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Supporting businesses and the wider economy is one of our top priorities. The Economic Development team works to support businesses and the growth of the Malvern Hills district economy. This month the team have been working on:
- Processing Business Recovery Grants following flooding caused by Storm Babet.
- Approval of funding for new careers and apprenticeship support and training for existing workforce programmes to be delivered from April 2024.
- Appraising applications for Enterprising Worcestershire, Net Zero and Innovation grant schemes.
- Reviewing and arranging updates to town centre signage.
Finally we wish all businesses across Malvern Hills a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024!
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/business for more information or if you need help please email us at ecodev@malvernhills.gov.uk.
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The Malvern Hills District Council Economy Panel are keen to understand the specific issues and challenges faced by businesses across the rural Malvern Hills district.
In order to collate feedback a short online survey has been developed and anyone who considers that they are a rural business is encouraged to complete the form below.
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Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) is inviting expressions of interest to take over the Edith Walk Theatre, better known as the Theatre of Small Convenience.
The unique theatre which seats 12 people, entered the Guinness Book of World Records in 2002 as the world’s smallest commercial theatre.
The council is encouraging individuals and organisations that can demonstrate they are able to provide a fully funded and sustainable use for the property to apply.
The theatre has been closed since 2017 after the founder Dennis Neale retired and it was leased to Warwickshire College Group until 2022.
It suffered some fire damage in 2021 but it has been cleaned up and made safe, it now remains under the ownership of MHDC.
Expressions should be returned no later than 12pm on 22 January 2024.
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Do you know someone keen to learn more about what it takes to start a business?
The Start-It Business Masterclass is a two-day workshop designed to give individuals the skills, confidence and knowledge to start their venture. It’s a friendly and informal small group environment which will inspire you to take the next step.
The masterclass will guide participants through what is required to start a business, including registration, best legal structure, marketing, finance, business planning and is the perfect place to have your questions answered.
The next Masterclasses take place:
15 & 16 January – Malvern Library
25 & 26 January – The Hive
09 & 10 February – Bromsgrove Library
29 February & 01 March – Evesham
Learn more and sign up for a course near you.
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A friendly Dragons’ Den inspired pitching event will take place at Enterprising Worcestershire’s Start Up Fest on 06 February 2024 at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club. Quick Pitch will give individuals yet to start a business and businesses under 12 months a unique opportunity to practise pitching their business idea/concept in front of a friendly panel of experts.
It is free to enter and there is a cash prize for the winner, courtesy of Wynne Jones.
Prior to the event, shortlisted entries can receive exclusive specialist pitching training from Dragons Den Winner, Peter Hill, at a workshop on the 23 January at The Hive, Worcester.
To apply, all you need to do is fill out the form linked below by Sunday 14 January 2024.
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If you have launched a business within the last 3 years and are looking to build a solid foundation for growth, the Enterprising Worcestershire Coaching Programme can help you to do just that.
Local business, Trainer Armour, experienced a boost in sales and was able to grow its workforce following support from Enterprising Worcestershire.
When catching up with business owner Andy, here is what they had to say about the programme, “The coaching offered best business practice information which helped the Trainer Armour growth journey by boosting our knowledge and confidence. The skills learnt on the programme have ensured we have the correct foundations to help move the business forward.”
Its flexible delivery means you can access up to 10 hours of support from an award-winning coach which can be delivered either face-to-face or remotely, whatever suits you best.
Don’t miss out, apply today to get your coach on time for the new year.
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All things apprenticeships were celebrated at the 9th annual Apprenticeship Awards on 16 November 2023.
The awards were hosted by comedian, performer and media star Lucy Porter and Cameron Gallamore from Doncasters was announced as Apprentice of the Year.
The event rewards and recognises the amazing impact that apprenticeships can have on businesses and individuals across the county. Read about the full list of winners by following the link below.
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The outdoor leisure brand, based in Holt Heath, has been shortlisted for a West Midlands Business of the Year sustainability award.
This adds to OLPRO's impressive awards list including E-commerce Business of the Year at the Scale-up Awards, and The Best Small and Medium-Sized Business at The Worcestershire Apprenticeship Awards.
OLPRO have worked to become a B-Corp as well as running numerous sustainability programmes such as tree planting and using fabric made from recycled bottles.
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Gain the extra skills and knowledge you need to achieve business growth in 2024 with this free business growth challenge from UK Export Academy.
