Hart businesses celebrate at the Inspire Business Awards

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1 ISSUE 2 MARCH 2014 Hart businesses celebrate at the Inspire Business Awards Have your say! Major Hart business survey launched How Hart for BUSINESS can help! Win an award in 2014 Meet our local businesses GROW GROW GROW do you have exporting potential? Grants and loan news What s happening in your town?

2 HART FOR BUSINESS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS Hart for Business celebrates success Welcome to the second issue of the Hart for Business magazine. Success! Since the launch of Hart for Business in July 2013, we have been delighted with the welcome from local companies for the new business support service. Our Economic Development Officer has been busy working with local companies and leading business support organisations to ensure that Hart for Business provides a professional service to all businesses in the district. And we re celebrating! In the Autumn the council was delighted to win the Federation of Small Business award for Best All Round Small Business Friendliness in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Over the past six months, we have sponsored the high profile Inspire Business Awards and the new North Hampshire Meet the Buyer event, enabling our local businesses to get face-to-face with major local suppliers. We were delighted to celebrate four Hart based wins at the Inspire Business Awards, including Business of the Year. Congratulations to everyone who took part! There have been huge successes in the village of Odiham, with the creation of a village retail team and the launch of a pop-up shop. After a year of hard work, Fleet Future has produced a new town plan and is currently putting it into action. It s great to see that Fleet is continuing to attract independent retailers, with three new exciting shops opening recently. Hart for Business is delighted to be supporting both initiatives with practical skills, advice and financial support. We also took part in the national Small Business Saturday on 7 December, which encouraged people to shop locally by providing free parking across Hart. We hope you used the day to discover somewhere new and support your fellow businesses. To the future In this edition, Hart for Business is launching a new online business survey. We are inviting 2500 local businesses to give us their views about the challenges they face in the current economic climate. Finally, we are pleased to announce that we are joining Southern Entrepreneurs, an organisation offering training, events and support to small businesses throughout Hampshire. This means that Hart based businesses can join the network for free to access this support. As always we are working for your business so do get in contact with our Economic Development Officer. Councillor Ken Crookes, Leader of Hart District Council Content Welcome Speed Networking Event Calling all Businesses Hart for Business Update Meet our Local Businesses Late Payment Guide Exporting Finance Loans and Grants Business Opportunities and Support Twitter Feel the Google Love Win an Award 2014 How Much Does Your Lighting Cost? General Business News Local Business News Local Town and Village News Spotlight on Source Supplies Business Events Hart District Council Civic Offices Harlington Way Fleet Hampshire GU51 4AE Tel: Fax: enquiries@hart.gov.uk Editor: Jennifer Atherton Economic Development Officer jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk Designed by: Thrive Studios Southern Entrepreneurs North Hampshire Launch & Speed Networking Event Join us for free at the Lismoyne Hotel in Fleet on Tuesday 29 April 2014 from 6-8pm for the launch of our new free business support service and speed networking event. From April 14, Hart District Council will be offering a free new service to support small businesses throughout the district by joining Southern Entrepreneurs. We will be launching this new service at a speed networking event where you ll also be able to find out more about our future free networking, subsidised training, online forum and business directory with Southern Entrepreneurs. Hart District Council has launched a major local Business Survey and is asking businesses within the district to tell us about the challenges they face in the current economic climate. The Council aims to receive detailed feedback from hundreds of businesses and individuals in a bid to build a comprehensive picture of their needs in the current economic climate. The Council wants to understand the current issues in a bid to remove hurdles to economic success. The survey addresses pivotal issues such access to finance and business support, skills, infrastructure and planning and broadband provision. The survey results will help shape Speed networking can increase your business contacts, raise your profile among like-minded business people and its great fun too! Hart is working in partnership with Rushmoor Borough Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to expand the Southern Entrepreneurs service throughout the north of the county. Businesses can become members for free and access a range of services. With over 100 businesses from throughout the three districts expected at the launch, this promises to be a fantastic event! This event is being generously sponsored by the Lismoyne Hotel Don t miss out - book your place at Calling all businesses - major Hart business survey launched the council s plans to support the growth of the local economy and funding. Geoff Bonner, Chief Executive of the Council said: Helping businesses thrive within our district is a key priority, and a strong response in this important survey will help us to do so. Our business community plays a hugely important role in keeping Hart somewhere we like to live and work and we should be doing all we can to support business and to help them thrive. Leader of Hart District Council, Cllr Crookes said The District Council has committed to engaging with business over the past year with the launch of Hart for Business. One of our priorities is to engage with businesses so that we can better understand the state of business in the District and the needs of the business community. It is crucial that we listen to what employers are saying and ensure that everything is being done to support businesses locally as well as understanding the impact of national issues on the ground. Access the survey at The survey is now open. For more information on the survey or for a hard copy, please contact the council s Economic Development Officer, Jenny Atherton via jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk. 2 3

