Virtual Horsham portal extended to support all remote ordering options
The scope of the Virtual Horsham online purchasing portal has been extended to support all District based independent businesses offering a remote ordering option for their customers.
Previously focused on just those with online purchasing the portal will now include businesses operating orders by phone, social media or direct messaging.
The portal is being promoted as an easy to use, single point of access for residents wanting to ‘Buy Local’ using Covid safe collection or home delivery options.
Working with Visit Horsham, Horsham District Council has funded the first 200 business profiles to help connect local independent businesses with local residents. This completely free service allows businesses to promote whatever channel they currently use to list their products and services to potential customers visiting the portal.
The Council’s funding of the scheme has been extended by another three months, allowing Independent businesses a free profile right up until the end of August 2021.
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Last call for free business consultancy
Horsham District High Street traders are being encouraged to step forward and apply for free one-to-one online business advice tailored specifically for their own business needs.
Working to support local businesses through the pandemic and beyond, Horsham District Council has partnered with Solent University and Chichester College Group to provide essential one to one business consultancy sessions which would normally cost delegates hundreds of pounds.
The tailored online sessions are completely free, but there are only eight places left and the deadline for applications is 12 February 2021.
The training workshops will run until end March 2021.
They can cover a wide range of business skills and be tailored to specific needs and circumstances. They can include such topics as:
- Opening and operating safely in a pandemic
- Accessing financial help
- Developing an online trading presence
- Marketing and promotion
- Ensuring new business models work effectively
- Getting the best value from suppliers.
Please register your interest by 12 February 2021 by emailing business.development@horsham.gov.uk
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Need funding to grow your business?
Try Business Finpoint Finder, this online platform saves you time and effort when applying for business funding, with a simple ten-minute application that matches you to the UK's largest panel of business leaders.
The service is completely free with no hidden charges and it anonymously matches you with the most relevant finance providers; for businesses that trade internationally or just around the corner.
Plus, because the process is designed to protect your privacy, you won'r receive any unwanted sales calls or emails.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
As part of the Government’s package to support small businesses and their cash flow during this crisis, CBILS launched on 23 March 2020. The scheme aims to give SMEs financial support whilst providing billions of pounds worth of guarantees at a wholesale level to domestic banks across the UK.
If you register through Finpoint, you can make one simple and easy application, saving you time and effort. They'll then do the hard work for you by checking your eligibility with a current list of providers.
We're Good to Go programme
Good news! The We're Good to Go programme has been extended for the next few months to aid the recovery of tourism businesses.
The programme is supporting businesses as they work towards re-opening and welcoming customers back by providing them with a 'We’re Good To Go’ COVID-19 industry standard and consumer mark (pictured).
This mark provides a ‘ring of confidence’ for businesses, attractions and destinations as well as reassurance to local residents and visitors that clear processes are in place and that as a business, you are good to go.
For those who have already signed up to the scheme, make sure you are using the standard across your marketing channels.
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Food Safety Training for your business
Do you own, or work for, a business that deals with food? Did you know that all food handlers must be supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene?
Our Food Hygiene Course offers all the content you need in a supportive environment for an accessible price. Courses are currently being run online using the video conferencing app Zoom.
Sign up for our training for the CIEH Foundation Certificate in Food Safety as a one-day course for just £84.
If you already have the Foundation Certificate in Food Safety, it is recommended that you take the Update Course three years later. We offer a half-day Food Safety Update Course for £40.
Please email Lesley.Wright@horsham.gov.uk for more details.
Free Food Safety Training for the voluntary sector
Volunteers can come to the role of ‘food handler’ in a wide variety of ways – anything from food shopping for the housebound, food bank volunteers, baking cakes and cooking meals for others.
Horsham District Council’s Environmental Health team is offering a FREE 2 hour course to support volunteers and paid staff in the voluntary sector with safe food handling.
The course will be delivered using the video conferencing app Zoom in small groups of up to 8 people. The session will be booked for a mutually agreed date to accommodate volunteers and paid staff alike. A certificate of attendance will be issued to all attendees.
“Already been on a Food Hygiene course but need to update your knowledge and information – why not join our Update Course it’s designed just for those already qualified. It’s only £40 and lasts for half a day
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Need to dispose of Business Waste?
If you need to organise waste disposal for your business, then Horsham District Council's Waste team are here to help you clear the clutter!
We guarantee fixed prices, efficient and responsible disposal, and bespoke packages. We work with businesses of all sizes, from start-ups and home businesses to schools, restaurants and industrial estates and can collect your litter as often or as little as you like.
Click the button below to contact our business team for a quote now.
Upcoming training and business opportunities
Check out our list below to see some of our recommended free training workshops and business events you should try next month.
West Sussex Recover & Rise in 2021
Thursday 11 February / Thursday 18 February / Thursday 25 February
There are three remaining online workshops in the West Sussex Sussex Recover and Rise series covering: Digital Transformation, Website Design & Development and Networking & Advice. These online workshops are designed to help small businesses effectively strategise and plan for their organisation (recover) and then learn how to execute tactical digital marketing activities aiming for growth (rise).
Lead out of Lockdown
A purpose-built programme of virtual workshops, original insight briefings and agile decision-making tools, facilitated by our expert advisors to help you and your team adapt to the new normal.
LEAP Entrepreneurial Leadership Programme
Monday 15 February / Tuesday 16 February / Wednesday 17 February
This free three-day intensive business support programme offers a £1000 prize grant to the winner for creating the best business action plan.
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