Business support group Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 has several events coming up in June aimed at helping its members and all businesspeople across the area.

The first are on Thursday 11th at 8.30am and on Tuesday 16th at 12.30pm, two free Just Networking events when people – members and non-members – can join for a virtual coffee and chat.

A spokesman said: “Following feedback from our recent 2020 event we felt that during the current social distancing restrictions, many businesses would really benefit from the opportunity to just get to know one another over a virtual coffee.

“A number of our attendees really appreciated the opportunity to speak to people virtually who they had never chatted with before and, because the virtual rooms are small, everyone can hear what each other is saying and feel that they are being listened to.

“The events are open to everyone, whether you are a member of M&A 2020 or not and are completely free to attend. We feel that during times like these connection is really important and our businesses need as much support as we can give.

“Each event will run for one hour and will be split into two separate 30-minute sessions of networking rooms.

“All attendees are split into rooms of up to six people to just network. There are no speakers, no sales gimmicks, just straight forward relationship building. Say hello, get to know one another and become a part of your business community.”

On Tuesday 23rd, from 9.30am to 10.20am, 2020 member Rod Fuller, of Action Coach, will guide businesspeople through a brief presentation about why Cash Is King.

Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 said: “Do you ever wonder where your money goes in your business? Do you find that once all of the bills are paid there’s very little left to pay your own wages? Do you want to invest in marketing or new equipment but are unable to save or know that you could never secure a loan from a high street bank? It may be comforting to know that you are not alone. However, it doesn’t have to be this way and you can do something about it.

“Business owners that had a good handle on the cash flow in their business were better prepared to cope with the COVID situation. This helped them to identify when and if they would need to furlough staff, if they could cover any ongoing fixed costs whilst they were closed for business and if they would be able to pay themselves living costs during the lockdown measures. Imagine the level of control they must have experienced and the reduction in stress knowing that they had already prepared for a worst case scenario.

“Good business practice involves preparing an annual budget and having at least three months of running costs in reserve.

“All business owners understand that putting cash aside isn’t always possible, however, understanding where your money is in your business will help you start to prepare for the next time business takes a hit, whether that be a recession, an unexpected pandemic or even a natural disaster. Learning to be prepared is half the battle.

“Rod will help you understand how to prepare a cash flow forecast and how you can then use that as leverage to help your business grow or become stronger, depending on individual goals.

“It will allow you to become proactive and make strategic, planned decisions based on facts rather than guesswork.”

The final event in June is the monthly virtual breakfast meeting on the 25th, from 9.45am to 11.30am.

To find out more about the events and to register go to Mansfield and Ashfield 2020’s events page.