Local Insights - Brexit Preparation Survey

The Cities and Local Growth Unit on behalf of the government has asked Growth Hubs to gather information from businesses regarding the concerns and the diversity of attitudes across the business landscape towards Brexit.

Please take a moment of your time to complete their survey.

Further information on Brexit can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Brexit Drop-in events

Worcestershire Business Central is hosting a series of Brexit Drop-in events to provide businesses with information to help understand and plan for the various scenarios of Brexit.

With the United Kingdom (UK) leaving the European Union (EU) on 29 March 2019, the sessions will give local businesses the opportunity to hear from key speakers who will offer relevant information and guidance on preparing for Brexit.

The event at Pershore will take place on:

Wednesday 20 March, 9:30 – 11:30
at Wychavon District Council, Pershore, WR10 1PT

To book your place and for information about the other events across the county, click here

LEADER rural grant programme final round of funding

The European funded LEADER programme is  now open for its final round of funding.

Call 11 Information:

A final LEADER call has opened up for Worcestershire rural businesses looking to develop and grow.

If you have a great idea that is ready to go and need between £5k - £40k to kick start it you could be eligible to apply for the LEADER grant.

If you fit into the following priorities then give us a call:

• Farming productivity

• Support for micro and small business

• Tourism

• Rural services

• Culture and heritage

• Forestry productivity

Please note that your project must be ready to go, with all permissions (e.g. planning) and 3 quotations for all works in place.  You must be able to complete your project by March 2020.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 25th March 2019.  Please note that if you are successful at Expression of Interest stage you will be required to complete and submit your full application by 22nd April 2019.

Please contact the team on 01905 845306 or at leader1@worcestershire.gov.uk for a discussion and an application form.

Do you have an innovative business idea?

The Proof of Concept European funded grant pot (POC) is launching on 13 February at WINN Wednesday together with  details of new WINN activity and support.  The upcoming event, 'People Power' is at Worcester Arena between 5pm and 8.30pm with free parking, complimentary food and mocktails. You can sign-up here . 

POC is a grant fund designed to support established and start up businesses to develop innovative new products and processes.  Financial support is awarded to projects that aim to investigate, advance and protect early stage innovative business ideas and to commercialise new innovations.  ERDF funding of up to £30,000 is available and eligible costs include building a prototype, product testing, IP/trademark protection, and new tooling and equipment.

The project team will be available at WINN Wednesday to discuss all aspects of innovation support available, so it will be a great opportunity for you to sound-out your proposals and get more information on the application process.

The POC scheme will 'go live' on Thursday 14 February when businesses can request electronic application forms and begin engaging with POC  business manager, Jane Holmes.   Further details on POC and the application process will be updated shortly.

New Start-up funding available

BCRS Business Loans is delighted to be able to offer its support to viable, post-revenue start-up businesses operating in the West Midlands and environs.

This has been made possible since being confirmed as manager of the West Midlands Small Business Loans fund for the Midlands Engine Investment Fund. As part of this commitment, BCRS Business Loans have been allocated £17 million to support the growth of start-up and existing businesses.

For more information, download the fact sheet by clicking here.

Help for early stage businesses

Enterprising Worcestershire has launched the new Worcestershire Business Events Portal, helping you to access the free workshops that are available across the county.

Businesses in Worcestershire that have been established for less than three years and trade predominantly on a business to business basis have the opportunity to take advantage of this rolling series of free workshops.

The workshops have been developed to focus on topics pertinent to start-up enterprises, covering topic areas such as innovation and growth, sales and marketing, finance and business planning, and more!

To see the full calendar of events, please visit business events where you will also be able to register to attend the workshops.

For further information about the support that is available, please contact Worcestershire Business Central on 01905 677888 or visit their website. 

Useful information

Business Rates Consultation Presentations 2019

The annual Business Rates Consultation Breakfast meeting was held on Wednesday 23 January 2019. The presentations at this meeting can be downloaded as PDF's below.

Budget and Council Tax 2019-20

Business Rates Update 2019-20

HERU

WINN 2019-21

Wychavon Business News e-newsletter

The Regeneration Team produce a regular newsletter, including updates on a variety of items including the latest activity, recent news, funding opportunities, networking events, important changes and other relevant communications.

To subscribe to this newsletter, please sign up by clicking here.

Our latest business services leaflet

An overview of the services  Wychavon District Council provides businesses in a convenient leaflet.

Contact

Details of the Regeneration Team