One 2 One - Computer Software

Specialist in the Design, Implementation and Support of Database Systems

Their key strength is an in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft Access Database Programme. This application is used as the base for many common, and specialist, business requirements where storage, manipulation and analysis of information is required. This in-depth knowledge of the product allows us to offer innovative solutions for data management systems.

To download the presentation click here

The learning point today was based around Computer Software and the differences between many different types. Presented by: Andrew McKay,

Business Spotlight - Brighter Directions

To download the presentation click here

This Business Spotlight was from Brighter Directions based in Derbyshire who specialise in delivering excellent services in strategic marketing, sales & customer care training and online marketing development working with businesses from across the UK.

Learning Point - Effective 121's

Yorkshire Vehicle Finance are market leaders in the sourcing and funding of both commercial and personal vehicles. Yorkshire Vehicle Finance preach that they place the emphasis not just on the sale, but also on the after-sales service, aiming to provide a first class, personal service and build long-term business relationships with their customers.

To download the presentation click here

The learning point today was based around effective 121's and how to get the best out of them. Presented by: Graham Malia,

Business Spotlight - Mediation Matters

To download the presentation click here

This Business Spotlight was designed to engage with the audience about exactly what Mediation is all about and how Mediation Matters can help with these scenario's - Presented by Julie Chisholm, Mediation Matters Ltd.

Learning Point - VoIP Technologies / Saving Money

Peak Support Services are a local Matlock IT specialist, commited to helping local businesses stay connected!

To download the presentation click here

This learning point was based around the new technologies for telephony systems including SIP, VoIP and others as well as how to save money using alternate providers - Presented by Kris Haynes, Peak Support.

Matlock Links All in Business Event

Matlock Links Feedback Survey Please complete this survey.

Your Name

Email*

Company Name

Overall, How would you rate your experience at the Matlock Links Business Club All in Business Event?*

Very good Good Neutral Bad Very Bad

Please use the following scale to answer the next set of questions: 5=Excellent 4=Very Good 3=Good 2=Fair 1=Poor

Quality of Exhibitors

5 4 3 2 1

Quality of Refreshments

5 4 3 2 1

Quality of Venue

5 4 3 2 1

Location of Event

5 4 3 2 1

Quality of Lunch

5 4 3 2 1

Speed Networking

5 4 3 2 1

Ocurem - Procurement Key Speaker

5 4 3 2 1

Thornbridge Brewery - Key Speaker

5 4 3 2 1

Derbyshire County Council - Key Speaker

5 4 3 2 1

Would you be interested in attending other events hosted by Matlock Links Business Club in the future?*

Yes No Not Sure

Additional Comments

Learning Point - Networking Tips 20/08/10

Yorkshire Vehicle Finance are market leaders in the sourcing and funding of both commercial and personal vehicles. Yorkshire Vehicle Finance preach that they place the emphasis not just on the sale, but also on the after-sales service, aiming to provide a first class, personal service and build long-term business relationships with their customers.

To download the presentation click here

The learning point today was based around Networking Tips and how to get the best out of events and meeting people. Presented by: Graham Malia,

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - PEAK CHANGE

Peak Change are a Derbyshire company specialising in the following corporate and personal solutions:

Consulting
Organisational Change

Stakeholder Management Planning and Engagement
Process Improvement and Implementation
Communications Planning and Implementation
Benefits Management Planning and Monitoring
Business Impact Assessment
Business Readiness Assessment
Training Strategy Development and Deployment
Business Change Strategy and Deployment

Project Management

Training

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Practitioner, Master Practitioner
Hypnosis
Practitioner, Master Practitioner, Self-Hypnosis
Time Line Therapy™
Practitioner, Master Practitioner
Business Training events
Based on people and business experience
Engagement Excellence
Adding the Value your Team Deserves
Adding Value to your Interviewing
Change Management Tools
Facilitation Basics

Coaching

Life Coaching
Executive Coaching
Personal Breakthrough Session

Setting Direction
Developing an Action Plan
Removing Personal Barriers
Unhelpful Beliefs, Confidence Issues, Self-Esteem issues, etc.
Implementation of Action Plan
Review and Improvement of Action Plan

Current Developments

Team Values Alignment
Teams can unintentionally pull in different directions from their intended goals. This workshop will identify a team’s values and establish areas for development when achieving a specific goal

“Redundancy Buddy”
Often senior team members who have been made redundant after a period of time face confidence and self-esteem issues. This is a course of coaching sessions focusing on their getting back to work.

