European Commission makes SME growth top priority in 2016
In addressing the 10 priorities for the Commission in 2016 EU Commission President Junkers had SME support firmly in his sights. The majority of the priorities listed below have been designed to cut red tape for SMEs and boost their growth potential.
Europe Direct Lancashire will be running a series of events during 2016 highlighting the opportunities for SME's as a result of these initiatives. Click on each of the priorities below to find out more.
Theresa Griffin MEP has been confirmed as one of four speakers at December's North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce's 'Women In Business Christmas Special' event.
She is one of four speakers during the event, confirmed for Blackpool's Imperial Hotel on 4th December.
Also speaking will be: Alison Gilmore, the Imperial's general manager; Laila Remtulla, founder of Blackpool-based Laila's Fine Foods; and Anne Williamson, the owner of Lucrative Marketing.
The function runs from noon to 5pm and those attending will be served with Bucks Fizz on arrival, followed by a two-course Christmas lunch.
Networking opportunities will be possible, while there will be the chance to browse stalls selling jewellery and other products, as well as mini-taster treatments and and products from the hotel's beauty department.
The price is £40+VAT for members, £45+VAT for affiliate members and £50+VAT for non-members; bookings can be made with Peter or Iain on 01253 347063 or by emailing[email protected]
Attendees have the chance to stay on for a drink afterwards while preferential room rates are also on offer from the hotel.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of those rates should call 01253 754616 or email [email protected] and quote 'Women in Business'.
Local business leaders say no to "Brexit"
The results of a Europe Direct Lancashire-led survey on business attitudes to the European Union was revealed to an audience of business leaders and students at Preston's College this month.
59 per cent of surveyed companies said leaving the EU would have a negative impact on their business. This trend echoes a recent British Chamber Chambers of Commerce poll which found that 63 per cent of businesspeople would vote to remain in the European Union if a referendum was to be held now. According to the poll, 27 per cent would vote to leave.
Out and about with Europe Direct in 2015/16
Below are some of the activities we will be organising in the next few months which we look forward to seeing you at. Watch this space and our website for further details:-
14th December - Runshaw College - Business Language and Culture in the EU Workshop
28th January - Focus on Germany
3rd February - West Lancs College - Business Language and Culture in the EU Workshop
9th March - CEE Markets Workshop
Date TBA - TTIP Workshop
23rd May - EU Investment Bank Workshop
29th July - Doing Business in the EU
European Union news in brief
Commissioner
Malmström's speech on TTIP and Trade For All
EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström recently spoke at a conference in Bruges on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations and her new trade strategy, 'Trade for All'.
While acknowledging the 'major public debate' surrounding the negotiations, she outlined the economic and strategic rationale for TTIP. The main lesson from that debate, she said, was: "that people do want more trade. They see how it can benefit our society. But on the other hand, we have learned that they don't want to compromise on the core principles of European society in order to get those benefits." To read more click here
Next year Europe Direct Lancashire will be hosting its own seminar on TTIP. Watch this space for further details.
President Juncker has called for a leader's meeting at the level of Heads of State or Government on refugee flows along the Western Balkan route. The objective is to agree common operational conclusions which could be immediately implemented.
Europe's Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) is in much better shape today than it was before the financial crisis. However, despite progress, particularly as regards reinforcement of the economic governance and the launch of the Banking Union, the EMU remains incomplete. Divergence in economic performance across the euro area is significant.
To read more click on the title
Take a look at the Europe Direct Lancashire website
The North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce hosts a Europe Direct Information Centre, which aims to provide local citizens with information, advice and assistance for all matters relating to the European Union.
Europe Direct Lancashire:
01772 653000
Europe Direct Contact Centre, Brussels: 00800 67891011
LANCASHIRE MEANS BUSINESS
Click here to read the latest digital edition of Lancashire Means Business Magazine, the magazine for businesses in the North West.
Published by the Lancashire Evening Post in association with the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.
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9-10 Eastway Business Village // Olivers Place // Fulwood // Preston // PR2 9WT
