October is Business in Singleton month, with weekly events designed to help retailers and businesses prepare in the lead up to the busy Christmas period.
Singleton Council General Manager Lindy Hyam said that they are proud to provide support and resources to the community and business groups.
“In its inaugural year, the month aims to highlight and offer all members of the Singleton business community the opportunity to be involved in a series of free events and workshops to improve and grow in Singleton,” she said.
“For retailers, October traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas trading season on their business calendar.”
Tomorrow retailers are invited to attend a free merchandising workshop from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at the Singleton Visitor Information and Enterprise Centre, North Room.
The workshop will be facilitated by widely experienced international training consultant, Bob Johnson, who will provide insight into attracting customers, encouraging them to stay in store longer and buy more products.
“By engaging the expertise of a consultant, the workshop will provide cutting edge strategies in customer service skills, selling techniques and visual merchandising,” Lindy said.
This week will also see the next Singleton Business Leaders Lunch on Thursday, with University of Newcastle Vice Chancellor Caroline McMillen the guest speaker.
Later in the month the You & SME Manufacturing and Engineering Business Event will be held on Friday, 25 October 2013 at Focus on Safety, 6a Cockatoo Street, McDougall Business Park, Singleton.
The informal barbecue will provide the opportunity for local manufacturing and engineering businesses to forge effective working relationships in a relaxed environment while gaining some valuable insight from guest speakers Ian Dick, Christine Gibbs Stewart from Austmine, Adrian Booker from Big A’s Mechanical Service and HunterNet.
On Tuesday, 29 October 2013 a free workshop for new business owners or those wishing to start their own business will be held at the Singleton Youth Venue.
Business Advisor Colin Merrick from The Business Centre will help attendees identify why they want to start a business, how to plan for their business, discuss finance options and business structures, examine the legal and compliance requirements and how to market to today’s clients.
Participants will leave with the knowledge that a pathway is available to support them on the start-up journey.
For more information on Business in Singleton month, visit the council website.