I've just returned from a business networking event at Bloxham Mill where there's lots to report back. There were at least 60 people there at the 'b2b Club', an event which is run every 3 months or so.

Tony Baldry MP spoke with a great understanding of business, both on global and local levels. He thought many Banbury businesses were surviving these challenging times and generally had good support from their banks; which just goes against the message the media keep throwing at us. However, over the next 2 years the public sector is going to have to change how its run. This means they may contract out more work, so this could be a time of opportunity for local businesses.

I do think this is a time of opportunity for many, many more people. For some facing changes to their careers and jobs, this could be the chance to do something different...including starting their own business. If this is the case, a call to Business Link may save a lot of time as it's a great source of information. Tony Baldry also talked a little about the Banbury Job Club, held at The Mill, as a place to go where businesses can promote their vacancies. Contacts are there too to help if you're looking for a job or even considering whether to get involved with the voluntuntary sector (keeping busy looks good on your CV). 

There was a warning to businesses though...to keep a close eye on your tax affairs. Did you know HM Revenue & Customs tax inspectors are on a bonus scheme, where they are 'rewarded' a percentage of fines they impose? Makes you think...

If you have any concerns about running your local business, Mr Baldry would like to know.

A talk was made by Gregg Holden of Action File HR Management and then from a couple of ladies who are preparing to climb Mt Kilimanjaro next year in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Bloxham Mill have pledged to support them raise their target of £25,000. That's a lot of dosh...and a lot of climbing!

 
Bloxham Mill were pleased to announce the opening of their new data centre. A large investment has been made recently on this expansion so that guarantees can be made to the users - such as guaranteeing to keep the room cold (a good thing for computers I suppose) and to ensure there's always lots of power (apparantly this is one benefit of Bloxham Mill having been an old carpet factory)...again, vital if / when you need access to your data. Contact BM-IT at Bloxham Mill for more info.

The next b2b Club will be on 21st January. A definite date for your diaries if you're a local business owner.