3 HART FOR BUSINESS UPDATE In July 2013, over 100 local businesses joined us at an event to launch Hart for Business, the new economic development initiative at Hart District Council. Our Economic Development Officer has been busy over the last twelve months and Hart for Business has some exciting projects in the pipeline. As part of the Council s wider remit, the Economic Development Officer provides advice, support and signposting to businesses located in Hart and also organises specific business and networking events. The Economic Development Officer sits on a number of steering groups including the North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Hart District Council is delighted to be recognised for its new economic development service Hart for Business, by winning the Best All Round Small Business Friendliness award for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight from the Federation of Small Business. Tim Colman, Chair of the FSB for the area said we were so impressed with the increase and commitment to economic development activities in Hart this year, with the recruitment of a dedicated officer to support local businesses, the launch of the Hart for Business magazine, a meet the council event and investment in a new business database. The Awards identified the best small business friendly initiatives undertaken by the region s local authorities, and also highlighted the benefits for the region s small businesses. Hart for Business Update First Partnership EBP, Inspire Business Awards, Green Deal, Sustainable Business Network, Leader Programme and Dementia Friendly High Streets. We work closely with the Enterprise M3 LEP, Hampshire County Council s Economy Team, Fleet Future, InOdiham, local training providers, the Employment Service and Enterprise First. By keeping in close contact with these organisations we can be sure that we are keeping our fingers on the pulse, and providing a vital role which builds on and develops linkages leading to the economic success of all our companies. Hart District Council Rewarded for Small Business Support Hart District Council on Facebook & Twitter To keep up-to-date with business news and events, join our Facebook pages and or follow us on You can contact Jennifer Atherton, Economic Development Officer for advice and support via jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk Environmental Health Team - Free support for business Did you know that our friendly environmental health team can support businesses with food safety, gas and electrical safety, asbestos advice, workplace wellbeing and general health and safety? For more information and support please contact the team on or eh@hart.gov.uk Do you have a conference room or meeting space? We are always looking for suitable spaces to run small training sessions and meetings around the district, as well as interesting local companies who would be interested in showing other businesses around their workplaces. From April, we will be running networking events and training sessions in partnership with Southern Entrepreneurs and are keen to hear from you if you d like to get involved. jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk for more information. Access free business support, events & training Southern Entrepreneurs From April 14, Hart District Council will be supporting a new support service to small businesses through the district by joining Southern Entrepreneurs, which provides practical support to businesses throughout Hampshire. Hart is working in partnership with Rushmoor Borough Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to expand the Southern Entrepreneurs service throughout the North of the county. Business can become members for free and access a range of services. Set up to support and nurture small businesses in South Hampshire, Southern Entrepreneurs has been growing since it launched in 2004 and this new partnership will allow all businesses based in North Hampshire to access the scheme free of charge. Southern Entrepreneurs Business Support Manager Anne Dawson said It is great to be able to welcome new businesses. All three councils have been keen to ensure that access to this excellent support system comes at no cost to its local businesses. With monthly events and subsidised training running across the South of the county, we re delighted that a new range of activities can be developed in the North and that new members can access existing events in the South. Southern Entrepreneurs offers eligible businesses highly subsidised practical training in subjects based on their needs, along with free monthly networking opportunities, enabling them to meet other members and the wider business community. Members are able to access a Business Support Manager, along with other forms of help, with just one phone call. Cllr Crookes, Leader of Hart District Council said we are delighted to be joining Southern Entrepreneurs to ensure that this excellent business support service stretches into north Hampshire. We will be running monthly events and training across the three districts to ensure that businesses have the chance to connect with a range of new businesses and opportunities and to access invaluable training at very low cost. The Southern Entrepreneurs website enables members to advertise their own events and training, and members can contribute to a monthly newsletter to showcase their business to fellow members and with a readership of The website contains useful information on other initiatives and invaluable articles written