This year, there’s something a little different at Small Business Week. Firstly, it marks the launch of the 2009 Business Pulse. Commissioned by BT Business, NatWest, British Chambers of Commerce, Business Link, ACCA, Everywoman and supported by The Design Council, LSC, and the Prince’s Trust, it is the UK’s largest ever survey of small businesses

The 2009 Business Pulse will measure the health, drivers and inhibitors to successful business across the UK. It will be an eye-opening insight into the health of the UK small business sector. Peter Jones is already excited about the findings: "This survey will really measure the state of UK businesses," he says. "What are the reasons they are successful and, more importantly, what are the reasons for them not being successful? We don’t hear enough about that.

"We need to know more about what is holding businesses back," he continues. "As an entrepreneur, you tend to think that when you toss a coin, it’s always a two-headed one. But that’s not the case. We need to know what happens when it comes up ‘tails’."

Each day of Small Business Week has a specific theme. Monday will look at what businesses have said in the 2009 Business Pulse; Tuesday is about being "Equipped to Succeed" in any climate; Wednesday is about being "Equipped to Compete" – how to get noticed and win business; Thursday will help business "Innovate to Win" by thinking differently and Friday is "Fit for Tomorrow: Fit to Thrive" – securing your business’ future.

For the first two days of Small Business Week, 19 and 20 October 2009, BT Business will also be hosting its Business Experience exhibition at the BT Tower, specifically created to show businesses how the very latest technology and business thinking can help them manage their costs, market their business more effectively and make them more competitive in the current environment.

"The focus will be on how to use technology to run a leaner operation," says Peter Jones. "It’s about getting the right information into the hands of business owners. Tell them how to communicate more effectively so that their companies can be more successful."

Sign up for events that interest you during the week and listen to some real big hitters from the business world talk about their experiences. Real Business recommends the Everywoman conference on the 18th, featuring LEON co-founder and inspirational woman Allegra McEvedy MBE. And David Gold, holding court at the Business Start-ups event on Wednesday, will be another unmissable event.

Peter Jones concludes: "These are really useful days out. It’s really important to be a sponge in business. Take advantage of this opportunty and learn as much as you can."

Small Business Week 2009, in association with BT Business, will take place 19-23 October, where a range of government, business and independent organisations will come together to celebrate and support the country’s 4.7 million small businesses. The agenda for the week will be set by the 2009 Business Pulse – the UK’s largest ever survey of smaller enterprises. Find out more and get involved in Small Business Week at www.sbw09.co.ukRelated articles Peter Jones: "Entrepreneurship is not in the blood" Win with BT Business It’s official: Entrepreneurs are the new rock stars

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