Published October 14, 2020 at 15:30
Rossendale Borough Council’s successful Invest in Rossendale initiative has held its first socially distanced and Covid compliant workshop for businesses.
The workshop run by Business Advisor Brad Hacking was the first of several planned ‘Keystone’ workshops scheduled by Invest in Rossendale that are aimed at helping new, as well as established companies, across Rossendale.
The workshops are designed to focus on specific business issues in Rossendale and give the companies attending the opportunity to chat about the themes in detail. They also give the attendees involved the chance to network and discuss any problems with other like-minded business owners in the borough.
The first workshop was aimed at new businesses giving advice and information on business planning, resilience, Covid-19 compliance and legal matters to help give them a solid foundation and to help ensure they become viable businesses.
Helen Targar who has a handmade and personalised gift business, Splendid Fred, said: “I’ve been running the business part time for 3 years or so but now I want to turn it into a full-time job.
“This workshop has been great, giving me invaluable advice and information, and being able to chat and meet people at the same stage has been so helpful. I’ve gone away with clear ideas on how to progress and I will definitely be coming to more workshops.”
Alyson Barnes Leader of the council who was on hand to lend support and encouragement said: “We have such great talent, determination and entrepreneurial spirit in Rossendale and it’s important especially in the current climate that the council is on hand to help and support our local business community.”
Further workshops are planned over the coming weeks with the next one scheduled to take place via zoom.
Brad Hacking Business Advisor with Invest in Rossendale said: “Our next workshop is about access to finance and general financial planning.
“The first workshop was held at the council offices. We were really conscious of making sure that everyone felt safe and that we were able to socially distance and still deliver the workshop effectively, which I’m pleased to say we did.
“The next workshop will be held via zoom and I’m sure that will give us different challenges but hopefully it will be equally as effective.”
Other workshop themes will include business planning, health and safety, and funding for growth. If people would like more information on the workshops and how to get involved, they should email: BradHacking@rossendalebc.gov.uk