Advice and insights from industry leaders in association with NSCCI Patron NatWest
Cash flow is the key success factor for small and medium sized businesses. That's why Ipsos Mori were commissioned to interview 250 SME leaders about their cash flow management and what business strategies they've implemented to weather the downturn. Leading economist Professor Graeme Leach also contributed his insights on how 2009 may pan out for SMEs operating in different regions and sectors across the UK.The findings have now been published by NatWest in the report titled 'Business Intelligence 2009: Cash Flow' featuring case studies showing how to deal with different cash flow problems and providing insights which could make a real difference to your business. Click on the link below to view snapshots of the report chapters and order your free copy:
 
http://cashflow.natwest.com/

Topics include:

• The economic outlook for SMEs
• The impact of the downturn on SMEs
• Cash flow - the number one issue for business
• Management approaches to maintaining cash flow
• Financial strategies to improve cash flow
• Confidence in the future

Summer is here but Chamber networking is still available at these two great events

Business Talk Lunch 

Friday 17 July - 1230 -1400 at St Leonards Sport & Social Club, AREVA T&D, Stafford

A networking event with an informative speech entitled: Meeting the UKs Energy Needs
 from guest speaker Steve Burgin, Counrty President, Alstom UK
Their is also an opportunity to network with fellow members and senior staff from Alstom Power and AREVA T&D 

Book here:http://www.nscci.co.uk/events/event.php?eid=197

Speed Networking Lunch at Grosvenor Casino, Hanley

Thursday 13 August - 1130 - 1330

 Meet up to 40 new business contacts in one hour.  All delegates make at least six one minute pitches follwed by lunch and networking. Places are strictly limited to 40 with no more than 2 delegates per company and only 3 business per sector.
It may be adviseable to check availability in your sector prior to booking.

Book here:http://www.nscci.co.uk/events/event.php?eid=173

  Think Local is a campaign designed to increase trading between Staffordshire businesses and to increase awareness amongst the general public of the businesses, products and services available in their area. At the heart of Think Local is a fully interactive and accessible free online directory of local business which already has nearly 30,000 entries on its site, covering information on everything from business support providers to manufacturing to tourism.  The web site, financed by district councils and endorsed by the county's two Chambers of Commerce, also includes news and events pages as well as information on business support and procurement.The service has been running successfully in the south of the county for more than five years and was expanded north from Stafford to include Newcastle-under-Lyme and the Staffordshire Moorlands area in 2008.  Judy Summers, Manager of Stafford Chamber of Commerce comments "Think Local is an exciting initiative that will give local businesses the opportunity to develop new contacts for sourcing and selling goods and services which will benefit the local economy".Businesses interested in finding out more about Think Local or wishing to check their entry can visit http://www.think-local.biz/.

Redundancy Payments Service

Companies who are unable to meet redundancy payments can apply to the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) for help in meeting their legal obligation.  If the RPS can help it will pay employees directly from the National Insurance Fund on the condition that you repay the money as soon as possible.The RPS will consider giving help only when:

• you have provide documentary evidence that you lack the funds to make the statutory redundancy payments
• it is clear that providing help will save a significant number of jobs
• the help will secure the solvency of the business for the foreseeable future
• you have clearly shown that you will be able to repay the money within the agreed period of time.

For more information call 0845 145 0004 (all calls are charged at local rates)