East Midlands, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/22/2011 -- At just twelve years old, East Midlands Entrepreneur Scott Chapman is establishing himself in the business world with his company Happy Chappies Ltd.

Started with just £2.40 of a ten pound loan last year from Peter Jones as part of what this year is called Tenner Tycoon, Scott has already sat at negotiating tables with the like of Sainsbury's and their main suppliers to sell his products in their stores. He is now helping to try to inspire many more young students and people across the UK by devising 'THE INSPIRATION STATION'.

THE INSPIRATION STATION's platform is being created and built during this years Tenner Tycoon Month of March, getting experts and passengers (young people) onboard and will leave for its first major event - planned for Friday April 8th 2011. The Inspiration station will cleverly use a ten pound note in different ways to raise funds to continue the journey and will also be using a unique technique invented by Scott himself so that learning about business is easy and fun for the young people.

Organisations such as Live Unlimited, The Princes Trust, Business Link and the Local Council Partnership have already secured their tickets for their experts and advisors to assist Scott delivering his message to schools and academies who will be sending school councils and students to the Derbyshire Launch. Scott received a major boost recently to his plans when he recently attended one of Business Link's regional Fresh Start events, where he met with award winning businessman and guest speaker, Fraser Doherty, who started his own business at 14 yrs old.

Fraser's SuperJam company has grown considerably, his products are now stocked by major supermarkets and recognised as an iconic Scottish Brand at The National Museum of Scotland.

Scott says "Business Link's Fresh Start event and the Tenner Tycoon competition were both really useful and motivational, Fraser is a great inspiration. He was very encouraging and gave me lots of tips, he has even sent over some information and products for my event to show just what can be achieved if you put your mind to it.

With his enthusiasm fired up and assistance also coming in shortly from his successful pitch at The Live Unlimited Dragons Den where he was granted £500 to assist in the exciting venture Scott's vision is simple . "The challenge is massive but lets put some POSITIVE on everything. Young People have got this negative stereotype and I want to help remove it. We need to encourage more people to think about starting a business because its fun and will give people hope for the future, not just for themselves but for the future kids too. Come to my Inspiration station, get on my train and be inspired...

Stephen Smith CEO of EMB Ltd, the leading enterprise and economic development company that delivers a range of business improvement services , including local access to the regional Business Link says "It's great to see such entrepreneurial spirit at such an early age and watch someone like Scott turn both his business and social enterprise dreams into reality. It goes to show what can be achieved and I hope he will inspire other people to find out about the practical advice and support that is available to help get their business and project ideas of the ground.

For more information on Scott's event please contact 0740 266 3895 or e-mail mchapman12345@hotmail.co.uk

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

East Midlands-based Hallmark Consumer Services has increased its productivity by 10 per cent, thanks to help from Business Link and the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

East Midlands, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/23/2011 -- Melton business Hallmark Consumer Services has notched up another success with its achievement of ISO 900/1400 to add to its continued growth and strong performance.

The ISO awards follow on from a drive to increase efficiency and capacity that have seen the business bottom line boosted dramatically. Right from the moment Hallmark involved the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) in its £2.4 million Leicestershire-based fulfilment operation, MD Chris Hall saw an immediate 10% increase in productivity which added up to almost £20,000 annually.

Chris explains, "We originally thought about contacting MAS a few years ago, but didn't do anything about it. In hindsight this was very short-sighted as we didn't have the expertise in-house, the financial payback has been instant and we are definitely reaping the rewards.

"We wanted to improve our productivity for picking and packing and establish accurate picking times so we could standardise our pricing. Our automated system has built-in logic to help us minimise picking times, but we weren't exploiting its potential."

Boxing clever

Chris, a former marketing director at Mattel, set up Hallmark in Melton in 1992 after he lost faith in the fulfilment houses he was dealing with.

