Bedford Borough Council’s Post

Our Small Business Mega-Mixer is coming up this Saturday! We're getting a lot of questions, so we're going to try to answer them here: What is the Mega-Mixer? It'll be a combination of small business expo & trunk or treat. It's an opportunity for small businesses to showcase their services, give out information, network with other business-owners, and make new connections with the community. Through our drive-in journey, we've met some incredible local businesses and entrepreneurs and want to use our platform and location to amplify their voices. We currently have 60+ vendors registered and anticipate more by the weekend. They span a wide variety of industries and we're looking forward to meeting everyone! When is it? Saturday, May 18, from 12-3PM. Registered vendors/businesses may arrive between 11 and 12 to set up their space. Is it open to the public? Absolutely! It will be open to the public from 12-3. Admission is free. Children and pets are welcome! I have a business. How do I sign up? It's FREE to sign up, we just request that you register ahead of time so we can make sure we have room for everyone. Each registration is for ONE PARKING SPACE. We are keeping about half the lot open for parking so the public can attend. The registration link is here: https://lnkd.in/gvfcSQ-4 Will there be food? Yes! We will have our drive-in snack bar open throughout the event with our full menu of tasty treats and meal options for purchase. How much space will each business have? You will have ONE parking space per business/organization, and your table & materials must fit within that space. You will not have access to a power hookup. Tents are OK as long as they fit within the parking space. What if it rains? This event will be held rain or shine, but right now it looks like the weather will be okay! If there is a weather emergency, we will make an announcement. This mixer is a first for us, so we're excited to see how it goes!

We’re doing it again Last month YAB Rawtenstall launched, working closely with the team at The Firepit Group With the support of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce & Rossendale Borough Council and the legend Tariq Ali The atmosphere was electric ⚡️ I can’t begin to thank everyone enough 🙏 With members getting access to SO MUCH more than just the meeting… It’s no wonder everyone’s coming back for more. So, If you own, run or direct a business and searching for answers. 🧩 YAB - Your Affordable Board could be the answer you’re looking for 👀 Everyone who joins comments:- - “this really is different” - “I’ve never been to anything quite like this” - “I did something similar, but had to pay thousands to join” Our members are growing faster than we could ever imagine… A recent survey found that YAB members grew their own businesses so much faster by joining… with 70% of that growth being between meetings. That’s why we’re growing too 🚀 All done through Peer support, No pitches, No awkward selling When the group is full, it’s full… 👉 But for now, we still have capacity for a few more guests in May 🗓️ 23rd May ⏰ 9am - 12:30 📍 The Firepit, Rawtenstall 🎟️ Book here -https://lnkd.in/e6zYbcGG using guest code YABBER or just message Chris or Joanne if you’d like to know more. Who’s coming along? Big business or small, the best advice I ever received came from YAB

Business Owners, Effective marketing is crucial for your business's success. Why not consider organizing a compelling Market Event, such as a Ribbon Cutting ceremony? Living in a community with an actively involved chamber like Oak Park - River Forest Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to support TheCoffeeShop by attending their upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony. #BusinessMarketing #CommunitySupport #RibbonCuttingCeremony #OakParkRiverForestChamberOfCommerce

Showing up for each other matters❗ The Member's Mark MOD is in California, assisting their community in their time of need. We were happy to help when we got the call last Friday - the MOD hit the road Tuesday. (this image is from Austin, TX. Member's Mark will be handing out free meals) #YourBrandOnTheRoad #ExperientialMarketing #BrandExperience #EventMarketing #MarketingTours #ExperientialEvents #CustomerEngagement #BrandActivation #EventManagement #EventProduction #InteractiveExperiences

Whether the driver is community support or convenience, shopping close to home is important to customers today: ➡️ 70 percent of consumers prefer to support local businesses ➡️ 92 percent of urban residents travel less than 15 minutes for routine purchases. Local businesses—and businesses with local presences, whether franchises, office branches, or distributors—can capitalize on these consumer preferences by building and executing strong local marketing campaigns, emphasizing their community involvement, and personalizing their outreach to nearby audiences. Let’s take a look at why this local outreach is important and how businesses can do it successfully. https://ow.ly/omN250SkMhm

If your office was on fire what’s the one thing that you’d have to grab before the building becomes a smouldering ruin? At a business meeting, I once heard one of Britain’s top entrepreneurs say that it was his database. No ifs or buts. With it, his reckoning was that he’d be back up and running in no time. Which is sort of fine unless you’re a manufacturer or depend on people coming to your place of work. But he did have a point which was highlighted by the opening of a new pub recently. Not any old pub, mind, but Jeremy Clarkson’s newly renovated pub The Farmer’s Dog which opened its doors for the very first time a couple of weeks ago. Now some might opt for a soft opening. Maybe an announcement in the local press or possibly just some strategically placed vinyl banners. But that’s hardly Clarkson’s style. With a reported 9 million followers on Instagram, 8 million on X and 1 million on Facebook he certainly wasn’t going to hold back from sharing his news with the world. Nope, the opening of his new pub was never going to be a quiet affair as those who were unable to get in will testify. The money’s in the list and the snaking queues of people hoping to enjoy the delights of his new watering hole rather proves the point. You or I may not have the celebrity-pulling power he does, but how many do? But we can build our list and it’s something we need to do with a religious fervour. What’s on your to-do list this week? Have a great week. Alec

