Supporting Your Business in Nottingham

Transcription

1 ing Your Business in Nottingham

2 ing Your Business in Nottingham At a glance Nottingham gives you more I want to I want to Develop my Business Nottingham is a city with innovation running through its core. Over the past few years, we ve seen the story of the city evolve as new industries have emerged in sectors such as lifesciences, clean tech and digital media. Your business is a part of that story. 11 key reasons why Nottingham gives you more A recent wave of good news stories confirms that the city is on the upswing: Over 750 million being invested in the city s infrastructure 150 million Broadmarsh development deal 51 million of new business finance available 5 million secured to kick-start the Medipark/ Enterprise Zone scheme Nottingham is now the number one target for graduate employers We don t want to stop there. Nottingham has the potential to be a great 21st century hub of creative, connected, cost-competitive businesses making their mark on the international stage. A suite of products and services to help support your journey as a company, from first start-up to expansion and export, can be found in these pages. Whatever you want to do, from recruiting and training to accessing finance or Council services, we can help. Nottingham is a city that s all about action growing, joining, developing. Find out more at: Councillor Nick McDonald Portfolio Holder for Jobs and Growth Nottingham s Creative Quarter* 6 Creative Quarter Technology Infrastructure Grant* 7 Creative Quarter New Business Rates Relief Scheme* 8 Creative Quarter Loan Fund* 9 Enact Investment Fund 10 Nottingham Enterprise Zone* 12 Enterprise Finance Guarantee 14 Research & Development Tax Credits 15 Circle 16 Growing Places Fund - D2N2 17 Small Loans for Business 18 Business Start-up Loans 19 Regional Growth Fund (RGF) 20 Unlocking Investment for Growth - D2N2 21 Nottingham Investment Fund* 22 Nottingham Technology Grant Fund* 24 Vacant Shops Grant Scheme* 26 inet - Food and Drink 40 inet - Transport 41 inet - Healthcare and Bioscience 42 The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) 43 Growth 100 Programme* 44 Growth Accelerator 45 Invest in Nottingham Club* 46 Next Business Generation* 47 Get Ready For Business 48 Creative Futures* 49 Business Mentoring for the Visitor Economy 50 Grow Your Business Programme 51 Business Networks 52 I want to Break into New Markets Overseas Trade with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) 56 Enterprise Europe Network 58 Export Britain 59 Company formations in Nottingham reached a record high in 2013 Nottingham among the top 10 cities to create the most jobs since % increase in Grade A office deals in house builds completed Number of Apprenticeships created in Nottingham 23% above the national average 9000 jobs created in the private sector in 2013 Nottingham is the bellwether of the UK economy Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England I want to Recruit & Train Apprenticeship Hub* 30 Employer Hub* 31 Nottingham Jobs Fund* 32 Ingenus 33 Enable - ESF Work Place Learning Contract 34 WNC - Skills for the Workforce 35 Subsidised Graduate Placements - Nottingham Trent University 36 Graduate Placements - The University of Nottingham 37 I want to Invest in Nottingham Invest in Nottingham* 62 I want to Access Council Services Planning 66 Business Rates 67 Property Plus 68 Transport 69 Licences and Permits 70 *Operated by or in partnership with Nottingham City Council

3 The Time Is Now. With 51 million of business fi nance through our programmes currently available in the city, there s never been a better time to make your mark in Nottingham. Access to business fi nance in the city starts here. I want to

4 I want to Nottingham s Creative Quarter Where innovation takes centre stage The Creative Quarter (CQ) is a hub of start-up business and independent retail and is home to clusters of technology-based companies in Nottingham s growth sectors of life sciences and digital content. It offers a supportive ecosystem of business with access to events, networks, an information hub and access to funding. The Creative Quarter builds on the city s history of linking design, innovation and commerce with the fast-changing global world of the 21st century. Map courtesy of 6 City Centre Boundary Creative Quarter ing Your Business in Nottingham Creative Quarter Technology Infrastructure Grant Two-tier voucher and grants scheme to improve internet connectivity Up to 3,000 for vouchers. Technology grants will depend on business needs Creative Quarter, or for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that provide significant strategic support to the Creative Quarter initiative Until end of 2015 The scheme is for Creative Quarter SMEs within creative, life sciences, and clean technologies sectors. This will provide vouchers for businesses to enhance their connectivity, and grants to help businesses to upgrade their office networks in order maximise the opportunities offered through this improved connectivity. Connectivity vouchers will provide a maximum of 3k per connection (vouchers may be aggregated for multi tenanted business properties). The aim of the scheme is to underpin SME growth in the Creative Quarter by ensuring businesses have access to the quality of connectivity that they need to support business growth. Technology grants will be assessed following a technical evaluation, which will be funded by the project, of the requirements of each applicant. ing Your Business in Nottingham John Connelly john.connelly@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 7