From its roots in sales promotion fulfilment, it's evolved into direct mail, mail order fulfilment and more recently e-commerce, specialising in integrating clients' websites with its own order processing software. Clients include the BBC for whom Hallmark handles sales of its popular Countryfile calendar and the Woodland Trust - the company fulfils catalogue and web orders generated by the charity's Christmas gift range.

"We've got an excellent relationship with Business Link - in fact, it was their Adviser who first suggested bringing in MAS as a solution to help our business," said Chris. "The initial diagnostic process, which involved a lot of walking and talking on the warehouse floor, was free and the week-long time study and analysis of work processes and practices was 50% subsidised.

Picking up the pace

MAS's study clearly identified 'spikes' in picking and packing times caused by problems such as confusing delivery destinations - now Hallmark can iron out these glitches.

MAS also helped the company establish better principles for stock layout so that picking could be carried out as effectively as possible. "It was a Eureka moment for us when our MAS practitioner discovered that picking from a truck for racking at high level was as efficient as a pedestrian picker at floor level. As a result we've changed certain storage locations," added Chris.

"Our MAS practitioner quickly got the staff on side. He skilfully guided and mentored our warehouse team leader who quickly became a big fan and who gained a much better understanding of lean practices and work organisation.

"We were also recommended to introduce a visual management style to improve communication as well as ownership of goals. MAS even helped us fix up a visit to a major car manufacturer to demonstrate how they'd successfully implemented this approach. I had a motivated team before, but now they're even more focused. Achieving ISO 900/1400 was always a goal for us and reinforces our aim of achieving continuous improvement across the business."

Chris Hall's top tips for improving manufacturing productivity:

* Employ an expert with outside experience as they'll bring a new perspective to your business

* Make support organisations like Business Link (Tel 0845 058 6644) and MAS (Tel 0845 270 7620) your first port of call - they can provide you with practical, hands-on support focused on enhancing your bottom line

* Bite the bullet as soon as you realise that key processes and practices need improving - investing your time and resources now will be worth it many times over in the long-run

* Be receptive to new ideas and best practice and most importantly get buy-in from your workforce at the outset

* Keep reviewing and refining the processes - don't treat it as a one-off exercise.

Email: chall@hallmarkconsumer.co.uk
Website: http://www.hallmarkconsumer.co.uk

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

East Midlands, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/23/2011 -- Business Link is running a series of FREE consultations for people who would like to understand more about the financial figures of their business. They'll even give attendees a Ratio Calculation Tool to help with ongoing financial management

The 'Bridging the Gap' consultations in Northampton are FREE of charge and take place every Friday with 30 minute consultation sessions available between 12 noon until 5pm.

Stephen Smith, CEO of EMB Ltd, the leading enterprise and economic development company that delivers a range of business improvement services, including local access to the regional Business Link service says "These practical consultations aim to help local businesses understand the plain facts about their financial figures and how to use them to helps improve the day to day management of their business.

"We will help them to understand the real meaning of their accounts, translate finance and accounting jargon and identify the key financial performance indicators for their business."

To access a FREE accounts consultation, attendees just need to bring their latest accounts to one of the drop in sessions being run by Business Link every Friday in Northampton.

Places are limited and although appointments are not necessary, booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to book, please contact the Business Link Gap Helpline on 01604 782 440 or email kathy.merson@businesslinkem.co.uk

BRIDGING THE GAP EVENTS

Dates:
Every Friday in March: 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 12 noon - 5pm
Location:
Business Link
Opus House,
Anglia Way
Moulton Park
Northampton
NN3 6JA

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Following a rigorous independent assessment, the team at EMB Ltd have earned their place in the Investors in Excellence hall of fame.

East Midlands, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/11/2011 -- EMB Ltd was celebrating after being recognised as an Investor In Excellence at the prestigious Midlands Excellence Awards.

In front of more than 1,150 business leaders, Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the leading enterprise and economic development company that delivers a range of business improvement services, including the regional Business Link service, was presented with an Investors in Excellence plaque for meeting the rigorous demands of the Standard.

