Become part of the Ruby Business Network 2011/12 and help us to help you.

The Ruby Business Network forms part of the work of the Ruby Country Partnership and is an increasingly beneficial way to do business and improve your businesses performance.

The purpose of the Ruby Business Network is

·  to promote businesses in Ruby Country by providing opportunities for business people to meet other like-minded people, at events or online

·  to develop the network of small and medium sized businesses with influence and relevance to strengthen the local economy and achieve future self-supported success

·  to encourage working together under the Ruby Country banner.

Ruby Country Partnership is not run for profit but for the benefit of local people. The focus of our work is on bringing businesses and communities together for mutual benefit. Your involvement is essential to strengthen the network and to create something more meaningful and relevant in these challenging times.

The aims of the Partnership include;

·  encouraging the development of new business and services

·  supporting existing businesses and encouraging growth

·  marketing Ruby Country as a destination for sustainable tourism

·  working with others to promote conservation of the distinctive landscapes, habitats and species of Ruby Country, including internationally rare culm grassland

·  investigating alternative sources of funding to secure a self-supporting and secure future for all in Ruby country

·  working with communities and community groups to foster sound social principles for all projects being undertaken

·  in short “Unlocking Opportunities for All”.

Operating throughout the 45 parishes around Holsworthy and Hatherleigh, the Ruby Country Partnership through the Ruby Business Network is committed to bringing about economic and social benefits to all through its work. As a community organisation the emphasis is on you and your future and with your support as a member we will be able to grow and develop our services for you in the future.

Reasons for joining the Ruby Business Network

There are many reasons for joining the network and some people will join for different reasons than others. These reasons might include;

·  building relationships as people prefer to do business with and refer business on to people they know, like and trust

·  developing skill and knowledge of value to rural businesses and communities

·  unlimited free access to most networking events, training opportunities and more

·  subsidised access to other events

·  raising business issues at network meetings and working together to create solutions

·  access to free or subsidised advertising and promotional activities being undertaken by the Ruby Country Partnership

·  access to business development support through the Ruby Country Partnership, or through referrals

·  involvement in creating self-supporting networks, through the creation of a widely available directory of businesses

·  free, direct access to the Ruby Country website to create and update business listings, events and more besides

·  having someone else co-ordinate and administer the network for your benefit

·  opportunities to network on-line on the new Ruby Business Network Facebook page

·  access to regular newsletters and opportunities to contribute articles

·  opportunities to use the facilities at Cookworthy Forest Centre for a reduced fee to deliver your own workshops, seminars, or events

·  the possibility of delivering workshops and seminars on behalf of the Ruby Country Partnership

·  ability to influence, for example, what is discussed, where the network meets and what level of input and involvement you want

·  joining together as part of a larger brand creating a distinctive identity for all associated businesses, more power to achieve meaningful results and have a sense of common purpose and belonging

·  and much more besides.

The Ruby Country Partnership is currently investigating the development of a new microsite incorporated into www.northdevon.com, the ATP for north Devon and Exmoor. This is an exciting development and will open many avenues to all in Ruby Country. With your support this will become a reality.

This is your opportunity to become part of this network and help grow the economic success of Ruby Country for now and in years to come.

Joining

The cost of joining the Ruby Business Network is £45 per year. The price has been held at the same level as last year. It is up to you how you get the most out of your membership.

To join, fill in the attached application form and return it with your payment to Ruby Country Partnership Ltd, Cookworthy Forest Centre, Beaworthy, Devon. EX21 5UX. Please make cheques payable to Ruby Country Partnership Ltd.

If you have any questions about membership, or are not sure whether it is for you, contact or call 01409 220009. If you have any feedback, please contact the Ruby Country Partnership using the same contacts.

We look forward to welcoming you into the network and helping make the future of Ruby Country secure and prosperous.