click here to view this email in a browser

Thank you for subscribing to our business e-newsletter. We hope you enjoy reading our business in Hyndburn updates. Have you been sent this email by someone else? You can subscribe so it comes to your own inbox by clicking this link. 

Staci UK commits to 100% renewable energy for all UK fulfilment centres

With help from the Low Carbon programme delivered by the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Hyndburn Borough Council, Staci received funding to conduct energy audits at 4 local sites inclusive of the site at Frontier Park in Hyndburn, helping audit the energy performance of each location with a tailored report of findings and recommendations to help the business improve their energy over years ahead.

“ESG is at the heart of everything we do,” said Wayne Chapman, CEO at Staci UK. “By powering our fulfilment centres with 100% renewable energy, we are taking significant steps towards reducing our carbon footprint and supporting the UK’s renewable energy goals. This is just one part of our broader commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence.”

Staci’s efforts to embrace renewable energy form part of a wider strategy to address climate change and deliver greater environmental value to its clients. By taking meaningful actions like this, Staci continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating a more responsible, environmentally friendly logistics sector.

A great opportunity for entrepreneurs to test the market

Have you got a business idea but not sure whether it will work?  Or, maybe you’re a business operating from home but not yet confident about whether your business is ready to take that next step of a long term business lease.

Hyndburn Borough Council currently have a few vacant commercial properties that can be considered for a short term pop-up opportunity. Pop-ups offer a multitude of benefits for brands of all sizes to increase visibility, brand awareness, and sales without the worry about long term sustainability.

This a unique offering from the council and a great chance for business owners to test the market.

To discuss further please contact our estates team.

Business Finance

The SME funding landscape has changed considerably in recent years particularly the increased range of finance providers and finance products, from The British Business Bank backed Start Up Loan scheme through to numerous crowd funding platforms.

With this in mind the Boost Access to Finance service have teamed up with the Economic Development department at Hyndburn Council to publish a series of informative articles to provide valuable insight into the funding landscape.

Lookout for our forthcoming newsletters in which Mark Gibbons , Senior Access to Finance specialist will explore some of the following themes

• Start-up funding and the support landscape
• Use of finance to fuel growth
• How to scale a business by raising equity investment

Business Workshops

Lunchtime Live workshops Online sessions via teams

Tuesday 10^th December 2024- 12:15-1:00pm

Cyber Security essentials for business - Northwest Cyber Resilience Centre, will provide information on how businesses can take steps to prevent a cyber-attack.

Tuesday 28^th January 2025 12:15-1:00pm

Raising business finance - This insightful workshop will cover funding opportunities for business at key stages within their journey from pre-seed through to start-up and funding for growth.

We will hear details of eligibility criteria and the application process on the pre-seed funding of up to £200k from Praetura Ventures.

The start-up loans team from GC Business Finance will provide details on funding for new businesses from £500-£25,000.

River Capital will provide information on loans from NPIF from £25K-£100K which cover all sectors.

In person workshops

Wednesday 15^th January - How to evaluate what you charge for your service

Haworth Art Gallery, 10.30am-12.00pm

An interactive Q&A session, inspired by a "Dragon’s Den" format where experts will offer critical feedback on pricing, market positioning, branding, and communications.

Calling all potential entrepreneurs in Hyndburn and start-up businesses.

New business leaders often have important questions about pricing, brand positioning, and how to communicate their value effectively. Whether you need help determining the right price for your product or service, refining your marketing strategy, or improving your brand presence, this roundtable session is designed to support you.

Wednesday 29^th January - Grow your business with Canva & Instagram

Accrington & Rossendale College 5.30pm-7.30pm

How to use Canva & Instagram to grow your business -  Delivered by Boost Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and Alex’s Organisational Services.

As a business owner, understanding how to use social media platforms to maximise business potential is essential for almost every sector. This workshop will focus on how to use Canva & Instagram to market and grow your brand.

Supporting Business Growth

Jake Wood owner of Jake Alexander Hair has been trading in Accrington for just over 18 years. The business is well established in the hair, beauty and aesthetics sector.

We are delighted that the business is now ready to scale, and will soon be moving to larger premises which will mean the creation of extra jobs as well as an expansion of the range of services the business offers including a training academy.

The business’ growth aspirations have been supported by a range of stakeholders including assistance from the Economic Development team at Hyndburn Council who provided the business 1-2-1 assistance to evaluate and map out a range of longer term opportunities for income streams, and facilitate introductions to business advisors from Boost Business Lancashire’s Gateway and Growth Catalyst teams as well as River Capital to explore funding options.

If  you would like to book a 1-2-1 appointment with our Economic Development Team please email us at business@hyndburnbc.gov.uk