Extended Info
STARTING A BUSINESS: Ask About Business has a range of free information to offer support and sign posting for business start ups. 
Try the COBRA database - hundreds of business ideas, advice and tips!
ABOUT US: Ask About Business is a new partnership between eleven library authorities:
Blackburn with Darwen; Blackpool; Bolton; Manchester; Oldham; Rochdale; Salford; Stockport; Tameside; Trafford; and Wigan.
Events
17 past eventsSee All
- Selling Online 5.0: Stay Legal
Forum Library, Wythenshawe
Thursday, March 12 at 5:30pm - Selling Online 4.0: Get Notice...
Forum Library, Wythenshawe
Thursday, March 5 at 5:30pm - Selling Online 3.0: Your Space...
Forum Library, Wythenshawe
Thursday, February 26 at 5:30pm - Beat The Recession
Dukinfield Town Hall
Thursday, February 26 at 3:30pm - WOMEN GET INSPIRED!
Manchester Central Library
Friday, February 20 at 9:00am - Beating the Downturn
Commercial Library, Central Library
Wednesday, February 11 at 5:45pm - Selling Online: 5.0 Stay Legal
Manchester Central Library
Wednesday, December 10 at 5:30pm - Selling Online: 4.0 Get notice...
Manchester Central Library
Wednesday, December 3 at 5:30pm - Selling Online: 3.0 Your Space...
Manchester Central Library
Wednesday, November 26 at 5:30pm - Selling online: 2.0 Kerching!
Manchester Central Library
Wednesday, November 19 at 5:30pm
Ask About Business
Just like any High Street shop, an online store is covered by legislation.
So do you know which laws apply to your business website?
This event is a Q&A session with a chance to submit questions in advance via email to j.keys@manchesterdda.com
What you should know when selling goods and services online.
Time:5:30PM Thursday, March 12th
Location:Forum Library, Wythenshawe
Ask About Business
Search Engine Optimisation? Pay Per Click?
This workshop explains what they are and how they can compliment each other. Get the mix right and you can target and reach more customers.
You will learn:
• What is Search Engine Optimisation
• How to optimise your site
• What Pay for Click options are out there e.g. Google Adsense
• Which is best for you
• Getting the right mix
Search Engine Optimisation and Advertising
Time:5:30PM Thursday, March 5th
Location:Forum Library, Wythenshawe
Ask About Business
Once you have a website you need to attract customers. This two part workshop will guide you through the different online options and how to access, implement, measure and evaluate them.
Part 1 looks at online marketing, and using social networks to promote your business.
You will learn:
·How to identify & incorporate ...the most effective options into your marketing plan
·Targeting niche markets
·Ways to use social networks e.g. blogs, YouTube, MySpace, facebook
·Getting the most out of using social networks
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Siobhan Mahon on 0161 945 4040 or email: s.mahon1@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Part 1 looks at online marketing, and using social networks to promote your business.
You will learn:
·How to identify & incorporate ...the most effective options into your marketing plan
·Targeting niche markets
·Ways to use social networks e.g. blogs, YouTube, MySpace, facebook
·Getting the most out of using social networks
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Siobhan Mahon on 0161 945 4040 or email: s.mahon1@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Marketing and social networks
Time:5:30PM Thursday, February 26th
Location:Forum Library, Wythenshawe
Ask About Business
Come and find out how other women in Manchester & from around the world are making the most of life, work and enterprise.
Specialist advice on employment, training and enterprise options – just drop in!
Hear the story of Lisa Tse from Sweet Mandarin – taking her business global
Read about inspiring women internationally ...
Network with other women from around the world living in Manchester
Lisa Tse will be speaking at 12.15, followed by a networking lunch. Booking is recommended.
Go to www.womengetinspired.eventbrite.com to book or phone 0161 234 1995.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
In partnerhsip with Inspired Sisters, Blue Orchid & Manchester Library & Information Service
Read More
Specialist advice on employment, training and enterprise options – just drop in!
Hear the story of Lisa Tse from Sweet Mandarin – taking her business global
Read about inspiring women internationally ...
Network with other women from around the world living in Manchester
Lisa Tse will be speaking at 12.15, followed by a networking lunch. Booking is recommended.
Go to www.womengetinspired.eventbrite.com to book or phone 0161 234 1995.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
In partnerhsip with Inspired Sisters, Blue Orchid & Manchester Library & Information Service
Read More
Start building a better future for yourself
Time:9:00AM Friday, February 20th
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
Learn how to access finance and funding through recently introduced national initiatives, and respond to redundancy situations.
Use the interactive Question Time Panel to ask questions, and the informal networking/information gathering opportunities at the start and close of the event
Discover the new exciting initiatives specifically for local Tameside small businesses, together with the North West regional perspective and response to the recession.
Time:3:30PM Thursday, February 26th
Location:Dukinfield Town Hall
Ask About Business
Join us to find out how you can boost your business from some of the biggest names in business information. Learn about industry standard tools you can access for free.
- Free company credit checking
- Research new markets
- Find products & services
- Get sales leads & contacts
Get expert tips at our bitesize business talk...s:
6.15 How to access & benefit from business support
Steve Connolly, Business Link
6.30 Survival techniques in an economic downturn
Simon Kite, Saffery Champness Chartered Accountants
Plus networking, advice & refreshmentsRead More
- Free company credit checking
- Research new markets
- Find products & services
- Get sales leads & contacts
Get expert tips at our bitesize business talk...s:
6.15 How to access & benefit from business support
Steve Connolly, Business Link
6.30 Survival techniques in an economic downturn
Simon Kite, Saffery Champness Chartered Accountants
Plus networking, advice & refreshmentsRead More
Helping your business through tough financial times
Time:5:45PM Wednesday, February 11th
Location:Commercial Library, Central Library
Ask About Business
Just like any high street shop, an online store is covered by legislation.