Modelling Excellence in Business
Each business has top performers, this coaching programme will identify how they do what they do well and enable these attributes to be transferred to others

LEARNING POINT - ADVERTISING

This weeks learning point was delivereed by Sharon Shirley of Derbyshire Dales Magazine in Matlock:

Before Your Start

Why advertise?
What’s your objective?
What’s unique about you?
Who is the target audience? Based on what?
Developing a budget/ plan

The advert

The Creative Brief
What is the benefit of doing business with you?
Where are you placing it?
For how long?

Measuring results

Do you have a tracking system and is it reliable?
What’s a realistic ROI?

For more information please contact Dales Directories
01629 582973 or 07940 0836 422 dalesdirectories@uwclub.net www.dalesdirectoryonline.co.uk

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - DUCANE ASSOCIATES

Du Cane Associates are based in Derbyshire offering business solutions to companies across the UK

Accelerating business growth

Consultancy, Business Coaching and Interim Management
Focusing on Marketing, Product Development, International Trade

Consultancy services

Consultancy & Facilitation
One off or periodic
Focused on Strategy Reviews, Market Development, Feasibility Studies

Next Steps Business Consultancy

Proprietary consultancy programme
Focusing on Marketing, Market Development, Innovation, Product Development
Short, medium & long term, Concurrent planning

Business coaching

Ad hoc/ Periodic / Ongoing
Focused around Listening, Supporting & Steering

Interim Management

Ongoing support
In Strategic, functional, Cover, exploratory, quantifying
Market Development, Product Line Management, Business Unit Management

Tel: +44 (0)1629 580567
peter.lloyd@ducaneassociates.co.uk
www.ducaneassociates.co.uk
http://twitter.com/du_cane

LEARNING POINT - TAX

Rebecca Harrison of Coleman Bradshaw local accountants delivered an insightful learning point on the confusing subject of self assessments, payment on account:

Payments of Self Assessment Tax are calculated from your Individual Tax Return, towards the current years tax payable figure

Who has to pay them?

Sole Traders and Partners of a Partnership or
When the tax liability for the previous year was greater than £1,000

What do I need to do?

HMRC are currently issuing statements with details of how to pay and the amount due.
If you do not receive a statement shortly check with your advisor the amount you need to pay by 31st July 2010.

Ensure that HMRC receives payment by 31st July 2010 Interest will be charged on late payment.

You can contact Rebecca at Coleman Bradshaw to discuss more how this affects your business on 01629 581681

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK - Early Bird Prices

Its your last chance to book a ticket at the one-and-only Independent business event in Derbyshire on the 9th September 2010

After the end of this month, ticket cost will increase to £20, so be quick and book your ticket now at the early bird cost of only £10 - not to be missed

Contact us today on info@matlocklinksbusinessclub.co.uk

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - HR DEPARTMENT

This weeks business spotlight was delivered by the lovely Rachel Royston- of HR Department, Derbyshire

LEARNING POINT - EXHIBITIONS

This weeks learning point was delivered by Ian McQueen of Bullitt Display Solutions in Matlock, an expert in exhibition solutions that include, signage, stands, display units, banners and much more.


For more information, or to seek the expertise of Ians services, contact him today on
07970 011371

SHOULD YOU BE RUDE IN BUSINESS?

In business, it’s vital to build strong, honest, positive relationships with everyone you meet, contacts, associates and potential clients.

Recently a member of our networking group was contacted by email by an individual from the same networking group who attended last year - it was surprised that he had got in touch simply to slur and insult our member in business and personally without any cause whatsoever.

The background is that before he 'left' the networking group he did upset a few of the members by his tasteful wording and its fair to say, he wasn't missed from the group.

Word on the street is that his business is not doing well, which brought me to question a couple of things..

1 - Is it ever ok to be rude/ arrogant and generally negative to another person in business?
2 - Do they ever succeed in business with this attitude?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this?

Original posted by Brighter Directions here

This debate has caused a massive response on LinkedIn and also the blogs, thank you for everyone who has contributed your opinions and keep them coming!

The ALL IN Business Event 9/9

Take a peek at our swanky new leaflet designs by Bimbo Design, Chesterfield all ready for promoting THE business event of the YEAR!

To book, please contact us today on info@matlocklinksbusinessclub.co.uk dont miss out on this fantastic opportunity to network with local businesses, learn something new and have a productive day away from the office!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - DERWENT FINANCIAL

Derwent Financial Services Ltd was established in 2004 and is a Member of TenetConnect Ltd which is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA)

Andrew Hodkin - Director / Independent Financial Adviser
Began his career in financial services in 1992 and became an IFA in 2004. Andrew has been established at Derwent Financial Services since May 2006, and is qualified up to Financial Planning Certificate (FPC) 3. Andrew's special interests are in dealing with clients who are retired or are about to retire, needing assistance with investments and Inheritance tax planning.

