Karen Lewis, a HMRC Business Advisor will be available to explain how revenue and customs can help pre-start and new start business.
Long time Network member Zahida Abbas has moved a stage further with her inventions the PS3 sanitary unit; thanks to a £20,000 research and development grant from North West Development Agency. Zahida had been developing the product for several years now with the support of many organisations including WEI, The Universities of Manchester, Salford and Bolton & Winning Pitch she is now ready to take it to product testing stage with potential users. This is where you can help; Zahida will showcase her product at the September network Event and would really appreciate your feedback to help her to develop a user friendly product.
Summer Garden Party
Network member Caroline Dowse of Ten94 Design hosted a successful summer garden/network party at her business premises in Castleton in August and it was good to see various other network members demonstrating the inter-networking and support all members provide for one another. The WEI was also present and recruited one new client.
New guidance on working from home
Updated guidance has been issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) clarifying what allowable home costs self-employed people can claim against their business.
The guidance allows for an apportionment of a range of household costs, such as cleaning, mortgage interest, council tax and home insurance, if an area of their home is used solely for business purposes, for an identifiable amount of time. View the updated guidance at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/bimmanual/BIM47825.htm
Government Survey Results A recent YouGov Women Entrepreneurs Survey commissioned by Minister for Women and Equality Harriet Harman has found out that the being able to work more flexibly (70%) was the biggest motivation for women setting up their own businesses and three quarters (75%) said that work family life balance is better when you run your own business rather than being an employee. There is more on this story at:
www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/newsroom/news_releases/2008/080512_own_boss.aspx
Are you breaking copyright law?
The Performing Rights Society (PRS) is warning thousands of small businesses that they may be breaking copyright law by playing music without a licence. Any location or premises, outside of home, where music is played from clubs to concert halls, from discos to dentists’ waiting rooms and from trains to takeaways may need a PRS Licence. PRS Music Licences are tailored according to the size of the business and the way in which music is being played and can cost as little as £66 per year. Businesses can call 0800 068 48 28 for advice on when they need a PRS music licence or visit www.prs.co.uk
next please! Earlier this summer eagle-eyed committee member Jo Potts, of Serenity Holistic Health, spotted some very attractive display stands at the next store in Manchester. It occurred to her that the company may not have any use for them when they changed the store display and that they could be useful to our members for Trade Fairs, etc. A couple of queries and a polite begging letter to Mr Anthony Moss - General Manager of Next Manchester later; Jo received good news from next offering us the stands at no charge, so long as we paid for transport to remove them from the store. Jo and Jane from WEI turned removal-women for the day on 19th July and the stands are now safely stored in the basement of the WEI offices. You will be able to see one of the stands at our Network Event in September and they are now available for members to borrow. So a great big ‘Thank You’ to Anthony and next; we really appreciate their support and generosity. If you would like to use a stand, please contact Jo [jopotts.serenity@yahoo.co.uk] or Jane at the WEI office, we just ask that you arrange collection and return yourself and acknowledge the donation from next on the stands when you use them.
Scam No.1
Fake invoices, allegedly from parcel delivery business UPS, are encouraging recipients to download harmful content from the Internet. The e-mails suggest that UPS has been unable to deliver a package, and urges the recipient to download and print off an invoice, which they can take to their local UPS office to arrange collection. When the attachment is opened, it installs a program, which opens the computer to further malicious content. For more on this story visit www.computerweekly.com
Scam No.2 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is warning businesses about a scam purporting to be from itself. They are aware of a high number of emails being sent out offering a tax rebate, the e-mail asks recipients to submit their credit card details so they can receive a tax refund paid directly into their account. Do not visit the website contained within the email or disclose any personal or payment information. HMRC would not inform customers of a tax rebate via email, or invite them to complete an online form to receive a rebate of tax.
Beware of the following email addresses:
• service@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
• claims@hmrc.direct.gov.uk
• notice@hmrc.gov.uk
• hmrc@hmrc.gov.uk
• admin@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
• info@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
• no-reply@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
****Please note: If you suspect you have received a fraudulent email please do not follow any links within the email, disclose any details or respond to it. Forward it to phishing@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. They cannot reply on each email received, but the information will be used to help reduce online fraud. HMRC have a list of fraudulent emails that have been brought to their attention and update it regularly with news of any new phishing activity at www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/fraud-attempts.htm
Pre-nups for business The owners and partners in the majority of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK have no legal protection against a partnership bust-up, according to figures released recently by O2 and the Law Society. In response, the network and the Society have come together to provide access to free legal information and advice designed to protect SMEs in the event of a dispute. The comprehensive information pack, also includes the basis of an ‘SME-nup’, an agreement for business partnerships can be downloaded at www.o2blueroom.co.uk/Business/SME/SmePreNup
Arts-roc
A group of RBWEN members who are Visual Artists have been meeting regularly since the spring, supported by the Enterprise Rehearsal project; planning an organisation to help further their aims of mutual support and commercial trading opportunities for Visual Artists in the Rochdale borough.
