Even in these austere times, with the government clawing back any spare funding they can, there are still pockets of opportunity. The TR&DE programme from UKTI offers up to £3000 (which supported companies must match to give a total of up to £6000 funding) to SME  businesses based in the North West who get involved with Research & Development to support activity to promote export trade.

The programme also offers (in addition to the funding) access to international trade expertise from Grant Thornton and EV.

Funding can be used for a range of activities including:

• Market research projects for new overseas market entry
• Assistance with international marketing and branding, including website development and marketing materials
• Advice relating to international commerce and e-commerce protocols
• A review of existing IP assets and protection, strategy and future requirements
• Legal advice around international commercial agreements
• Attendance at overseas conferences
• Assistance in identifying and recruiting new staff to help enter international markets

The programme is limited to a maximum of 230 companies and applications must be made by 19 August 2011

Here is some further info from UKTI: Introduction to the TR&DE funding programme

Or contact me: davidw@bsamarketing.com for more details and to help you:

Be Heard and Be Valued.

Many business owners know that they could be doing more with the internet to promote their company but often they are not sure where to start.

Search Engine Optimisation, Sponsored Links, Website Updates, Blogs, Social Networking and E-mail marketing are just some of the options on offer. Which can be most beneficial to me? – or should I be looking at a strategy combining a number of approaches?

As an accredited associate of the Manufacturing Advisory Service – North West, BSA Marketing can undertake a comprehensive review of your web strategy to help clarify your options and show the best way forward.

If your North West based business is an SME* involved with the manufacturing/processing sector then the review could be100% funded** so there would be no cost to you. Get more information on the web reviews here

Even better, if you decide on things you want to do, you may be eligible** for further government subsidised project implementation work. Get more information on subsidised** project work here

NOTES:

*SME definition:

Companies with up to 250 employees and/or up to €50m turnover. In addition, no more than 25% of the company should be owned by a group with more than 250 employees and/or €50m turnover.

**Eligibility and Availability:

• All MAS services are subject to availability and eligibility criteria.
• Free reviews and subsidised project work are available to North West based small and medium size (SME**) manufacturers or related companies (including research, design, logistics & warehousing etc).
• Large North West manufacturers and related companies can benefit from a free MAS review if they engage their suppliers to benefit from the MAS programme.
• Due to limited availability, MAS North West reserves the right to prioritise its subsidised services.
• Companies not eligible for MAS subsidised support can purchase MAS services at standard rates.

We have just identified a new initiative operating in and around the Peak District national park offering support for start ups, sole traders and small businesses.

The scheme called “Live and Work Rural”, is operated in conjunction with The National Parks Authority & EMDA. The scheme will help you with:

• Developing Ideas
• Marketing
• Networking
• Green Solutions
• Small Scale Equipment

If you would like to learn more about the scheme, you will find further information on their website www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/liveandworkrural.

If you would like to discuss a potential project please contact us, we are always happy to talk.

The Manufacturing Advisory Service – North West has a new programme offering grants to qualifying North West-based businesses operating in the manufacturing/processing who are looking to develop their presence on the web and make more use of the fantastic marketing and business development opportunities.

BSA Marketing is a fully accredited associate of MAS North West. If you are a manufacturer in the North West of England, and are interested in enhancing you web presence, get in touch.

Through MAS North West, BSA can also offer, at no cost^* to you, a full review of your current web marketing.

For more information, visit our grant information page

*Conditions apply – please contact us for details

Pursuing our philosophy that “We want to teach people how rather than simply do it for them!” BSA Marketing will be on the road in Buxton next Tuesday to promote our grant supported Marketing Mentoring Programme at the free Do business in Buxton event.

If you can get to Buxton on Tuesday, we would be delighted to talk to you about how you can access FREE (Grant Supported) Marketing Training to help you take your business forward.

Alternatively, give us a call on 0845 050 1023, and we would be delighted to discuss the possibilities with you.

In collaboration with Business Link, BSA Marketing can now offer Online Marketing support funded under the Train to Gain Leadership and Management programme.

BSA Marketing have put together a range of one to one training & mentoring programmes to help you develop your understanding of online marketing tools whilst at the same time developing and implementing a real online marketing strategy for your business.

“By delivering this one to one programme in the context of solid business marketing management, you can develop your knowledge and use of the available tools, whilst at the same time creating a real online presence for your business. You can see real business benefits from day one”.

Learn more about the BSA Marketing Training & Mentoring Programme here or contact us to discuss your requirements

As an approved supplier to the East Midlands Business Link (amongst others) BSA Marketing has access to a number of grants for marketing activity.

One such Grant is the Business Transformation Grant from the East Midlands Development Agency. You will find details here.

Also, watch this space or subscribe to our rss feed to be kept up to date with new grants as we identify them.