South Staffordshire Business Hub https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk Growing Your Business Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:10:04 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.24 The Work Place Health Offer https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2021/07/28/the-work-place-health-offer/ Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:18:21 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2744 Public Health have a new work place health offer for businesses across Staffordshire. This includes access to health and wellbeing information advice and guidance as well as the health lifestyle service offer provided by Everyone Health. Please visit The workplace health offer in Staffordshire – Staffordshire County Council where there is lots of information, advice and guidance that businesses can […]

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]]> Public Health have a new work place health offer for businesses across Staffordshire. This includes access to health and wellbeing information advice and guidance as well as the health lifestyle service offer provided by Everyone Health. Please visit The workplace health offer in Staffordshire – Staffordshire County Council where there is lots of information, advice and guidance that businesses can use to help improve their staff’s health and wellbeing.

The pages cover a range of different health and wellbeing topics, giving details of specific resources that can be used to support action in that area. The resources include toolkits, local and national campaigns, tools, websites, training and support services.

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]]> Four Ashes Enterprise Centre set to treble in size through major expansion https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2021/02/11/four-ashes-enterprise-centre-set-to-treble-in-size-through-major-expansion/ Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:04:10 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2690 Four Ashes Enterprise Centre set to treble in size through major expansion A thriving centre for small businesses offering commercial units in South Staffordshire is set to treble in size to accommodate 100 more jobs through an expansion announced by the district council this week. The expansion of Four Ashes Enterprise Centre will create an additional 35,000 square foot of […]

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A thriving centre for small businesses offering commercial units in South Staffordshire is set to treble in size to accommodate 100 more jobs through an expansion announced by the district council this week.

The expansion of Four Ashes Enterprise Centre will create an additional 35,000 square foot of commercial units. It is ideal for start-up and growing businesses wanting a central location.  The development just off the A449 between Wolverhampton and Stafford, is due to be completed Spring 2021.

Owned and managed by South Staffordshire Council, the centre’s prime location provides excellent rail, road and airport links.  Major road network connections, including the M54 Junction 2 and the M6 Junction 12 (via the A5) are only two miles away. Main coast rail networks are available at both Stafford and Wolverhampton railway stations, with Birmingham International Airport accessible by rail or a 30-minute drive.

The existing centre has been a popular location for businesses since it was built in 2004, with demand always being high. To meet the need for additional commercial units in the area, the council is backing its growth plan by investing £24 million across all its business sites to support local businesses and the wider economy.

Councillor Brian Edwards MBE, Leader of South Staffordshire Council: ‘Our units at Four Ashes have always been very popular, so we know there is demand for more commercial units in this area which has superb connectivity and sits within the junction two growth corridor. As a council, it is our priority to support local businesses and the wider economy, especially as we move forward from the pandemic. We are proud to be able to offer this extension, which will give new start-ups and existing businesses the opportunity to achieve their business goals.’

The new units will vary in size, ranging from 936 square foot to 4,000 square foot. The units are spread across three blocks, all of which are constructed with a steel frame superstructure sited on a reinforced concrete pad foundation. Each will have its own office, kitchen and toilet facility with roller shutter doors with a minimum of four metre eaves height and three phase electricity supply.

This expansion, which has been procured to West Midlands family run construction firm G.F Tomlinson, will see the Enterprise Centre treble in size from 15,600 square foot to 50,572 square foot and provide high quality commercial business space to let for B1, B2 and B8 Planning Use Class Orders.

Any business wanting more information or interested in letting a unit should contact  South Staffordshire Council on telephone 01902 696117 or 01902 696480 or email  a.france@sstaffs.gov.uk or h.bains@sstaffs.gov.uk

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]]> Discretionary Business Grant Fund https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2020/06/12/discretionary-business-grant-fund/ Fri, 12 Jun 2020 14:49:51 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2660 South Staffordshire Council has launched its discretionary business grant scheme, which is the latest government measure to support businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19 Businesses across South Staffordshire District that have faced financial hardship due to Covid-19 can now apply to be considered for a £5000 discretionary business grant. These grants are for businesses that have not benefited before […]

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]]> South Staffordshire Council has launched its discretionary business grant scheme, which is the latest government measure to support businesses that have been impacted by Covid-19

Businesses across South Staffordshire District that have faced financial hardship due to Covid-19 can now apply to be considered for a £5000 discretionary business grant. These grants are for businesses that have not benefited before and occupy shared commercial premises, as well as others such as bed & breakfasts.

Please see the link below for full details of the grant scheme and how to apply.

https://www.sstaffs.gov.uk/local-businesses/discretionary-business-grant.cfm

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]]> COVID-19 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2020/03/27/covid-19/ Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:43:38 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2642 As the Coronavirus pandemic escalates, South Staffordshire Council are working hard to ensure businesses in the district are supported during this difficult time. Due to limited resource in keeping multiple webpages updated, a dedicated ‘Business Advice’ page has been set up on the Council’s website to provide further information to businesses. We are also posting information on the Business Hub’s […]

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]]> As the Coronavirus pandemic escalates, South Staffordshire Council are working hard to ensure businesses in the district are supported during this difficult time. Due to limited resource in keeping multiple webpages updated, a dedicated ‘Business Advice’ page has been set up on the Council’s website to provide further information to businesses.

