Barclays to host Cheshire growth seminar

BARCLAYS will be hosting a seminar in Knutsford next Monday (November 7) aimed at helping established businesses to grow.

The event will give practical advice on attracting new customers by showing them how new media and foreign trade can facilitate new leads. It follows on from research by the bank which shows that just 39% of firms have ambitions to grow in 2012, compared with 66% in 2010.

Martin Baker, North West head of Barclays Business, said: “The current economic climate continues to have an impact on many small businesses in the UK and confidence remains low.

“But it is encouraging to see there is still optimism, with businesses introducing new products and services to help them prepare for the recovery.  
“Our seminars are there to help anyone who has an existing business and wants to find  ways to reach new markets and use new media and technology to grow.”

The seminars, which are in partnership with ACCA, UK Trade and Investment, Orange and Business Link, will be hosted by business presenter, Nadine Dereza.

They will be run by former Virgin Galactic president Will Whitehorn, Lush chief executive Andrew Gerrie and Barclays Business managing director Steve Cooper.

Baker added: “This year over 10,000 business owners have attended one of 500 free Barclays seminars so far and we have had interest from many more.

“We are committed to helping revitalise the UK economy, which is dependent on small businesses having the confidence to invest and grow.”