I love helping RVA business owners thrive. That's why I'm interviewing local RVA businesses so my audience can learn more about you. I'll come to your business, and we’ll go live right from there! Now, we need your help to spotlight the best family-friendly businesses in our community. Do you have a go-to spot for dining out, a favorite park, or a beloved local shop? Tag your favorite RVA business owners below! Here are the categories we’re looking to highlight: 1. Restaurants and Cafes: Where do you love to eat with your family? 2. Parks and Outdoor Activities: What’s your favorite outdoor spot for family fun? 3. Educational and Recreational Centers: Which places keep your kids entertained and learning? 4. Entertainment Venues: Where does your family go for a great time? 5. Shopping and Retail: Which shops cater to all your family’s needs? Tag the businesses that make your family smile and let’s give them the recognition they deserve! 👇 Tag your favorites below! #RVACommunity #FamilyFriendlyRVA #SupportLocal #RichmondBusiness #RVAFavorites #liveinterview #rvarestaurants #RVAFamilyFun #RVAHomeServices

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner! Are you ready to make the most of it? This annual event is a golden opportunity for local businesses to showcase what makes them special and attract new customers. Here are 3 key ways to prepare and ensure your business shines: 1, Promote on Socials: Get the word out early! Create a range of posts highlighting your offers, special opening times, and even collaborate with neighbouring businesses to share their deals. The more local buzz you create, the better! 2, Create a Memorable Experience: Make your business stand out with engaging activities. Think of giveaways, in-store discounts, or even a collaboration with local artists or musicians to create a festive atmosphere. A unique experience keeps customers coming back. 3, Make it Easy to Shop Local: Ensure your customers have all the info they need: share clear opening times, parking details, and any delivery options. If you’re part of a local shopping hub, help promote other small businesses—it creates a sense of community and keeps shoppers exploring the area. Small Business Saturday is a chance to celebrate your hard work, connect with your community, and inspire others to shop local. Let’s make it a day to remember! How are you preparing for Small Business Saturday? Share your tips below! I’ll be at The Amp in Arnold for Small Business Saturday—pop along, say hi, and grab your FREE Business Housekeeping Guide to help you prepare for 2025! #SmallBusinessSaturday #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness #CommunityBusiness #BuyLocal #SmallBusinessSupport #LocalShops #IndieBusiness #LocalEconomy #SmallBizOwners #LoveLocal Gedling Borough Council D2N2 Growth Hub East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire)

In my house, we are big Tim Burton fans! My youngest loves The Nightmare Before Christmas. And the movie got me thinking about how Jack longs for something more. Isn't that true of everyone? Especially in business? If you’re a large B2B company, the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce might seem like something straight out of Halloween Town—unfamiliar and maybe a little confusing. But just like in Nightmare Before Christmas, things aren’t always what they seem! Let’s bust a few myths that might be creeping around: 🎩 Myth 1: The Chamber is only for businesses that meet face-to-face. Truth: Even if you never meet your clients in person, the Chamber can still be a game-changer. It’s where you’ll find industry insights and advocacy opportunities that can help your business thrive. Think of it like discovering that Halloween Town connects to Christmas Town—suddenly, new doors are opening up. 🎃 Myth 2: Chambers are mostly for small, local companies. Truth: Whether you’re Jack Skellington or Oogie Boogie, there’s room for everyone. Large businesses can use the Chamber to advocate for policies, build strategic partnerships, and influence key decisions that affect the entire business landscape. It’s about being part of something bigger. 💀 Myth 3: There’s not much for B2B companies to gain from the Chamber. Truth: Behind the scenes, the Chamber is working on regional economic initiatives and high-level collaborations that can directly impact your business. Sometimes the real treasure isn’t in plain sight—it’s hidden, waiting to be discovered, like Jack’s accidental trip to Christmas Town! So, if you’re ready to peek behind the curtain and explore what’s really going on, the Chamber might surprise you. It’s not just for the businesses you expect—it might just be the missing piece in your B2B strategy. #B2BSales #AustinChamber #NightmareBeforeChristmas #BusinessGrowth #Halloween

Second workshop today with the amazing team at Kirsty Hamilton Beauty and I couldn’t be more impressed! They’re so passionate about making a difference in their clients’ lives and bursting with ideas to continuously improve their services. The secret to everything great in life? Intention. And this team is brimming with it, focused on delivering the most incredible experiences. I’ve been using my new framework, inspired by the best brands out there—like my all-time favorite, Scamp & Dude. We’ve been diving into what creates superfans and what makes a brand truly unforgettable. Building a salon brand that doesn’t just stand out but shines in the beauty industry. This is game-changing work for small businesses. So let me ask: ✨ Do you know what your secret sauce is? ✨ Are you building a community of superfans? ✨ Are you standing out from your competitors in a way that’s uniquely YOU? If you’re ready to create a brand that turns clients into raving fans, let’s chat. I’m your small business whisperer, and I’m here to help you unlock your magic. 💬