Accepting the award from Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the 'World's Greatest Living Explorer', Stephen Smith commented "The Investors in Excellence Standard is fast becoming a universal mark of excellence recognised by business and public sector leaders alike. It helps businesses to develop a continuous improvement culture and generate maximum returns by demonstrating a high standard of all-round performance across a range of key business areas including leadership, people and customer results."

Speaking after the gala ceremony, Investors in Excellence Chief Executive Ian Nield said: "Obtaining the Investors in Excellence Standard is a fantastic achievement for any organisation and I congratulate EMB wholeheartedly.

"Every organisation we've recognised tonight has undergone rigorous independent assessment and consistently demonstrated a genuine passion for excellence and performance improvement. An example to all of us, the team at EMB have earned their place in the Investors in Excellence hall of fame."

About EMB Ltd
EMB is a young, vibrant, enterprise development company. We specialise in delivering public sector contracts which improve the prospects of individuals and businesses, maximising their contribution to the economy.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Over 150 budding entrepreneurs have already registered to attend the free, premier Business Link Start-Up event on Saturday 5th February at Derby Pride Park Stadium

East Midlands, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/07/2011 -- With less than one week to go, Derby entrepreneurs are looking forward to a 'jam-packed' Start-up event being held to help give them a 'Fresh Start' at Derby Pride Park Stadium on Saturday 5th February (9.00am - 4.00pm)

Over 150 budding entrepreneurs have already registered to attend the FREE, premier Start-up event - with even more being expected to turn up on the day.

With FREE workshops, face to face business advice and inspirational speaker Fraser Doherty, (student millionaire and CEO of SuperJam), who set up his own business at the tender age of 14, the campaign, which is being delivered by Business Link as part of their drive to help local people get their business idea off the ground, is rapidly creating quite a buzz as it gathers momentum.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for local delivery of the Business Link service says "We are delighted that local people are taking up this valuable opportunity to find out how we can provide access to the best impartial information and support available to help them turn their business idea 'into a business reality."

All attendees will receive FREE, on-going post-event support as they continue on their rewarding journey of self employment to realise their dream of becoming their own boss.

Budding entrepreneurs wanting to secure their attendance should contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644 or visit http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/freshstart

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Fraser Doherty, the inspirational young director of rapidly expanding jam company SuperJam Ltd will be joining budding entrepreneurs who have signed up to attend Business Link’s free Fresh Start events. Hosted throughout the East Midlands, these one-day premier start up events will offer support, information and advice for people who want to turn their business dream into a reality.

East Midlands, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/25/2011 -- Fraser Doherty, a young entrepreneur from Edinburgh & CEO of the rapidly expanding jam company SuperJam Ltd which sells a range of '100% Pure Fruit' jams, will be joining local budding entrepreneurs who have signed up to attend the series of Fresh Start events being organised by Business Link.

Fraser will talk about how he went from humble beginnings of making jam in his parents' kitchen, to seeing his product on every major supermarket shelf within a year of distribution.

Forbes magazine recently valued SuperJam Ltd at up to $2 million based on its current sales revenue of $1 million. Fraser has also won an array of awards including the Nectar Business Entrepreneur of the Year (2009), Ernst &Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist (2009) and Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year (2007).

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for local delivery of the Business Link service says, "We are delighted that Fraser is supporting our campaign by offering inspirational advice to Fresh Start attendees, taking them through his incredible entrepreneurial journey from such a young age."

The Fresh Start campaign aims to encourage potential entrepreneurs to find out more about the support and advice FREELY available from Business Link and the wider support network, by providing informal advisory sessions and face to face clinics, in addition to two interactive workshops that have been specially developed to help potential entrepreneurs decide what they want from their business and whether becoming their own boss is right for them:

• Is it for me?
Aimed at those people thinking of starting a business or working for themselves, it will look at what is really involved in running a company, the various types of businesses that exist and the support available.

