The second North East Business Week once again brings together the North East’s four premier business organisations. North East Business Week 2012 will showcase what the North East has to offer the business community, will celebrate the successes of local businesses and will provide networking and development opportunities for all.

If you’re just starting or thinking about running your own business, keen to grow and develop your existing business, or are looking for new business opportunities, North East Business Week will have an event for you.

Survey Results

We asked for your views on the growth constraints for your business or organisation.
Thanks to all of those who took part in the survey. You can download the results below:

Survey Results (PDF 1.2Mb)

  1. Mon 16

    Mon 16th April 2012

    Afternoon

    • The Role of International Trade in Rebalancing the UK Economy

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      Scottish Council for Development & Industry

      The UK coalition Government has made clear that exports and inward investment are central to the recovery of the UK's economy and therefore are a key priority for Government action. In this first major event of North East Business Week, specialists from Lloyds Banking Group will provide an overview of the current state of the UK economy and outline the need for economic rebalancing and the role of international trade in the process. In addition, the need to finance that trade and the practicalities of doing business in some of the key target markets will be addressed along with a look at some of the difficulties and opportunities in these markets. An industry case study will explore how a local business is going global and its role in “walking the talk”.

      The session will commence at 11.45am with registration, networking and a buffet lunch. We anticipate concluding by 2.00pm. Spaces are strictly limited so to register please email fiona.downie@scdi.org.uk as soon as possible.

      Lloyds Banking Group, Aberdeen - view map 11.45am - 2pm
      Agenda
      Speakers: Carl Paraskevas, Head of Sector Economics, Lloyds Bank:
      UK Economic Overview
      Alistair McMillan, Manager Cash & Trade, N&E Scotland, Lloyds Bank Wholesale Banking & Markets:
      Financing trade and the practicalities of doing business in international markets – challenges and solutions
      Industry Case Study
      In Partnership
  2. Tue 17

    Tue 17th April 2012

    Morning

    • Driving Growth Question Time

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      Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

      Following on from last year’s successful Question Time event, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce are running a similar initiative during North East Business Week 2012. At this event we will be discussing the impact of both devolution and Independence and a single local authority on business growth in the region. Join us at this event for discussion and debate and to hear from our expert panellists on both topics.

      Members: £26 each session or £40 for full day (+VAT)
      Non-members: £40 each session or £60 for full day (+VAT)

      Carmelite Hotel, Aberdeen - view map 10.30am - 2.15pm
      Book your space via AGCC
      Email events@agcc.co.uk
      Call 01224 343901
      Agenda
      10.30 Registration and refreshments
      11.00 Session one: Devolution and independence
      Chair: Keith Aitken, Journalist and Broadcaster
      Panel: Jeremy Purvis, Leader of the Devo Plus group, former Lib Dem MSP, Finance Spokesman
      Michael Spence, Partner, Bond Pearce
      Colin Pearson, Tax Partner, Ernst & Young
      Professor Trevor Salmon, University of Aberdeen
      Maitland Mackie, Chairman, Mackie’s of Scotland
      12.15 Networking lunch and session two registration
      13.00 Session two: A single local authority for the region
      Chair: Keith Aitken, Journalist and Broadcaster
      Panel: Councillor Callum McCaig, Council Leader, Aberdeen City Council
      George Yule, President, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
      Damian Bates, Editor, Press & Journal
      Edel Harris, Chief Executive, Cornerstone
      14.15 Close and vote of thanks

    Evening

    • “The Big Debate”

      Federation of Small Businesses

      Organised by the Federation of Small Businesses, The Big Debate will look at the key areas impacting business growth, focusing on the three Cs: Connectivity, Communication, Collaboration.

      Hosted by broadcaster and journalist, Frank Gilfeather, the event will bring together key decision makers, politicians and business representatives from the North East. A panel of experts will discuss the key themes, answer questions and open the issues up to debate. There will also be an opportunity to network with the other guests over dinner.

      This event is now fully booked.