We are also posting information on the Business Hub’s social media platforms. Please connect with us to keep up to date with the latest news and developments.

Please click here to read more….  

 

 

 

 

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]]> Women in Business https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2019/10/10/women-in-business/ Thu, 10 Oct 2019 09:51:20 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2522 BOOSTING WOMEN IN BUSINESS Boosting Women in Business provides intensive support to boost the confidence and self-esteem of women across Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire. Through a series of workshops and one to one mentoring, we offer a safe and supportive environment where women can learn to understand the value of their skill sets, and how these can translate into running their […]

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Boosting Women in Business provides intensive support to boost the confidence and self-esteem of women across Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire.

Through a series of workshops and one to one mentoring, we offer a safe and supportive environment where women can learn to understand the value of their skill sets, and how these can translate into running their own business.
Taking part in Boosting Women in Business will inspire ideas and fully support the transition to self-employment.

This project is funded by the NatWest Skills & Opportunities Fund.
In order to access a free place on Boosting Women you must meet the below criteria.
• Must not currently be registered as self-employed.
• Staffordshire resident.
• Must be willing to commit to the full programme of activities to take place over an initial three-month period.

WORKSHOPS

Workshop one, INSPIRE (10:00-14:30) Discovering your true skillset and abilities
Workshop two, INITIATE (10:00-14:30) How to start a business
Workshop three, ENGAGE (10:00-14:30) Marketing, selling and simple finance

START-UP COMPETITION

On completion of workshops & mentoring we will invite you to submit a simple business plan to be in with the chance of winning up to £500 towards start-up costs associated with your business. In order to take part in this
competition, you must provide evidence that the business has been registered. The project can offer one to one support to guide you through this process.

ONGOING SUPPORT

Ongoing start-up support will be provided by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

 

For more information or to sign up today
please call 01782 202222
email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
or visit staffordshirechambers.co.uk

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]]> Preparing your business for Brexit https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2019/02/07/preparing-business-brexit/ Thu, 07 Feb 2019 11:55:20 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2456 With guidance, advice and reports being released weekly, it can be difficult for businesses to understand how Brexit will affect them, and know how to plan and prepare for it. South Staffordshire Council works with partners, including the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses covering South Staffordshire, to support local businesses and provide information to understand the […]

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]]> With guidance, advice and reports being released weekly, it can be difficult for businesses to understand how Brexit will affect them, and know how to plan and prepare for it.

South Staffordshire Council works with partners, including the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Federation of Small Businesses covering South Staffordshire, to support local businesses and provide information to understand the potential impact of Brexit on their business.

Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce

Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce has developed a the Bresilience website  to provide companies with information, resources and a detailed checklist to help them consider the changes which Brexit may bring to their firms. The website also acts as a resource with the latest news and details to help you plan your international business needs post-Brexit.

Find out more.

Federation of Small Businesses: Small Business Brexit Pack

The Federation of Small Businesses has provided an introduction pack about what smaller businesses should be thinking about by setting out some of the possible scenarios as a result of Brexit.

The UK business organisation representing SMEs has the responsibility to help small businesses:

  1. a)    Understand the withdrawal agreement including EU Commission and UK Government ‘backstop’ propositions to avoid a hard border on the Island of Ireland;
  2. b)     Understand the range of ‘end state’ scenarios that are possible including:
  • No deal (with no transition period)
  • Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
  • Association Agreement (Chequers)
  • European Economic Area (EEA)
  • European Free Trade Association (EFTA) / Switzerland
  1. c)     Prepare for the scenario that would cause the most disruption to the business continuity of small businesses in the short to medium term.

Find out more.

Gov.UK: Prepare your business for the UK leaving the EU

The gov.uk website provides public sector information which has a quick, simple questionnaire to provide guidance relevant to your business. Through the use of the website, you’ll be able to find out:

  • What your business may need to do to prepare for the UK leaving the EU
  • What’s changing in your industry
  • Information on specific rules and regulations

The government has also published the EU Exit Business Campaign Toolkit

Find out more.

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]]> Growing Places Fund https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2018/04/23/growing-places-fund/ Mon, 23 Apr 2018 14:18:49 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2387 £1m of the Stoke & Staffs LEP’s Growing Places Fund is still unallocated. These funds are available as short term loans to support companies investing in the future ready for the  emerging business demand in the regional, national and global markets. Bidding for the funds is strictly limited within bidding windows with the window for Round 12 being open between […]

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£1m of the Stoke & Staffs LEP’s Growing Places Fund is still unallocated. These funds are available as short term loans to support companies investing in the future ready for the  emerging business demand in the regional, national and global markets.

