Dear associates and business owners

Welcome to the February issue of the C4B newsletter, which highlights current and forthcoming businesses events, initiatives and activities taking place in the Canterbury district this spring. With C4B's special breakfast briefing on the Local Development Framework in February, followed by the March Business Month seminars and workshops, there are plenty of 'dates to save'. Help spread the word by forwarding this and future C4B e-newsletters on to your business contacts and colleagues.

Paul Barrett Chairman C4B

In this update:

The shape of things to come
March Business Month
In need of business support?
Keeping Whitstable on the move
Save on parking
Get involved!
Looking to trade in Europe?

Paul Barrett's business comment

With Christmas holidays well out of the way, and the Budget looming on the horizon, it's time to look to the future. The city council's draft Local Development Framework outlining plans for the district is sure to provide plenty of food for thought (make sure you submit any comments you may have by 12 March) and the various events during March Business Month will provide a source of ideas and inspiration to help you take your business forward. And if you need some one-to-one help to get your business really fit for the future, the Support4Business free mentoring scheme will point you in the right direction.

The shape of things to come

C4B's Breakfast Briefing on the city council's Local Development Framework takes place at Birley's Pavilion on 23 February, when Colin Carmichael, Chief Executive of Canterbury City Council will talk about plans for the economic development of the district. The event is now fully booked, but if you aren't able to attend, and would like details of the presentation, please email Paul Spree at: paul.spree@canterbury.gov.uk
or read the full article.

March Business Month

Whether you're exploring new markets or hoping to improve the performance of your business, the council's Local Economy Team is working with a number of partners to bring you a range of free business support events:

Breakfast banter
Tuesday 2 March, 8am to 10am. Whitstable.
In association with Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

Tourism open day
Tuesday 9 March, 9.30am to 1pm. Canterbury.

Crossing cultural boundaries
Thursday 18 March, 2pm to 4pm. Herne Bay.

Herne Bay regeneration event,
including pop-up networking area
Wednesday 24 March, 3pm to 7pm. Herne Bay.

Business Master Classes
Friday 26 March, 8am to 1pm. Harbledown, Canterbury. Choose from a selection of workshops designed to help your business trade in Europe:

Building cross-border partnerships
European legislation human resource strategies
Design and marketing for Europe
French and Belgian business cultures - how do we all differ?

Conference Canterbury networking
Wednesday 31 March, 9.30am to 11.30am. Canterbury.

To book your place at any or all of these events, please visit
www.business.canterbury.gov.uk

In need of business support?

If you're just starting up a new business or struggling with an existing one, and would like some support from an experienced local business owner who knows the ropes, the Support4Business free mentoring scheme can help.
Read more...

Keeping Whitstable on the move

Following a meeting last November initiated by C4B, involving representatives from Whitstable, KCC, Canterbury City Council councillors and officers, Kent County Council is going to produce some proposals to take the project forward.
Watch this space for details!

Save on parking

The parking services team have introduced a new permit for train travellers who regularly use the Station Road West council car park. Applicants must hold a valid season ticket and permits can be bought for one, three, six or 12 months. Savings can also be made if you regularly use Park and Ride. The Park and Ride card allows you to add credit to your account, and for every payment you make a further 20% of the value will be added to your account. For more information visit the parking pages of the city council's website www.canterbury.gov.uk

Get involved!

If you'd like to get more involved with C4B and would be interested in making a contribution to any of the four project groups, we'd like to hear from you. The groups are: Enterprise; Education and Skills; Environment; and Major Projects. The groups meet about every six weeks for an hour or so to discuss current issues and future projects. To find out more, please contact Paul Spree on paul.spree@canterbury.gov.uk.

Looking to trade in Europe?

If you're running an SME with less than 10 employees in the Canterbury district and are interested in developing business links in Northern France and Belgium, funding is now available through the Transmanche Enterprise Network (TEN).
Read more...

Canterbury4Business C/O Local Economy Team, Canterbury City Council, Military Road CT1 1YW