      Raemoir House Hotel, Banchory - view map 6.30pm
      Agenda
      18.30 Arrival and welcome drink
      19.00 Debate and open forum Q&A
      20.00 Networking dinner
      21.30 Close and vote of thanks
  3. Wed 18

    Wed 18th April 2012

    Morning

    • Getting the most from
      Social Media

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      Enterprise North East Trust

      If you’ve ever felt that you’re lagging behind the latest developments in communications and marketing technology then there’s a good chance that you’re not fully embracing social media. Take the time over lunch to hear from some businesses that are making the most of social media. Scott Graham will introduce Social Media and why he feels that embracing this can make a huge difference in helping to drive your businesses growth. Karin McGivern has established a successful business within the North East and will discuss how Social Media has contributed to this. David Percival, a Business Advisor with Business Gateway will provide an overview of what support is available locally to help you to make the most from Social Media.

      Waterside Inn, Peterhead - view map 10.30am - 2pm
      Book your space via Eventbrite
      Agenda
      Speakers: Scott Graham, Director of Operations, Deer Digital Ltd.
      David Percival, Business Advisor, Business Gateway
      Karin McGivern, business owner

    Evening

    • B.Y.O.B. – Be Your Own Boss

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      Enterprise North East Trust

      Have you ever wanted to be your own boss? Perhaps you’ve already been inspired by The Apprentice or Dragon’s Den or perhaps the success of people around you. Join Jim Eastwood who came within a whisker of hearing the words “You’re Hired” from Sir Alan Sugar for an inspirational evening with business owners who have taken an idea, looked at the opportunities and then taken the plunge! Hear about the challenges that they faced and importantly gain an insight into how they have met these.

      RGU Faculty of Health & Social Care, Aberdeen - view map 6pm - 9pm
      Book your space via Eventbrite
      Agenda
      18.30 Welcome from host Gary McEwan, CEO Enterprise North East Trust
      18.40 Jim Eastwood (runner up from the Apprentice 2011)
      19.10 Judith Thorpe, Thorpe Molloy
      19.30 Craig Angus, Chief Executive Officer, Whaapp Ltd
      19.45 Q&A with audience
      20.15 Close and vote of thanks
  4. Thu 19

    Thu 19th April 2012

    Morning

    • Access to Finance Business Breakfast

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      Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

      Since the banking crisis of 2008/2009, the funding gap which exists for small and medium sized businesses has become increasingly obvious, and lack of access to capital is having a significant impact on the ability of companies to grow.

      The Business Growth Fund (BGF) was established to address this funding gap. With £2.5bn of capital at its disposal it provides a new option for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses with the help of a long term funding partner. Simon Munro will explain what the BGF looks for in an investment and the benefits of having a supportive investor like the BGF alongside you.

      Business loans from Funding Circle are 100% financed by real people around the UK, making it a truly innovative player in the market. Elizabeth Obee will cover exactly how Funding Circle works, how it is helping UK businesses to grow and the types and sizes of loans they offer.

      Members: £26 (+VAT)
      Non-members: £40 (+VAT)

      Thistle Airport, Aberdeen - view map 7am - 9am
      Book your space via AGCC
      Email events@agcc.co.uk
      Call 01224 343901
      Agenda
      07.00 Registration
      07.30 Chair: Graham Blair, Area Director, North of Scotland, The Bank of Scotland
      07.35 Speaker One: Simon Munro, Regional Director, Scotland, Business Growth Fund
      07.55 Speaker Two: Elizabeth Obee, Head of Business Marketing, Funding Circle
      08.15 Networking Break
      08.25 Discussion and open forum
      08.45 Close and vote of thanks

    Evening

  5. Fri 20

    Fri 20th April 2012

    Afternoon

    • Driving Growth Business Summit

      Invite only

      Business Week 2012 culminates in the Summit for senior North East business leaders. Key findings to have emerged from the week’s events will be on the table for discussion including:

      • Constraints to SME Growth
      • Barriers to Exporting
      • Stimulating Entrepreneurs

      Local business issues will be brought to the fore through presentation of results of the online “Driving Growth Survey”. While limited space requires attendance by invitation only, local businesses are encouraged to contribute to the Summit by forwarding in advance issues that are impacting on the ability of the Region and their business to further grow and develop. Please forward topics for discussion to hello@enetrust.com.

      The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa, Aberdeen - view map 12pm - 14.15pm
      Partners
      Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce
      Enterprise North East Trust
      Federation of Small Businesses
      Scottish Council for Development & Industry

Partners

  • abcc
  • enet
  • fsb
  • scdi

Sponsors

  • deer-digital

Contact us : hello@enetrust.com