BUSINESS LINK NORTHWEST HELPS MERSEYSIDE BUSINESSES GIVE SOMETHING BACK

SOCIAL entrepreneurs from across Merseyside will join forces at a Liverpool Chamber of Commerce event supported by Business Link Northwest, to discover how they can ensure their enterprise survives the current economic storm and emerges even stronger.

One of the UK’s leading social entrepreneurs, Lord Andrew Mawson will deliver a keynote address to delegates. Described as ‘The Richard Branson of the Social Sector’, Lord Mawson is renowned for his dedication to providing opportunities for often-neglected sectors of society, through carefully managed and efficiently delivered enterprises.

Representatives from Business Link will attend the workshop to give advice and guidance to businessmen and women who want to make a real difference through their work. The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has organised the event to provide a voice for the wide range of ventures whose key objective is to offer solutions to social or environmental issues and to plough its profits back into the business for the future.

Steve Heneghan, Merseyside Relationship Manager at Business Link North West said;- “The event will provide an opportunity to discover more about the support that is available to social enterprises, from tendering made easy and loans for social enterprises, to tips on thriving and surviving the current economic downturn. It is a great for us to have such an experienced speaker. Someone with Lord Mawson’s calibre and profile will provide an invaluable insight for social enterprises in Merseyside.”

Kevin Griffiths, Liverpool Chamber’s Director of Commercial Services adds:- “This free event is a great opportunity to network, discuss common challenges and opportunities and meet face to face with key players in the social enterprise arena.”

There are still a few places available if you would like to attend the Social Enterprise workshop, which will be held on Thursday 12 February 2009 from 9.30am at:-

Blackburne House

Blackburne Place

off Hope Street

Liverpool
Merseyside

L8 7PE
UK

To register for the event please email or call Sue Platt on 0151 227 1234.

For more information about Business Link Northwest, please visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest or call 0845 00 66 888.

THEFTS FROM VEHICLES

POLICE are requesting vigilance and observations for any suspicious behaviour in and around the streets near to Hillside and Birkdale train stations. We are currently experiencing a number of theft from motor vehicles around this area, where the suspect believed to be male, late teens to early twenties is forcing entry to vehicles by smashing windows and taking property from within.

These crimes have occured from 1400hrs onwards throughout the evening on all days of the week.

Any information or sightings could be directed to the police or your Coordinator Margaret Jepson.

Other thefts from Vehicles in Southport have taken place in Torcross Close, Zetland Street, Lawson Street, Clifton Road. Old Park Lane, Lord Street and St George's Place.

Once again the police are asking residents not to leave anything on display in their vehicles. The property stolen may on occasions be of little value, but the cost and inconvenience of repairing the vehicle can be very expensive.

Ladies please take extra care with your handbags when transferring your shopping from trolleys to your car. It has been known for a lady to leave a handbag on the seat, while loading the rear seat or the boot with the shopping, only to discover an offender has taken the handbag while the victim is concentrating on her shopping.

Merseyside Police is issuing a warning after residents from across Merseyside have been targeted by a fictitious Spanish lottery.

Households may have received unsolicited post stating that they have won a large number of Euros in a Spanish lottery game, named as 'EUROMILLONES SPANISH LOTTERY', despite having never bought a ticket. In order to claim the 'prize,' the recipients are asked to reply to the letter. It is suspected that this would then be used to trick the victim into sending money to those responsible.

Detective Constable Gavin Mulcahy is advising residents to be cautious when faced with demands of this kind, "I would warn anyone against sending out confidential information unless they are 100% satisfied with why they have been asked to do so.

Letters offering prize money often look attractive, but can end with disastrous consequences. Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a similar scam should report it to their local police station."

For further information on how to contact the police visit www.merseyside.police.uk or call the non-emergency number 0151 709 6010.