Published: 26.02.08

ProfitNet, the University of Brighton's peer-led business support programme which works with over 500 businesses across Sussex alone, will be marking another outstanding ProfitNet year at a celebration on Wednesday 27 February at The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne.

Over 80 ProfitNet members from small to medium-sized companies across East Sussex will be toasting their achievements on the night having successfully completed the free one-year programme. By working with the university to improve their bottom line, the businesses have enjoyed many benefits including new business, developing fresh processes, sharing common tools and using joint venture opportunities.

The evening will recognise the success and accomplishments of it members company who consist of managing directors and entrepreneurs from across industries such as construction and environment, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing and sport and leisure.

Developed from continuing research by the Centre for Research in Innovation Management (CENTRIM) together with the university's business services team, the innovative programme brings together businesses, to work mutually in confidence to find solutions to business problems.

"Business directors and MDs can feel isolated, especially if they are micro businesses," said director of ProfitNet, Anjuu Trevedi. "ProfitNet provides a forum where business people can share and support each other to develop strategic plans, tackle business issues and develop genuine trust and a level of open communication that extends beyond regular networking opportunities."

"This programme has continued to be a success since its launch in 2004 because members have made a commitment to the programme and each other and have used their combined knowledge, talents and resources to help each other with problem solving and innovation."

ProfitNet member Mary Stevenson, of Mary Stevenson Garden Design, said: "ProfitNet has been a real benefit to me in running my business. The trust built up between members of our group has meant we have shared business ideas which have enabled us to move our businesses forward. The benefits of this group to a self-employed person like me include increased confidence, knowing that all businesses have challenges and opportunities and that no one has all the answers! It's been great!"

Chris Bray, managing director of Leads Direct, an approved trader specialising in the supply of leads and cables, said: "ProfitNet helped me to look at my existing businesses and my new business ideas from a different perspective in an atmosphere of security, safe in the knowledge that matters we were discussing would not go outside of the group without my permission. The point of view of other business owners was freely provided and invaluable, as was the input of University of Brighton staff, the facilitators and the guest speakers."

ProfitNet is one of six national strategic development projects chosen by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to demonstrate the engagement possibilities between universities and small and medium-sized enterprises.

ProfitNet is recruiting companies to establish new ProfitNet groups and is specially interested in hearing from larger businesses (20 plus employees) who wish to work with similar size businesses in Sussex.

If you are interested in joining ProfitNet or want to find out more than please contact Ms Anjuu Trevedi, profitnet@brighton.ac.uk or 01273 643222.