Stratford-upon-Avon College’s business division, Stratford Business Services (SBS), recently hosted an event at its new Cygnet Court premises. The event was open to members of the community who wanted to receive free advice on many prominent issues such as redundancy, seeking new employment or setting up a business.

A steady stream of people attended throughout the event with one visitor commenting,”This event went beyond what we were expecting for free!” Another visitor said, “The free sessions were excellent with really useful tools to take away with me.”

Stratford Business Services organised seminars and workshops, which addressed a number of key topics such as ‘Budgeting and Forecasting’, ‘Using the Internet to Promote Your Business and Sell Products’, ‘Marketing Strategies for Tough Times’ and ‘Turning Your Career Around’.  Business and employment experts from organisations such as HSBC, Brownings Solicitors, Links Business Services, Simone Ryder and RSA Marketing were available to provide free, practical help and support. Individuals could also access advice about starting their own business and getting prepared for work.

SBS Business Advisor, Nicky Harris, comments, “In the current economic climate where jobs may be at risk and there are fewer employment opportunities available, it is vital that people have access to professional information and advice at events like this to enable them to successfully progress in their chosen career or business venture.“

SBS will be holding its next free business event in mid June and hopes that even more people will choose to attend and benefit from the advice and guidance on offer. SBS will also be reviewing the courses it offers, as well as running additional courses to reflect the current demands of the public.

For more information about SBS’s June event or to suggest any topics that you would like to see covered in the workshops, please call Stratford Business Services on 01789 297335 or email sbs@stratford.ac.uk.