They now have a name – Arts-Roc, an informal constitution and are ready to invite new members. Volunteer worker Ailsa Milnes will organise regular network events and research exhibition, partnership working and funding opportunities for members. There will be a regular Newsletter and a Website. Membership is open to women and men, but the group would like to remain closely associated with the RBWEN.
If you are either planning to earn your living or already working as a Visual Artist and are interested in joining Arts-Roc, please contact Ailsa Milnes c/o Jane Glaysher-White at the WEI office tel.01706 646471 or email arts-roc@hotmail.co.uk.
Network Away
Networking is a very cost-effective way of getting new business and referrals and there are many opportunities for networking across the north west. Below we have given you details of just a few local organisations. If you would like the WEI to investigate the possibility of arranging a joint networking event please get in touch.
Valley at Work offers free, informal networking opportunities for businesses in Rossendale. Set up nine months ago, the network has already grown to over a hundred members. As well as informal networking, the monthly meetings feature a short talk by a local business owner on some practical issues that all businesses face. A monthly newsletter to keep members up to date with what‘s happening around the network is also produced. To find out more details on Valley at Work visit their website www.valleyatwork.co.uk or www.peer-support.co.uk.
Striding Out
Based nationally and locally (Manchester) Striding Out Community Interest Company is a not-for-profit organisation offering nurturing and supporting for young entrepreneurship both in and out of education, focusing on the age group 16-30. they have also set up Branching Out, to work with the over 30’s and if you are in the fashion industry In2Fashion. You can learn more about the organisation by visiting their website www.stridingout.co.uk, telephone: 0207 782 0044 / 0870 1126 559, e: info@stridingout.co.uk or Facebook: Striding Out Group
The Economic Development Unit at Tameside MBC offer a free service for Tameside businesses, their goal is to help existing Tameside Businesses to grow and to nurture one another and also assist those looking to start up a new business in Tameside. They have cycles of small grants for local start ups that come from the EU, free seminars on all aspects of starting and maintaining a business and networking events so Tameside's business community can get to know each other and utilise one another better. Also available for businesses in the Tameside area is a free mini website on www.tamesidebusiness.co.uk.
Succeed In Business
Since its launch in 2001, the New Entrepreneur Scholarships Scheme (NES) has helped 5,500 people into self-employment from some of the most deprived districts of the UK. An evaluation of the scheme, commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council, published in January, finds that three-quarters of people completing the part-time course go on to set up their own business within three months.
NES businesses have an extremely high survival rate with 94% still in business after a year, 86% going strong after three years and three-quarters still trading after five. Dominic Martinez, who manages NES North West out of MMU Business School, which piloted the first scheme, said: "People from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds often have the ideas and ambition to succeed in business, but many find it hard to get support and finance relevant to their needs. Over the last 7 years we have helped over 1000 people in the North West alone"
The evaluation research also found that the programme has tremendous success in reaching the most disadvantaged groups with 59% of recruits classed as unemployed or inactive at the start of the course. Other scholar profiles include those with a disability (10%) and lone parents (16%), while 30% describe themselves as non-white. At a time when policymakers are encouraging the support of women in enterprise, the survey also confirmed that 46% of its scholars are female. George Derbyshire, CEO at the National Federation of Enterprise Agencies, the lead management partner for NES, said: "We have always believed that the NES programme hits the spot in terms of reaching disadvantaged areas of the population, and that it delivers a highly-effective business start-up programme.
The NES is no longer recruiting for its scholarship scheme, however, if you are interested in developing your business skills or are facing other difficulties which are preventing you from starting up, please email jane.glaysherwhite@rochdale.gov.uk or telephone 01706 646471. We may be able to help you.
It worked for Anne
"NES gave me the knowledge to develop my business, and the confidence to promote myself and my work," says Heywood entrepreneur Anne Walsh, one of 1,500 people to take the course in the North West. Having used the NES support funds for a new printer, essential stationery and branded stock, Anne a Reiki practitioner for more than 4 years has developed a unique range of products which have been Reiki blessed and are designed to enable the highest good to be derived from the experience of Reiki. You can purchase these and other items, including rock crystals, affirmation cards, candles, gift sets, accessories and gift vouchers, from her shop in Heywood.
"I learnt a lot from the advice and support I received from the NES, Harry Bules and the Women’s Enterprise team. Thanks to them I now have the confidence to continue with my business idea. Every day I feel more assured in myself as a business person.”
