Hyndburn Borough Council is delighted to welcome Home Bargains to their brand new location in Oswaldtwistle, marking a significant boost for the local high street. Attracting well known national retailers into the borough brings wider economic benefits, helping to increase footfall, strengthen the retail offer and support the overall vitality of the area.
The new store has already made a positive impact, creating 50 new jobs for local residents.
This success also highlights the strong partnership in Hyndburn between several stakeholders and has been a great example of collaborative working between Accrington Job Centre, The National Careers Service and Lancashire Adult Learning, working together with Home Bargains to help local residents secure employment.
This milestone achievement is a life-changing opportunity for many of the individuals and their families. The financial impact is significant, creating long-term stability and independence.
Home Bargains Management shared their enthusiasm for joining the community, saying:
“We’re excited to be opening a new Home Bargains store in Oswaldtwistle! This new location will bring even more value and variety to local shoppers, and we’re proud to be joining the community. We can’t wait to open our doors and share our great deals with everyone.”
We welcome Home Bargains to Oswaldtwistle and look forward to seeing the positive contribution they will make to the local economy and high street.
Small Business Saturday commences on the first Saturday of December, which this year falls on Saturday 6th December.
This is our chance to celebrate the wonderful independent shops, cafes and local market traders that help boost our local economy and keep Hyndburn unique.
Let’s all make the choice to shop local and support all the small businesses in our borough.
Every three years the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) updates the rateable values of over 2 million commercial properties in England and Wales. This process reflects changes in the market and is known as a revaluation. The next revaluation will come into effect on 1 April 2026. As your local council, we use this rateable value to calculate your business rates bill.
These are the actions you can take now:
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Check the details the VOA has for your property
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Add details of any changes
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Learn more about your current valuation
Rateable values are the amount of rent a property could have been let for on a set valuation date. For the 2026 revaluation, that date is 1 April 2024. Your rateable value isn’t the same as the rent you are paying on your property.
A rise in your rateable value does not necessarily mean your business rates bill will increase by a similar amount.
In England, from April 2026, the government will create two additional, lower multipliers for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Local councils will be responsible for deciding which businesses are eligible, in line with government guidance.
View your property’s current and future rateable value through the VOA’s find a business rates valuation service on GOV.UK. You can also use this service to compare your property’s rateable value with similar properties in the area.
LinkedIn Mastery- Delivered by Biz Women
Thursday 4th December, 1pm - 4pm. Accrington & Rossendale College Hambledon Suite, Sandy Lane, Accrington, BB5 2AR.
Introduction to LinkedIn: The Basics - We’ll start by exploring LinkedIn’s purpose as a professional networking platform, understanding its features and tools, and setting up your profile for success.
Building an Optimised LinkedIn Profile - You’ll learn how to craft an impactful headline and summary, select the right profile picture and banner, showcase your experience, skills, and endorsements, and create a compelling “About” section.
Networking and Building Connections - We’ll cover how to effectively connect with industry professionals, personalise connection requests, engage with your network, and master networking etiquette on LinkedIn.
Content Strategy for LinkedIn - Discover the types of content to post, including articles, updates, and multimedia, and learn how to share industry insights and engage your audience. We’ll also explore LinkedIn’s algorithm to increase your content's visibility.
HR Workshop - Navigating the New Employment Rights Bill
Thursday 5th February, 9.30am -12.30pm. Accrington Stanley Community Trust, Thorneyholme Road, Accrington, BB5 5BD.
Nori HR will present this bespoke employment law workshop, addressing two critical areas of legislative change under the Employment Rights Bill. This strategic session will equip businesses in the borough with the knowledge and practical tools necessary to navigate the forthcoming reforms effectively.
Topic 1 – Managing Sickness Absence
The Employment Rights Bill introduces transformative changes to Statutory Sick Pay, with implementation expected from 2026. This session will provide comprehensive guidance on:
- Elimination of Waiting Days: SSP will be paid from day one of sickness absence, removing the current three-day waiting period
- Extended Eligibility: SSP will be available to employees earning below the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £123 per week)
- Percentage-Based Payments: For lower earners, SSP will be calculated as a percentage of weekly earnings (likely 60-80% following consultation)
Practical Implementation Strategies:
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Reviewing and updating sickness absence policies
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Payroll system adjustments and administrative processes
Topic 2- Managing Probationary periods
Enhanced Employment Rights and the New Framework
The Employment Rights Bill removes the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection, introducing day-one rights with a proposed statutory probationary period of nine months. This session will address:
Legislative Framework Changes:
- Day-One Unfair Dismissal Rights: All employees will have protection from unfair dismissal from their first day of employment
- Statutory Probationary Period: A "lighter touch" dismissal process during the initial employment period, with government preference for nine months
- Timeline for Implementation: These changes will not come into effect before Autumn 2026
Unlocking your Vision & Offer
Tuesday 13th January, 10am - 12pm. Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, BB5 5JP.
Your Vision – This is where your idea takes shape.
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Purpose & Mission - What’s the big idea? What impact do you want to make?
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Core Values - The non-negotiables that define how your business operates.
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Long-term Goals - Where do you see yourself in 3, 5, or 10 years?
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Competitive Advantage - What sets you apart and impossible to ignore?
Your Offer – Time to craft a killer product or service that speaks to your audience.
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Products/Services - Define what you’re bringing to the table and how it solves a problem.
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Unique Selling Proposition (USP) - Why should customers pick you over the competition?
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Pricing Strategy - Find the sweet spot where value meets demand.
Marketing & Sales Essentials for your Startup
Tuesday 27th January, 10am - 12pm. Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, BB5 5JP.
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Find Your People - Define your Customer Persona so you know exactly who you’re selling to and what they need.
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Know Your Market - Understand your industry, competitors and trends with smart Market Research.
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Sell Like a Pro - Craft a Marketing & Sales Strategy that keeps customers coming back. Explore the best routes to market and figure out which social media platforms will help your brand shine.
Funding & Financial Planning for your Startup
Tuesday 10th February, 10am - 12pm. Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa, Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, BB5 5JP.
Starting a business is exciting, but let’s be real - funding & finances can make or break your success. This final workshop is all about getting your money right so you can launch and thrive.
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Funding Sources - Figure out exactly how much you need to get started and explore the best options to cover your costs From personal savings to investors, grants and crowdfunding.
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Financial Plan - Learn how to budget like a boss, manage income, control costs, and forecast your revenue so your business stays profitable, not stressful.
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Keeping on Track - Stay organised with record-keeping hacks, business bank accounts, bookkeeping tips, and game-changing software that simplifies the numbers.
Please email business@hyndburnbc.gov.uk to book a place on any of the above workshops.
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