Managing Working Capital for SMEs

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Does a small business really need to manage its working capital?

Professor Bob Berry from Nottingham Univeristy Business School will be considering a number of key issues including:
- Why working capital may not top the management agenda when business is good and how priorities must change when times are bad.
- How excess stock and poorly managed receivables and payables can be the difference between business survival and business failure.
- Recent experience of SMEs hard hit by the economic downturn shows that improving working capital management practices is, these days, an easier source of finance than a bank loan!

This short talk highlights the benefits of applying even the simplest working capital management techniques. Gains aren’t only short term; lessons learned and applied in hard times will translate into improved performance when economic growth reappears.

Bob will be joined by Linda Brentnall from Santander.More Information...

Procurements bid for Gold - it's contribution to 2012

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Bringing the Olympics to life for the Birmingham branch members, the inspirational speaker Stephen Wills the former Director of Procurement at AXA and former Head of Procurement for the London 2012 Olympics Security is delighted to present the ‘Procurements Bid for Gold’ presentation. Providing a unique insight into how procurement has been a success at the London 2012 Olympics and in AXA.

Members will have an insight into some of the mechanics and challenges of using procurement as a tool to maximise their investment whiling adding value to the whole process of purchasing and supplying materials and services.

Stephen Wills - A Group Procurement Director with a proven track record of success transforming complex Purchasing & Supply Chain functions and enhancing Procurement within the Financial services, Manufacturing & Logistics sectors.
Experience includes strategic development & implementation; stakeholder management; supplier development & performance; team building; leadership & strong communications.More Information...

International Logistics Seminar including Exclusive Tour of DHL's East Midlands Airport Hub

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Getting your goods to the customer on time and in one piece are key, so the logistics of export are as important as all the effort that goes into winning the sale beforehand, if you are to make a success of trading internationally.

The next emita event, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and kindly hosted by DHL at their East Midlands Airport Hub, will focus on shipping your goods overseas. We have an expert panel to advise on how best to manage the international movement of goods to your advantage and ultimate profit, with plenty of opportunity to have your questions answered.

Don’t leave anything to chance; attending our seminar will give you solid practical advice on:

- Dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s
o How best to establish the terms and conditions of the sales contract in your interest

- Deciphering the code
o Incoterms provide a universally accepted code for shipment procedures, understanding it is vital

- A stitch in time…..
o How to get your paperwork right first time, every time

- Fragile – handle with care
o How your packaging ensures the goods arrive in one piece

- Hedging your bets
o Even with all the above, is it worth considering mitigating the risk?

Following the presentations, there will also be an opportunity to take a guided tour of DHL’s East Midlands Airport Hub, providing a fascinating, behind the scenes insight into the operations at this 63 acre purpose built site, capable of handling an astounding 45,000 shipments an hour.

Interested in joining us? Places are limited, so secure yours today! Attendance is free of charge for emita members or £50 plus VAT for non members which includes refreshments and a buffet supper. To register, contact the emita team on 01332 826424 or email your details to emita@uktiem.co.uk
More Information...