Barclays will be hosting its autumn "Boosting Business" seminars in Birmingham on 7th November to provide UK businesses with the tools and expertise they need to help them grow and thrive.

The events, which are aimed at established businesses, are designed to help business owners network and gain practical help on attracting new customers by showing them how new media and foreign trade can grow their business. 

Our seminars follow research *that shows small businesses have 'battened down the hatches' following a difficult year. Looking ahead to 2012, they remain cautious compared to last year - 49 per cent have ambitions to grow compared to two thirds (66 per cent) in 2010.  

But many small business owners are optimistic and looking towards innovation to help boost their business in 2012. Over a third (37 per cent) of UK small businesses looking to grow next year see innovation as the key driver, while 25 per cent of businesses are doing more with less.

Jeremy Stockdale, Head of Barclays Business in Central region said: "The current economic climate continues to have an impact on many small businesses in the UK and confidence remains low. But it is encouraging to see there is still optimism, with businesses introducing new products and services to help them prepare for the recovery.  

"Our seminars are there to help anyone who has an existing business and wants to find ways to reach new markets and use new media and technology to grow."

The Seminars, which are in partnership with ACCA, UK Trade and Investment, Orange and Business Link, will be hosted by business presenter, Nadine Dereza. Attendees will also be given advice first hand from business gurus, including Will Whitehorn, former President of Virgin Galactic, Andrew Gerrie, Chief Executive of Lush and Steve Cooper, Managing Director, Barclays - Business & Personal Banking Solutions. 

Stockdale added: "This year over 8,000 business owners have attended one of 400 free Barclays seminars so far and we have had interest from many more. We are committed to helping revitalise the UK economy, which is dependent on small businesses having the confidence to invest and grow."

All venues will have 2-way filming and audio link up to allow interaction with delegates during the events. A live webinar will be available where business owners can link up online if they are in a remote area. Local Entrepreneurs will also be attending to share their experiences.

Two main flagship events will be held in Peterborough on the 7th November, with satellite links to Birmingham, Glasgow, Harrogate and Knutsford, and London on the 9th November with satellite links to Brighton, Newport Gwent and Plymouth. 

For more information regarding the seminars and to register for your nearest event visit www.barclays.co.uk/boostingbusiness 

*Research is taken from The Barclays Regional Impact Index, which was issued for publication on Wednesday 13 October 2012. In its second successive year, it is based on an in-depth study of around 1,000 owner-managers, combined with qualitative analysis by Kingston University's Small Business Research Centre.