5 I want to Creative Quarter New Business Rates Relief Scheme Business rate relief Up to 100% rate relief for companies in properties eligible for rate relief with a rateable value of up to 18,000 Creative Quarter (Lace Market, Hockley, Sneinton Market and the Island Site) 12 months from the point of application Under the Government s Small Business Rate Relief Scheme for England, businesses are already eligible for rate relief if they occupy one property with a rateable value of below 12,000. To supplement this and provide additional support for businesses, Nottingham City Council has also established a pilot business rate relief initiative within the Creative Quarter. The Creative Quarter New Business Rate Relief Scheme will extend the existing national Small Business Rate Relief to 100% for start-up or existing businesses relocating to properties in the Creative Quarter from outside of the Nottingham City boundary with rateable values of up to 18,000. Applicants will need to evidence that they will locate in the Creative Quarter for at least 12 months. 8 Kathy McArdle, Creative Quarter Company kathy@creativequarter.com ing Your Business in Nottingham Creative Quarter Loan Fund Loan funding 500 to 25,000 Creative Quarter (Lace Market, Hockley, Sneinton Market and the Island Site) The Creative Quarter Loan Fund provides loans from 500 to 25,000 at a preferential interest rate of 6% and a 2% arrangement fee to new start-ups and existing businesses based within the Creative Quarter. These are repaid over a period of up to five years. The loans can be used to: Secure services Purchase equipment Meet a shortfall in funding for specific new projects Applicants must be able to contribute a minimum of 30% of the value of the loan. The 1 million Fund is managed by First Enterprise Business Agency on behalf of Nottingham City Council and will be available over the next five to ten years. ing Your Business in Nottingham Loans are available for businesses currently located in or relocating to Nottingham s Creative Quarter. This encompasses the Lace Market and Hockley, as well as Sneinton Market and the Island Site. Neil Millington, First Enterprise Business Agency nmillington@first-enterprise.co.uk 9

6 I want to Enact Investment Fund Equity investment 250,000 to 2 million Nationwide The Enact Investment Fund specifically targets small and medium-sized companies. The Fund has a total investment pot of 10 million available. Individual equity investments will range from 250,000 to 2 million. Typical Enact equity investments are three to five years in length. Enact will leverage the combined expertise of its investor base, comprising successful UK entrepreneurs and professionals, with experience from industry sectors such as retail, manufacturing, distribution and financial services. Enact also operates an advisory board, providing additional perspective and skills to the Enact Investment team. The board will offer a cross section of financial, operational and advisory expertise as well as corporate governance. 10 Established UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may apply. Businesses may be operating in any sector other than leasing, legal services, property development, hotels, nursing homes and insurance. Enact s investment strategy is to invest in companies that have a robust business model, but are facing cash flow constraints, strategic or operational issues. Endless LLP info@enactfund.co.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham 11

7 I want to Nottingham Enterprise Zone Government-designated Enterprise Zones are sites that have been set up to promote clusters of like-minded business in a setting with an unique package of business benefits. Relocation support, reduced business rates and simplified planning process Variable Selected sites in and around Nottingham Building on the city s heritage of innovation, the four sites that comprise the Nottingham Enterprise Zone are uniquely located, in a centrally connected position that sits at the heart of both knowledge and transport networks. Comprising Boots Enterprise Zone, MediPark, Nottingham Science Park and Beeston Business Park, each site has a particular focus enhanced by its connections. The sites aim to promote business growth among a range of the city s existing strengths healthcare, life sciences, low carbon technologies and ICT. 12 A range of space, from large-scale brown field sites to managed office complexes, development land and manufacturing space is available. In addition, businesses locating to one of the Enterprise Zone sites will benefit from: Reduced business bates for eligible projects of up to 275,000 over five years Simplified planning process to ensure your project is delivered quickly Superfast broadband connectivity keeping your business ahead of the game Existing units to development sites Free and confidential support from the Invest in Nottingham team to help you through the process of locating on Nottingham Enterprise Zone Lorraine Baggs 44(0) lorraine@investinnottingham.co.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham 13

8 I want to Enterprise Finance Guarantee Loans, refinancing, overdraft conversions, various finance guarantees. 1,000 to 1million for Small businesses in the UK with an annual turnover of up to 41 million Nationwide The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) is a government loan guarantee scheme to facilitate lending to viable businesses that have been turned down for a normal commercial loan due to a lack of security or a proven track record. In instances such as this, EFG may be an option, but will only be considered when the lender is satisfied your business can afford the loan repayments. This will have been determined by the lender during the original loan application. 14 Loan application is through the business banks credit sanctioning process. Via your business bank contact only ing Your Business in Nottingham Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credits Relief for Corporation Tax Tax relief on allowable R&D costs incurred, at 130% (large companies) and 225% for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Nationwide If your company has invested in innovation, improving or developing a process, service or product it may be eligible for a tax relief called R&D Tax Relief. Research and Development (R&D) Relief is a scheme for companies liable for Corporation Tax that may reduce your company or organisation s tax bill. Alternatively, if your company or organisation is small or medium-sized, you may be able to choose to receive a tax credit instead, by way of a cash sum paid by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). You can claim this by completing your tax return. ing Your Business in Nottingham CT Operations Nottingham and Lincoln Office contact only 15

