24.08.2004
The University of Brighton is currently inviting small to medium size businesses to take part in a new business development initiative called ProfitNet (Profit through Networks). ProfitNet is a FREE enterprise led training scheme designed to maximise the profit potential of local businesses, while helping companies to establish new market opportunities.
Sponsored by the European Regional Development Fund (SEPIA – South East Programme for Innovation Action), this ground breaking training programme will be held once a month, for a three hour session, at the University Centre Hastings in Havelock Road, Hastings from October 2004 until November 2005.
Open to all small and medium sized companies within the Hastings, Rother and Wealden areas, it utilises structured learning, informal networking, communication and knowledge sharing with peers and experts, to help managers and entrepreneurs gain a greater understanding of their business. This learning network programme aims to mobilise and support companies from commercial and industrial sectors to develop strategic answers to their joint training and business needs.
To ensure that each session is relevant and productive, the participants are placed into focused sector based groups such as manufacturing, business start-ups (up to 3 years old), construction, creative industries, hotels including restaurants, retail, social enterprise and care homes. These forums will identify and address industry relevant issues in order to establish and apply a competitive advantage.
According to the Project Manager for ProfitNet, Geoff Smith, “The whole aim of the project is to get the participants to use their combined knowledge, talents and resources to help each other with problem-solving and innovation. Our role as facilitators is to support these networks with resources and expertise so that the lessons learnt can be put into practical application.”
“This new training scheme uses a highly successful and innovative learning project and has been used around the world with impressive results. This concept has been based on the idea of getting groups of people, operating in similar environments, to work together to establish solutions to individual problems. As the scheme involves practical learning, which relates to everyday reality and is tailored to the needs of the participants, it not only provides psychological support, but also helps to foster ideas for new products or services, as well as improving management skills and staff motivation.
“Such has been the success of this scheme that it has led to the development of sector specific business parks amongst participating companies, funded by government, as well as building strong links between companies which has enabled them to share labour and skills. But perhaps more importantly the companies have seen a marked improvement in both their sales and profit margins.”
ProfitNet is being delivered in partnership with Ten Sixty Six Enterprise, the University of Brighton, University Centre Hastings, Hastings and Bexhill Task Force, The Creative Media Centre, Hastings Borough Council and Harley Reed Consulting.
To find out more and to enrol on this innovative learning network
programme contact:
Geoff Smith, Project Manager, University Centre Hastings, Havelock Road, Hastings,
TN34 1DQ
Tel 01273 644605
Mobile 07775 530619
Email: g.w.smith@brighton.ac.uk
Web: www.brighton.ac.uk/profitnet
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