Anne runs courses on relaxation and self healing and how to create your own sacred space. Dr Nigel Bird will be offering homeopathic treatments and prescriptions through Anne’s shop by appointment. For more information on Anne and her business visit Affirmation Angels shop at 5 Hornby Street, Heywood, OL10 1AA, www.affirmationangels.co.uk, telephone 01706 624777 or e-mail annefrancis777@yahoo.co.uk
BOOTS OPEN DAY
Local employer Boots recently held a series of Open days giving their Heywood staff the opportunity to meet and greet the various agencies working within the Rochdale Borough and to acquire information on local jobs, additional training and self-employment opportunities.
Women’s Enterprise Initiative attended on these days and will continue to provide support to Boots staff working at the Heywood & Rochdale depots during the redundancy process, which is due in 2009.
FALINGE FUN DAY
Following the news that Falinge has the highest concentration of benefit claimants in the country Hebron Church played host to a funday organised by the Kingsway Partnership and Jobcentre Plus. Representatives from various agencies offered the community support and advice on training and job opportunities and, on behalf of the WEI, members of the network were on hand with their businesses to show and tell members of the public how they started, what help and support we had given and how they got to where they are.
SFEDI ACCREDITED
Ten business advisors working in the Rochdale Borough area including Jane Glaysher-White and Barbara Davidson recently received the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI) Accreditation which sets the standards for small business learning and support and recognises and promotes good practice in enterprise development and support. The course was funded through the ‘Skills in Regeneration’ SRB5 project which helps developed the skills of residents and staff involved in local regeneration and renewal activities.
WEI BOOK CLUB
WEI invited members to attend finance workshops to help with book-keeping and tax returns. However, the sessions have evolved into a weekly bookkeeping club; where members bring their own invoices, receipts and all the rest and are able to work on their accounts without the distraction of other every-day tasks.
WEI staff members are on hand to help with queries and this seems to work well. So, we will continue to run the ‘Book-Club’ on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm on a drop-in basis; just let us know if you would like to come so we can organise enough desks and chairsas well as brews and biscuits! We can support you to use whatever system you like to keep your financial records, whether you prefer it to be paper or computer based; or we can help you to design a system to suit you. Contact Jane if you’d like to come.
ALTERNATIVE JOBS FAIR The project has hired the “Doorstep Bus” as a complement to the annual Jobs Fair organised by Employment Links and Job Centre Plus. We will be at the Rochdale Town Hall Square between 9.30am and 2.30pm, Thursday 11th September. If you are thinking of starting up your own business or you would like to know more about what is involved, drop in for an informal chat and a cup of tea with WEI advisors. Network members who have already taken the plunge and
started their business will be available to tell you how they started and pass on hints and tips that they found useful.
We will over the next quarter be holding similar sessions in Kirkholt, Darnhill and Wardleworth & Hamer.
Office Closed
Please note that the offices of the Women’s Enterprise Initiative will be closed on Wednesday 10th September 2008 due to staff training and a service away day. The drop in sessions and Book-Club have been cancelled for that day.
Local Events
Building on last years successful Art and Craft Fair, Rochdale Rotary Club is this year working in partnership with Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council and the Friends of Rochdale Town Hall to hold their annual event on Sunday 14th September. The Venue for this years’ Fair will be indoors and in one of the most prestigious settings in Greater Manchester, Rochdale Town Hall’s Great HallThe cost to stall holders for a table measuring 3 feet x 6 feet (90cm x 180cm) will be £30.00. Other supporting events in the Town Hall on the day include the Town Hall Restaurant serving light refreshments, guided tours of the beautiful historic building and live music from local musicians. If you would like to book a stall or want any further information you can contact David Acton on 01706 631188 or email: acton.sheila@btinternet.com
People’s Art
This is your chance to exhibit in your local art gallery an original work on any subject in any medium provided it has not been exhibited in People’s Art before. People’s Art is the annual exhibition open to anyone who lives or works in the borough of Rochdale. Individuals can enter one original piece of their own work for a small charge of £3 and the Gallery tries to show all work which meets the entry criteria and you can have your piece for sale in the exhibition (Touchstones Rochdale Art Gallery take 20% commission+ VAT from the sale price). Closing date is Sunday 14 September 2008 Entry forms are available now from the Women’s Enterprise offices or from Touchstones Rochdale.
3rd – 13th October. Rochdale Borough joins the annual Greater Manchester Food Festival circuit for the first time this year with our own list of events to celebrate all that’s good about local food and drink. Watch for details or call 01706 924928/926689
www.foodanddrinkfestival.com