9 I want to Circle Loan Various Nationwide Circle is an online marketplace to help businesses find loans quickly and investors get better returns. They directly connect people who want to invest money with vetted, established businesses who want to borrow money they seek to eliminate the cost and complexity of accessing finance. 16 online only contact only contact only ing Your Business in Nottingham Growing Places Fund - D2N2 Grants for feasibility studies Maximum of 40,000 Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire on a first come first served basis The D2N2 Growing Places Fund aims to kick start stalled job creating developments through rapid investments in local infrastructure and tackling site constraints. It currently offers a limited revenue grant fund to support feasibilty studies that can accelerate the delivery of major capital schemes that create employment and drive economic growth. This is for projects which can realistically start within two years from the date of application. The Local Enterprise Partnership will fund up to 50% of the costs of feasibility work, with the applicant expected to source or directly provide the remaining amount. ing Your Business in Nottingham Alison Simpson alison.simpson@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 17

10 I want to Small Loans for Business Loan funding 3,000 to 50,000 East Midlands Small Loans for Business provides business loans to individuals, aiming to support good business ideas that could be difficult to fund through other means. Loans can be used to: Secure services Purchase equipment Meet a shortfall in funding for specific projects Loans of 3,000 to 50,000 can be borrowed over a period of between one and five years to turn new ideas into a new business or grow an existing business. Applicants must be able to contribute a minimum of 30% of the value of the loan. An arrangement fee of 2% and security fees are payable. Typical APR is 11.5% to 14.5%. Neil Millington, First Enterprise Business Agency nmillington@first-enterprise.co.uk Business Start-up Loans Start-up Loans Loan up to 5000 East Midlands 18 + years If you are raising finance to launch your business venture then a start-up loan may be just what you need. NBV is pleased to announce that it now offers start-up Loans in partnership with Virgin StartUp and business support to entrepreneurs to help start their business. NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd enquiries@nbv.co.uk Access Council Services Recruit & Train Develop My Business Break into New Markets Invest in Nottingham 18 ing Your Business in Nottingham ing Your Business in Nottingham 19 Access Council Services

11 I want to Regional Growth Fund (RGF) A fund targeted at providing support for larger businesses Grants at a minimum bid threshold of 1 million Nationwide Round 6 to be launched summer 2014 The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is a 3.2 billion fund, helping large companies throughout England to create jobs. This supports projects and programmes that are using private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment. RGF a competitive fund aimed at large businesses. Project bids will be judged on how well they create sustainable jobs and will be assessed against five criteria: Project location Additionality Sustainable private sector growth Value for money State Aid compliance 20 Department for Business Innovation and Skills growthfund@bis.gsi.gov.uk. ing Your Business in Nottingham Unlocking Investment for Growth - D2N2 Grant funding 50,000 to 500,000 D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership area (Derby City, Derbyshire, Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire) Until 30 December 2014 The Unlocking Investment for Growth (UI4G) programme aims to stimulate direct investment and job creation within the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area. UI4G provides businesses with up to 25% grant funding in support of capital investment projects where they are unable to raise the necessary finance to purchase fixed assets. The programme is open to existing businesses within the LEP area and whilst focused on six priority sectors applications from all sectors that can demonstrate the creation of long term sustainable jobs will be considered. The fund is managed by East Midlands Business Limited on behalf of the LEP. ing Your Business in Nottingham East Midlands Business UI4G@embltd.co.uk 21

12 I want to Nottingham Investment Fund Equity investment funding 100,000 to 2 million Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Investment period up to 2018 The Nottingham Investment Fund is a 40 million equity investment fund designed to support high growth businesses in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. The fund is managed by Foresight Group on behalf of Nottingham City Council and is making first investments of up to 2m in a portfolio of early stage and established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the aim of delivering a commercial return for investors. The fund will have a generalist mandate and will invest across all sectors, targeting the most promising high growth businesses. To secure good commercial returns, investments will principally be made in established high growth companies that have clearly demonstrated market traction for their products or services and which are profitable. However, early stage investments will also be made. 22 The fund will look for experienced management teams, attractive market characteristics and a defensible competitive advantage. The fund will invest only in opportunities where there is a realistic prospect of good commercial returns and a credible route to exit within five years of the initial investment. Helen Wood, Office Manager, Foresight Group hwood@foresightgroup.eu ing Your Business in Nottingham Launched in November 2013, the Nottingham Investment Fund promises 40m of business finance for the city. Its first investment of 1.75m went to Positive Outcomes Ltd, a work-based learning business set up in 1997 that is relocating to the Creative Quarter. The Fund helped support a management buy out of the company and provided significant development capital to drive growth and job creation. Chris Longmate, CEO, commented: I am confident that we have found the right partner and we have the right structure in place to deliver the future growth plans for our business. We look forward to our relocation to Nottingham and to a profitable partnership. 23

