Another round of workshops and seminars designed to help local businesses across Rochdale to survive and thrive during the recession have been unveiled.

The winter programme of events begins next week with a session for businesses currently spending more than £100,000 a year on energy bills – to help them reduce their spend as well as their carbon footprint.

Other seminars planned include support with maximising sales and marketing activity, applying for contracts to supply products or services to the public sector, picking up work from overseas, and managing business time effectively.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Mohammad Sharif, said: "We know these are difficult times for local companies so we’re here to help and support them as much as we can. These sessions are completely free and as well as developing skills to help your business survive or even expand, they’re a great opportunity to network and meet other business people from across the borough."

Councillor Greg Couzens, cabinet member for finance, is leading Rochdale Borough Council’s Beat The Crunch campaign. He added: "We’re doing lots of things to help and support both individuals and businesses during the recession – this is just one small part of that. I’d urge local business folk to book onto all of the courses that interest them – they should provide some useful tips and advice to help make your company a success."

Places on all the courses need to be booked in advance by calling 01706 925110 or emailing business@rochdale.gov.uk

More details about the courses are available online at www.rochdale.gov.uk/beatthecrunch

Free business support programme – November/December 2009

Tuesday 17 November 4.30-6.30pm

Broadfield Park Hotel, Rochdale

Reducing your carbon footprint

Aimed at businesses with an annual energy spend of more than £100k.

Thursday 19 November 10am-5pm

Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale

An introduction to sales

Refresh your sales techniques to help your business grow – includes help with identifying customer needs and maintaining long-term business relationships.

Monday 23 November 10am-4pm

Rochdale Football Club, Sandy Lane, Rochdale

Guerilla Marketing

How to use non-standard ways of getting publicity for your business – often on a shoestring.

Friday 27 November 10am-4pm

Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale

E-marketing

Tips on successfully marketing on the web including types of websites, tools you can use, attracting visitors, search engine optimization, adwords and pay per click.

Tuesday 1 December 12.30-5pm and Tuesday 8 December 12.30-5pm

Venue TBC

Getting procurement-ready and tendering for public sector contracts

Two-day workshop suitable for businesses wanting to tender for public sector contracts – includes the procurement process and how to write successful tenders.

Wednesday 2 December 10am-3pm

Rochdale Football Club, Sandy Lane, Rochdale

Time Management

Help to improve daily performance of you and your staff by planning and prioritising. Especially useful if you’re under pressure to meet tough deadlines and feeling stressed!

Thursday 3 December 8-10am

Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale

An introduction to exporting

Although your business may have an established UK market, there’s often no reason why it couldn’t successfully compete overseas too, growing your revenue and profits. Find out about how you can internationalise your firm.