with small businesses in mind. A business directory can be accessed through the website and is a valuable resource allowing Support Fairtrade status for the district As the world s most recognised ethical label, Fairtrade is good for business. As a licensee, stockist, trader or even by having Fairtrade coffee in your office, your business can make an impact to make global trade fairer. In 2012 sales of Fairtrade certified goods reached 1.3 billion, a 12% increase on the previous year, proving people still want ethically produced goods. Being a Fairtrade business can help you stand out from the competition, increase customer loyalty and boost your public relations. The Hart Fairtrade Group at Hart District Council is working towards achieving Fairtrade Status for the District and we would like businesses to get involved. We can support you with sourcing Fairtrade ingredients for your supply chain, and if you are a stockist or distributor, where to get hold of finished packaged Fairtrade products. You may also wish to source Fairtrade products for your workplace. Businesses are encouraged to join the Fairtrade group and can find out more by ing fairtrade@hart.gov.uk HART FOR BUSINESS member businesses to be contacted by potential customers. You can sign up immediately and start accessing services from April. To sign up for membership and for more information, please visit or anne.dawson@eastleigh.gov.uk What training would you like? Southern Entrepreneurs will be running regular training sessions throughout Hart, Basingstoke and Rushmoor, based entirely on your needs. We are also keen to use local business speakers at our new networking events a fantastic way to expand you contacts and customers. Please let us know what training you need and let us know if you would like to speak at a future event! jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk. Hart for Business - website resources The Hart District Council website has been extensively updated to provide a wealth of resources for local businesses. Information is split into two sections. The Council Business Services section provides information on business rates, economic development, fair trade, health and safety, licencing and permits, planning, procurement, trade refuse and the new Workplace Wellbeing Charter. The business support section provides resources on apprenticeships, broadband, mentoring, start-up advice, searching for commercial property, employing people, exporting, innovation, skills and training, trade associations and local business networking

4 HART FOR BUSINESS HART FOR BUSINESS Is your business dementia friendly? Hart District Council has been working with Dementia Friendly Hampshire to ensure that Fleet is now a Dementia Friendly high street. Given the expected increase in the numbers of people with dementia over the next twenty years, Hart District Council has an important role in helping to develop dementia friendly communities that will support people in their homes and neighbourhoods. Hampshire County Council has produced a free Dementia Friendly Toolkit for businesses which contains information on becoming more dementia friendly, a help-pack for customerfacing staff and a checklist for dementia friendly environments. Access the toolkit here Free bite-size health and safety training for Hart businesses Staff from the Golden Triangle in Fleet have received free health and safety training by officers from Hart District Council. The free training has been offered by Hart District Council Environmental Health team as part of a district wide campaign to deliver bitesized health and safety training to any local businesses within the District. Cllr John Kennett, portfolio holder for licensing and environmental health, said: We are delighted to offer free training for businesses across Hart. It is our intention to support businesses and by offering them training in a number of areas such as, gas safety in kitchens, manual handling and slips and trips; we hope that they will continue to stay up to date with legal requirements. These sessions are tailored to the needs of individual businesses so we can deliver the relevant information that the business requires. Parking in Hart P Have you ever found yourself short of change in a district car park? Did you know that there are a couple of solutions? The Hart District Council Smart Parking Card is a rechargeable card that can be used in any council car park and where onstreet charges apply. It can be loaded with any amount from 5 to 500. So what s stopping you? If you would like to sign up, download an application form from the Council s website. Did you know that you can also pay for parking by telephone? More information can be found on the parking information pages at Hart District Council is offering the training to all businesses. If you own or know of a business that could benefit from additional training please contact the Environmental Health team on eh@hart.gov.uk or call Staff from the Golden Triangle Fleet 7 December 2013 saw the inaugural Small Business Saturday in the UK. The campaign captured the imagination of small businesses and consumers across the country. In October 2013, the Forum of Private Business wrote to every local authority in the UK asking them to waive car parking charges on the 7th December 2013 in support of Small Business Saturday. Many councils, including Hart District Council responded positively and over 40 confirmed they would have a free parking offer in place on Small Business Saturday. The day boosted the UK economy by 468m, exceeding all expectations. Statistics from an American Express poll revealed 48% of UK consumers were aware of the day. Of those consumers aware of the campaign 45% said they spent more than usual, and 19% reported they had spent at least double the amount they would usually spend on a Saturday. As the first event of its kind in the UK these figures reveal a positive picture. Small Business Saturday 2013 has set the bar for the coming years. It is important we learn from the campaign this year and build upon this success next year and in the future. Hart District