13 I want to Nottingham Technology Grant Fund Grant funding 20,000 to 1 million Nottingham Core City area (Nottingham City, Broxtowe, Gedling, Rushcliffe and Hucknall) Until 30 September 2014 The Nottingham Technology Grant Fund (N Tech) is designed to support business growth and job creation within Nottingham s three priority sectors (digital content, life sciences and clean technologies). The programme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located within the Nottingham Core City area and provides grants of between 20,000 and 1m. is available for: The exploitation of intellectual property The development of new technologies Capital investment in infrastructure 24 Lewis Stringer, Nottingham City Council lewis.stringer@nottinghamcity.gov.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham Manufacturers of a revolutionary lowcarbon modular wall panel technology, Sym-Wall Building Technologies were awarded a 75,000 N Tech fund grant to bring their products to the brink of market entry. Director Geoff Symonds said: When we considered where we would establish Sym-Wall, I examined several locations, in the UK and overseas, but Nottingham s engineering experience and infrastructure made it a sound choice. I also found Nottingham City Council very supportive. My initiative is global in character and I have a firm and aggressive plan to set up local manufacturing operations in different targeted regions of the world over the next three years. 25

14 I want to Vacant Shops Grant Scheme Grant funding 50% of project costs up to a maximum of 5,000 Nottingham City Centre Until funding is fully allocated The Vacant Shops Grant Scheme is a new initiative from Nottingham City Council that offers grant funding to the owners of vacant city centre property to help them bring vacant shops back into use. The scheme aims to enable the use of vacant units by small and start-up businesses and encourage the temporary use of the property whilst it remains on the market. The scheme provides a maximum of 50% towards the total cost of the project in the form of grants up to a maximum of 5, Elizabeth Cooper, Nottingham City Council elizabeth.cooper@nottinghamcity.gov.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham Did you know the Vacant Shops Grant Scheme is one of a series of initiatives designed to help independent and specialist retailers to flourish in the city. Other schemes include Indie City Nottingham, a network of small retailers, and Hockley Rocks, an event programme breathing life back into the city s small shopping hubs. 27

15 Powered by our people. A 1.1 million highly skilled workforce to satisfy demand. We can support you to recruit the best for your business. I want to Recruit & Train

16 I want to Recruit & Train Apprenticeship Hub Employer Hub Employment support 1,500, depending upon employer s circumstances Nottingham City The Apprenticeship Hub can offer employers a bespoke package of support, including: Identifying the best Apprenticeship framework to ensure your apprentice develops the skills you need ing with the recruitment and selection of your apprentice Providing access to our pool of apprenticeship ready candidates Promoting vacancies with key partners, including Jobcentre Plus Identifying the best organisation to deliver the training element of the apprenticeship. Post-appointment support Accessing any financial support for which you may be eligible Assistance with premises, via the Invest in Nottingham team 30 In addition, the Apprenticeship Hub also works with local stakeholders to raise awareness of Apprenticeships to young people and their parents, whilst supporting young people to develop the relevant skills needed to meet the demands of an Apprenticeship. Nottingham Apprenticeship Hub, Nottingham City Council apprenticeship.hub@nottinghamcity.gov.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham Employment & Recruitment Services Limited funding available for training and recruitment costs Nottingham City The Employer Hub is a specialist service that gives employers a single point of contact to match their recruitment needs. The Hub is designed for all businesses large or small, established or new that need to fill jobs in Nottingham. This service brings together the resources and expertise of a unique network of partners and specialist training providers to offer a tailor made package of support. This includes a dedicated account manager and one-stop approach to all recruitment needs. The Employer Hub provides a centralised web resource that advertises vacancies to all active jobseekers in Nottingham and can source suitable interview facilities if required. It can also help to sift or pre-screen candidates. The Hub also works closely with employers to design bespoke training packages, ensuring that potential employees have an understanding of the sector they hope to work in. This includes preparing them for the recruitment process and providing a bridge to the employer s induction process. Courses range from one day to several weeks. ing Your Business in Nottingham Employer Hub, Nottingham City Council employerhub@nottinghamcity.gov.uk 31