This 5 week challenge will cover topics from how to construct and embed a systematic approach to business growth to developing a robust marketing strategy and more.
Participants can book onto all 5 weeks of sessions or just choose what suits them. The sessions run from 12 January to 9 February.
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Award winning tech start-up Beta-Den are preparing to open applications for their eighth cohort of participants.
Since launching in 2018 BetaDen have supported over 50 businesses with their 9 month accelerator programme which includes access to grants, specialist mentors, co-working office and more.
Applications open on 3 January 2024 at 9am.
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Is transport limiting your potential pool of employees or trainees? Support is available through the E-bike to Work Scheme from Malvern Hills District Council and Malvern Hills Car Clubs.
E-bikes are available at a subsidised cost to those struggling with transport to their workplace or training and there is also the option for applicants to have their existing bikes converted. Apprentices using this scheme may be able to claim back some of the cost via the Malvern Hills Upskilling Bursary.
Please make your employees, trainees or apprentices aware of this opportunity.
A grant is being offered to help tourism businesses in the district grow and increase visitor numbers.
The Malvern Hills Tourism Grant Scheme, from Malvern Hills District Council, is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The scheme plans to support the Malvern Hills District tourism industry to grow over a two-year period, with the opportunity to:
- Encourage businesses to adopt greener practices
- Help with upkeep of local attractions
- Improve visitor experience
- Improve accessibility at attractions
- Encourage festival and event development in town centres
Eligible businesses can apply for a 50% match-funded grant. Grants include:
- Attractions – up to £2,500
- Sustainable Tourism – up to £2,500
- Festivals and Events - up to £1,000
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Malvern Hills Businesses continue to benefit the Malvern Hills Upskilling Grant.
The grant scheme provides funding of up to £1,500 to help with the business cost of training new staff (i.e. apprenticeships, trainee or other). In order to qualify businesses must be based in the Malvern Hills district postcode area, employ fewer than 250 people and pay at least the Minimum Wage to the trainee for a post of at least 30 hrs a week including training leading to a recognised qualification.
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£500 is available to trainees and apprentices to help cover the cost of travel, equipment, tools and clothing necessary to access training.
The support is available to residents of Malvern Hills District who:
- Earn less than £220 per week.
- Attend a qualifying course.
- Are employed for a post of 30 hours a week for a minimum of 12 months.
Please spread the word that this support is available.
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Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Worcestershire Growth Hub have collaborated on a series of seminars that seek to champion inclusive employment practices.
Businesses are encouraged to sign up for the free seminars on topics such as:
Inspire & Grow Diverse Talent - 17 January 2024
Workplace Wellbeing -13 March 2024
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The Development Manager (TDM) are offering a drop-in session for employers to find out more about the Tech and Digital Apprenticeships and Training that they offer.
TDM offer Apprenticeships and training including Skills Bootcamps, Career-Entry Apprenticeships and BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeships, from Level 3 to Level 6 across the West Midlands and beyond.
Running from 11am to 1pm, drop in at a time that is convenient for you.
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Take your business to the next level with this fundraising for sustainable growth workshop from BetaDen.
Gaining the right funding for your growing business is crucial, this workshop will cover everything from identifying your fundraising roadmap to how to craft your pitch.
When: 25 January 2024 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Where: Bromsgrove District Council, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA
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Join Midlands Cyber and BetaDen for their largest ever Connect Tech networking event.
This is a chance to connect with other businesses and industry professionals from across Worcestershire and learn about what business support will be available in 2024.
Register now for this event taking place Thursday 31 January 2024, 12 pm - 2 pm, at The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD.
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A free festival for aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses will take place on the 6 February 2024 at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club.
Get ready for a jam-packed day of inspiration, interactive workshops and information to help get your ideas off the ground!
To secure an early spot, register your interest. More information to be announced soon, keep your eyes on the county council’s social media page.
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The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership have announced the date of their flagship event of 2024.
The event is designed to be dynamic and open up conversations about the opportunities and challenges shaping Worcestershire's future.
More details about sessions, themes and topics will be announced soon so please mark your calendar for this exciting event.
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Worcestershire County Council invites you to attend their Innovation and Technology conference, featuring industry experts and local businesses, on 13 March, at Sixways Stadium Worcester. This is a golden opportunity to gain insights, be inspired by the latest thinking, and network with like-minded professionals.
Register for your free spot using the link below:
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BIPC Worcestershire has plenty of support and webinars for businesses of any size, follow the link below for the full programme.
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