Six steps to building a better business

Thursday, September 2nd, 09:00 - 12:00

Price: £ FREE (Registration required)

······ ‘Six steps to building a better business’ is the title of the half day workshop that Tower Hamlets Business Development Unit will host and run with Action Coach Parag Prasad on September 2. With an emphasis on time management, team and profit building, it would be most beneficial to trading businesses, and the business owner who needs to raise finance in order to take their business to the next level.

The workshop will be based on the well established workshop Parag already delivers, and is geared to helping the business owner attain ‘mastery’ with respect to vision, money, time and delivery. Parag covers a lot of material in a detailed 2.5 hour presentation. He will focus on the figures side of business planning, which will be covered in the ‘financial mastery’ section.

A key feature of the programme is the ‘action planning’ each delegate will be asked to do at the end of a particular section. Each delegate will be given a ‘6 steps workbook’ to complete during the workshop. This will then be used to inform further work with clients.

Prior to the workshop delegates will be asked to complete a questionnaire. The objective of this preparation is to ensure that delegates come with an ‘intimate knowledge of their figures’: an essential requirement for the workshop.

Registration will be at 9.00 am, with the workshop starting at 9.30. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss business issues over lunch and talk to a business adviser.

The workshop venue will be Tower Hamlets College, George Green Building, 155 East India Dock Road London E14 6DA. The workshop is fully funded under the ERDF Access to Finance for Growth programme.

For more details or to book a place on the September workshop contact Kobirul Islam on 0207 510 7633 or email kobirul.islam@tower.ac.uk.

Click here to download 'Your Guide to Raising Business Finance' brochure.

Win £5000 'Pitch Perfect' Business Plan Competition

Impress the business adviser team and a panel of judges in order to win a business support package worth over £5,000. Entry is simple. Just register, and then submit an executive summary that grabs our attention along with 100 words on your business strategy for success. For full details follow the link

Click here for more information on how to enter

Access to Finance for your Business     

 

                                                                       

Tower Hamlets College provides specialist support to help small businesses to cope and flourish in the challenging economic climate. Our specialist business advisers work with business owners to identify and address current and future issues and opportunities.

Dedicated specialist support and advice is available for businesses that need to raise any type of commercial finance. This service is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will provide:

• a review meeting to agree an action plan
• ongoing one to one support to develop a viable business plan/finance proposal                                 
• access to specialist finance workshops, where appropriate
• coaching directed towards pitching and presenting finance proposals
• networking opportunities and introductions to local finance providers

If your business is based in London and employs less than 250 people, please contact us at the details below to find out more:

Ian Mistlin:      020 7001 2788   (ian.mistlin@tower.ac.uk)

Terry Jolly:      020 7001 2789   (terry.jolly@tower.ac.uk)

Asif Siddiqui     020 7536 5706   (asif.siddiqui@tower.ac.uk)

What you can expect from us:

As a client of Tower Hamlets College you will be able to access the support you need to grow your business. Our services cover business planning and implementation, including financial projections, marketing, advertising, premises, accounting issues and skills training. Business support will be tailored to your own individual needs. Support will be through events, face to face sessions, email and telephone contact with a Business Advisor. If at any time you feel that this is not being provided or you would like further information about any of our services, please discuss this with your Business Advisor. During face to face sessions your adviser will discuss and agree actions to be undertaken. The purpose of these is to stimulate and enhance progress.

What we expect from you:

For our relationship to work and to gain maximum benefit from our service there are a few things to bear in mind:

• We will need you to tell us about any past history (e.g. be it financial, business related, medical or personal) that may affect the way in which you are able to run a business.
• We require you to effectively complete all application forms, and business support documentation to the best of your ability.
• We require you to share information and agree to provide us with evidence of trading; e.g. Accounts, Bank statements, Certificate of Incorporation, VAT registration, NI registration.
• We require you to attend on set training dates and other pre booked sessions.
• We require you to undertake actions discussed and agreed.
• Your consent to receive marketing related information and your support in supplying feedback in response to client surveys.

 

Case study: Blending passion with success

 

Augustin de la Brosse's enterprise was born from his love and expert knowledge of a product from his birthplace. But when he launched a business selling artisan champagne, from small, independant producers, he quickly realised he needed assistance in other areas.  He sought help from the THC Employer Services, and was advised on the requirements for commercial facilities, including a bank guarantee. Being presented with an opportunity to buy the freehold of his rented business premises, Augustin was able to complete the purchase, thanks to a commericial finance facility of £180,000, secured with the assistance of THC Employer Services.

"I knew things would be tough to start with, but I'm so glad I took the time to speak to the Business Team at the College. The help I received over time was invaluable, and in no small part responsible for my success to date.".

Augustin de la Brosse. Owner. Degustation

 

Knowledge Transfer and Innovation

 

In today's business environment, there is real pressure on enterprises to be dynamic and innovative in order to stand out from the crowd. Our consultants have practical experience and expertise across a wide variety of sectors and disciplines, including Creative Arts, Business Management, Marketing (including web based marketing and social media), Health and Social Care, the sciences and many more. They'll work with you to help address your business issues and to attain a competitive edge. Examples of assistance available are:

• Market intelligence
• Product/ market research
• Product/service/process improvement
• New product design
• Testing
• Web design
• Development of educational tools and materials
• Strategic Planning

If your business is based in London, take advantage of this free service, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, by contacting :

Asif Siddiqui        020 7536 5706    asif.siddiqui@tower.ac.uk

Case study: Success through collaboration  

 

Software company Cineris was looking for scope to develop a commercial application for a CV improvement programme. They found the ideal partner in Tower Hamlets College. THC Employer Services Unit introduced Cineris chairman Dr Roger Sutcliffe to recruitment professional Patricia Owen, who manages the Temporary Resource Service at the College. Patricia gave expert advice on 'fine-tuning' the programme, and tested it among a group of 60 job-seekers, providing detailed feedback to Cineris. Asha Begum, 21, from Tower Hamlets, was among the group of testers. After graduating she applied unsuccessfully for over 50 jobs. She ran her CV through the Cineris programme and is now on her second paid work placement. She says: "it was really clear about what needed improving and gave good examples of how to do it" Dr Sutcliffe, whose company has offices in Colchester and Glasgow, says that the professional help and feedback he received from THC Employer Services was very valuable in developing the CV Referee programme. "The team have been brilliant. They have enormous skill and patience, and did fast and precise work with highly focused judgement." Cineris is aiming to sell the CV programme in the Further Education market to support students in gaining better qualifications and employment.

"The team have been brilliant. They have enormous skill and patience, and did fast and precise work with highly focused judgement".

Dr Roger Sutcliffe, Chairman, Cineris

 

Our Partners

 

We work with numerous partners to deliver our enterprise support services, including: