Retailers & Holiday Accommodation Providers – Are You Making the Most of Digital Tech?
Are you efficiently using digital tech to boost your sales and efficiency? The Heart of the South West Growth Hub has released details of sector specific digital workshops coming up. One for tourism providers (specifically those who provide holiday accommodation) and also additional workshops specifically for retailers. Both are available to businesses based in Devon or Somerset. Booking is essential. Full details are available on each event listing.
Tourism Businesses: 16 May. Yeovil. Reach new customers, digital marketing for better visibility, build your brand and review various booking system options.
Retailers: 15 May. Minehead. Understand digital options, the benefits of integrating CRM, Accounting, Stock Control and EPOS systems, understanding multi-channel retailing options and the pros and cons of various online market places.
From April SMEs Will Only Pay 5% Towards the Cost of An Apprentice
The earlier than anticipated introduction of the SME’s apprenticeship contribution, to now 5% is fantastic news for SMEs. Originally at 10% the proposed cut has now been made official and applies from the new financial year in April. The now halved contribution for employers who don’t pay the apprenticeship levy is designed to help small businesses take on more apprentices.
You can read more details and find out more about Apprenticeship funding here.
Local Businesses Could You ‘Give an Hour’ to Support a Young Person’s Career Choice?
The Careers & Enterprise Company is calling for employers to give an hour of their time to a local school or college and make a difference to a young persons careers options.
The Give an Hour campaign invites local businesses to share career journey experiences and insights with young people in schools and colleges. In turn you’ll have the chance to make a difference to the career options a young person considers, show young people just what is possible, and potentially even find new recruits for your business.
Direct registration is available at Give An Hour, alternatively contact connor.conneely@tda.uk.net for more details.
Government and Agency Contracts Finder – SMEs Online Resource
Did you know you can search by region for government and agency contracts? The online facility lists contract opportunities worth over £10,000, with the option to view previous tender information. Opportunities suitable for SMEs are highlighted, and can be used as a filter alongside sector, region and contract values.
Current contracts available in the South West include:
South Devon College Hi-Tech & Digital Centre contract for the provision of AV equipment and Resetting Cobble Stones in front of the church and adjacent to the parish rooms Somerton Town Council
View the contract finder here.
£5,000 Small Business Grant – Monthly Opportunity
Could April’s £5,000 grant winner be from the South West? SmallBusiness.co.uk offers small businesses a monthly chance to receive a £5k grant to invest in company growth. So, if you’re a UK small business, actively trading you could be in with a chance. Not-for-profit organisations are also considered by the judging panel. To read about previous grant winners and to find out the details required to make your entry visit the Small Business Grants Initiative page here.
Rural Innovation Programme – £30,000 Worth of Funding #SupportingRural
Innovative companies or individuals who are utilising innovation to help sustain rural communities can apply for The Quilter Cheviot Rural Innovation Programme. The programme looks to identify innovation being used to help sustain rural communities. The successful applicant needs to be able provide a long-term positive impact to rural communities.
The programme opened on 13 March 2019 with applications invited until the closing date 14 June 2019.
Discover more about the Quilter Cheviot Rural Innovation Programme here
Office Space Available at Torbay Business Centre
The contemporary purpose built office building, close to the centre of Torquay right now has offices available. The managed office is perfect for new businesses and provides a unique opportunity to become a part of a thriving business community.
The space available comes with 3 year lease agreement available on easy in/easy out terms (one month’s notice either way), 100mb broadband, secure 24/7 building access, CCTV and parking included.
Current availability can be found here on Rightmove. Alternatively contact Heather Burton the Business Centre Co-ordinator on 01803 321200.
Grow South Devon Launches
This is a brand-new positive magazine to shine a spotlight on all that South Devon has to celebrate. The refreshingly positive approach, will be highlighting the stories of individuals, organisations, charities and industries who are making a positive difference, producing growth within the local economy or finding solutions to some of the challenges that are being faced in their communities.
Grow are currently interested in partnering with like-minded organisations to form mutually beneficial working relationships.
You can view more information on the Grow website or contact Leigh-Anne Biggs via leigh@growmarketinguk.com tel: 07494 131736.