The biggest survey of Leicestershire businesses ever undertaken reveals firms making plans to swim against the tide of a shrinking economy. The Business Link for Leicestershire study shows more than 80 per cent of businesses want to grow in the next two years even though less than ten per cent believe the economy will improve in that time. Issued 29 Oct 01. Source Mike Jewitt. | Read

The biggest survey of Lincolnshire businesses ever undertaken reveals firms making plans to swim against the tide of a shrinking economy. The Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland study shows more than 75 per cent of businesses want to grow in the next two years even though less than ten per cent believe the economy will improve in that time. Issued 29 Oct 01. Source Dexter Durrant. | Read

Business Link Lincolnshire and Rutland are offering employers the opportunity to hear one of Britain’s most inspirational business motivators. To mark National Investors in People week, Richard Denny, who has been described as “The UK’s Guru of Motivation”, will be speaking at short workshops across Lincolnshire and Rutland. Issued 24 Oct 01. Source Toni Coupland. | Read

Budding entrepreneurs in West Lindsey can get advice on how to set up their own businesses in a new seminar. A business start up information session organised by Business Link Lincolnshire & Rutland and supported by Barclays Bank PLC is being held at The Gainsborough Golf Club on Wednesday 24th October. Issued 15 Oct 01. Source Joy Cole. | Read

The Business Training Network is launching its new look with a series of Management Development Workshops to be held in Grantham over the next four months. Issued 12 Oct 01. Source Coral Willcox. | Read

Business people have been encouraged to get back on the phone instead of relying on e-mail. Marketing consultant Sally Clark from Intamark told a Business Link for Leicestershire seminar that the importance of the telephone was in danger of being overlooked, as e-business becomes ever more popular. It was part of a presentation on making the most of your ‘touch points’ - every interaction between a business and its customers. Issued 11 Oct 01. Source Suzanne Page. | Read

More than 40 per cent of responses to the business survey carried out by Business Link for Leicestershire indicate an ‘immediate interest’ in Business Link services. Issued 10 Oct 01. Source Tina McEwen. | Read

The LDA recognises that the textiles and clothing industry continues to face immense pressure and that it cannot continue in its current form. Trying to cut costs and compete solely on price puts businesses under acute strain and may lead to temptation to bend or break the rules. The industry needs to reinvent itself to survive. The LDA’s specialist advisers are working to encourage businesses in the clothing and textiles industry to reposition themselves by diversifying into other areas, to be innovative and adopt best practices in areas such as quality and training. Issued 10 Oct 01. Source Duncan Hopwood. | Read

A packaging company with a difference has achieved exceptional growth in its first year, producing carrier bags for companies such as The Gadget Shop, Reebok and Fila. Indigo Concept Packaging based in Oadby, has found a niche in the packaging market that, together with a special scheme run by Business Link for Leicestershire, has enabled them to grow spectacularly. Launched just a year ago by friends Trevor Hayward and Stephen Upton, the company prides itself on innovation and design flair, which it says sets it apart from other packaging firms. Issued 3 Oct 01. Source . | Read