MICROBIZ
Horsham Microbiz
An unmissable event for any small business and a treasure trove for anyone thinking of starting a business
Horsham Microbiz is an annual event hosted at The Drill Hall on Denne Road. The next event will take place on Saturday 14 March 2009.
Under one roof, you will be able to access over 40 hand selected exhibitors and take your pick from free seminars and workshops delivered by leading business specialists. Be inspired by the compelling stories of our renowned entrepreneurs, and enjoy a spot of business networking in the Microbiz networking hubs.
And the best bit about all of this? It's absolutely free.
So, what exactly is Microbiz?
The idea for Microbiz came from Horsham District Council - organisers of MicroBiz and pioneers of the concept and brand and the event has just seen its sixth year. Research carried out by the Council in 2002 with home-based businesses revealed that many business owners wanted to attend more high-value local networking events. They also expressed the need to keep up with legislation and to have access to useful information on business related topics.
And so Microbiz was born! A treasure trove that includes over 40 exhibitors, all hand selected because they offer products or services that are of real value to any small business (whether home-based or not) and indeed any start up business. Added to this are a diverse range of seminars that are really focused on helping small businesses, with topics that are absolutely essential for start up and growth including: marketing, health and safety, taxation and business networking. In previous years the event has run from 10am to 4pm.
Improving through Feedback
Each year Microbiz has improved because it is driven by the feedback of visitors and exhibitors alike. This year saw two local entrepreneurs invited to share their secrets of success from being a home-based business to a multi-million pound organisation, and the Microbiz ‘business-networking hub’ was born. Prior to this year's event, exhibitors benefited from a free exhibition skills masterclass where they also enjoyed a hugely entertaining talk from Gary Shipton, editor-in-chief of the Sussex newspaper Group.
Microbiz 2008 - The Keynote Speakers
Tim Breden, Operations Director of Sussex Business of the Year Kate’s Cakes, officially opened Microbiz at 10:30am before delivering a fascinating keynote speech at 11am outlining the growth of Kate’s Cakes and the unique part he has played in this.
Sarah Hatswell, Managing Director of Horsham based Sovereign Credit Management, delivered a keynote speech at 2pm. Sarah is one of the few female Managing Directors of a credit company in the UK and she was a founding partner at the age of 25.
Horsham Microbiz 2008 Sponsors
Horsham Microbiz is sponsored by Horsham District Council and West Sussex County Council. This year we were also delighted to have the following sponsors who exhibited on the day:
| Microbiz 2008 Sponsors |
|---|
| ICG Print and Design ICG is a small design and print company specialising in supporting SMEs. We’re sponsoring Microbiz because we specialise in design and print for small businesses and start-ups. We offer an incredible high quality package for company stationery (letterheads, business cards and compliment slips.) We’re also skilled at delivering high impact company newsletters, brochures, leaflets and flyers - always designed in close collaboration with our clients. |
| NatWest and RBS Realising your dream of starting your business is one of the most rewarding things you can do. But it can have its challenges too. At NatWest and RBS in Horsham a dedicated Business Manager will take the time to listen and understand your particular needs, helping you to arrive at the best solutions to achieve your business goals. So, get your Business off the ground! Come and speak to Paul, Mike, Alison & Louise from NatWest and RBS at Microbiz. |
| Business Link Business Link is a national business information, advice and support service dedicated to helping businesses and budding entrepreneurs develop and progress. Rather than supply the help itself, Business Link provides a team of impartial, highly trained business advisers who can talk you through the available options and advise on the best course of action for your company. |
| Business Matters Business Matters is a monthly publication from Sussex Newspapers (SN), which aims to engage with the region’s business community. The monthly newspaper is published across Sussex and has an audience reach of more than 75,000. Business Matters focuses on both local and national business news, and has a number of well-respected columnists who give advice, comment and provide a unique insight into the region’s economy |
| Spirit FM |
Look out for details on Horsham Microbiz 2009. Inspiration, networking, sound advice, essential tips, great exhibitors and delicious refreshments….. all under one roof all in one day!
For further information on any aspect of the event telephone 01403 215529 or email business.development@horsham.gov.uk
Download the programme from this year's event below. The programme for next year's Microbiz will be available early in March 2009.
Horsham Microbiz 2008 Programme
Horsham Microbiz 2008 Programme (488kb)
A PDF version of the Microbiz 2008 programme. Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required to view this document.