In this month’s edition of In The Know:
- Somerset Business Support Event 19 November
- TDA Business Workshops – Industry Speakers
- Could a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Help Your Business?
- Last Call for Nesta ‘Amplified’ Funding – Digital Ideas
- Hints and Tips on What to Do When a Client Doesn’t Pay
- Small Business Saturday – Saturday 1 December
Somerset Business Support Event – 19 November. Bridgwater
This is a free business support event with a wealth of expertise and resource all under one roof. Designed to help your business with the advice and guidance you need. The event will run from 2pm-7pm, in the Quantock Room at J24 The Venue, Bridgwater and is being organised by Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council.
If you’re a local business owner, or start-up business in Somerset this event really needs to be in your diary. TDA will be attending the event, along with a range of businesses on hand to discuss business support, funding and opportunities in the area.
Further details are available from h.winter@tauntondeane.gov.uk
TDA Business Workshops in Partnership with Industry Experts
At TDA we offer expert, comprehensive business support across all business sectors, supporting business at each stage of development and further growth. In addition to 1-2-1 business advice sessions and mentoring from our team of experienced Business Advisors, did you know our programme of workshops also includes sessions delivered by leading South West industry experts?
These workshops provide an advanced level of training across digital and social marketing, and employment law. Providing the latest industry trends and knowledge we have programmes coming up delivered by;
The Digital Team at Cosmic
Andrew Walker: Founder of Rame Marketing
Andrew Macmillan: Head of the Employment Department at Boyce Hatton Solicitors
Emily Tucker: Head of Apprenticeships & Employer Engagement at South Devon College.
These workshops fill up fast so early booking is advised in order to secure your space.
Torbay Workshop Listings on Eventbrite
Somerset Workshop Listings on Eventbrite
Could a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Help Your Business?
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) brings together UK business, academic expertise and suitably qualified graduates. The programme has been operating for 40 years, and November marks the latest 2018-2019 opening date for applications.
Businesses can benefit from academic expertise, new skills and the latest academic thinking to deliver a specific, strategic innovation project. Part-funded by Innovate UK you contribute to the salary of the graduate who will work with your business, plus the cost of a supervisor who will oversee the scheme.
Find out more about the programme and business case studies
Digital Ideas that Generate Social Impact
Last call! Grants of up to £10,000 are available from a pilot programme being run by Nesta, however expressions of interest must be submitted by 14 November. Games companies, design agencies and media agencies are all included in the scope for the ‘Amplified’ programme funding, alongside cultural or creative organisations trading for a minimum of 3 years, in the UK.
Ideas need to address a social challenge and be rooted in digital technology first and foremost. If this sounds like something your business could benefit from there’s just time to get your application in.
Nesta Pilot Programme ‘Amplified’
Waiting for Your Clients to Pay?
At some point as a company it’s likely that you will find yourself faced with an outstanding payment from a client. Debt from clients is one of the most frustrating problems a business can face, and at worst case can serious impact on a business’ ability to operate. Having a plan in place to tackle the problem before it starts to impact on your business makes sense, along with some actions to put in place when payments from clients don’t go to plan;
- Include clear terms and payment conditions on invoices.
- Clear credit control practices mean all parties know payment expectations
- Do ensure that you notify clients with overdue debt straightaway and discuss options
- Have you considered installment arrangements for outstanding debt?
- Could you think about discounts for prompt payments?
- Should you consider a professional commercial debt recovery company?
Having a structured plan of action in place can take away the uncertainty and timely process of trying to resolve client debt, freeing up your time to focus on your business.
Small Business Saturday – 1st December
This UK wide initiative is the chance to celebrate small business, and encourage everyone to support local. All kinds of small businesses are encouraged to get involved; family business, local shops, online business, wholesalers, business services or small manufacturers.
This really is a celebration of each and every small business across the UK. The day takes place on Saturday 1 December, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses. To find out how you can get involved as a business, or customer visit the official website here: