If you have any questions regarding the drop-in clinics listed above, please email Laura Tully - Laura.Tully@growthco.uk. 

If you have any questions regarding the drop-in clinics listed above, please email Laura Tully - Laura.Tully@growthco.uk. 

If you have any questions regarding the drop-in clinics listed above, please email Laura Tully - Laura.Tully@growthco.uk. 

We understand that growing a Social Enterprise means never feeling like you have enough time to get everything done. This programme focuses on helping you to make the most of your time, and exploring the methods you can utilise to make your efforts go even further.

During the course of this programme, you will explore:  

• How you can communicate your organisation more effectively to win new clients, write successful funding bids, and gain support

• How you can focus your minimal marketing resources to get the maximum return

• How a social enterprise with limited resources can compete with the private sector, including diversifying revenue streams

• When to upskill yourself in something versus when to outsource it to someone else

• Social Value measurement & reporting

• Finally, the course will cover how participants can look after their own wellbeing while running a social value business that is often built to look after other people

Due to the interactive nature of the programme, exact content will be tailored to the needs of participant organisations and so the above is intended as an indication of likely topics to be covered.

Wednesday, May 10th, 10:00 - 13:00
Session 1: Writing a great 60 second pitch

Wednesday, May 17th, 10:00 - 13:00
Session 2: Marketing without a budget

Wednesday, May 24th, 10:00 - 13:00
Session 3: Thinking commercially

Wednesday, May 31st, 10:00 - 13:00
Session 4: Looking after you

Attendees will gain skills and knowledge which will be directly applicable to growing their Social Enterprise, together with contacts with other local Social Enterprises from their local area for ongoing support and encouragement. The 60 second pitch they create, as well as the ideas they generate regarding marketing, revenue-building and business planning, will all be tailored to their own particular needs and circumstances.

This workshop will be led by Caroline Stevenson and Stuart Vaughan.

Caroline has a decade of experience starting and growing her own Social Enterprise, Foodinate, from an idea to a national, multi award winning organisation that has garnered national press coverage and generated hundreds of thousands of meals for those in need.

Stuart has over twenty years’ experience of development work within the third sector, working with countless organisations in that time from various local authorities within Greater Manchester. Having spent most of that time working either face to face with groups or delivering training sessions to multiple groups, like most people today, he has adapted to the demands of the online world and has been delivering training in this way for the past 18 months.

Eligibility

Our Workshops are part-funded by European Regional Development Fund. The workshops are delivered free of charge to participants; however, as they are fully-funded, they are classed as state aid to participating businesses and are subject to state aid rules.

Eligibility criteria:

• Business based in Greater Manchester.
• SME: Small or medium enterprise i.e. less than 250 (Full Time Equivalent) employees
• Annual Turnover less than 50 Million Euro OR Balance Sheet less than 43 million Euro.

Where is it?

ChatGPT was launched only a few months ago and has already taken the world by storm. But what does the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution mean for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)? And how can these technologies be used to generate ideas, produce content, and, ultimately, grow revenues? This session will get to the heart of these questions, covering:

• Introduction, H&S, Aims & Objectives
• Overview of CHATGPT and the pros and cons of using AI
• Practical exercise – using own computers start to generate content and searches on AI
• How to embed CHATGPT into your business
• Q&A
• Close

Bio of deliverer:

Tanya Hemphill MSc (Dist.), Chartered Marketer, MCIM, MCIPR

This workshop will be ran by Digital Marketing Strategist and Futurist Tanya Hemphill. Tanya is the co-author of the 7th Edition of ‘Digital Business & Ecommerce Management’ and is a member of the global scanning network for the Copenhagen Institute for Futures Studies. She has taught on the MBA of one of the top 5% of Business Schools in the world and has run workshops and provided marketing consultancy for both small businesses and Fortune 500 /FTSE 100 companies.

Register now: Chat GPT | GC Business Growth Hub

What you need to know in advance to be ready to employ with confidence

We’ll cover:

• Understanding ‘employment status’ (self-employed, worker or employee) and how to know what to do and type of contract to issue
• Tips for job advertisements and avoiding risks when recruiting
• Legal requirements for pre-employment checks (Right to Work etc.)
• Understanding different contract types and supporting documents (what is legally required and what else can be included)
• Statutory employment policies and benefits including Auto Enrolment Pension
• Complying with GDPR requirements when recruiting and taking on employees
• Induction and probationary periods and how to get the best start with your new employee

You’ll be provided after the event with a complimentary copy of a comprehensive online HR Admin guide to support you when you are ready to employ.

Attendees will come away with an understanding of what to think about when taking on staff, processes to have in place, standard forms and contracts that will smooth the way and the confidence in having robust policies.

