Discussions are underway around plans for future 'Smart Business' events following the recent successful launch of Hampshire's first event at Eastleigh College on 26 October.

Commissioned by Hampshire County Council Trading Standards 'Buy With Confidence' scheme in conjunction withEastleighCollege, these free events for local businesses aim to provide advice and strategies to help businesses grow and succeed in these tough economic conditions. The inaugural 'Smart Business' event offered workshops on marketing, bidding for business and training and development, all aimed specifically at small businesses.

Following feedback from delegates, future events are now being considered that will focus on areas such as online marketing and social networking, employment law, customer service and funding sources. Details of future 'Smart Business' events will be announced in due course.

In addition to the workshops, various exhibitors were also on hand at the launch event to discuss a multitude of subjects, from web design to protective clothing, recruitment to management training.

David Cradduck of Cradduck Design attended the event and said:"The event was very interesting and I hope they will do more - it is this kind of event that forges links between local businesses, education centres and the people who think that there is only one place to go to be educated - university."

Sue Cuffling of Counting Beans Accounting commented:"I found it really informative and well organised and it was great to meet the team."

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "Hampshire's businesses very much welcome the endorsement of their standards that the Buy With Confidence scheme brings. Through this 'Smart Business' event, firms have been able to find out how an offer of quality and trustworthy service at a fair price, can be extremely valuable in helping them to grow their businesses, protect Hampshire consumers and boost the local economy."

For more information on the 'Buy With Confidence' scheme, please visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk. For information on Eastleigh College's range of training solutions, please call 023 8091 1195, email btraining@eastleigh.ac.uk or visit www.eastleigh.ac.uk.