17 I want to Recruit & Train Nottingham Jobs Fund Ingeus Employment support Maximum 4900 per placement Nottingham City Until December 2014 The Nottingham Jobs Fund is an employment service created by Nottingham City Council to assist businesses to recruit staff. The Nottingham Jobs Fund can: Contribute up to 50% towards the salary for every unemployed person a company takes on for one year in a newly created position Help in recruiting suitable candidates employers and employees throughout the duration of the placement 32 Bernie Yorston, Nottingham City Council bernie.yorston@nottinghamcity.gov.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham Training, recruitment, development and Apprenticeships Non-financial support, skills and training Nottingham City, Nottinghamshire Ingeus are working in partnership with the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver fully-funded, high-impact, bespoke skills training and accredited qualifications to SMEs in the Nottinghamshire region. Ingeus has over 16 years experience delivering Apprenticeships and training in the UK, and is one of the leading providers of government-funded services that connect employers with people looking for work. They have enabled thousands of individuals to improve their capabilities and thousands of businesses to increase productivity through upskilling their workforce. Their range of recruitment and training services mean that businesses are free to focus on making their business work. This is cost-free because they are funded by the Government to connect businesses with people looking for work and training. ing Your Business in Nottingham The Ingeus Team training@ingeus.co.uk 33

18 I want to Recruit & Train Enable ESF Work Place Learning Contract WNC Skills for the Workforce Training and development Non-financial support East Midlands Open to entry up to October 2014 for completion by July 2015 Enable has secured European Social to help businesses from all sectors improve the skills and performance of employees through the delivery of work place learning. This programme is for employed staff, working eight hours or more per week, over 19 years old and that have no qualifications or are qualified below level 2. the programme offers them qualifications relevant to their employer s current and future business needs. The provision available following an initial assessment will be the delivery of functional skills and vocational certificates (previously known as NVQs). Typically learners will be on the programme for between three and nine months. This includes: Functional Skills (Maths and English) Qualifications (organisations with employees) L1 Certificate Qualifications (organisations with employees) 34 L2 Certificate Qualifications (organisations with employees) L3 Certificate Qualifications (19-24 year olds employed in SMEs employees) The aim of the learning is to increase the contribution each employee makes to the success of your organisation and to improve their employment status. The support is available to all employed staff that are located in the East Midlands region or who themselves reside in the East Midlands. Jeff Roots at Enable jeff@enable.uk.net ing Your Business in Nottingham Training and development Fully funded training, up to level 4. SME businesses (up to 250 employees) based in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire Until July 2015 Skills support for the workforce is a fully funded programme that will help improve the skills of employees in small or medium-sized businesses. This is an opportunity for employers to plug their skills gap at no extra cost. Training can be tailored to meet the needs of the employer and cover a wide range of training needs. An initial consultative meeting is required and completely free of charge to understand and scope the employer needs. The benefits to employers are: Improve the skills of existing workforce Increase staff retention and loyalty Enhanced productivity and effectiveness s future objectives and sustainability Flexible delivery on your premises, off site or online to suit business demands Funded training save money on your training budget ing Your Business in Nottingham Louise Morton at Vision West Nottinghamshire College ext louise.morton@wnc.ac.uk 35

19 I want to Recruit & Train Subsidised Graduate Placements Nottingham Trent University Graduate Placements The University of Nottingham Financial contributions for graduate placements Various savings on the first year salary cost of employing a graduate East Midlands Until 30th June 2015 Nottingham Trent University (NTU) currently has two programmes, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), designed to support SMEs who wish to employ a graduate. Future Factory offers support to SMEs in the East Midlands looking to improve their environmental sustainability. This option could help you to improve the efficiency and sustainability of your processes, market a new or sustainable product range, develop and integrate new systems and procedures and many other things, depending on your company s needs. The working with you project is designed to enhance NTU s relationships with SMEs in the East Midlands. The graduate placement scheme is aimed at helping small businesses to employ a graduate to take on a lasting role that has been developed to support their business growth. Both schemes offer subsidised graduate placements to help you access new talent, grow your team and train someone to fit your business. 36 NTU Employability Business Development Team talent@ntu.ac.uk Placement of graduates, undergraduates and postgraduates in business Placements are subsidised. There are also a small number of grants available to SMEs looking to recruit an undergraduate on a summer placement, available on a first come first served basis Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire Until 2015 Postgraduates: Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have the opportunity to access one or two postgraduates over the lifetime of the programme, working for up to 200 hours each on a strategic business project. The postgraduates involved receive a training allowance of 10 per hour. With the programme being subsidised companies only have to make a contribution to the costs of 3.35 per hour (plus VAT). The University will advertise placements throughout the year in response to the businesses needs. Graduates and Undergraduates: Your business can be assisted to recruit undergraduates or graduates from four weeks to twelve months. You can either choose a package to advertise only, where your vacancy is advertised free of charge via The University of Nottingham s vacancy service, or a full recruitment package, which includes: Full payroll service Advice and guidance on writing an internship project brief Free targeted internship campaigns Initial screening of candidates Assistance with interview organisation Onsite visit evaluation with host and intern Postgraduates Graduates and Undergraduates Kerry Wright Careers and Employability Service kerry.wright@nottingham.ac.uk internships@nottingham.ac.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham ing Your Business in Nottingham 37