Bidding for the funds is strictly limited within bidding windows with the window for Round 12 being open between 23 March and 18 May 2018. Projects will be competitively appraised after the bidding window is closed, please see the Call Specification for more details. Successful projects will need to demonstrate that they will generate economic growth in a short space of time with the right infrastructure in place. They will need to show that they have a solid business case, are deliverable in a reasonably short timescale, will create jobs or housing and provide returns which can be reinvested locally by the LEP, in addition to attracting further private investment.

Application forms and Call Specification for applicants can be found below and further details on how to return finished applications can be found on the application form.

 

Project-application.-Round-12.-Stage-1-application-form

Project-application.-Round-12.-Stage 2 application form

Round 12 Call Specification

Project-application.-Round-12. Supporting documentation list

 

 

If you have any initial questions, please contact Nigel Senior on 01785 277365 or via email: nigel.senior@staffordshire.gov.uk

Find out more information on the Growing Places Fund website.

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]]> The Impact of Bureaucracy on SME’s https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2018/04/05/impact-bureaucracy-smes/ Thu, 05 Apr 2018 12:31:47 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2378 Are you spending countless hours on business admin tasks? Whether it’s crunching numbers for your accounts or sending endless invoice reminders, keeping on top of regulatory and operational burdens can quickly eat away at your working day.   For most business owners, it’ll come as no surprise to hear that SMEs in the UK spend an average of 71 days […]

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Are you spending countless hours on business admin tasks? Whether it’s crunching numbers for your accounts or sending endless invoice reminders, keeping on top of regulatory and operational burdens can quickly eat away at your working day.

 

For most business owners, it’ll come as no surprise to hear that SMEs in the UK spend an average of 71 days and £35,600 a year on admin, according to recent research conducted by Sage. That’s more than 14 working weeks that could be spent on growth, attracting customers and increasing revenue.

 

While it’s impossible to run a business without completing these tasks, digitising your business admin can be an excellent way of cutting down the number of hours spent on these burdensome tasks

 

Benefits of digitisation

 

The idea of digitising admin and moving to the cloud can scare some business owners due to the perceived high costs and digital expertise needed. However, most owners have already accepted cloud computing either by web-based storage like Dropbox or email services such as Gmail.

 

Using digital tools for business admin is no different and has the additional benefits of:

 

  • Freeing up staff to take on alternative assignments
  • Helping remove the element of human error
  • Providing consistency in delivery
  • Ensuring deadlines are met through automation

 

These time and cost-saving measures can, in turn, increase productivity and lower costs which will help SMEs survive.

 

To find out more about the administrative burden faced by SMEs in the UK and for more in-depth tips on cutting down on your admin hours, view the full breakdown on the Sage Advice blog.

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]]> Dementia Awareness Session https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2018/02/13/dementia-awareness-session/ Tue, 13 Feb 2018 10:51:04 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2351 Dementia Awareness Session For businesses serving the communities in South Staffordshire, we aspire for to become a Dementia Friendly Community and we need your support to achieve this. Together we can make our community a safe one for our loved ones who suffer from this terrible disease. This session is designed to give you the knowledge of what to do […]

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Dementia Awareness Session

For businesses serving the communities in South Staffordshire, we aspire for to become a Dementia Friendly Community and we need your support to achieve this. Together we can make our community a safe one for our loved ones who suffer from this terrible disease. This session is designed to give you the knowledge of what to do should a person suffering with Dementia find themselves needing support and safe in the knowing that our community can offer assistance.

Have you thought of becoming a Dementia Friendly Business?

Would you like to be part of a community which is inclusive for all?

Sign up to this short free informal session to find out more.

14th March 2018  5pm-7pm at Codsall Council Offices.

Or call 01902 696289

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]]> Network over breakfast with Business Owners Support Hub https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/2018/02/01/network-breakfast-business-owners-support-hub/ Thu, 01 Feb 2018 13:19:21 +0000 https://sstaffsbusinesshub.co.uk/?p=2302 BOSH (Business Owners Support Hub) is a non for profit group, set up and run by like-minded individuals. Established in 2000, we differentiate ourselves by being an educational group, imparting knowledge to help your business succeed and grow. Our membership fees are very low compared to other groups and funds are ploughed back into putting on special training events during […]

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BOSH (Business Owners Support Hub) is a non for profit group, set up and run by like-minded individuals. Established in 2000, we differentiate ourselves by being an educational group, imparting knowledge to help your business succeed and grow.

Our membership fees are very low compared to other groups and funds are ploughed back into putting on special training events during the year for free or at a nominal cost, examples include First Aid Training and Business Development.

We meet monthly, generally the last Wednesday of each month, at 7.30am at South Staffs Business Hub, Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, WV8 1PX. There is a weekly fee of £10 which pays for a lovely cooked or continental breakfast of your choice. The meeting is generally finished for 9.15am.

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