The University of the West of England is teaming up with Emma Collins of Gallery Creative Business Consultancy, who has developed a series of dynamic, fun and useful workshops on topics such as building a brand, client relationships, and presentation skills. Businesses that have been affected by the recession may be eligible for a reduction of up to 50% off the cost.

Emma says, "Each workshop has been designed to help people develop their confidence in a range of areas. These include presentation, negotiation and communication skills, networking and persuasion, managing clients, motivating staff and clarifying your vision and brand.

“It’s never been more important to take some time out to evaluate yourself and your team, learn some new skills and hopefully grow your business…these days are designed for you!”

The workshops will start on Tuesday 3 November and take place every fortnight until 8 December. They are being held at UWE’s Bower Ashton campus and all begin at 15.00. The usual cost for a one-day workshop is £145, with two-days costing £245. This could be discounted by up to 50% for those businesses that have been affected by the recession.

Rachel Cunningham of UWE’s School of Creative Arts said, “We are delighted that during tough financial times we can offer courses that cultivate confidence among those working in the creative industries. These workshops are part of UWE’s solutions4recession service, set up in conjunction with HEFCE’s Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF) to find ways of helping individuals and businesses during the current economic downturn.”

The workshops can be booked online. For more information visit: www.uwe.ac.uk/sca/courses/space_time_think.shtml eligibility details with regard to cost reductions, or to find out more about other UWE courses and services for individuals and businesses affected by the recession, please visit www.uwe.ac.uk/solutions