Society is at a crossroads. An economic and environmental crisis threatens the lives of billions of people! But what can we do? This is Generation Next…

This eight day event is a series of seminars that explore what we can learn about the world and future. Guest speakers touch upon sustainability, science, arts, education, religion, media and business and the universe! A not to be missed event that will definitely get you thinking, with the likes of the BBC’s Human Planet producer Dale Templar starting the festival off! Check out the programme listings here - all seminars will be held at Rook Lane Arts, Frome, Somerset 10-18 May 2012

A free workshop covering advice and information about bookkeeping for small businesses is taking place here at The Old Church School,7.30-8.30pm on 24 May. The workshop will cover many aspects that a small business or start up will need to consider, from deciding on the structure of the business - sole trader or partnership etc to help with registering with HMRC. The workshop will be covered by Barbara Bacon, who has 17 years of bookkeeping experience for small and micro businesses in the Frome area. Ms Bacon can guide your small business or start-up venture in the direction with record-keeping - what to keep, how to do it yourself and how to choose a book-keeper (if necessary!). This workshop will also cover queries about employing staff, the VAT threshold and registering for VAT, basic accountancy terms and their meanings. There will also be free one to one appointments available with Ms Bacon, following the workshop. These can be arranged through the managing host of The Old Church School.
If you would like to book a place on the free workshop please contact Rebecca at host@forwardspace.co.uk or call 01373 888 108.

Forward Space require a hard working and creative apprentice for their Frome work-hub The Old Church School. We have a fantastic diverse community of small businesses and individuals in our building, including design collaboratives, art associations, Business consultants, environmental trusts, photographers, developers and many more. This post would be ideal for someone looking to build experience for a career in marketing and/or management. In this position, you will have your own designated ipad, telephone and desk to work from and will be answerable to the managing host of the work hub. This position has the potential to develop into a full time position managing a work hub in one of our other locations.
For more information about The Old Church School and Forward Space, see www.theoldchurchschool.co.uk
www.forwardspace.co.uk

Responsibilities:

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Vicki Ross, a project manager with Openstorytellers, has decided to have her head shaved for the Open Storytellers charity on Tuesday 17th April 2012.
Openstorytellers is a Frome based charity and social enterprise. This unique organisation was created to enrich the lives of children, and adults with learning and communication difficulties, using traditional stories and personal narrative. They work internationally, across the UK and especially concentrate on projects in the South West. They help people have a voice: to be heard, understood and to broaden the opportunities available to them – to have choices. Vicki says “I work with adults with learning disabilities who spend their whole lives feeling different and have to deal with prejudice around these issues. Sometimes they will literally hide away to avoid this.”

“I’ve always been lucky having lots of hair and am known as the one with the big red hair! This has come in useful as I’ve had bouts of alopecia all my life and managed to style my hair over the bald patches. Recently I’ve lost quite a lot more and have been wearing a lovely hair piece for a few months, unnoticed by most. However I am now at the point where my hair is falling more rapidly - It’s time I stopped worrying about looking different! So please make my decision to come out of hiding worthwhile.”

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Freelancing is essentially selling your talent, skills and time, by working for somebody else for a set time, under a fixed contract. Typically work is paid by the hour, though contracts with a fixed rate is also a possibility. So what should you consider when you want to become a freelancer in your field of expertise?

Slow and steady wins the race…
In the land of the lancer; it takes a lot of time and effort to build a name for yourself, so when freelancing its best to choose something that you’re really passionate about. This will keep you motivated and if you have that genuine passion for your work, you’ll stand out from the crowd and draw in new opportunities - just by being yourself!
Identify yourself!
Even a one man band can have a mission statement! What interests you? Why does your business exist? What is your work ethic? What have you got that is different from anybody else?
Know who you want to work with…
Who has the riches to pay you? Who would your ideal client be? Which people or businesses will be likely to need your skills and abilities? By defining yourself you’re highlighting your micro niche, yes by doing this you are excluding some business - however, you’re increasing your appeal to the market you want to be in!
Cross the “t"s and dot the… lower case “j"s…
No one really likes dealing with legalities, lawyers or solicitors, however…having an official agreement in place for each job can make it easier when you face a tricky client or non-payment! This also safeguards you if any glitches arise-it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Don’t hold back!
When setting your rates, don’t think being the cheapest, will guarantee work. Set a budget for a job, on the basis of your time and your talent. If you’re professional, warm and polite and always deliver quality work on the dot, then clients will come back to you and they’ll no doubt recommend you to a friend! Setting a fair price for yourself is fair for both you and the client -it shows self belief and integrity in your work!
Got the work, but ain’t got the money?

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