The Unique Business Show 2009 again will feature a cutting edge seminar programme, completely free of charge to all visitors of the event.

Presented by top local industry experts, these programmes will address the topical issues facing the local economy, including practical advice for your start-up, free-lancing or established businesses.

Visitor Schedule

The Brighton and Hove Business Show opens	12 noon
Seminar 1 check - in	3.15pm for 3.30pm start
Seminar 2 check - in	4.15pm for 4.30pm start
Seminar 3 check - in	5.15pm for 5.30pm start
Seminar 4 check - in	6.00pm for 6.15pm start
Seminar 5 check - in	7.00pm for 7.15pm start
The Brighton and Hove Business Show closes	8.00pm

Please check back regularly as times may be subject to change.

Please arrive punctually - seats are on a 'first come first serve basis'

3.30pm - Valuation Office Agency

Speaker :: Andrew Scott, Revaluation Team
Valuation Office Agency
John Beard, Business Rates Team Leader
Brighton and Hove City Council
Supporting fair and accurate business rates
Website

Supporting fair and accurate business rates.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) sets the rateable value of business premises, which is a key factor in the calculation of the business rate bills that are produced by local authorities.

Rateable values are based on the rental value of property at a set date. They are reviewed every five years to ensure the rating system remains fair and accurate, in a process known as revaluation. We are currently completing the 2010 revaluation, which is based on values at 1 April 2008. The VOA collects and uses a wide range of property information and rental evidence, studying the rental market in depth to ensure that the revised valuations are accurate and consistent.

4.30pm - University Of Brighton

Speaker: Nick Rodgers, Business Development Manager
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Website

Nick Rodgers, Business Development Manager and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) specialist from the University of Brighton, will lead this seminar explaining the benefits of KTPs and how you can get involved.

A KTP is a partnership between a company, the university and an Associate, a highly qualified graduate working as part of the company. Partnerships normally last for two years and are designed to bring a strategic change to the business. The partnership includes a team of specialist experts from the University who transfer their technical expertise, research and innovation to the company via the Associate. KTPs are part government funded with sponsors meeting up to two-thirds of the cost of a KTP.

The University of Brighton has a broad range of specialists and has the professional and technical expertise to help companies develop their business. To find out more come along to Nick’s seminar, which will be of interest to organisations contemplating strategic change, entering new markets, expanding or restructuring and/ or developing new products, services and technology.

5.30pm - Business Link

Speaker :: Phil Thompson
Winning profitable and sustainable new business

What should I do today that I wasn't doing yesterday?

Regular profitable orders are essential at any time; but today's economic trends demands a sharper focus on what is realistic. The session will look at some essential techniques to help you better understand current sales activity and be more effective in quantifying new contacts to provide a more accurate picture of what lies ahead.

6.15pm - City Media

A presentation by our leading city media.

Presenters :: Ryan Heal MD of Brighton's Juice 107.2 fm radio station, Rachel Pegg, The editor of 'The Latest' magazine, Emma Ridley, The editor of the 'Factually' magazines based in Hove.
Websites
www.juicebrighton.com
www.thelatest.co.uk
www.factuallydirectories.co.uk

Getting the most from your local marketing budget - An overview of the local media scene in Brighton

Ryan Heal

"Getting the most from your local marketing budget - An overview of the local media scene in Brighton"

Topics will cover ::
How do you start to allocate your budget?
Planning a strategy for your brand message as well as your spend
Assess the local media market
Meet and Greet ALL local media
Negotiate
Commit
Monitor response
Build a strong consistent media partnership

Rachel Pegg

"An introduction to Latest Homes/ Latest 7 magazine"

Topics will cover ::
How Latest can help your business - advertising at an affordable rate
How to book a business interview, front cover or regular ad
Distribution and inserts
Tips on writing a press release
Contact names and numbers

Emma Ridley

"The benefits of localising your advertising with your local community directory"

Topics will cover ::
Community directories re-establishing a sense of pride within the community
How association by being "the local Trader/Tradesman/Therapist/Advisor/Charity/Group" to that community directory can really engage with local readers.
Working local to where you live has added benefits of reducing expenses and can give you fantastic referrals all within your local area.

7.15pm - Crunch.co.uk

Presenters :: Darren Fell and Steve Crouch
The Accountancy Healthcheck (for freelancers)
Website

Are you in Accountancy Hell?

Want to find out how to save as much tax as possible as a Freelancer?

Or would you just like someone to explain, in plain English, the basics of Accounting?

Here's your chance to meet the professionals behind Crunch, the brand new Accountancy service and online system specifically for Freelancers.

Crunch Director, Steve Crouch will be guiding you through key important areas for freelancers:
• What the benefits and drawbacks are of being a Sole Trader / Limited Company
• What expenses you can claim, and how much tax it would save you
• What paperwork you need to claim these expenses
• What you should do to avoid getting caught by IR35

Steve is also owner of the very successful SRC Chartered Accountancy firm based in Brighton.

Further Information coming shortly.