• Getting the basics right
Has been designed to help and support people as they move towards the exciting stage of actually launching their new business. It covers the basics of business planning and what you need to know, and do, in order to give yourself the best chance of success.

When market and employment conditions are uncertain, starting your own business is certainly an option worth examining as there are often opportunities to be exploited. The Fresh Start events are the ideal opportunity to check out your business idea.

Stephen Smith continues, "Evidence shows that people that access the right support and training have a better chance of business success and Business Link aims to help local people access the right support for their needs. The Fresh Start campaign will enable them to start, grow and prosper and as a result, help to build a strong local economy from which everyone benefits."

For all the latest details and availability on the Fresh Start business events, forthcoming local workshops, or to discover how Business Link can help your business start, grow and succeed, call 0845 058 6644, email: info@businesslinkem.co.uk or visit http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/freshstart

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

With help and support from Business Link, Kris Bell made a ‘Fresh Start’ with the launch of Skegness business Centaur Glass and Glazing.

East Midlands, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/25/2011 -- When glazier Kris Bell couldn't find anywhere to cut him an unusual piece of glass for a customer, little did he appreciate the chain of events he would set in motion.

He is now the proud owner of Skegness business Centaur Glass and Glazing, based in the town's old lifeboat station on Drummond Road.

Customer service

Centaur Glass opened for business in July 2010 and Kris is really pleased with how it's developing. 'We specialise in all types of traditional glass and glazing from sliding sash repairs to roofs and canopies, not forgetting the doors and windows in between!' he explains. 'Customer service is paramount and we offer a full 24/7/365 call out service for commercial and domestic premises and also caravans. We are very busy and there is a lot to do but I'm not complaining.'

Fresh Start

Centaur came into being when Kris's usual supplier was unable to cut him some glass, he went to another company but found they had closed down. 'On the way home I noticed the old Skegness Lifeboat station was available to let. The building's 40ft doors and its central location started me thinking about what a great place it would be for a glass merchants.'

Kris talked through his idea with his brother who encouraged him to go for it. 'With only one local competitor I realised there was an opportunity to be had and suddenly everything dropped into place. If the premises hadn't been so perfect, it probably wouldn't have happened.'

Turning ideas into reality

Kris started working as a glazier 30 years ago and went on to work on some very prestigious commercial contracts around the UK. When an injury forced him to take a career break he went to college and then University where he obtained a Business Degree before eventually coming back into glazing.

With ideas bubbling away, Kris contacted Business Link. 'I came across the organisation when I worked in London and so contacted the national helpline to find my local office.

'My Business Plan was written but I needed an impartial expert to look at it constructively. I was serious about this and was investing a lot of money and time so wanted to do it right.'

Skills development

Kris met with a locally based adviser who helped him to access a range of useful information. Through Business Link he has also attended workshops and courses relating to the financial side of business as he wanted to learn more about VAT, tax issues and bookkeeping.

'Taking time out can be difficult at the moment but I'm planning to undertake some training relating to Sales and Marketing as soon as I can.'

Kris loves his work, 'I aim to bring big city materials and facilities to a small coastal town. It's a very interesting job and every day is different. The hours are long and there's so much to do and organise. But it's great meeting people and getting feedback and support from the local community.'

Patience brings rewards

Kris admits that he finds it difficult to be patient sometimes. 'It's important to research the market, to pace yourself and not to rush ahead. I have invested a lot in the business and need to be absolutely sure that any new investment goes in to the right areas.

When he spoke to his Business Link adviser about borrowing several thousand pounds to purchase new machinery to manufacture double glazed units, they talked everything through thoroughly. 'As a result I decided not to borrow the money until things were more established,' adds Kris.

'As it turned out, this was the perfect decision as I have since purchased the exact same equipment second-hand at auction for next to nothing. It's all in working order and is here, ready to use as soon as I need it and I haven't borrowed a penny!'