20 Get connected. Our knowledge, our sectors, your business. Feel the benefi t of being linked to a wealth of business development opportunities. I want to Develop my Business Recruit & Train Develop My Business Break into New Markets Invest in Nottingham Access Council Services

21 I want to Develop my Business inet Food and Drink inet Transport for food and drink businesses to stimulate innovation in the food and drink industry to increase competitiveness, sustainability and business growth Grants are available for companies to bring in external expertise for innovation, made on a matchfunded basis East Midlands The Food and Drink inet can help food and drink Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with innovation advice and guidance subsidised support. Their service includes free one-to-one support for businesses in the food and drink sector, impartial advice and guidance on how to grow through innovation and signposting firms to relevant information, expertise and guidance. Their innovation advisers work with individual SMEs to offer tailored advice and guidance to help businesses find their route to growth. Through their strong network of industry and academic contacts they can also identify external sources of expertise that companies may call on to help them bring their ideas to life. The Food and Drink inet s collaborative research and development project provides funding and support to East Midlands universities to help them work in collaboration with food and drink 40 businesses on research projects that benefit the food and drink industry. The inet is the vital link between the universities and industry. Part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Food and Drink inet is managed by a consortium, led by The Food and Drink Forum and including; Nottingham Trent University, the University of Lincoln and The University of Nottingham. It is based at Southglade Food Park, Nottingham, with Advisers covering the East Midlands region. Innovation Advisers info@foodanddrink-inet.org.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham for transport sector businesses, universities and individuals to develop and commercialise new technologies, processes, products and services Transport inet is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and has an allocation of grant funding which is used to help eligible SMEs achieve some of their innovation aspirations East Midlands The Transport inet have a team of specialist innovation advisers to work with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) to help ensure their innovation is successful. This service is free. Innovation advisers can guide and assist you towards accessing their funding through a relatively straightforward application process. This can be used to offset some of the external costs incurred in order to make your innovation happen. If you need some design work, consultancy, testing, prototyping, or perhaps some specialist equipment then this funding could help to improve the quality and speed of your innovation project. ing Your Business in Nottingham They actively encourage collaboration between East Midlands based universities and SMEs and have strong networks into all the universities to help your company to find suitable university contacts for your innovation needs. They also provide funding on a call basis to encourage significant collaborative projects between universities and industry. The Transport inet recognise that companies don t always have the time or resources to fully investigate the viability of their innovation ideas. To address this, their internal researcher is able to provide up to two days of time spent on general research activities. Innovation advisers info@transport-inet.org.uk 41

22 I want to Develop my Business inet Healthcare and Bioscience The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) for businesses, universities and individuals to develop and commercialise new technologies, processes, products and services They provide help identifying external sources of funding as well as managing a grant fund to which eligible organisations can apply for support for innovation projects East Midlands The Healthcare and Bioscience inet is an innovation support project delivered by Medilink East Midlands and part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is an impartial, confidential and free service to support businesses, universities and individuals to develop and commercialise new technologies, processes, products and services. The inet s sector specialist adviser helps innovators to anticipate and define issues relating to their innovation projects and to develop strategies to address them. Through its sector knowledge and network, the inet team can help innovators meet potential collaborators, suppliers and other support organisations. 42 The inet broadens horizons by exposing innovators to new opportunities. It helps create links between relevant people and supports activities that raise innovators profiles. Medilink East Midlands info@medilinkem.com ing Your Business in Nottingham The Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) provides a national service delivered locally by experienced advisers, to help manufacturing business grow Match funding of up to 300 per day to access high quality expertise to help drive manufacturing business forward Available nationwide MAS can help in creating clear business and product strategies that are built on a sound understanding of your current situation and future opportunities. To succeed in today s global market you need to be constantly thinking how can we do things differently? How can we do things better? MAS will help you generate and realise new ideas, identify new market opportunities, consider new materials, products and processes and develop new business models. MAS works with you to identify the obstacles that are limiting the performance of your business. We have the tools to reduce your waste and transform your efficiency and profitability. This is often referred to as lean manufacturing. ing Your Business in Nottingham In response to competitive pressures, major manufacturers are buying an increasing quantity of goods from external suppliers. If you are a small or medium sized, growing manufacturer, MAS can help you maximise this opportunity. Our advisors have extensive experience in this area. They will look at supply chains from your company s perspective. This will ensure that you maximise the potential and avoid the pitfalls. Phil Houlton MAS Advisor Nottingham phil.houlton@mymas.org 43