The session is designed for businesses that are in their first three years of trading, who are growing their business and need staff to achieve this. Only eligible for start ups who have been through start smart or businesses in GM who are employing or ready to employ staff

Session plan:

• Introduction, H&S, Aims & objectives of the session
• Overview of taking on staff and why businesses should consider developing their processes to ensure legal compliance
• Discussion of legal documents
• Pensions and auto enrolment
• The importance of GDPR and how to get ready to comply
• Close

Where is it?

Mentoring can be an effective way to develop your leadership skills and grow your business. This workshop will introduce you to the Leadership Hive Mentoring programme and show you how it can add value to your business. The workshop is suitable for clients who would like to be a mentor or access a mentor for themselves (Directors/Company owners) or their senior management team.

Thursday, 8th June 2023, 09:30 - 11:30

The session will cover:

• What is mentoring?
• What are the benefits of mentoring to the mentee?
• What are the benefits of being a mentor?
• What are the benefits of mentoring to your organisation?
• How Leadership Hive Mentoring powered by iMentor Mentoring platform makes matches
• Tools you can use whilst mentoring

A mentor and mentee will also give a first-hand account of their relationships and the benefits. They will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Attendees will find out why being a mentor or accessing a mentor can add benefits to both their personal and professional lives to develop key skills and make new connections.  Clear guidance will be given on how to choose a suitable mentor/mentee and tools that can be used when in a mentoring relationship.

Eligibility criteria includes:

• Greater Manchester-based SME
• 249 staff or less
• Annual turnover less than €50m or balance sheet less than €43m
• Registration required

Where is it?

Places are limited so please register now to secure your place.

As well as coming to our events, you can also host your own events to spread the word about good employment! These events could be internal with your own colleagues, held externally in your local community or within your sector.

Below are some events that will be organised by the Charter Unit – but we would encourage all our Supporters, Members and Partners to organise events throughout the week to celebrate good practice or explore how to improve employment across Greater Manchester.

If you’re thinking of hosting an event, please get in touch with georgia.carly[at]goodemployment.co.uk and we can support in a range of ways, including providing resources, finding speakers, and promotional support.

• Good Employment Week Launch Event - Circle Square (Invitation only) - Monday 19th Jun, 09:30 - 12:00
• Greater Manchester Good Employment Best Practice Conference - The Mechanics Institute (Open to all) - Tuesday 20th Jun, 09:30 - 16:00
• Good Employment for Young People
  Schools & Colleges Pack Launch - Wigan & Leigh College (Invitation Only) - Wednesday 21st Jun, 12:00 - 14:00
• Greater Manchester Good Employment Lecture
  Paul Nowak, General Secretary, TUC - People’s History Museum (Invitation Only) - Thursday 22nd Jun, 18:00 - 19:30

Mentoring can be an effective way to develop your leadership skills and grow your business. This workshop will introduce you to the Leadership Hive Mentoring programme and show you how it can add value to your business. The workshop is suitable for clients who would like to be a mentor or access a mentor for themselves (Directors/Company owners) or their senior management team.

Thursday, 8th June 2023, 09:30 - 11:30

The session will cover:

• What is mentoring?
• What are the benefits of mentoring to the mentee?
• What are the benefits of being a mentor?
• What are the benefits of mentoring to your organisation?
• How Leadership Hive Mentoring powered by iMentor Mentoring platform makes matches
• Tools you can use whilst mentoring

A mentor and mentee will also give a first-hand account of their relationships and the benefits. They will also be on hand to answer any questions.

Attendees will find out why being a mentor or accessing a mentor can add benefits to both their personal and professional lives to develop key skills and make new connections.  Clear guidance will be given on how to choose a suitable mentor/mentee and tools that can be used when in a mentoring relationship.

Places are limited so please register now to secure your place.

This is a part of a suite of 'Grow Your People Grow Your Business' workshops.

People are often a business’s biggest asset, but managers and leaders at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) don’t always have the time or resources to address individual employees’ needs.

This fully-funded programme is designed for business leaders and owners to develop the future growth of their business and productivity through their biggest asset: their people.

The training program of expert-led workshops is tailored to help you improve productivity and internal developmental opportunities within your team, addressing individual’s needs within the organisational framework of your business.

With continued economic challenges for businesses, this workshop will explore how business leaders can stay ahead of the change race. We will provide you with top tips to understand the impact of change and how you can adapt business practices for unexpected events with positivity, enthusiasm and a growth mindset.

Wednesday, 14th June 2023, 09:30 - 11:30

The workshop will focus on the following topics:

• Introduction/poll and macro environment analysis – what are the key economic challenges that businesses will need to respond to
• Change Story Case Study/guest slot
• Change Management Toolbox
• Preparing for Change
• Key steps in the change process: Planning and Managing
• The impacts of change on people and overcoming resistance
• Key indicators of successful change

Change can feel overwhelming with businesses not knowing where to start – this workshop will provide examples of how to prepare and structure the change process using tried and tested models. Attendees will explore how to be more confident in responding positively to change through resilient leadership and to manage the impact of change on their workforce.

