The Route to Market programme
What is Route to Market?
Route to Market - Opens in a new window is a business support programme from the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and forms part of emda's continued response to supporting businesses in the current economic climate and to help them prepare for the upturn. A series of Route to Market workshops - Opens in a new window will be held around the region in early 2010.
Businesses are now being encouraged to register their interest in this programme through the Route to Market - Opens in a new window site or with Business Link. The workshop programme will be delivered across the East Midlands between January and March 2010.
Route to Market is designed to provide practical support in the key areas of:
- Business strategy
- Customer retention
- Recruiting and developing your staff
- Sales and Marketing
- Managing finances.
What are the benefits
Route to Market will provide businesses with a range of practical tools and techniques to assist in building a strong platform for future growth.
It will help businesses to:
- Develop a business strategy to take the business forward
- Help to retain and maximise the current customer base
- Provide the business with an understanding of how to recruit and develop the best team
- Help develop a sales and marketing plan
- Help businesses improve financial controls and cashflow management
Who is eligible
Route to Market is open to small and medium sized businesses in the East Midlands that have been operating for at least one year, employ at least five people, and have a turnover of at least £100,000. We welcome businesses from all sectors and backgrounds.
We are particularly keen to hear from businesses that have experienced a slowing of demand for their goods and services in the last six to 12 months.
What support does the business receive?
Route to Market is delivered in a series of participative workshops delivered by business support specialists over 5 days. It is made up of:
Day 1 - a one day workshop covering Business Strategy
Days 2 and 3 – two one-day workshops covering Sales & Marketing and Finance
Days 4 and 5 - two final one-day workshops covering Customer Retention and Recruitment and Development
View more details of the workshops - Opens in a new window
These workshops will take place over a two-month period and will be held at locations around the East Midlands. It is expected that each business can send up to two managers to attend the workshops.
How many places are available and what is the cost
Route to Market is a free programme fully funded by emda.
However, businesses enrolling on the programme will be asked to provide a purchase order or deposit to the value of £250 + VAT. Should the businesses attend all of the workshops this £250 will be refunded in full but should they fail to attend a workshop this will be charged a £50 + VAT per day.
There are 90 business places available in 2010 but please note that spaces are limited.
How do I apply?
The Route to Market programme will commence in January 2010, with five county based workshops programmes running from January to March 2010. A sixth regional workshop programme will also take place in March which can be used by businesses that could not make their local workshop date.
To apply, visit the Route to Market - Opens in a new window site.
Businesses can also register their interest by contacting Business Link on 0845 058 6644.
Business Link East Midlands
0845 058 6644
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