23 I want to Develop my Business Growth 100 Programme Growth Accelerator Business support and development Non-financial support Nottingham City The programme will be delivered in three nine month cohorts starting in April 2013, January 2014 and September 2014 The Growth 100 programme has been developed to help local businesses reach their full potential, enabling job creation and growth. The programme, which is delivered by The University of Nottingham Business School, is part of the Nottingham Growth Plan and funded by Nottingham City Council and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It provides tailored intensive support to business owners to enable them to develop themselves, their business and develop a robust business growth plan to direct their strategy for expansion. Growth 100 provides high quality, practically focused business and management education, delivered over a number of sessions. The focus is on developing the practical skills and knowledge that business leaders require to grow and achieve their ambitions for their business Sessions are run by a combination of academic experts, business specialists and local entrepreneurs. 44 Alison Simpson, Nottingham City Council alison.simpson@nottinghamcity.gov.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham Tailored advice and support to fast-growing businesses including coaching, connectivity, workshops and leadership training. There is a subsidised cost for this support A leadership and management grant is available to eligible companies of up to 2,000 per individual for training Available nationwide. Companies must be registered in the UK and based in England, have fewer than 250 employees and have a turnover of less than 40m to be eligible GrowthAccelerator exclusively targets high growth businesses who want to enter the next phase of growth and have the potential and determination to get there. Through GrowthAccelerator businesses find new connections, new routes to investment and the new ideas and strategy they ll need for their business to achieve its full potential. A partnership between leading private sector business growth experts, Grant Thornton, Pera, Oxford Innovation and Winning Pitch and backed by Government, GrowthAccelerator gets to the heart of the barriers that are holding businesses back; helping identify the critical steps needed to take to achieve the next phase of growth rapidly and sustainably. ing Your Business in Nottingham GrowthAccelerator gives businesses the framework to: Build a successful growth strategy Discover new routes to funding and investment Unlock your capacity for innovation Build on the power of your people and Unite and inspire your leadership team Coral Willcox, Growth Manager, GrowthAccelerator coral.willcox@growthaccelerator.com 45

24 I want to Develop my Business Invest in Nottingham Club Next Business Generation Business development and networking Nottingham City The Invest in Nottingham Club is a private-sector led organisation that works closely with the Invest in Nottingham team at Nottingham City Council, to provide guidance and help to new investors and raise the profile of the city internationally. By coming together, pooling energy and taking action, the Invest in Nottingham Club is realising the amazing business potential of the city. A strategy of collaboration benefits the wider business community in the area and mobilises the city s most powerful decision makers to champion the location and attract new investment, acting as a catalyst for growth. 46 Natalie Williams natalie@investinnottinghamclub.com ing Your Business in Nottingham Business accelerator programme (with free office space) for start up businesses in the digital, clean tech and life sciences sectors Non-financial support Nottingham city Next Business Generation supports quality startups with high growth potential in the clean tech, digital and life sciences sectors. BioCity is the lead delivery organisation for the programme. The strategic partners are Nottingham Clean Tech Centre and Antenna. The programme aims to interact with businesses from an early stage in their idea formation and to provide them with intensive support delivered across three key areas of activity: Spark: a series of events building on the entrepreneurial culture locally to increase the likelihood of technologies finding applications, entrepreneurs finding ideas/ technologies to work on, cross over of technologies for new applications and more. Develop: designed to test business assumptions prior to launch. The most viable opportunities are then accelerated towards launch through regular exposure to investors, large corporates and customers as well as guidance on the technology, product and business plan development. Free office space and use of facilities is provided. ing Your Business in Nottingham Launch: building on the previous activities, Launch is a four week accelerator programme to help hone business plans and prepare businesses to pitch for finance and/or management. This culminates in a pitch day to a room full of investors. BioCity a.turnbull@biocity.co.uk nextbusinessgeneration.com 47

25 I want to Develop my Business Get Ready For Business Creative Futures Business start-up support and free 1 day start-up seminars Grant and loan funding subject to area and eligibility criterias East Midlands Current NBV is a not for profit organisation with over 30 years of experience in providing business advice and training. We proudly deliver a number of services designed to help you understand the different areas you need to consider when setting up your business. For pre-start businesses: FREE* personalised consultation FREE* business development support sessions FREE* business master classes FREE* three months virtual office (from business start date) Also includes if appropriate: Investment readiness support Referral to lending organisation to pitch to lenders 48 NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd enquiries@nbv.co.uk ing Your Business in Nottingham Business mentoring and support for creative individuals and enterprises in Nottingham. Project partners include Nottingham City Council, NBV Enterprise Solutions and New Art Exchange Non financial support Nottingham The project aims to officially launch in April 2014 and continue through to December 2015 The Creative Futures project will provide specialist business support to creative entrepreneurs in Nottingham. The project aims to help creative businesses start-up and grow through providing a range of services, including: Creative business start-up planning Creative business ideas exploration support Business planning support and master classes One to one business mentoring on starting up One to one business mentoring on growing new business activities Grant and loan funding advice and guidance Investment readiness support Referral to investors Opportunity to apply to Creative Futures business grant fund ing Your Business in Nottingham Programme of specialist creative sector-focused events, focused on for example; developing creative product / market testing / creating successful networks Opportunity to apply to New Art Exchange s ExperiMentor programme for creative entrepreneurs, and receive a dedicated mentor and transformational personal business development support Specialist, targeted support will be delivered by highly skilled and experienced business professionals from the creative sector. The project ultimately seeks to create jobs for local people, promoting economic growth in Nottingham by increasing the level of enterprise and creating and growing businesses in city s creative sector. NBV Enterprise Solutions enquiries@nbv.co.uk 49