We provide advice to both individuals and companies on all aspects of financial planning, through a long term approach of fully understanding our clients' needs, wants and aspirations and then prioritising objectives.

Services we specialise in include,

Pensions Planning
Retirement Planning
Life Assurance
Investments / Portfolio Planning

We believe that building long-term relationships with our clients is key to serving their needs and firmly believe in a ' face to face' personal service.

Contact us today for more information on 01629 582778

LEARNING POINT - BPOS

This weeks learning point was delivered by Kris Haynes of Peak Support Ltd in Matlock, Derbyshire

BPOS - Business Productivity Online Suite

Microsoft Online Services Suite

Microsoft Exchange Online
Email, Laptop Mobility, Phones, Shared Calendars, Shared Tasks
Microsoft Sharepoint Online
Customer Portals, Data Reporting, Collection Tool
Microsoft Office Live Meeting Online
Present Webinars, Provide Training around the globe
Microsoft Office Communications Online
Speak with your associates / staff members, anywhere, anytime

Microsoft Offer a FREE 30 day trial to any company who want to trial their services, contact Peak Support today on www.peaksupport.co.uk

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - BRIGHTER DIRECTIONS @brighteridea

Brighter Directions based in Derbyshire specialise in delivering excellent services in strategic marketing, sales and customer care training and online marketing development working with businesses from across the UK.

As all services are completley bespoke, there are solutions available to fit 'in' your business instead of just working on the outside and their friendly, professional approach means thay have built a strong loyal following of exsiting clients that are always happy to recommend the services.
Specialising in helping businesses by training & consultancy services including:

• Business Development – Strategic Marketing or Sales
• Company freelance support and advice - Strategic Marketing or Sales
• Associate working with/ on behalf of company - Strategic Marketing or Sales

• Marketing Agency – Controlling your brand and identity within requirements
• Online Marketing Development – Social Media Management

• Field Sales Staff – Advancement sales skills
• Telesales Staff – Advanced or introduction sales skills
• Customer Service Staff – Key skills and relationship management
• Administration and Account Management core skills and development

Currently also offering static courses with the following subjects:

Management & Senior Executive Training - Tuesday 6th July
Employment Disputes Seminar/ Protecting YOUR Business - Wednesday 11th August
Sales Executive & Customer Facing Staff Development - Wednesday 18th August

For more information and to book on any of the above courses or services, please visit the website www.brighterdirections.co.uk or call 01246 287414

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - YORKSHIRE VEHICLE FINANCE

Yorkshire Vehicle Finance
http:www.yvf.co.uk

What do we do?

* We are a finance broker
* We provide impartial financial advise to businesses or individuals who need a new car or van
* We are a ‘whole of market’ broker – we search for the best finance deals so you don’t have to!
* We use our buying power to supply your new vehicle at the most competitive price
* We supply over 1000 new vehicles a year!

I didnt know you could help me with...

Finance Products: Contract Hire, Finance Lease, Contract Purchase, Personal Contract Purchase, Personal Contract Hire, Lease Purchase and Hire Purchase.
‘One-Stop-Shop’ service. Re-finance products. Flexi Lease. Maintenance.

We also help with

* Accident Management.
* Special build vehicles.
* Test drives.
* Sale of ex lease cars.
* Tax advice.
* Customer service – account and debt management, mileage re-schedule, contract extensions, end of contract and foreign travel

Next time you need a car or van – please give me a call on 0114 236 1818
Do you know anyone we could help?

LEARNING POINT - POWER CIRCLES

Power Circles: Networking Works!
Delivered by Peter Lloyd of Du Cane Associates

Networking is a proven method of passing business referrals

Power Circles are subsets of networking groups consisting of businesses who complement each other in a way that should making referral passing easier

There are six commonly recognised groups

* Property
* Legal & Financial
* Business Services
* Weddings & Events
* Trades people
* Health & Well Being

Each sector lists several business sectors (for example estate agents, removals and ifa) would fit comfortably in the property section.. and so on.

FAQ

Q: What if I’m not on any of the lists?
A: They’re only examples, draw up your own list!

