If you know someone who you think would enjoy the Rural-Net experience, you simply need to let us know the name of the business and a contact name and email address of the person who you would like to bring,  send it to rural-net@wsxenterprise.co.uk and we will do the rest.

 And, as an added incentive, if your guest decides to join Rural-Net, you will get an additional one month free added to your membership.  

Called Rural-Net, it has been set up by WSX Enterprise, the not-for-profit business support agency based at Poole with support from the new Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.

Rural-Net Launch at Kingston Maurward College

At the launch event details of the scheme were outlined by WSX Enterprise’s Ian Girling and Matthew Butcher, while Government minister Oliver Letwin spoke of the value of the new initiative, and LEP chairman Gordon Page explained how the LEP had supported the initiative.

Said Mr Letwin:

We are in incredibly difficult times, but there is nothing this country deals with better, and I am constantly amazed by what is achieved in Dorset.

Dorset has some very big and very successful firms, as well as loads and loads of tiny but energetic businesses which in many cases will be the employers of the future.

We are on the move, and this scheme will be part of it.

Rural-Net will meet regularly in six hubs around the county, enabling rurally-based company owners to sharpen their skills, exchange ideas and hear from experts on business issues.

The chairman of the Marshwood group, centred around Bridport, Beaminster and Lyme Regis, is John Colton.

He said:

Running a small rural business can be a pretty lonely operation, so it is invaluable to meet up regularly with people in the same position. You gain strength from realising that you are actually one of many, and being able to compare notes.

Matthew Butcher, enterprise manager for WSX, said:

So many people responded to the launch of Rural-Net that we had to double the number we had originally planned for.

That confirms us in our belief that it is the right answer for company owners needing to network, stay up to date and develop their skills.

Made up of business men and women from across Dorset, the group aims to support businesses across the county, and encourage new business development.

The board also includes the leaders of Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole  Councils and a representative of the District Councils.  The Board is completed by Bournemouth University and Bournemouth and Poole College on behalf of colleges across Dorset.

The LEP will work towards creating new jobs in Dorset, improving the skills of the existing workforce in businesses across the county and improving communications and connectivity across all local industry.

Gordon Page from Hamworthy plc, who was elected chairman at the first gathering, said:“We have a strong team in the new board of the LEP, and we will need it to provide the leadership required to see Dorset’s economy develop in these difficult times.

Dorset faces many challenges, but we have a lot going in our favour and it is up to us to make the most of the opportunities and assets we have to provide jobs and prosperity for Dorset.”

There are currently 38 Local Enterprise Partnerships covering almost all of the country, and they will be expected to provide local vision and leadership for economic recovery and growth.

Local Enterprise Partnerships contribute to the Government’s agenda for rebuilding and rebalancing the economy. The Government recognises that local businesses and local authorities together are best placed to understand the needs and opportunities of their community.

WSX Enterprise is delighted to be working with the LEP in supporting the business community.
Ian Girling, WSX Enterprise

For further information contact David Walsh, Dorset County Council’s economic development manager, on (01305) 224254 or log on to http://www.dorsetforyou.com/localenterprisepartnership

For Farmers, the issue of handing on the whole farm business or indeed splitting the business to the next generation is always a time of difficult decisions with many issues to consider – both personal and financial and of course spilling over into legal and tax issues. To help put these issues into perspective, we have asked Rosie and Ken Barfoot of the Dorset business ‘Training for Results’ to put together a programme to look at these issues and to discuss the implications and problems and to hear how others have tackled the problem.

The event will start at 11am and run until 3pm and will include contributions from accountant Iain McVicar of Albert Goodman LLP and Farmer John Hole of G W Hole & Son of Bardle Farm. John will talk about the difficult decisions relating to succession that he and his family have had to take. There will be time for discussion and issues raised in the morning will be debated, in small groups, in the afternoon.

The event will be at Kingston Maurward College, there will be no charge for the day (DEFRA’s Rural Development Programme for England will fund the event) which will include lunch and the services of experienced facilitators. Further details will be sent when you book your place.

If you wish to find out more please call 08456 047 047.

To book places (all the family will be most welcome) please call: 01275 370850 or email: rural@businesswest.co.uk

Contact:

Roger Smith
Rural Advice manager
W: www.ruraladvicesw.com
Follow us on Twitter: @ruraladvicesw

Ian Girling

A support network to help rural businesses around Dorset is being launched this month.

Rural-Net will meet regularly in six hubs around the county, enabling company owners to sharpen their skills, exchange ideas and hear from experts on business issues.

The new network, organised by business support specialists WSX Enterprise, will be formally launched at Kingston Maurward College near Dorchester on January 27.

Keynote speaker at the event will be Government minister and MP for West Dorset Oliver Letwin, who will emphasise the importance of the rural economy.

WSX is the not-for-profit enterprise agency which operated the Busi-ness Link service in Dorset before Business Link regional services were ended by the Govern-ment last November.

Enterprise director Ian Girling said: “We are delighted Mr Letwin is able to join us because, like him, we know that businesses based in the rural areas and the smaller towns are hugely important for Dorset. We will be doing all we can to help them prosper and grow.

“Company owners in the rural areas can sometimes feel quite isolated. There is huge benefit to be had from getting together with others.

“The Rural-Net structure will see regular meetings in six locations, and another feature of the meetings will be informative sessions by business experts.

“Outside the meetings, via an online virtual notice board, members can also promote what they have to offer.”

The launch event, at 12pm on January 27 is open to all business owners or directors. There will be a chance to meet people who are already members of Rural-Net, and join on the day at a special rate.

There is no charge for the event, which includes buffet lunch, but it is essential to book a place.

For details e-mail rural-net@wsxenterprise.co.uk

The Company currently provides a number of business services across the South of England, including Rural-net, BusinesXchange, Design & Innovation, Plato Sustain and Mentor-Net. These services help our SME customers to start up, grow and prosper.

If you are a new or existing business and are looking for help to grow your business please get in touch.

WSX Enterprise Ltd
Arena Business Centre,
Holyrood Close,
Poole,
Dorset, BH17 7FJ

Tel: 01202 607526

Oliver Letwin - Keynote Speaker at the Rural-Net Launch

Join us for the launch of Rural-Net
12.00, 27th January 2012
Kingston Maurward College

WSX Enterprise invites you to the launch of Rural-Net – the essential network for enterprising rural businesses building on the legacy of the Rural Business Clubs.

We would delighted to welcome you, whether you are already on board with Rural-Net, a member of the Rural Business Clubs, or looking to find out more about the only rural business network for Dorset. Oliver Letwin MP will be joining us at the event and will be our keynote speaker.

Meet businesses who have already joined, and learn more about how Rural-Net will enable members to exchange ideas, sharpen business skills and stay in touch with business developments. There will be a chance to join on the day at a special introductory rate.

This event, starting at 12 midday, is free, and will include lunch, but places are strictly limited to first come, first served. Secure yours by booking at:

http://www.businesseventsindorset.co.uk/rural-net-launch/

Alternatively, please email rural-net@wsxenterprise.co.uk