Join expert gathering for free advice

Nov 18 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

SOME of the North East’s top private businesses have come together to offer an afternoon of free expert advice to firms in the region.

The Business Toolkit event is aimed at offering a helping hand to businesses as they look to weather the economic storm and position themselves to be able to capitalise on the upturn when it comes.

The unique event – which will be held at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead on December 3 – sees 13 private sector organisations from the region joining forces.

Running from noon until 5pm, the sessions take in various aspects of running a business relevant to companies of all sizes and from all sectors. They include topics such as finance, law, IT and marketing.

Joanna Gibson, marketing manager at Stockton-based Jacksons Law Firm, said: “An event that comprises some of the North East’s most high-profile organisations means delegates will benefit from hearing from such a diverse group of people who will have a real effect on the success of their businesses.”

Berry Burgess, from North Shields marketing firm Armadillo Creative, said: “The 2009 Business Toolkit is a great event to be involved in as it creates a well-rounded view to help businesses in the current economic climate.

“It’s not often you get the quality, depth and variety of companies offering advice and expertise in one room on one day.”

Matthew Flinders, marketing manager at Newcastle accountants RMT, said: “ We have been involved in this event from the very beginning and it is great to see so many private sectors businesses willing to give so much. I think those who attend will be pleasantly surprised.

“From the outset, the whole aim of this event was to offer businesses in the region a cross-section of real tips and tools they can go away and use for themselves.”

For more information, visit www. businesstoolkitevent.co.uk