Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce

The effects of the recession are being experienced by all companies.

The most significant issue mentioned by many businesses is availability of cash. It is clear that bank lending is taking longer to arrange and when available, is expensive.

There is declining confidence amongst businesses that the banks are able to help. At the other end of the financial process many companies are taking longer to pay with many companies extending payment terms to 60, 90 and even 120 days. This is causing cash flow problems for many companies.

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce is committed to keeping in constant contact with both its members and the wider business community during the recession to adapt its services to have the greatest impact on business during this challenging time.

DNCC's Combat the Crunch programme has been developed to aid business in providing platforms to assist businesses that are under increasing pressure as a result of any aspect of the recession and to keep in constant contact to gather information which can be used to further strengthen DNCC's offering at this time and to collate information for local, regional and national use to further guide government response.

We're here to help!

Positive action to defy the downturn

A programme of free regional ‘Showcase, Market, and Sell' events has been announced to help companies who need to find new markets and new opportunities to trade.

The events are being organised and led by Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber throughout the East Midlands, and funded by the East Midlands Development Agency

At each event, ten major companies or procuring bodies will be asked to showcase themselves and take part in meet the buyer activities. In addition there will be room for a further 50 companies to showcase themselves in an exhibition area.

It is envisaged that running in parallel will be a series of market making events to include particular procurement opportunities, overseas opportunities via UKTI, business start-up, and finance from a major bank.

Two speed-networking sessions will be held for smaller companies seeking managed one-to-one activities. There will also be opportunities for local authorities to highlight their Building Schools for the Future contracts.

The next event will be held at East Midlands Conference Centre, Nottingham on March 16th. Visit http://www.dncc.co.uk , email events@dncc.co.uk or call the events team on 01332 851280 for more information.

DNCC is highlighting its response to the recession on the DNCC web site by profiling other ‘Combat the Crunch’ themed events, its tender alerting service and a comprehensive link library to geographical and sectoral assistance available during the economic downturn. For more information please visit http://www.dncc.co.uk