As the financial year for many businesses starts next month (April) the Partnership has lined up a major business networking event, exhibition and seminar to kick off a season of activities.

This first event, organised in conjunction with the University of Derby under its Enterprising Derbyshire initiative and Amber Valley Business Club, will be held at the Riverside Centre on Pride Park, Derby, on Thursday April 3 and will focus on the UK economy for 2008.

It will include a short seminar from a panel of experts including Sharan Kainth, of Lloyds TSB Business Banking in Birmingham, and accountant Kevin Slack, a partner in chartered accountants Mabe Allen and chief executive of Ron Brookes(Toyota), of Ilkeston.

Also on the panel will be Derek Hogg, senior economic development officer of the Partnership (pictured), and Maggie Morley, programme development manager of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Management within The Derbyshire Business School at the University.

So as well as comments about the economy from the banking and accounting worlds there will be the business support world's view of what is available to help businesses survive the hard times and develop what they already have.

There will be more than 30 exhibitors and plenty of time for networking with other businesses at the free event which includes lunch.

Last year a record number of more than 1,000 people attended the Partnership's popular networking sessions and at least 200 are expected to attend this event.

"The Partnership is trying to give businesses the contacts and the tools to help them through difficult times that have been forecast, including the slowdown in economic growth predicted by the Chancellor in his Budget, which some experts have said is optimistic," said Derek.

"We are being positive because, despite the doom and gloom merchants, local businesses still tell us they are busy and that there are lots of opportunities to do trade and as an enterprise agency we are keen to encourage that and boost the area's economy."

The forthcoming programme of events, to be held at venues in Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Sawley, Morley and Chilwell, will consider a series of topics.

These include energy and how to save costs, making your business secure from crime, technology and how to grow your business, how an entrepreneur started their business, and Question Time event looking at the latest legislation. As usual the programme will conclude with the annual Christmas networking.

In addition the Partnership is putting on a series of seminars and training programmes in conjunction with the University of Derby to help people improve their skills. These events will also be held across Erewash.

The Partnership, a public/private sector organisation, has more than 300 members. Last year it won the Small Agency title at the National Enterprise Agency Awards, with judges praising it for being "maximum bang for the buck."

Anyone wishing to join the Partnership or attend/exhibit at events should call 0115 944 3944 or e-mail Derek Hogg at derek@erewash-partnership.com