Council would like local businesses to start considering what they could do next year to help grow Small Business Saturday in the area and ensure that Small Business Saturday 2014 is even more successful than last years event. Free business intelligence resources Did you know that you can access economic profiles and business intelligence from several sources for free? On the NOMIS website, you can view labour market profile of local authorities, including Hart. The information includes data on population, employment, unemployment, qualifications, earnings, benefit claimants and businesses. Nomis is a service provided by the Office for National Statistics, ONS, to give you free access to the most detailed and up-to-date UK labour market statistics from official sources. Hart for Business works closely with the Economy Team s research and intelligence group at Hampshire County Council, who provide a range of updated local economic information and intelligence covering the economy, labour markets and socio-economics statistics. Visit and click on Economic Statistics. Hart best place to live again! In 2011, again in 2012 and then again in 2013, an annual study conducted by the Halifax bank named Hart as the UK s most desirable place to live for quality of life. The study took into account jobs, housing, health, crime, weather, traffic and broadband access. It found that 95% of people in the local authority area were in good health, and tended to have incomes 40% above the national average. Hart has managed to retain its position at the top of the Quality of Life Survey by scoring consistently highly across almost all categories: Hart residents are the healthiest in the UK, with 97.4% reporting being in good or fairly good health. They also live the longest in the Business centre feasibility study get involved Hart for Business has recently commissioned a feasibility study for converting a part of the Civic Offices into a professional business centre with flexible office and drop-in space, plus business support and advice. The space would be for local start-ups and growing businesses and based in Fleet Town centre. If you would like to tell us what you need, express an interest in renting some space or get involved in the research, please contact Jennifer Atherton, Economic Development Officer, jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk Showcase your business through Hart for Business If you have an interesting story to tell, we d like to publish it in a future Hart for Business issue! You can share a success story, celebrate team members or write an article that shares your expertise with other businesses. We are always looking for speakers for events too. jennifer. atherton@hart.gov.uk to get involved. UK, with an average male life expectancy of 82.9 years compared to the national average of 79 years. The 80% employment rate is significantly higher than the national average (71%), while gross average weekly earnings of 843 are 226 (or 37%) higher than the UK average of 616. New ONS figures indicate the adult population is among the most happy, satisfied and content in the UK. The cost of living in Hart, however, is high; the average house price in Hart is 7.0 times the average annual pre-tax local income higher than the UK average of 5.8. Business Expo in Autumn 2014 Hart District Council is delighted to be working in partnership with Rushmoor and Basingstoke and Deane to deliver a high profile business expo this Autumn. There will several ways for local businesses to exhibit and get involved, including subsidised stand space for local sole traders. More details will follow - please send an to register your interest to jennifer.atherton@hart.gov.uk 2000 Vouchers for Growth The Growth Vouchers programme was officially launched on 27 January It will help small businesses access expert advice to help them grow. Vouchers worth up to 2,000 will be given to a majority of the businesses who sign up for the programme to help them pay for strategic private sector advice in the following areas: Raising finance and managing cash flow Marketing, attracting and keeping customers Making the most of digital technology Improving leadership and management skills Recruiting and developing your staff Businesses need to match the amount of subsidy with their own funds. Private sector suppliers can also register to be listed on the Enterprise Nation online marketplace, through which businesses can redeem their vouchers. Small businesses will pay the supplier and then claim back up to 2,000 from the government. Potential suppliers to voucher holders can sign up via Enterprise Nation at Local business support provider Enterprise First is working in partnership with the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) and Enterprise Nation to deliver this new support programme for small businesses in the South East. Visit to find out more and to apply for a Growth Voucher. 6 7

5 HART FOR BUSINESS Looking for a new workplace? Business Support around the Council From the high quality high tech office developments at Hook and Blackwater, to the large industrial estates at Bartley Point and Fleet s Osborne Way, as well as smaller rural developments around Church Crookham, Hartley Wintney and Odiham, the opportunities in Hart are as varied as the businesses already located here. Our website details the range of different workspace options available in Hart at nearly 30 locations at Free workshops for SME s about Government support for R&D and Innovation 4 June am Langstone Technology Park, Havant BIS and HMRC are running free innovation workshops to ensure small and medium sized high-tech companies have all the information they need regarding investments in R&D and innovation in order to grow their business and remain competitive. The workshops cover support provided by HMRC, the Technology Strategy Board, EU programmes, Intellectual Property Office (formerly the Patent Office) and the Design Council. The workshop will cover HMRC (R&D tax credits, Patent Box), the Technology Strategy Board (TSB) grants, knowledge transfer, networking, procurement