Running your own business is similar to
any other career: The more you know, the more you
are likely to succeed.
Opportunities that you should consider include:
Adult Education Classes.
Adult education in the UK is on the increase. Between
1994/1995 and 2001/2002 the number of students enrolled
in further education increased by 37 percent, to,
almost 4.2 million. To find out what courses are
available near you, your local schools and colleges
for a prospectus.
Business Exhibitions/Seminars
If you can spare the time away from your business,
attending relevant exhibitions is a very effective
method of learning. In addition to the collection
of stands (which may provide ideas, potential suppliers
or customers) there are generally plenty of free
seminars.
Business
Link. Trade shows and exhibitions are specialist
market places that allow exhibitors to promote their
products and services, reach new customers and generate
new sales. They also give visitors the opportunity
to find out about the products and services on display
Business
Start Up. A free event for anyone interested
in starting, improving or expanding a business.
With over 200 exhibitors, 140 speakers and many
other exciting events, can you afford to miss out?
Growing
Your Own Business. If you are looking to develop,
grow or even start a business, attending one of
these events will provide you with the perfect opportunity
to learn from the experts, develop your skills and
gain information you need to grow your business
Business Training Courses
Your local Enterprise Agency and Business Link
provider will almost certainly hold regular events
and training courses. See Local
Areas for support close to you.
Learndirect
Can help you create a structured programme of learning,
to suit the needs of your employees and looking
at your goals and objectives, they can also see
if funding is available. Call 0800 101 901 to find
out more. Or, if you're looking to top up existing
skills with an online course, and learn independently,
you can get started straight away. www.learndirect.co.uk
Networking
Networking allows you to meet other business owners,
who may well have stories to tell that will help
you develop your own enterprise. There is often
the opportunity to for speakers to share their expertise.
See our networking
section for more hints and tips.
Open University. Want to study
in your own time, in your own home or workplace?
Then the Open University is for you. It is the UK's
biggest provider of distance learning. You scan
choose a course from one of the 580 on offer. Each
course you take earns points towards a qualification
such as a degree, a diploma or a certificate. Most
courses have no entry requirements. http://www.open.ac.uk
