The 21st Century Business

Torbay's first major business startup event of 2012 was a huge success with around 600 delegates in attendance over two days at the Riviera International Conference Centre.

Former BBC's Dragons Den panelist and School for Startups founder Doug Richard hosted two informative and entertaining full-day seminars on how South West businesses can improve their chances of success.

'Web Fuelled Business' conducted in partnership with the Governments Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), explained how to drive marketing through social media, how to utilise search engine optimisation to enhance website exposure, and the steps to procuring better supply chains through a business-to-business website.

'How to Grow a 21st Century Business,' made clear the key areas for successful growth; how to create great products, 10 questions a business plan must address, how to market products/services cost effectively and when to seek outside investment to fund business growth.

Torquay was the only place in the country to stage two days of Doug’s seminars, secured by Torbay Development Agency as part of the ongoing objective to support local enterprise.

Doug Richard said: "In Torquay we set out with an ambitious aim to host not one but two consecutive training days, to help local businesses make the most of opportunities online. The days were a great success, thanks to the inspiring local businesses and the support of the Torbay Development Agency".

"The area has some brilliant businesses and there was fantastic attendance at both events. With the South West set to benefit from a grant for broadband that could make it one of the best connected rural areas in the world, companies like the ones I have met in Torquay really are the key to economic revival."

Carl Wyard, Urban Enterprise Co-ordinator and organiser of the events said: "It was clear that the businesses which attended the event got a lot out of it; there was a definite buzz in the room on both days. The feedback we have received both during the event, and afterwards, has been excellent and shows just how useful these events are for local businesses. This is vital if we're to look to hold events like this in the future.

"It is clear that those who attended left with a number of ideas on how to take their business forward, exploit the internet and grow their business".

"Events such as these provide part of the on-going business support offered by the Torbay Development Agency, and we will continue to provide a range of support to help local businesses."