Business

Everyone is a salesperson … whether they like it or not

Everyone is a salesperson all of their life. After all, whether you are a mechanic, teacher or a manager, you are selling ideas. You are negotiating. You are communicating … persuading … influencing. If you don’t believe you are a salesperson, I encourage you to rethink your position because the probability that you will become successful is significantly diminished. Networks are the foundation of business. Robert Kiyosaki, author of “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” hit the nail on the head when he wrote, “The richest people in the world look for and build networks. Everyone else looks for work.” Ace...

Space just got bigger

Exeter-based commercial property advisers Space are delighted to announce further expansion with the appointment of Mike Woodliffe, a chartered surveyor with nearly two decades of experience.

Mike has an impressive portfolio, acting for blue chip companies such as Nationwide Building Society, Barclays Bank, Kwik Fit and Pizza Hut as well as several government departments.

Before joining Space, he was with Colliers International as a Director of the firm's Bristol office.

"I am very excited to be joining Space," he said. "Their approach to business and their totally...

Are We Making the Most of Contacts?

How many times do we go to networking events, exchange business cards with several individuals and then… not follow up! We are all guilty of this to a lesser or greater degree and yet we have made the initial investment in the design, print and exchange of cards, attending the function and introducing ourselves, so what goes wrong?

Is it our typical British reserve? Why do we feel so awkward about making follow up contact? Could it be that our expectations are so high that it stops us from thinking about the most appropriate approach? Is it that we feel that it’s obvious these...

Exeter - the South West’s most sustainable city

The Exeter Chamber of Commerce’s April Networking lunch held on 17 April was a sell-out success. The theme of this lunch - ‘Exeter - the South West’s most sustainable city’ - brought together a huge variety of over 110 businesses.

The event included a panel consisting of John Rigby (Chairman of the Low Carbon Task Force), Adam Fox-Edwards (MD of the illustrious Arundell Arms and winner of the 2012 DEBI sustainable business award), Ewan McClymont, Director of Corporate Development for Bishop Fleming) and Keith Budden (Strategic Partnership Manager of E.On, a key supporter of the...

Devon waste management secures £5.5 million funding deal for growth and leadership change

Devon Waste Management, the county’s leading independent waste management business, has secured a £5.5million finance package from the Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking team in Plymouth to support its continued expansion.

Steve Hadley who was previously Commercial Director, has also taken over ownership and management of the business from Collin Hickling, who has left to pursue other interests. Steve will continue to be supported at board level by Devon Waste Management’s Chairman, Allan Vodden, and Non-Executive Director, Stuart Crebo.

The lending facility has been provided...

Businesses to hear the benefits of planning at next Exeter Energy Exchange

Businesses will have a chance to find out more about the current planning system and its impact on energy projects at the latest Exeter Energy Exchange, which takes place on 23 May. The event is being organised by leading South West law firm Stephens Scown and renewable energy consultancy Granted Ltd, and will also look at methods of project planning. Speakers will include Chris Tofts, a specialist planning solicitor at Stephens Scown, Mike Chapman, Senior Project Manager for Renewable Energy at Granted Consultancy and Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewable Energy at Stephens Scown. Sonya said...

Exeter businesses urged to maximise opportunities

Richard Palmer, Managing Director of business training enterprise Estadia is calling on Exeter businesses to maximise the opportunities delivered by the new national focus on the city.

Mr Palmer stated: “The news that IKEA is opening in Exeter is yet another indication of the growing status of the city as a viable location for business that will no doubt act as a further draw for other potential investors. Exeter has had an incredible year of prestigious national awards as well as celebrating the launch of retail giant John Lewis. But existing businesses must focus on preparation...

"Send this Idiot the Bedbug letter"

Have you heard the story of the colossal customer-service bungle over the “bedbug letter”? A guest in a hotel finds himself attacked by bedbugs during his stay. He writes an angry letter to the president of the hotel company. Within days, the president sends the guest a heartfelt apology, which reads, in part: “I can assure you that such an event has never occurred before in our hotel. I promise you it will never happen again.” Sounds good, except for one small detail: Included with the apology is the guest’s original letter. Scrawled across the top is the message: “Send this idiot the...

Devon mum of three decides to follow her 12-year passion

After giving birth to her third child in 2012, Devon mum Katie Skilton soon realised that she didn’t want to pay childcare costs and return to her Sales and Marketing Manager job. Instead she decided to follow her 12-year passion for all things vintage and shabby chic instead.

Katie Skilton Design is primarily a papercraft-focused service, educating others on the wonderful and inspiring on-trend craft industry. Katie is currently working with national publications and is also a regular on the Ideal World shopping channel demonstrating the latest product releases.

Katie also...

Businesses and Social Enterprises must work together to benefit the local economy

Exeter Chamber of Commerce joined forces with ESSENCE, Business in the Community and Business 4 Exeter Communities Group last week to deliver an afternoon of networking, presentations and workshops for business and social enterprise leaders.

This event was well attended by a range of guests and members of the Chamber, local businesses and social enterprises. After facilitated networking over lunch, delegates attended two workshops of their choice, covering topics such as tackling finance, local economy, social media, marketing and branding and business planning.

Viv Hignell...

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