NEWS RELEASES
‘An excellent forum for small businesses’
22nd February 2006
A SUCCESSFUL member of the Horsham business community has described the Horsham’s MicroBiz Fair as an ‘excellent forum for small businesses’.
Peter Coles, managing director of DO$H Software, based in Harwood Road, Horsham, has supported the MicroBiz Fair since it started four years ago.
This year’s MicroBiz Fair takes place this year on Saturday 18 March in Horsham’s Drill Hall, Denne Road.
Mr Coles believes the Fair is something which all small businesses, new start ups and those working from home should make use of.
“Our programs are designed specifically to help small-medium sized businesses, so naturally we like to support local businesses,” explained Mr Coles.
“MicroBiz is a great exhibition for small and start up businesses to either visit or set up a stand. It’s an excellent tool for small businesses.”
He added: “There’s a lot to be said for networking; small businesses are helped immensely by something like MicroBiz where they meet likeminded people and often find solutions to difficult issues, as well as build up business contacts.”
Mr Coles knows about networking; his company provides a software package that has been designed to simplify the process of keeping accurate financial records and a few years ago DO$H was approached by Lloyds TSB.
Now a DO$H Cashbook is available to new businesses who open a business bank account.
“Lloyds TSB also supply a copy of DO$H Business Plan to people considering opening a new business bank account – so our name is out there and available to many new businesses,” explained Mr Coles.
Councillor Roger Paterson, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and IT for Horsham District Council, said: “Horsham District Council's MicroBiz initiative was conceived to provide the best environment for small local companies to network together.
“Research shows that networking is one of the top priorities for start up and home based businesses, not only to learn about local market conditions but also to co-operate on larger projects.”
Cllr Paterson added: “The MicroBiz Fair in March is designed to provide ideal networking conditions for both visitors and exhibitors - and is clearly confirmed by our exit polls from previous fairs.”
The MicroBiz Fair will take place at Horsham’s Drill Hall in Denne Road on Saturday 18 March from 10am until 4pm.
Another MicroBiz Fair is due to be held in Steyning in the Steyning Centre on Saturday 24 June.
Both events are free to enter for visitors, as are the business seminars – however advanced free booking for the seminars is advised to avoid disappointment.
The MicroBiz Fairs 2006 in the Horsham District are organised by Horsham District Council and are sponsored by Sussex Enterprise, SEEDA, Business Link and West Sussex County Council, whose sponsorship is invaluable in being able to put on the events.
For more information about the Horsham District’s MicroBiz Fairs in 2006, contact Chris Baister at Horsham District Council on (01403) 215542. There is also a wealth of information for businesses on Horsham District Council’s website.
The MicroBiz concept was originated by Horsham District Council and it is now replicated in other areas of West Sussex as well as the Horsham District.
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk