THE

SBP NEWSLETTERNOVEMBER 2014Welcome...

to the Southend Business Partnership Newsletter.As winter approaches; the Firework Spectaculars on the Seafront and the regular weekly Market in the High Street have already attracted a large number of visitors to the area. With Christmas celebrations about to begin, this weekend sees the Christmas Spectacular and Lights Switch-On in Southend High Street. Upcoming events will also include Santa on the Pier, Leigh Lights Switch-On (28th November) and Carols for Christmas (13th December) in the town centre.

We do culture particularly well in Southend; from festivals to museums. To capitalise on this, we’re coordinating a meeting of a new ‘Cultural and Creative Business Network’ at the Beecroft Art Gallery 17:00-19:00 on the 27th November. We’re seeking to get as many businesses involved as possible. If you know someone that has a business that does something creative, please pass on their details to us at: economicd@southend.gov.uk

We recently met with the Southend Carers Forum to find out more about how they are supporting carers in the local area. Over 17,500 people in the borough have caring responsibility for a loved one. If you or your employees want to find out about the support that is available visit: www.southendcarers.co.uk

It’s important that we keep regular communication with our businesses, so contact the Economy and Tourism team on 01702 215022 or email them on economicd@southend.gov.uk.

Murray Foster Chair of the Southend Business Partnership

Economy & Tourismc/o Southend Borough CouncilCivic CentreVictoria AvenueSouthendEssexSS2 6ER

t. 01702 215022economicd@southend.gov.uk

For the latest news and activity in

Southend join us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Networking OpportunitiesWith the rapid increase in the numbers of business events taking place across Southend, more and more people are realising the benefits that regular face to face networking is a valuable way of developing a new or existing business and offers many benefits. In Southend we have a number of networking events run by a variety of organisations including the Southend Business Partnership with Southend-on- Sea Borough Council click here to learn more.

Funding and Grant OpportunitiesThere are plenty of ways for your business to gain a boost through funding and grant opportunities. Click here to view the potential opportunities available for your business.

WHAT’S GOING ON? Have you seen the new events page on the Business Southend website? Why don’t you visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk and book onto the next Southend Business Partnership Briefing. It’s on 20th November 2014 at the Holiday Inn Southend, and features keynote private speaker Dino Forte , MD of Ventric. You will also hear the latest news from Rob Tinlin, Chief Executive of Southend Borough Council and you’ll have the opportunity to post your questions to the panel. To book your place please click here

‘The Business’, is a programme of free workshops and training events aimed at helping small and medium size companies trade successfully. Delivered by Business Southend and Essex Chamber of Commerce the sessions are a great opportunity for you and your staff to learn from experienced professionals. There are over 50 different business topics to choose from including: Sales Success, Leadership, Business Planning, Tendering for contracts, Credit Control and many more. To find out more or book your place please click here.

The University of Essex is launching a free, confidential business and legal advice service in Southend-on-Sea. The service will provide local businesses with expert advice in commercial law from BTMK Solicitors. The launch event will take place at the University of Essex, Southend Campus at 18:30, Wednesday 19th November.

Southend-on-Sea will be once again celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week “Get Connected” with a host of events and activities running throughout the week by a number of organisations in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. If you would like further information or to book an event please click here.

Small Business Saturday is a government backed initiative which will be supported by traders across the borough. Taking place on 6th December, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council are encouraging all businesses to take part, with the message to everyone “Love Local, Shop Local and Make a BIG Difference”. If you are a small business or know someone who is, then click here.

Come and join the Mayor at one of several charity fundraising events in the coming weeks. It’s a good opportunity to support some really great causes. At 19:00, Wednesday 26th November, the ‘Southend Schools Sing’ will be holding their Pre-christmas Celebration and on Thursday 27th November a Beaujolais Nouveau Evening will be held at the Pipe of Port from 19:00 onwards. If you would like to attend these events then please click here .

Join us at the first session of ‘Your Creative Network’ to discover what funding is available to you and network with like-minded creative and cultural professionals. The event will take place 17:00, Thursday 27th November at the Beecroft Gallery on Victoria Avenue. Visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk to book your place.

BUSINESS SPECIFICSAre you looking to expand your business? Are you a start-up which wants a grant towards funding opportunities to get your name out there? Then visit www.businesssouthend.co.uk to find out what opportunities are available to you and your business. You can contact the team on 01702 534348 or email at southendbusiness@southend.gov.uk

Are you are medical technology (MedTech) businesses, supply-chain provider or start-up in the sector? You can now access a free package of business support, tailor-made to develop and progress their ideas. Cash grants are also available. The MedTech sector includes assisted living and telehealth products and services. Click here for more information.

What would you do with a £1000 cash injection into your business? If it will reduce your running costs Low Carbon Business can help, click here to find out how

Retail Rate Relief is available to ratepayers of certain occupied retail properties with a rateable value of £50,000 or less that are wholly or mainly being used as shops, restaurants, cafes and drinking establishments in each of the years 2014/15 and 2015/16. If you consider that you are eligible for the relief, please click here.

New developments in digital technology offer businesses in Essex significant opportunities to grow. Often, however, it is difficult to identify candidates with the right skills. Digital Skills for Growth is an Essex Employment and Skills Board programme administered by Essex County Council that offers you funding when you employ a young person aged 19 to 24. Up to £4,000 (at up to 70% contribution from the programme) is available to train the young person in advanced skills related to the use of digital technology. If you would like to be part of this programme then please click here .

The Business is GREAT campaign is part of Government’s wider commitment to make it easier for small businesses to grow. This month marks the first year anniversary of the campaign, featuring successful business owners who have benefited from taking up different types of Government support. The campaign highlights key Government services including: Up to 100% tax relief over five years when investing in new products and services, grants of up to £1,500 to support firms that hire an apprentice, up to £2,000 match funding to seek strategic advice with an accredited adviser through the Growth Voucher programme, up to £3,000 to connect businesses to super-fast broadband and Employment Allowance, giving employers £2,000 off their National Insurance contributions. Find out more by visiting www.greatbusiness.gov.uk

The £1,500 AGE (16-24) Grant is designed to encourage employers to take on young and unemployed individuals as apprentices. In return, employers will receive £1,500 towards the cost of their wages. There are 40,000 Apprenticeship grants available to employers with up to 1,000 employees taking on 16 to 24 year olds. After 31st December 2014, the £1,500 AGE (16-25) Grant scheme will only be available to SMEs (small mid-size enterprises) with a workforce of up to 50 employees. If you’re recruiting, or considering recruiting in the near future, could your role be filled by an enthusiastic 16-24 year old, looking to start and develop their career? Telephone 01702 445736 for more information about the Apprenticeship service and employing the best young talent available for your business.