opportunities and more); EU funding for business research and development and innovation; Intellectual Property Office patents, how to optimise the value of your intellectual property): and Design Council help to strengthen the potential of your innovation, identify opportunities to commercialise your technology and then realise those opportunities through design projects. Environmental Health Business Support Hart s Environmental Health Team s aim is to save you time and provide you with relevant information and guidance at the start, and by putting you in touch with the right people from the very beginning. The officers are available to visit your business or proposed premises and will provide a written copy of any advice, so that you can incorporate it into a work plan and if necessary they will help Food Hygiene & Safety Health & Safety Licensing Odour Pest Control to prioritise the advice so that you can act accordingly. The officer will also provide you with other potential information sources which we believe may be relevant to you and your business including information from Trading Standards, the Food Standards Agency and the Fire Authority. Talk to the team about reducing potential cost by minimising the need for consultants, buying unnecessary equipment or having to make changes to your premises layout after you ve opened. Call the Environmental Health Team now eh@hart.gov.uk Demystifying Business Rates Most businesses pay business rates it is how they contribute towards the cost of local authority services such as the police and fire fighters. If you use a building or part of a building for business, you will probably have to pay business rates. Businesses are given a Rateable Value which, in conjunction with a multiplier, produces the business rates liability. Rates are set by the government for each county in the UK. Hart District Council collects the rates and returns the income to the national government, who then return a small percentage back to each local council. In England, rateable values are assessed by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). Exactly how much your business pays depends on the location of property, the size of property, the nature of your business and how the property is to be used. There are a number of Rate Reliefs that you and your business could be entitled to, which can be found on our website uk/business. To speak to Hart about your rates, contact the Revenues Team via tel: Don t forget you can always pay your rates online. You can also find useful information on the government s website If you are unhappy with your business rates, you can make an appeal to the Valuation Office. If you decide to make an appeal, you must continue to pay your business rates while your appeal is outstanding. The VOA will compare your rateable value with similar properties in the area and consider any other reasons you have given. Contact the VOA on Planning Permission Advice If you are planning to expand your business premises, build new premises, or change the use of an existing premises you may need to apply for planning permission. Businesses seeking to develop their premises need to apply to the council for planning permission, which may be required when building new premises, changing the use of existing premises, or extending existing buildings. Decisions are made in line with district planning policies and government guidance. Hart s planning and development team considers planning proposals from property Our guide to how small businesses can manage late payment Being tough on late payment will work wonders for cash flow. Late payment is the most common cause of cash flow crises. If one big company falls behind on paying its suppliers, the devastating effect can ripple down the supply chain and put companies out of business. Here are some pointers to dealing with the issue and saving your cash flow. Get to know your customer Knowing your customer is critical when it comes to credit management. Check the exact name and legal status of each of your customers and credit check new customers where you can. However, do not simply rely on credit ratings, ask for references from other suppliers and make your own assessments on the customer s propensity to pay. Set out payment terms Once you decide to take on a new customer, define your credit policy. Agree payment terms at the order stage and make them very clear. Do not assume that you will be paid on 30 days or end of month following, instead set out payment terms in writing and try to obtain written acceptance, ensuring your customer s order does not suggest different payment terms. Encouraging timely payment Printing the payment terms on easy-to-understand invoices that go out on time can also help prompt debtors to pay, as will clearly setting out the penalties if a payment is late. Another way of encouraging your customers to pay quickly and on time is by offering discounts for prompt payment. owners and developers. They also deal with planning issues arising from the consideration of planning applications, associated legislation applications and determine building regulation applications. We are keen to work with businesses throughout the planning process. We encourage businesses to discuss their proposals in advance of a planning application. Businesses can also check informally with planning services whether a proposed development needs planning permission. Contact the Planning Team on or planningadmin@hart.gov.uk Late Payment Guide Get your invoices right A disputed invoice will not be paid so do not give the customer any excuse to contest their invoice. This requires being on the ball in terms of accuracy such as clearly specifying the goods or services being paid for and being sure to quote the customer order number. Manage your debtors Once an invoice has been issued, make sure to keep an eye on your debtors. For large or important amounts, telephone before the due date to make sure the payment is still on track. If a payment hasn t arrived, don t be afraid to ask for it and outline to them the consequences of nonpayment. Some basic financial