Nottinghamshire businesses are being urged to register their interest in a business support programme that provides business managers with a range of practical techniques and ideas that can help them to develop and grow their businesses.

Route to Market 2010 is being funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and builds on the first successful programme which took place earlier this year. The programme will run from January 2010 and emda is now looking for firms to register their interest in the run up to Christmas by contacting business link.  

The Route to Market programme will help firms by developing the skills of senior managers in five core business areas, and will provide a range of practical tools and techniques that can be applied to their business. These include workshops on business strategy, sales & marketing, customer retention, finance and the recruitment & development of staff, all of which will help any business survive and thrive in the current climate. The programme is delivered in a series of participative workshops from business support specialists, over five days. 

John O'Reilly, Business Support Director at emda, said: "Route to Market is designed not only to help businesses address their present concerns but also to prepare for the future, and ensure they are in the best possible shape when the economy starts to grow again. It also complements the wide range of other business support services that emda provides, which can be accessed through Business Link.

"The first Route to Market programme was very well received by the businesses which took part, reflecting our commitment to do everything that we can to help businesses through this recession. Places are limited, so I would urge people to apply as soon as possible to ensure that they get a place on the programme." 

Monitor Environmental Ltd, based in Nottingham, was one of 90 businesses from across the region which took part in the first Route to Market programme earlier this year. Lynda Watts, its owner and Director, wanted to gain some formal management training and a better understanding of business. 

The Route to Market programme allowed her to make changes to the way she handles business, and Lynda now realises the importance of having a strategic plan. She said: "The programme has given me the confidence to know that I am managing my company in the right way. Since taking part I have formed a new business strategy by implementing the tools I learnt within the workshops. I would like the opportunity to send all my staff on the programme, as it would be useful for people from all levels of business."    

The programme is open to all small and medium-sized businesses in the East Midlands that have been operating for at least one year, employ at least five people and have a turnover of at least £100,000. It welcomes businesses from all sectors and backgrounds.  

Route to Market is free. However businesses are asked to provide a small deposit upon enrolling to show their commitment to the programme, which will be fully refunded upon completion of the programme. Spaces on the programme are limited. 

For more information about Route to Market and to register an interest, contact Business Link on 0845 058 6644, or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/routetomarket. 

The workshops will be delivered across the East Midlands between January and March 2010, with dates and locations being confirmed by the end of December. Once a business has registered their interest with Business Link they will be contacted when the dates are confirmed.