DERBYSHIRE’S businessmen and women are being given the chance to attend a free event designed to equip them with the tools they may need to survive the credit crunch.

Survive and Thrive has been organised by East Midlands Development Agency  and takes place at Pride Park on Wednesday. (3/12)

With a host of experts, including accountants, lawyers and business professionals, the event aims to provide practical advice and offer solutions to the problems being experienced by companies in the region.

The event, which runs from 8.30am to 1.30pm, will feature several masterclass presentations, given by experts from local firms.

Among them will be Andrew Pickin and Peter Duff, of law firm Shoosmiths, who will be on hand to give practical legal advice to firms.

Andrew said: “This is absolutely the sort of advice people need in this climate. We are receiving phone calls all the time at the moment from clients who are having all sorts of problems.

“Myself and Peter will be giving practical advice and support and discussing how businesses can improve their relationships with customers, suppliers, staff and other stakeholders, such as landlords.

“We will also be handing out a sheet with 20 top tips, which we hope will offer practical advice for the future.”

Peter Sterling and Tyrone Courtman, partners at Cooper Parry, will also talk at the event.

Their masterclass, entitled Managing Cash Flow, will help businesses learn how to re-forecast, control and improve cash flow, understand the importance of credit control,  learn more about controlling expenditure and get useful advice on using the right types of finance.

Peter said: “We have helped our clients through tough economic conditions in the past – advising lenders, creditors and shareholders in resolving financial difficulties and supporting businesses through the  restructuring and turnaround process

“The Survive and Thrive event is a great opportunity for businesses to learn how other businesses are tackling the economic downturn and to pick up practical advice on how to navigate through difficult times.”

Also speaking at the event will be Paul Drabble, of financial services firm CBG Ltd, who will discuss ways of minimising risk and maximising profitability, and Peter Smith, chief executive of solicitors Freeth Cartwright, who will give a masterclass about negotiating with banks.

The event will be opened by Emda chief executive Jeff Moore.

Mr Moore said: “Emda is committed to doing whatever it can to help businesses through this tough economic climate.

“These events offer local business people the opportunity to hear from expert practitioners and to meet with representatives from the region’s business support network, to find out about the complete range of help and support that is available to them during these difficult times.”

Businesses wishing to register should call Derby 227774, visit www.surviveandthrive.org.uk or e-mail enquiries@surviveandthrive.org.uk

Breakfast and lunch are provided. Numbers are restricted to 200.