management software can go a long way towards helping you manage your debtors as you can not only use it as a central resource to create and send invoices from but also list and track the invoices that are overdue and monitor your performance in getting paid. Planning Permission - a guide for business The government has produced a guide to the planning system for businesses in England. It provides guidance on when planning permission is required, how to make a planning application, and what happens afterwards. However, it is not an authoritative interpretation of the law. If after reading this booklet you are still unclear how to proceed, contact Hart District Council. Cover yourself against bad debts Trade credit insurance covers against the risk of nonpayment due to your customers insolvency so can be invaluable in protecting your business. Chasing payment If contacting the debtor to try and resolve the issue has not worked then there are various ways you can retrieve payment. Firstly, consider exercising your legal rights under late payment legislation to charge penalty interest or add debt recovery costs. If that doesn t prompt the debtor to pay, then you can hire a specialist debt collector to help you. They have the expertise and time to focus on retrieving the debt. If all else fails, then you can always consider taking court action but this should be seen as the last resort as it can cost you time and money. 8 9

6 HART FOR BUSINESS The concept of expanding internationally is one that is often deemed to be out of reach for small businesses. However, it is often the case that trading abroad is the best course of action for a modest-sized company. There might be a greater potential market in another country, not to mention such perks as favourable exchange rates and no language barriers. But how can small businesses crack international markets? UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) exists to help your business grow internationally. They provide expert trade advice and practical support to UK-based companies wishing to grow their business overseas. The Government has recently provided 13 million in new funding to help UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to achieve its aim of doubling UK exports to 1 trillion by Approximately 9 million of the total investment is likely to be channelled into boosting trade opportunities for small and medium sized businesses which is great news for Hart. SO HOW CAN UKTI HELP YOUR BUSINESS? International Trade Advisers An adviser will provide professional advice on a range of UKTI services, including financial subsidies, export documentation, contacts in overseas markets, overseas visits, e-commerce, export training and market research. Overseas Market Introduction Service (OMIS) A flexible business tool, letting you use the services of trade teams, located in embassies, high commissions and consulates across the world. OMIS can provide help at any stage - from initial research, to arranging a market visit, to using our contacts and impressive facilities to help close a major deal. Exporting GROW, GROW, GROW - Do you have export potential? Sales Leads Over 400 Business Opportunities are published across all sectors and in over 100 markets each month and range from market pointers, to private sector opportunities, multilateral aid agency tenders to public sector leads. When you register with the UKTI website they can put you in contact with the companies who ve posted these opportunities. UKTI Export Communications Review The review provides companies with impartial and objective advice on language and cultural issues to help them improve their competitiveness in existing and future export markets. Passport to export An assessment and skills-based programme that provides new and inexperienced exporters with the training, planning and ongoing support they need to succeed overseas. Gateway to Global Growth A service for experienced exporters which offers a 12 month programme of strategic support tailored to your needs to help grow your company s business overseas. Export Marketing Research Scheme (EMRS) The EMRS provides independent advice, at no charge, on carrying out marketing research; whether you re looking at new markets or re-evaluating an existing one. In addition companies may be eligible for a grant of up to 50% of the cost of conducting market research. Events and Trade Fairs & the Tradeshow Access Programme Taking part in overseas exhibitions is an effective way for you to test markets, attract customers, appoint agents or distributors and make sales. UKTI s Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) provides grant support for eligible SME firms to attend trade shows overseas. Webinars UKTI Webinars aim to deliver high quality advice and support at no cost to you wherever you happen to be in the office, at home or on the move. Information is provided on specific markets and countries covering topics such as entry to market, legality, opportunities, current climate, socio-economic trends, risks and benefits, competitors and related statistics. For more information about exporting and all of the services that UKTI offer to businesses, visit Have you considered exporting your goods and service online? Although your business may have an established UK market, there s often no reason why it couldn t successfully compete overseas too, growing your revenue and profit. SMEs may think that exporting requires physically setting up overseas, but the e-commerce opportunities are vast. An increasing number of small businesses are turning to the internet and their e-commerce websites to sell their products overseas, bypassing traditional and expensive routes to export. Before you start, you need to have sound knowledge of your would-be markets. You also need to consider whether your products are right for each target market and whether you have the necessary resources to start exporting. A survey by Freelancer.co.uk of 2,200 small businesses in the UK reveals there has been a 42% increase in the number of small businesses selling their products online. Significantly, there has been a 36% rise in the number of small businesses selling their products overseas via their ecommerce sites. The survey found the major costs for start ups and small businesses trading mostly online were for website and e-commerce design and localization services for exporting their products overseas. 