Places are limited so please register now to secure your place.

This is a part of a suite of 'Grow Your People Grow Your Business' workshops.

People are often a business’s biggest asset, but managers and leaders at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) don’t always have the time or resources to address individual employees’ needs.

This fully-funded programme is designed for business leaders and owners to develop the future growth of their business and productivity through their biggest asset: their people.

The training program of expert-led workshops is tailored to help you improve productivity and internal developmental opportunities within your team, addressing individual’s needs within the organisational framework of your business.

This session will feature a panel of diverse individuals, including those who are neurodivergent themselves as well as people who live or work alongside them.

Our panel will provide a range of perspectives on the topic of neurodiversity and will offer insights into the experiences, challenges, and strengths of neurodiverse individuals.  It will provide a safe space for individuals to ask questions that they may feel uncomfortable asking elsewhere, as well as share their experiences and insights.

Through this interactive session, attendees will gain a better understanding of neurodiversity and will leave with practical tools and techniques for supporting neurodivergent individuals in both the workplace and personal lives.

Where is it?

EY, 2 St Peter's Sq, Manchester M2 3DF

We will meet for about two hours where we will cover the following:

5.00pm Social networking over a tea or coffee

5.30pm Introductions By Hosts

5.40pm Introductions by attendees

5.50pm Educational seminar

6.20pm Questions and Answer Session

6.30pm Social networking

7.00pm Close

Event details

It’ll be all about YOU, meeting NEW people, and making new contacts to help your business GROW!  By the power of Zoom, we’ll facilitate the breakout rooms, and you’ll deliver your elevator pitch, covering off a bit about you, your business, and the types of prospects you’d like to meet and work with. Once you’ve heard everyone else, move to a new room and do it all again, different people every time! #PureNetworkingGM

This is a bite sized 45 minute session which you can squeeze in to your busy day, it will consist of roughly three breakout sessions where you can connect with a small range of businesses in your area. Why not come along and give it a try.

Location:
The Alan Hotel
18 Princess Street
Manchester M1 4LG

Join the GMCC team and Greater Manchester businesses for our next GMCC Networking event in Manchester kindly sponsored by Seriun.

It will be a great chance to meet with other businesses and grow your connections across the region.  

You will get a quick introduction from the Chamber team to welcome you to the event and to keep things fresh, the format will vary from event to event. This could include a guest speaker or updates from the Chamber. 

The GMCC team will then help to make your networking experience as enjoyable as possible.  

If you are keen to raise your profile further, there are sponsorship opportunities available for all our events - click here for more information.

How do I register and is there a cost?  

The event is FREE for Chamber members - please book your place below. If the event attempts to charge you as a member, it may mean we need to link your website log-in to your membership. Please email benefits[at]gmchamber.co.uk and we will correct this for you.   

Please note that GMCC does not accept payment via American Express

Businesses from across Greater Manchester are invited to Salford’s newest co-working space, Serendipity Labs, for an evening of creating new contacts and expanding your business network.

Helping to make Greater Manchester a world-leading Green City Region is our priority and we are delighted to present our ‘Green Showcase’ which will feature some of Greater Manchester’s low-carbon innovations to support becoming a carbon-neutral region by 2038.

Representation from GC Business Growth Hub and Salford Council will be on hand to discuss the business support and initiatives available to your business too.

Our Hub is #HereForBusiness, supporting Greater Manchester businesses to navigate these uncertain times and provide specialist support. At this BGH Match event, we will be providing support around the ways to manage your finances within your business. Our #HereForBusiness digital hub provides businesses with the latest news, and resources to help businesses understand the current crisis, and to access practical support that is available.

All #HereForBusiness past webinars are available to view via our website: Webinars | GC Business Growth Hub

You can also watch them directly on YouTube:

• Making Sense of the Energy Challenge: #HereForBusiness Making Sense of the Energy Challenge replay - YouTube
• What Your Business Can Do to Reduce Energy Costs: #HereForBusiness What your business can do to reduce energy costs replay - YouTube
• Managing Cash & Costs in a Crisis: #HereForBusiness Managing cash & costs in a crisis replay - YouTube
• Reduce Costs, Enhance Efficiency, Improve Productivity, and Maximise Profits: #HereForBusiness: Reduce Costs, Enhance Efficiency, Improve Productivity, & Maximise Profits replay - YouTube
• Change Leadership & Stay Ahead of the Curve: #HereForBusiness: Change leadership – stay ahead of the curve replay - YouTube
• Skills Development in a Changing World: #HereForBusiness: Change leadership – Skills Development in a Changing World replay - YouTube
• Health & Financial Wellbeing in Today's Economy: Health and financial wellbeing in today’s economy - YouTube
• Market Opportunities: Market Opportunities - YouTube
• Exploring Salary Sacrifice & Wellbeing Schemes: Salary Sacrifice - YouTube