Q: Does this mean there’s no point networking with people outside my circle?
A: Of course not - you’re just likely to work better within your own circle

Q: Are the Power Circles mutually exclusive?
A: No e.g. Health & Beauty could be in “Weddings” and “Health & Wellbeing”

Q: So I should only join Networking Groups made up of complimentary trades?
A: Relationships .... #1 supportive & referral-focused. #2 similar business.

Q: But my Networking Group doesn’t have many of my Power Circle in it...
A: Whose fault? Have you invited any? Have you asked others to invite them?

BUSINESS SEMINAR & EXHBITION EVENT

Matlock Links are proud sponsors of a local business event held at the lovely New Bath Hotel, Matlock, Derbyshire on Thursday 9th September 2010 from 10am-4pm.

The event is the FIRST EVER independent business to business run event that has been organised in the area and is sure to be a fantastic event

Tickets are only £10 to attend which includes full day access, open networking, free time to browse the exhibition stands from local businesses, speed networking sessions and three key-note speakers (soon to be announced) as well as much more!

Refreshments will be provided throughout the day as well as business lunch and business promotional pack, including delegate list on arrival.

Limited places are available and tickets are sure to sell out fast, so to book your place, please contact us via email info@matlocklinksbusinessclub.co.uk or DM on Twitter @Matlocklinks

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - DERBYSHIRE DALES DIRECTORY

Sharon Shirley runs local Matlock magazine Derbyshire Dales Directory, which is distributed around homes and businesses in the area.

Established over five years, its important for Sharon to help locally run businesses by offering this advertising platform in the shape of a glossy A5 full colour magazine, which for many clients is their sole advertising source.

Advertising rates start from as little as £29 for the bi-monthly issue.

Leaflet distributions around the area are also available from only £28 per 1,000 upto a total coverage of 10,000 homes and businesses around Derbyshire.

Deadlines for next issues:

June/ July magazine - 15th May
Aug/ Sept magazine - 17th July
Oct/ Nov magazine - 17th Sept
Dec/ Jan magazine - 5 Nov

For more information please contact her on 01629 57638

LEARNING POINT - 1TO1 MEETINGS

The Importance of having 1to1 meetings outside of the normal networking meetings to build rapport and trust in the group:
Delivered by Graham Malida of YVF

You have to earn referrals!

Networking is all about trust! - If you trust someone you will be more inclined to recommend them to others you know.

Gaining a level of trust needs much more than a brief introduction or attending breakfast meetings

Remember ‘Know – Like and Trust’

One of the best ways to build trust is to have 121 meetings

* It is a meeting held in between our regular fortnightly breakfast meetings
* It can be held at a place of work or at a hotel or café
* Meetings are better held in private so you can talk without interruptions

Tips

* Have a list of the questions you would like to ask (example to hand out)
* Keep it informal and friendly
* Your prime objective should be to learn about the other person’s business and how you can help them

AVOID SELLING! This is not a pitching contest!

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - COLEMAN BRADSHAW ACCOUNTANTS

Coleman Bradshaw Accountants on Bank Road, Matlock provides local clients with expert bookkeeping and accountancy solutions, specifically for start up and growing businesses within the region.

The accountancy firm has been established for almost thirty years, having an exciting and interesting history for the partners of the practise.

Rebecca Harrison, Manager for Coleman Bradshaw delivered an insightful presentation at this mornings Matlock Links networking meeting explaining the solutions they can offer to local businesses, including:

• Accounts and Tax returns
• Quarterly or Monthly service
• VAT Returns
• Business Start ups
• Going Limited
• Tax Planning
• Business plans, cash flows, forecasting
• Tax credits claims
• Mobile and flexible
• Payroll

For more information, please contact Rebecca on 01629 581681 or website www.colemanbradshaw.co.uk

LEARNING POINT - INSURANCE

The Importance of having the correct insurance in place for your specific needs:
Delivered by Claire Hoskin of DC Jones Insurance

Buildings Insurance

Have to legally own the property to insure – Insurable interest.
Calculating Buildings Sum Insured – Fixtures and fittings.
Blanket Cover.
Basis Perils and Liability.
Additional Cover - Accidental Damage/ Legal Expenses
Cover Exclusions - Wear and Tear/ Maintenance/ Policy Excess/ War, Terrorism, Sonic Boom. Unoccupied Properties - FLEA

Contents Insurance

Not Legal requirement
Own or Rent
Calculating your sum insured
Basic Perils
High Net worth clients
Additional Cover – Accidental Damage/ All Risks/ Specified Personal Effects/ Legal Expenses
Cover Exclusions – Wear and Tear/ Excess/ Maintenance/ War, Terrorism, Sonic Booms

Advice

Take time out to check your sums insured. You probably have more than you realise.
Avoid Under Insurance – Insurers will only pay average claim costs.
Keep your property well maintained.
Keep secure - Utilise all disclosed security. Lockable windows, security light working, maintain alarm.
Disclose all material facts - Trees in vicinity, stream nearby, mining report, underpinned, shared entrance, criminal convictions.
Keep receipts and valuations - Proof of ownership.
Report claims immediately

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - BULLITT DISPLAY SOLUTIONS

Bullitt Display solutions in Matlock provides interior and exterior display solutions across the UK.