Budding entrepreneurs from across Lincolnshire wanting to find out more about the support and advice FREELY available to help them turn their business idea into a reality, should attend The Fresh Start event being held at The Lawn, Lincoln - Saturday 5th March 2011 (9.00am - 4.00pm).

The FREE, 1 day, premier FRESH START events are being staged in Derby, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Northampton and Nottingham during February, until the first weekend of March are part of a new campaign to stimulate local enterprise and sustainable new business growth, to give local people access to the most comprehensive information and assistance they need in order to start their own business.

For more information, or to secure your FREE place, contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644, email: info@businesslinkem.co.uk or visit http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/freshstart

Kris's Top Tips:

* Do your research and if you're confident that you're doing the right thing, go for it.

* There is help available from all sorts of sources - make the most of it.

* Be open-minded and listen to what people have to say. The best ideas can come from the strangest of sources and not always be immediately apparent.

* Use the internet. A website is the quickest and most effective way to get your business known.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Business Link is working with strategic partners to launch the Fresh Start campaign, a series of FREE, 1 day premier start-up events to support budding entrepreneurs across the East Midlands.

East Midlands,England -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/24/2011 -- Budding entrepreneurs from across the East Midlands have the chance to get the New Year off to a flying start with help to set up their own business.

Business Link is working with strategic partners to launch the Fresh Start campaign – a series of FREE, 1 day, premier start-up events that can be accessed through the locally delivered Business Link Start-up Service.

Major events will be staged in Derby, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Northampton and Nottingham during February, until the first weekend of March as part of a new campaign to stimulate local enterprise and sustainable new business growth.

Each event is designed to give people in the East Midlands local access to the most comprehensive information and assistance they need in order to start their own business.

Venues across the East Midlands will throw open their doors every Saturday in February until the first weekend in March, to help budding entrepreneurs keen to find out how they can make their business idea a success.

The Fresh Start campaign aims to encourage potential entrepreneurs to find out more about the support and advice FREELY available from Business Link and the wider support network, to help them turn their business idea into a reality, and feature prominent speakers, who have themselves launched thriving businesses, who will talk about the challenges that they have faced, and successes that they have achieved.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for local delivery of the Business Link service says, 'The changes in the economy have spurred more people to think about becoming their own boss and this is the ideal opportunity to check out your business idea. When market and employment conditions are uncertain, starting your own business is certainly an option worth examining as there are often opportunities to be exploited.

'Evidence shows that people that access the right support and training have a better chance of business success and the local Business Link service is on hand to give you free access to the widest range of information, support and advice.'

Each local Fresh Start event will include informal advisory sessions and face to face clinics in addition to two interactive workshops that have been specially developed to help potential entrepreneurs decide what they want from their business and whether becoming their own boss is right for them:

* Is it for me?

Aimed at those people thinking of starting a business or working for themselves, it will look at what is really involved in running a company, the various types of businesses that exist and the support available.

* Getting the basics right

Has been designed to help and support people as they move towards the exciting stage of actually launching their new business. It covers the basics of business planning and what you need to know, and do, in order to give yourself the best chance of success.

Stephen Smith continues, 'Our aim is to help local people access the right support for their needs. The Fresh Start campaign will enable them to start, grow and prosper and as a result, help to build a strong local economy from which everyone benefits. Business Link is committed to providing FREE access to a comprehensive range of information, advice and support to help entrepreneurs get started in business and to help their enterprise grow and develop.'

Fresh Start events are being held every Saturday from 5th February – March 5th 2011

* Pride Park, Derby - Saturday 5th February
* Walkers Stadium, Leicester - Saturday 12th February
* East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham- Saturday 19th February
* The Guildhall, Northampton - Saturday 26th February
* The Lawn, Lincoln - Saturday 5th March

For all the latest details on the Fresh Start business events, forthcoming local workshops, or to discover how Business Link can help your business start, grow and succeed, call 0845 058 6644, email: info@businesslinkem.co.uk or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/freshstart

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm