Starting a Business… Exciting times? How The Right Office Space and Support Makes The Difference

Starting up a new business is an exciting time. When aspirations and plans begin to take shape our clients often talk about the challenges they face. One of the key areas that often comes up is that starting a business can be a lonely journey. That’s where the benefits of networking and making the most of business resources and business environments available can make a huge difference to morale, and also impact on the successful growth of a business.

At TDA we are able to offer serviced office space. Ideal for new businesses, the spaces on offer give clients and companies the chance to become a part of a thriving business community. Our sites across Torbay and Somerset also provide Business Advisor support links, as well as networking events and business workshops on site.

Visit our websites to find out more about support available from our Somerset Business Advisors and Torbay Business Advisors or to view available office space from TDA at Rightmove

Office Space at Torbay Business Centre, Lymington Road, Torquay – INTRODUCTORY OFFER 1 month rent free** Call 01803 321200 for info.

 

British Chambers of Commerce – Quarterly Economic Survey Update Jan

The latest findings of the British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic survey have been published. The survey of 6,000 firms is one of the largest private business surveys in the country with surveys taking place between 5 and 26 November 2018. The survey covers areas including; domestic sales and orders, export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment prospects, recruitment difficulties, cashflow, confidence, and price pressures.

Key findings were:

• Percentage of services firms reporting an increase in domestic sales and orders drops to two year low
• Recruitment difficulties in manufacturing joint highest on record, services sector recruitment difficulties hover near record-high
• Price pressures rise further for businesses, particularly manufacturers.

Read the press release with full details is available at BCC Quarterly Economic Survey: Big squeeze on firms from recruitment, prices and cash flow

 

Employment Law Changes Taking Place 2019

There are numerous changes to employment law that will come into effect in 2019. Smallbusiness.co.uk have pulled together a handy summary of what’s planned including; increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage, Settled Status for EU nationals,  Auto-enrolment pension scheme contributions, Issuing of Payslips, Gender Pay Gap Reporting, and Non-disclosure agreements feature.

You can read their summary article here with an overview of what’s coming and how you can prepare for what’s on the way: Smallbusiness.co.uk/

 

Updated Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) Calendar – Up to £2,500 Grants Available

Could an overseas trade show help your business grow in 2019? There is financial, support and help available to offset some of the costs involved, as well as expert guidance on some of the most influential trade shows. The Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant funding for eligible businesses towards the costs of exhibiting at overseas trade shows. Grants of between £500 and £2,500 are available and support is provided through the relevant TAP trade challenge partners and Department for International Trade (DIT).

The Tradeshow access programme has been updated for April 2019 to June 2019. You can find out more by visiting the Government guidance pages at www.gov.uk/guidance/tradeshow-access-programme

 

Small Business Awards – Entries Open

The Small Awards is back for 2019. Run by Peak b Ltd, this is the same organisation that runs Small Business Saturday, championing the 5.5 million small businesses across the UK. The awards range from High Street Hero – Best high street business, to Legacy Award – Best family Business, New Kid On The Block – Best business start-up (less than 18 months) and Heart Of Gold – The business that contributed most to their community.

Applications opened December 2018 and are open until March 2019. A London Awards ceremony will take place in London at the end of May. Sponsors and judging panels are due to be announced shortly. You can register your interest at the website and find out more about the awards at The Small Awards UK