Environmentally kind materials used for all our locally sourced products, which include:

Display Stands
Exhibition Graphics
Signage
Flag Poles
Banners
Hoardings
Design
Installation

For more information, please contact Ian.

Bullitt Display Solutions Limited
M: 07970 011371
ian@bullittdisplay.co.uk
www.bullittdisplay.co.uk

LEARNING POINT - REFERRALS

The Importance of passing Referrals for Networking:
Delivered by Claire Curzon of Brighter Directions
www.brighterdirections.co.uk

What is a referral?

A Referral is: A lead for a potential client..

Otherwise known as a ‘warm lead’ meaning a requirement has been established before passing on..

As apposed to a ‘cold lead’ which is someone passing contact details on before actually speaking to anyone

How to recognise a Referral?

We ALL network, speaking to new contacts, clients and associates on a daily if not weekly basis..

This is how you will find ‘referrals’ for the other businesses around the room
During your meetings and conversations you will discuss areas outside of your ‘expertise’

Could that be a referral opportunity?

During your conversations you will establish a NEED and have identified a referral opportunity for someone in the group to fill that NEED

This is when you say to them “I have someone in mind who can help you with this…I will ask them to contact you”

They will be HAPPY you are helping them!!

Get to know the businesses around the room

How can you pass business to someone you know nothing about?

How do you know if a service will suit the clients (referrals) needs or solutions?

Get to know the businesses around the table outside of the networking meetings

I haven't got time..

Then how will you get business referrals passed to you?

If people don’t # know # like # trust you..

Or know anything about your business does?

THINK, LISTEN AND GIVE BEFORE YOU EXPECT..

To join the next Matlock Links networking meeting, please contact us here

LEARNING POINT - THE IMPORTANCE OF WIRELESS SECURITY

Peak Support Services are a local Matlock IT specialist, commited to helping local businesses stay connected!

To download the presentation click here

The learning point today was based around the concepts, types and warnings of Wireless Security and why it is important to protect your data - Presented by Kris Haynes, Peak Support.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: DC JONES INSURANCE GROUP

Why become a David C Jones Insurance Customer?

We believe there are three key areas in which David C Jones Insurance can meet, and exceed your expectations in respect of your insurance needs:

Experience

* 19 years experience trading locally
* Professionally qualified individuals within the business
* Great local reputation – word of mouth recommendations
* £10m plus annual turnover – we are not a small company
* Good relationships with all the major insurers enabling us to negotiate
* We deal with all sizes of cases, from a multi-million pound company to a one-man-band self-employed person
* We can offer a tailored policy to specific requirements
* Personal lines section to keep all insurances under one roof
* Our very own “Service Charter” which sets out the standards to which we work
* We can offer cover on any types of risk

Financial

* We have access to extensive markets for all types of insurance to ensure we obtain a complete analysis of the market
* We have access to unique schemes due to our relationships with all of the major insurers . E.g I-Kube Scheme with RSA
* We have good negotiating power with most insurers due to our status (Willis Network) and reputation within the market
* We can offer full risk management assistance going forward, either internally (drivers manuals etc) or externally (MD Risk Management etc) to help reduce premiums, and keep them low

Support

* We would undertake a full fact-find to establish your specific demands and needs
Can offer advice on exposures and cover that may not be needed.
* Risk management tools (drivers manual etc)
* We would attend all surveys undertaken by the insurer (including risk surveys and claims)
* We have an established referral network for products we cannot offer advice on
* Free M.I.D updating service
* Payment flexibility through Premium Credit and Prompt
* 11 dedicated commercial lines staff - Specific Account Executives
* We offer a quality and personal service from the very beginning of the policy through to the end

Claims Handling

We proactively manage all claims to ensure that they are dealt with in the most efficient manner and that your claims experience is not adversely affected unnecessarily

DC Jones Insurance, presented by Claire Hoskin
www.dcj-insurance.co.uk