Do you know what laws apply to selling online?
This event is a Q&A session with a chance to submit questions in advance via email to j.keys@manchesterdda.com.
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Ha...dfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Do you know what laws apply to selling online?
This event is a Q&A session with a chance to submit questions in advance via email to j.keys@manchesterdda.com.
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Ha...dfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
What you should know when selling goods and services online.
Time:5:30PM Wednesday, December 10th
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
Search Engine Optimisation?
Pay Per Click?
This workshop explains what they are and how they can compliment each other. Get the mix right and you can target and reach more customers.
You will learn:
·What is SEO
·How to optimise your site
·What Pay for Click options are out there e.g. Google Adsense
·Which is best for you
·G...etting the right mix
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Pay Per Click?
This workshop explains what they are and how they can compliment each other. Get the mix right and you can target and reach more customers.
You will learn:
·What is SEO
·How to optimise your site
·What Pay for Click options are out there e.g. Google Adsense
·Which is best for you
·G...etting the right mix
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Attracting customers to your site
Time:5:30PM Wednesday, December 3rd
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
Once you have a website you need to attract customers. This two part workshop will guide you through the different online options and how to access, implement, measure and evaluate them.
Part 1 looks at online marketing, and using social networks to promote your business.
You will learn:
·How to identify & incorporate ...the most effective options into your marketing plan
·Targeting niche markets
·Ways to use social networks e.g. blogs, YouTube, MySpace, facebook
·Getting the most out of using social networks
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Part 1 looks at online marketing, and using social networks to promote your business.
You will learn:
·How to identify & incorporate ...the most effective options into your marketing plan
·Targeting niche markets
·Ways to use social networks e.g. blogs, YouTube, MySpace, facebook
·Getting the most out of using social networks
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Marketing and social networks
Time:5:30PM Wednesday, November 26th
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
Choosing the right payment system can determine your online success, but with so many options how do you decide?
This workshop will show you the different ways to accept payments and how to choose the right one for your business & customers.
You will learn:
·How to compare & contrast between the different options
·The pa...yment services that are available, e.g. PayPal, Worldpay
·What’s involved in setting up a custom-built payments system
·How to make the payments process easy for customers
·The best model for your business
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
This workshop will show you the different ways to accept payments and how to choose the right one for your business & customers.
You will learn:
·How to compare & contrast between the different options
·The pa...yment services that are available, e.g. PayPal, Worldpay
·What’s involved in setting up a custom-built payments system
·How to make the payments process easy for customers
·The best model for your business
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Choosing the right payment system for your business and your clients
Time:5:30PM Wednesday, November 19th
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
Most people decide within the first 5 seconds if they are going to buy from a website. This workshop will show you the difference between online & offline shops and the different building blocks for a good website.
You will learn:
· What makes a good website: design, layout & content
· How to develop a website specific...ation in plain English
· Ways to keep your online customers satisfied
· How to build customer loyalty
· How to make your brand work on the web
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please ask staff at the counter for details or contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
You will learn:
· What makes a good website: design, layout & content
· How to develop a website specific...ation in plain English
· Ways to keep your online customers satisfied
· How to build customer loyalty
· How to make your brand work on the web
Registration is required if you would like to attend this event. Please ask staff at the counter for details or contact Lyn Hadfield/Val Swinbourne on 0161 234 1995 or email: businessinfo@manchester.gov.uk
Places are limited to 20 per workshop (up to a maximum of 2 per company) and are booked on a first come first served basis.
Please note: This series of free business events is being provided by Manchester City Council and can only be booked by businesses based within the City of Manchester area.
Read More
Free practical workshops for small businesses
Time:5:30PM Wednesday, November 12th
Location:Manchester Central Library
John Paul Musumeci Hi Johnathon Hope you are well how are things hows Ask About Business getting on?
Ask About Business
2 talks for inventors and innovators.
1-1.15pm
R & D Funding Opportunities by Clive Grunsell, North West Regional Development Agency.
Part of "Ideas Day 2008"
1.15-2pm
The A-Z of Inventing by Mark Sheahan, President of the Institute of Patentees & Inventors, and the British Library's Inventor in Residence.
Learn from the experts
Time:1:00PM Tuesday, October 21st
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
2 talks for inventors and innovators.
1-1.15pm
R & D Funding Opportunities by Clive Grunsell, North West Regional Development Agency.
Part of "Ideas Day 2008"
1.15-2pm
The A-Z of Inventing by Mark Sheahan, President of the Institute of Patentees & Inventors, and the British Library's Inventor in Residence.
Learn from the experts
Time:1:00PM Tuesday, October 21st
Location:Manchester Central Library
Ask About Business
Are you making the most of your assets?
Find out from the experts.
Manchester Libraries and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) invite you to join this interactive free workshop to learn more about protecting the intellectual property of your business.
This workshop will help you understand laws relating to confi...dentiality, patents, copyright, designs and trade marks, and how your business could be affected.
UK-IPO speakers can help you consider how IP is relevant to your business, and you are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session.
BOOKING REQUIREDRead More
Find out from the experts.
Manchester Libraries and the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) invite you to join this interactive free workshop to learn more about protecting the intellectual property of your business.
This workshop will help you understand laws relating to confi...dentiality, patents, copyright, designs and trade marks, and how your business could be affected.
UK-IPO speakers can help you consider how IP is relevant to your business, and you are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session.
BOOKING REQUIREDRead More
A free workshop about intellectual property
Time:9:15AM Tuesday, October 21st
Location:Manchester Central Library
