Here’s our monthly roundup of business news, events and opportunities.
Small business confidence bounces back as economic forecasts lift
The latest Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Small Business Index (SBI) reports that confidence among small businesses is rebounding against a backdrop of lower inflation, Brexit progress talks and a positive Spring Statement.
Data from small businesses taking part in the survey shows that more than seven in 10 firms expect their performance to increase or stay the same over the next quarter, with only one in four concerned about the next three months.
Read the full story on the FSB website.
Construction begins on the new Electronics and Photonics Innovation Centre (EPIC) in Torbay
EPIC will build on the strengths of the hi tech sector in Torbay and provide a centre of excellence for photonics and electronics businesses across the South West. The £8m project comprises a purpose-built hi tech innovation centre, along with car parking, landscaping and accompanying estate road.
The centre is being developed and operated by TDA, on behalf of Torbay Council. The first stage of construction, which is being delivered by Interserve, represents a key milestone for the project.
Final call for business input into export strategy
Following extensive engagement with businesses across the country, Baroness Fairhead, Minister of State for Trade and Export Promotion, has issued a final call for businesses to come forward and input into the government’s forthcoming Export Strategy.
The Department for International Trade estimates that more than 300,000 UK companies produce products that could be exported but currently have no overseas sales. The deadline for contributing feedback is 18th April.
Read more and share your thoughts.
Interested in exporting? Why not join us on 1st May for a free Export Masterclass. Find out more
No ID? No sale! Businesses urged to sign up for free online training
As part of a new awareness campaign Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service is urging shops and online traders to use their No Proof of Age No Sale training resource to prevent the sale of goods that have an age restriction to underage customers.
To avoid the risk of being prosecuted business owners are advised to use Trading Standards recommended ‘Challenge 25’ guidelines when young people attempt to buy any age restricted product.
All businesses who sell age restricted products should take advantage of our free online training resource which covers all age restricted products and advices how to prevent the sale of these items. Ask yourself, can you afford not to?”
Find the free online training here.
Nominations open for the Heropreneur Awards
The Heropreneurs Awards, in association with The Telegraph, is a new scheme created to celebrate the success and entrepreneurial spirit of ex-members, and their families, of the Armed Forces.
There are eight categories – each one recognising and rewarding the achievements of those who have spent their careers caring for this country and who, since leaving the Armed Forces, have gone on to successful careers outside the military services.
Anyone can nominate or self-nominate, and all entries will be assessed by an independent and highly experienced panel of judges. Nominations are open now until 1st June.