An inaugural event to promote the county council’s extensive support programme for small businesses and champion their work has been hailed a success.
The Business Support Conference was held at The Octagon Centre in Stafford. The sell-out event gave delegates the opportunity to discover the variety of tailored support available from a single source, and build valuable connections across the local business community.
Guests heard from the leader of Staffordshire County Council Martin Murray, Karen Woolley from the Federation of Small Businesses, Kerry Haughton from HSBC and Chelsea Spencer, Chartered Marketer and Founder of Big Reputation based in Uttoxeter.
WATCH: Businesses explain what the conference brings to them.
Martin Murray said:
The first ever Staffordshire Business Support Conference provided us with an opportunity to showcase everything the county council has to offer, including our support structures where SMEs can access training, opportunities and connections.
Businesses were able to gain practical insight from experts and create networks and relationships that can help them to thrive. Our comprehensive package of small business support demonstrates delivery in one of our priority areas in backing enterprise and innovation across our county.”
Representatives from the county council’s specialist business services showcased the wide range of start-up and business support available giving delegates the chance to seek out a deeper understanding of routes to success.
Conference delegate Misbah Gulzar, Founder and Director of Equitas Consultancy Services, said:
This kind of environment is so important and useful, not just to push your business forward, but for you as an individual to build your confidence, your self-esteem and build upon your business.”
Break out room workshops provided delegates with the chance to seek out a deeper understanding of routes to success, with sessions led by KMC Legal, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Supporting Care Leavers into Employment and Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub.
Mike Thompson, of Blue Sky Technical Services, a start-up based in Uttoxeter, said:
Events like this give access to opportunities and funding as well as networking. Having a conversation with someone on your table, or the next table, could just help you get over that line for a problem you may have. It may be a connection with an investor or a connection with a customer.
It’s also nice to hear from the leader about the help that’s available to businesses.
What Staffordshire County Council is providing for businesses and the business support is absolutely fantastic.”
