In the Know – June
TDA Businesses monthly news and opportunities round up.
NatWest pledges £1 billion in extra funding to SMEs
NatWest will lend an extra £1 billion to small and medium sized enterprises over the next year. It’s designed to help UK businesses invest in manufacturing, technology and development.
The news comes as small business owners 2015/2016 global entrepreneurship report published by Babson College, over half of businesses fold within five years because of a lack of funding and profits.
Read the full story here
Small Business Grants
Small Business Grants is a free-to-enter competition run by SmallBusiness.co.uk, offering a monthly £5,000 grant, which does not have to be paid back, to small businesses that have been trading for at least 6 months.
Please note: companies may only apply for this initiative every three months. For example, if you apply for October’s competition, you will not be eligible to enter again until January’s competition.
Find out more and apply here
Review into improving business productivity
The Department for Business has launched a review to identify and tackle the causes of low business productivity in the UK. The Business Productivity Review, which is part of the government’s Industrial Strategy, will explore how new technology, business support services and management techniques can be used to boost wages and profits. It will also identify how the private and public sectors can introduce meaningful interventions that improve business productivity. The deadline for responses is 4 July 2018.
Read more about the review here
Inquiry into future of UK high streets
The Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee have launched an inquiry to examine the future of high streets and town centres across the UK. The inquiry will explore the long-term role of the high street with regard to supporting the local economy and creating healthy and cultural local communities. It will also investigate how town centres are planning for their future, as well as whether local authorities have the regulatory powers needed to support town centre growth. Responses will be accepted until 22 June 2018.
Read more about the inquiry here
South West Business Expo
Now moving into its 7th show, the expo organised by South West Business Connections, is the destination for businesses to grow and prosper. It’s free to attend and offers delegates the chance to network with a large variety of business owners, plus offers the chance for you to gain free business advice and support from organisations and speakers.
The South West Business Expo will take place at the Westpoint Arena on 14th November 2018 and looks set to be even bigger than the spring 2018’s event which saw more than 2500 business people attend and visit the 241 exhibitors. Stands are already being taken up for 2018, so be quick to secure the best locations. It is expected that there will be over 260 exhibitors and nearly 3000 people attending on the day.
Read more here
Somerset Business show
The Somerset Business Show is back for the fourth time and this time the show is being held at Wellspring Leisure Centre, Taunton, TA2 7QP.
The show welcomes businesses from across the county and beyond, from a variety of business sectors. If you are in business you really need to be at the show, regardless of business size, small and large businesses are welcomed equally. We hope that we can be instrumental in introducing you and your business to new contacts and ideas, helping your business to develop and grow.
The event is free to attend and a stand costs upwards of £150 (excluding vat).
Find out more here