42% said that their main investment was in an e-commerce site, while 36% said they invested in localisation services to help them export overseas. Do you want to improve the skills of your workforce? Skills Support for the Workforce is a new fully subsidised programme now available to business in Hart through Enterprise M3. Do you want to improve the skills of your workforce and thereby make both your employees, and your business, more productive and effective? If so, there is a new programme in your area offering fully subsidised skills training to help upskill your workforce. Skills Support for the Workforce is aimed at supporting lesser-skilled individuals so as to improve their career opportunities and their existing skills and knowledge through workbased learning. It is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and co-financed by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) so training is free to both you and your employees What can the scheme offer you? Skills Support for the Workforce offers a range of unitised programmes tailored to meet the needs of you, the employer, to overcome skills gaps and shortages within your workforce. Your training provider will work with you to analyse your business needs and identify training programmes/qualifications specifically for any identified individual employee, to improve their skills and competency, and the training can be delivered in the work place to minimise time off the job. Is my business eligible? You must be a small and medium sized businesses, employing up to 250 employees and be based within the Enterprise M3 area. Anyone aged 19+ years or over, individuals who have no formal qualifications or who have achieved GSCEs at grades D-G, individuals currently employed by a SME based within the Enterprise M3 area, working an average of 8 hours or more per week are eligible for support. For more information To find out more about the Skills Support for the Workforce programme visit Alternatively contact Marian Sexton at Chichester College on (ext 2625) or at marian.sexton@chichester.ac.uk Workplace Wellbeing Charter If you haven t yet signed up to the Hampshire Workplace Wellbeing Charter, what s stopping you? Employers across Hart are being encouraged to improve the health of their staff by applying. In the South East, 4 million working days are lost to workplace ill-health and injury every year. Organisations signing up to the Charter are encouraged to consider issues such as the working environment, work-life balance, healthy living and good communication, which are proven to improve workforce wellbeing and productivity. Hart District Council s Environmental Health team is offering free support, advisory visits and mentoring as part of an initiative to improve employee health and wellbeing. Employers who can demonstrate a commitment to workplace health and wellbeing are also encouraged to apply for Charter status as part of the scheme. The Charter recently won a grant to appoint a workplace advisor who will help employers make workplaces a supportive and productive environment where employees can feel valued and flourish. The Charter has been launched by Eastleigh, Basingstoke, Hart, Rushmoor and Winchester Councils to help support businesses to improve employee health and wellbeing, which in turn is proven to boost productivity, reduce sickness absence and support economic growth. The Hampshire Workplace Wellbeing Charter website, provides businesses with the resources and information to support employee wellbeing, introduce health improvement programmes at work and information on how to apply for Charter status. Businesses within the District of Hart can register their interest or get more information from either visiting the website or contacting Environmental Health on

7 HART FOR BUSINESS Smarta Start-up Loans Smarta Start-up Loans are aimed at new startup companies or those in their first 12 months of trading. The programme provides start-ups with loans based on their business needs, as well as ongoing support through Smarta s mentoring system and access to products and services provided by their corporate partners, including PayPal and ebay. Loans of up to 9,950 can be given, and the average loan size is 5,400. Anybody living in England over the age of 18 at the time of application can apply for a startup loan. Applications can be made at any time. Finance, Loans and Grants 3,000 Manufacturing Advisory Service Grants The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) Scheme has funding available for suitable projects. Grants of up to 50% of the project cost to a maximum of 3,000 are available to support manufacturers improve their business. MAS funding can support the development of ISO 9001 quality management systems, ISO environmental management systems and procurement activities including supplier development and sourcing years old? Start your own business with a loan! Unemployed? Facing redundancy? Leaving education? Fancy a new job? Start up loans are available anything from 500 to 5,000 at a fantastic rate of just 6%, with the option to defer repayments by up to one year. Plus you will benefit from a quality business mentor who will work with you offering help and support. You can use your loan for anything connected to running a business and have up to 5 years to pay the loan back. Loans are available to year olds only who are considering setting up a business or have been trading for up to one year. The start up loans scheme is a government funded initiative, designed to provide financial and expert support to young entrepreneurs in the UK Childcare Business Grants Scheme The new Childcare Business Grants Scheme has been introduced to boost the provision of childcare in England and to incentivise entrepreneurship. The scheme has been funded for