North West manufacturers are being urged to do their BIT by accessing government funding that can help them survive and thrive through challenging times ahead.

The Manufacturing Institute has launched the Business Improvement Techniques (BIT) PLUS programme - providing National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in lean manufacturing techniques - combined with guided workplace improvement projects that put the theory into practice to drive up performance and drive down costs.

Employers can benefit from full or partial funding towards BIT training under the government’s Train to Gain scheme. And following a recent relaxation of the eligibility rules, private companies employing less than 250 people can access this funding even where the learner has a previous qualification at that level. North West manufacturing SMEs may also receive further funding towards project support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service.

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Then take a look at the BT Convention Centre’s day delegate rates.

The centres day delegate package makes it easier then ever to enjoy their stunning venue. With a range of small meeting rooms to choose from, the centre is sure to fit your requirements.

Take a look at the room setups on the centre’s website.

Make it your New Years Resolution to check out their Day Delegate Rate at the BT Convention Centre. Aimed at single day events for groups of 10-200, the flat rate is £45 (+VAT) per delegate per day. This includes professional catering and AV support. Not to mention expert advice and assistance from our dedicated evenbt management team.

Book now for 2008 prices until March 2009.

Speak to the events team on 0151 703 7294 or email rachel.moore@accliverpool.com to register a meeting room enquiry.

The Two Rivers Festival is an initiative devised by Andrew Thomson and Peter Davison to create a new festival of music and the arts in Wirral.

The aim is to use many of the beautiful buildings and locations on Wirral for arts events to draw attention to the heritage of the area. Wirral is a place of passage, a gateway to the sea and the Celtic lands. It is a landscape located between two great rivers, the Mersey and the Dee, steeped in history and surrounded by many natural wonders. The Two Rivers Festival will celebrate the arts in one of the least known but attractive environments in Britain.

Performances include:

Jonathan Small, oboe, Ian Buckle, piano
Entente Cordiale
English and French music
of the 20 and 21C
Friday 6 February at 7.30pm

Natalie Cleinn, cello
Meditative Moments
Music by Bach and Kodaly
Tuesday 17 March at 7.30pm

Noriko Ogawa, piano
Soundpictures
Music by Mozart, Debussy
Takemitsu, Greig and Chopin
Friday 24 April at 7.30pm

Ticket Prices
Per concert £15.00 (full)  £7.50 (U21)

Subscribe to all three £40.00 (full) or £20.00 (U21)
(Subscription offer applies until 6 February 2009) NB All seating is unreserved

How to book

By post
Please return the attached form with a sae to:
Mr. M. Hudson,
Birkenhead School,
58 Beresford Rd,
Prenton
CH43 2JD

By telephone
Call (0151) 651 3095 during school office hours. Major credit cards will be accepted. A booking fee of £2.00 per transaction will be charged.

Purchase tickets on the night
Tickets may also be purchased by cash or cheque on the door, but seat-availability cannot be guaranteed in the event of a sell-out performance. Credit cards cannot be accepted.

The BBC have been in touch. They would like to find some family-run businesses for a new series they are producing.

They said:

We are currently researching new ideas for BBC television and are looking for family-run businesses which may like to take part in an exciting new project. We want companies who would appreciate some advice from a top business guru on how to run their business more effectively.

If you would like to learn more, please contact Deoborah at deborah.van-bishop@bbc.co.uk

6 & 7 December, Novas Contemporary Urban Centre

And lo! The geeks shall inherit the earth. And so it came to pass.

Barcamp - a technology related ‘unconference’ open to all - is coming to Liverpool. Barcamp Liverpool invites entrepreneurs, technologists,programmers, developers, designers, bloggers, social media types, gamers, and artists to two days of unadulterated geeky Barcamp fun.

We are expecting over 150 technology geeks (and not so geeks) and will be welcoming guests from Liverpool, the North West and London and some from across Europe - all coming to Liverpool for Barcamp; the city’s first Technology “Unconference’.

You may have read about it in the Daily Post.

Barcamp has some great sponsors - from local technology stars such as Screencasts Online, Mando Group, Amaze and Glow New Media to the giants of the industry. We’re honored to be supported by BBC Backstage, Yahoo! Developer Network, and Microsoft who are sponsoring the party - yes, there’ll be a party!

If you’d like to sponsor - perhaps by sponsoring a prize at the Startup Stars competition, get in touch.

For more info and to sign up, please check out the Barcamp Liverpool Website.

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