26 I want to Develop my Business Business Mentoring for the Visitor Economy Grow Your Business Programme Develop the skills of your business to benefit from Nottingham s focus on hosting national events Non financial support Nottingham City Until July 2015 or resources fully committed The Nottingham Event Team work with Nottingham businesses to attract major events with a significant economic benefit to the city. Business mentoring is available up to 12 hours per SME business, to support improving business performance in the area of need including customer care, raising profile, business development, communications and marketing. This can take the form of attendance at workshops or one to one mentoring, depending on preference. The project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund competitiveness programme. 50 Nottingham Event Team conferences@experiencenottinghamshire.com events.experiencenottinghamshire.com ing Your Business in Nottingham Business support to established businesses Grant and loan funding subject to area and eligibility criteria s East Midlands Programme is free to subsidised areas until April 2014 (subject to area & eligibility) and 580 +VAT to unsubsidised areas Business owners or managers often need mentoring for on-going objective assistance for example in managing rapid periods of growth, spot opportunities in order to grow the business or to restructure. This plan is the perfect fit for business owners or managers to receive the benefits of mentoring and improved leadership management skills. A Mentor is someone who has extensive business experience or is an expert in a particular business area such as finance or marketing. ing Your Business in Nottingham For Established Businesses Personalised business needs assessment Mentoring/coaching (3x2 hours of one-to-one support) Business master classes (up to 1x6 hours) Access to the peer to peer networking forum Grant funding (subject to area & eligibility) One advert placement in the NBV e-magazine. This programme lasts six months from purchase. NBV Enterprise Solutions Ltd enquiries@nbv.co.uk 51

27 I want to Develop my Business Business Networks Network site Meetings Focus Brief Details Derby and Nottingham Chamber of Commerce Nottingham Networking, events, representation, international trade, support services BNI Nottingham Referral based networking ing Your Business in Nottingham With a membership base of more than 3,200 businesses and 8,400 affiliates Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice for business in the East Midlands. They offer a variety of support from international trade, business support, networking and events and support services to business. BNI run weekly breakfast events where chapter members share referrals and proactively promote members businesses. Nott Tuesday N/A N/A Nottingham Informal networking Getting Nottingham s tech scene together on the second Tuesday of every month. Nott Tuesday is for internet start-up founders, entrepreneurs whether developers or business people, and technologists. It is a free social networking event which warmly welcomes new attendees and is held on the second Tuesday of every month. Second Wednesday N/A N/A org.uk Creative Greenhouse info@creativegreenhouse.org.uk org.uk Nottingham Network Club info@nottinghamnetworkgroup. co.uk group.co.uk 4 Networking N/A group/nottingham The Business Network peter@business-network.co.uk Nottingham Informal networking Second Wednesday is a gathering of people from (or wanting to get into) the web and related creative industries. They meet every second Wednesday. Nottingham Broxtowe Nottingham Nottingham Creative industries across Nottinghamshire Referral based networking Referral based networking Business networking lunch-time events Synergy Networking info@synergynetwork.co.uk Nottingham Networking, events and referrals Federation of Small Businesses Nottingham Green Tech Business Network natalie.gasson@fsb.org.uk nh@nde.org.uk services/greentech-businessnetwork Nottingham Business Club N/A www. nottinghamcitybusinessclub. co.uk Nottingham Nottingham Networking, events, representation Networking, events, training, meet the buyer, visits, showcase, e bulletins Offers events, signposting to business support, opportunity to profile work and services. Fortnightly breakfast networking events. Members share referrals and proactively promote members businesses. National network with fortnightly local breakfast referral events. ed by a local team. Business networking lunch-time events, free stands at events and seminars. Weekly breakfast events - relaxed and informal, peer support referrals and testimonials. Run regular events in Nottingham and the East Midlands. The Nottingham GreenTech Business Network brings together low-carbon businesses looking for opportunities in the fast-growing cleantech sector. Nottingham Informal networking Nottingham City Business Club provides a forum for senior business people who are interested in meeting potential business contacts and hearing the views of influential members of Government, and the business sector in a social environment. RSViP info@rsvipcard.co.uk Nottingham Informal networking This is a membership network offering monthly networking events, web profile and discount card. Invest in Nottingham Club N/A natalie@investinnottinghamclub. com wwww. investinnottinghamclub.com Nottingham is rich in business networks set up to help your business make connections and realise its potential, from the Chamber of Commerce to specialist, tech start-up focused groups NottinghamNon-financial support This is a private-sector led organisation that works closely with the Invest in Nottingham team to provide guidance and help to new investors and raise the profile of the city internationally. ing Your Business in Nottingham 53