one year with a fixed budget of 2 million. Flat rate start-up grants are available of If you want to start a childcare business visit 1,000 Sustainable Routes Grants Sustainable Routes offer a 50% grant (ERDF) of up to 1,000 to established small and medium-sized businesses who are looking to cut travel costs by adopting new ways of working. Businesses have to have been trading more than 12 months and have turnover higher than 40,000. Franchises are not included. Businesses who register can receive a personalised travel efficiency plan and a match funded grant of up to 1,000. Examples of funded projects include laptops for employees to work remotely; server upgrade to support remote working; bicycles, storage and showers to encourage use; LPG conversions. Register online at Grant for Innovation The UK s Technology Strategy Board provide funding for a range of research, development and demonstration projects ranging from small proof-of-concept grants and feasibility studies through to large multi-partner collaborative R&D and demonstration projects. The businesses they support range from pre startup, start-up and early stage micro businesses, to large multi-nationals. For micro and small and medium sized companies the main funding route is via the TSB Smart grants. Smart (previously known as Grant for Research and Development) offers funding to enable SMEs to engage in R&D projects. Any UK SME working in any sector can apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The full range of funding provided by the TSB can be found: Sign up to our new regular Hart for Business e-bulletin. business@hart.gov.uk and stay up to date with all the local business news, advice and events Apprenticeship Grant for Employers Small and medium-sized employers looking to offer apprenticeships in England have been given a boost, as the National Apprenticeship Service has announced an extension to its employment scheme. The Government has confirmed an extension of the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers of year olds (AGE 16-24) to March The 1,500 grant is available to help businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees take on an apprentice. Innovations and Partnerships Film Fund Grants Creative England, the national agency that supports the film, TV, games and digital media industries, is looking for companies who have new and innovative ideas for ways to help the film sector to grow and develop outside London. The fund offers companies the opportunity to work with Creative England on original projects related to the film industry. These could support a wide range of areas from development, production and distribution to business growth, innovation, and inward investment. Grants of between 10,000 and Carbon Trust Entrepreneur Fast Track Grants The Carbon Trust provides specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions. The Fast Track Programme, which brings together the Carbon Trusts Applied Research Programme and its Business Incubation schemes aims to support the most commercially viable and innovative carbon saving technologies. Under this programme, the Carbon Trust will offer a customised 25k Materials Science Venture competition The Materials Science Venture Prize is an annual competition provided by the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers. The aim of the programme is to reward and celebrate the best in the field of materials science. The contest will offer a 25,000 first prize to help the winning entrant commercialise and exploit innovative early- Eligible employers can claim the grant for up to ten apprentices. 50,000 per project are available. Applications can be made at any time. portfolio/film/#innovations package of support to companies and organisations that may include research and development grants up to 500,000, expert commercialisation advice (up to a value of 70,000), investor and business network opportunities. Applications to the programme can be made at any time. stage research. The competition is open to all UK-based materials scientists, whether they are linked to a major university department or private business. Interested scientists are asked to submit an entry form and a business plan outlining their idea. The competition deadline is 15 March Fredericks Foundation Loans The Fredericks Foundation will consider clients for a loan and business support if they can demonstrate that they have made a genuine application for funds to their bank or a mainstream lender and have been turned down. The business can be at any stage including start-up, needing capital to expand, or funds to bridge a gap. The client could be a sole trader, in a partnership or have a limited company. The maximum loan for start-up businesses is 10,000, though the average loan is less than 5,000. For established businesses with a financial track record the maximum loan is 20,000. Loans are not available to support training. Enter the Dragon s Den If you ve got a great business idea to put to the Den s venture capitalists, applications are now open. The TV show sees entrepreneurs and inventors from around the country pitch investment ready ideas to some of the UK s top business leaders. Whether you are operating a successful business and want to take it to the next level, a small start-up operation with big dreams, or if you have a lucrative business idea but are looking for the ideal partner to take you in the right direction, then it s time to enter the Den. features/dd-apply 2275 Youth Unemployment Wage Incentive Until April 2015 employers are able to take advantage of 160,000 wage incentives. These are worth up to 2,275 each where they employ an eligible 18 to 24 year old through Jobcentre Plus or from the Work Programme. In addition, a wage incentive scheme is available to employers who recruit a young disabled person from Work Choice a specialist disability employment programme that provides tailored support to help disabled people who have the most complex support needs. Contact Jobcentre Plus for further information, advice on the eligibility conditions and support to identify the right person via