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Seminars to address issues currently facing owner-managed businesses

Aug 22 2001

To raise awareness of the issues and difficulties that the owners of small businesses face, accountancy practice Grant Thornton is organising 'Owner Day 2001', a series of events and seminars to be held in no less than 30 locations nationwide.

'Owners Day' will take place on 8 November and will bring to the fore the most significant issues owner-managed businesses experience. Many of the topics up for debate were brought to light following Grant Thornton's 2001 nationwide survey of over 2,000 SMEs.

This year's event will look at crucial issues such as motivating and retaining staff, business and economic environment and building the value of the business in a changing world. This particular issue was last year's survey's highest concern amongst 1,600 business owners.

DVD presentations by John Barnes (ex-Harry Ramsden and now non-executive director of Arena Leisure, Yates' Wine Lodge and Cafe Nero) among others, will provide practical examples of how to respond to the issues raised. Delegates will also get a chance to have their say in a question and answer session with prominent local business owners and Grant Thornton partners after the screening.

Grant Thornton's Head of Entrepreneurial Services Graeme Forbes commented that "going it alone can be a lonely and isolating experience. Owner's Day provides an all important opportunity for SMEs to have a collective voice."

To obtain further details on the Owners Day event, contact your local Grant Thornton office or visit their website at www.grantthornton.co.uk .

With thanks to Lloyds TSB Success4Business. For more news and information visit www.success4business.com .

(22/8/01)

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