Five Counties week gives firms fresh opportunities

The Newport and Gwent Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has had a vast amount of experience in helping businesses.

The organisation is exceptionally proud to have forged strong links with local businesses over three centuries and is recognised by its peers as a prestigious and valued member of the local business support sector.

No other organisation can claim the quality, credibility and reach of the chamber network. So you'd think it would have run out of ideas by now. In fact, it is quite the reverse for it is constantly seeking to develop new services aimed at helping companies to enjoy business success and its annual Five Counties Business Week is no exception.

The Business Week (sponsored by Peacheys Chartered Accountants) will take place in just a few weeks time and local businesses are urged to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them.

Now in its fourth year, the Five Counties Business Week 2005 will take place during the week starting October 17, and this year the initiative will provide even more scope for businesses to promote their products and services, regardless of a company's age, size or sector.

So why should you choose to take your business forward and participate in the 2005 Five Counties Business Week? Take a look at what's on offer....

Monday October 17 Ask The Expert Venue: Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel Time: 7.30am for 8am start - 9.30am Cost: £10 per person Six experts on a range of business topics will be available to answer questions and give advice on a one-to-one basis. Attendees can book appointments with up to three out of the six experts and the event is also an opportunity to network and share experiences with other local businesses. Experts include: ngb2b - helping local businesses achieve their objectives Lloyds TSB - financial solutions Institute of Customer Services - if you don't look after your customers someone else will! Gwent Business Womens Network - a helping hand for female entrepreneurs/managers Tiny Tots Nursery - the secrets of a successful entrepreneur Peacheys - making it happen in your business

Tuesday October 18 Guru Lunch with guest speaker Sir Ranulph Fiennes Venue: Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood Time: 12 noon for 12.30pm - 3.30pm Cost: Members £40 + VAT Non-Members £45 + VAT Held in conjunction with Caerphilly Business Forum, Harding Evans and Caerphilly County Borough Council The guru lunch is always a popular part of the Five Counties Business Week, attracting more than 150 attendees each year. Sir Ranulph was described in the 1984 Guinness Book of Records as the 'World's Greatest Living Explorer'. Come and hear him talk about his experiences at this business networking lunch.

Wednesday October 19 b2b Breakfast Venue: Cwmbran Stadium Time: 8am for 8.30am start - 9.45am Cost: £10 per person Last year's Five Counties networking breakfast attracted a record number of attendees and the finalists of the Five Counties Business Awards will be announced at this event.

Wednesday October 19 b2b Exhibition Venue: Cwmbran Stadium Time: 10am - 6pm Cost (Attendance): Free of Charge Cost (Exhibition Stand): members £395 + VAT. Non-members: £495 + VAT

Are you in business or thinking of starting one? Looking for new innovative suppliers? Interested in relocating in south east Wales? Want to network with other decision makers?

Come along to Gwent's largest business to business exhibition which will comprise the following zones: A business support; D ICT services; G manufacturing, international trade; B retail; E vehicles; H food, drink and hospitality; C marketing; F training and recruitment; I leisure and tourism.

Chamber members receive an automatic discount of £100 + VAT on an exhibition stand and there are very few remaining - contact the chamber if you are interested in exhibiting at this event.

To pre-register your attendance, sign up for news and updates on the exhibition or to view a full list of exhibitors, please visit www.fivecounties.co.uk.

Thursday October 20 Procurement Seminars Venue: Bryn Bach Park, Tredegar Time: 10am - 12 noon (morning seminar); 1pm - 3pm (afternoon seminar) Cost: free of charge - part of the WDA Local Supplier Development Project Improve the content and presentation of your tenders and receive practical advice and guidance on successful procurement.

These seminars will educate delegates on how to build their company profile to become not just a piece of tender, but also a valuable piece of marketing material. They will also illustrate which documents should be included in your tender for it to be accepted in the first place.

Friday October 21

Business Awards Venue: Holiday Inn Newport Time: 6.30pm for 7pm start - 1am Cost: Members £44.95. Non-members £54.95 Sponsored by the South Wales Argus

The closing date for these awards has now passed and the volume of applications received has once again surpassed previous years. This event will give finalists valuable recognition for their hard work and achievements and will also provide networking opportunities for all attendees.

Winners of the following categories will be announced: New Business of the Year (trading for less than 12 months). Finalists - Astrum-IP Ltd, Budget Vets, Superkey Ltd. Business of the Year (trading for one year or more). Finalists - Industrial Automation & Control Ltd; Linnells Property Consultants; OnTracks Ltd. Exporter of the Year. Finalists - Branching Out Europe; Industrial Automation & Control Ltd; Select Speakers Ltd. Award for Innovation. Finalists - Blackwood EMC Ltd, IT3 Internet Application Solutions Ltd, Lavender Lingerie & Swimwear Entrepreneur of the Year. Finalists - Brian Bowden, BJR SAS Ltd; Donna/Steve Wallbank, Kutz n Kurlz Ltd; Simone Price, Simone's Health Clubs. Best Use of ICT. Finalists - Branching Out Europe, Kutz n Kurlz Ltd, OnTracks Ltd. Environment Award. Finalists - British Waterways, Inks n Things, Utility & Environmental Solutions. Award for Outstanding Achievement. Finalists - Gwent Business Womens Network (GBWN), Harding Evans, Industrial Automation & Control Ltd.

To find out how your business can benefit from being a part of Five Counties Business Week, contact the chamber on 01633 222664.

The picture shows winners of the Five Counties Business Awards 2004 with event Host, Jamie Owen