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Business Newsletter
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 The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched an online hub to help smaller businesses reduce their energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
The UK Business Climate Hub includes a suite of tools to help firms measure, track and reduce their emissions. It also provides advice on topics such as sourcing products from green suppliers, cutting emissions from logistics, switching to renewable energy, and installing electric vehicle charging points.
Trading Standards is reminding businesses who supply certain single use plastic items, that a ban comes into force this October and they should start thinking now about alternatives and where to source them from.
The Government has announced a ban on a wide range of plastic items that is expected to come into effect from 1 October 2023 - businesses across England will not be able to supply certain single use plastic items to the end user.
The ban includes the supply of items by businesses from new and existing stock and will cover all types of single-use plastic – including biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including the coating or lining.
Businesses who continue to supply single use plastic items after the legislation comes into effect could be given a fine.
You can read more about this change and exemptions to it in guidance published by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). If you have any questions about what the new rules mean for your business, contact Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk
Somerset Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them for the official launch of the Somerset Business Awards 2024! If you are a past entrant wishing to network, a business thinking of entering, a sponsor or a judge; come and join us for a glass of fizz at the beautiful Hurds Hill to celebrate the occasion.
This is a great opportunity to find out more about the 2024 Somerset Business Awards.
 The Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival website is now live with event listings and accommodation options being added every day.
Is your business event or accommodation listed on the line-up?
Taking place from 23 September to 1 October 2023, the festival already has events from Somerset Art Weeks, Disabled Ramblers, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Exmoor Society, Somerset Wildlife Trust and local events ranging from cream teas to choir sessions.
There’s also a walking festival with guided walks and an 80 miles in eight days challenge to walk the entire coast of Somerset!
With over twenty accommodation providers already signed up, if your business is not included then you could be missing out.
 The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has launched a new project, funded by the TDS Charitable Foundation, to help landlords meet their energy efficiency requirements.
The project aims to provide support and advice enabling landlords to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations.
MEES regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties. Under the current rules properties must meet a rating of at least B and E. The government announced plans to raise the requirements to Band C for new tenancies from 2025, and existing tenancies from 2028.
The CSE project aims to help landlords understand the new regulations and know how to take action to improve their properties, or apply for an exemption.
The pilot is now live and being tested out in Somerset, Bristol and Birmingham until March 2024. If successful the project will be rolled out nationally.
Somerset landlords can access the advice service by calling 0800 1380 810.
This prestigious government award recognises winning local businesses by giving international recognition for their work.
In the past, Somerset businesses have found that the award has opened doors to new business opportunities, enhanced competitiveness, and attracted potential investors and clients.
The awards are made each year and the application deadline is 12 September 2023.
Previous applicants have found that the application can take around 40 hours to put together. The Somerset Lieutenancy can link you with a mentor who is a previous winner to guide you through the process and give advice. Please email alexander.priest@mindinsomerset.org.uk to access this and other support in making your application.
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Looking to improve your digital presence but don't know where to start?
Somerset businesses can access free dedicated time with our 'in-house' Digital Business Advisers.
Starting with a Digital Business Review, professional advisers will offer guidance in various areas of digital support to help your business shine online and progress your digital journey. Whether you need help with your digital marketing, social media strategy, choosing software, using and analysing customer data or something else completely, the Growth Hub are here to help you navigate the digital world.
Complete the Get in Touch form quoting 'Digital Business Review' to book your 1-2-1 review today:
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 The Somerset Innovation Network (SI-Net) is more than just business support; it’s a fully funded, targeted programme aimed at strengthening collaborative relationships between the region’s most forward-thinking businesses – driving growth, innovation and prosperity along the way.
Funded through the European Regional Development Fund and Somerset Council, the programme is open to businesses in the following sectors:
- Low Carbon
- Digital
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Aerospace
Bringing together three innovation centres in Somerset, Si-Net makes support easier to access in the region, leaning on the expertise and outreach of specialist Business Advisors and delivery partners to offer businesses a variety of tailored support, workshops and networking opportunities.
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 Come along to the Training Academy in Somerton to hear about the many training and employment opportunities available in construction and engineering. There will also be the opportunity to apply for jobs!
Employers can gain information on the apprenticeship and training opportunities available to upskill their workforce. This includes registering to recruit an apprentice and discussing bespoke training opportunities.
Come and learn about Hinkley Point health and safety training, tour the workshops and view the facilities. Learners can enrol for apprenticeships, courses and training opportunities including Armed Forces Resettlement training.
Train4All Construction and Engineering Academy look forward to welcoming you.
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Find out more information about events happening all around Somerset, delivering a variety of workshops, training and development opportunities
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Excel for your Farm Business 22 August - 10:00am-12:30pm - online
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Recruitment Support for Businesses: Info Session 22 August - 09:15-10:45 - Jobcentre Plus, Federated House, 29-31 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1UU
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Love Yeovil: Town Centre Consultation 22 August - 10:00-15:00 - Yeovil Art Space, Quedam Shopping Centre, BA29 1EY
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Recruitment Support for Businesses: Info Session 31 August - 11:00-12:30 - Jobcentre Plus, Federated House, 29-31 Hendford, Yeovil, BA20 1UU
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Digital Hub 31 August - 18:00-21:00 - Yeovil Innovation Centre, Copse Rd, Barracks Close, Yeovil, BA22 8RN
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Documentary Film in a Day Workshop 2 September - 10:00-16:00 - Minehead Bay Festival, Minehead Seafront, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG
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Train4All Construction & Engineering Academy Open Day 2 September - 10:00-13:00 - Train4All Construction & Engineering Academy Units, 1-4 Jubilee Park, Badgers Cross Lane, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7JF
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Business Start-Up and Self Employment Course 4 September - 08:30 start, one week course - online
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Online international trade workshop - customs procedures and documentation 5 September - 09:30-13:00 - online
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Cost Reduction through Sustainability 6 September - 10:00-13:00 - online
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Exploring SFI Options for Your Farm in 2023 6 September - 11:30-14:00 - online
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Introduction to Farm Management Software 6 September - 13:00-15:30 - online
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Annual Bank of England Update 2023 7 September - 08:00-10:00 - Taunton Racecourse and Conference Centre, Orchard Restaurant, Orchard Portman, Taunton, TA3 7BL
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Somerset and North Somerset Virtual Networking 7 September - 11:00-12:00 - online
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Bridgwater Job Fair 8 September - 10;30-15:30 - Canalside Conference Centre, Marsh Lane, Bridgwater, TA6 6LQ
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Business Start-Up and Self Employment Course 11 September - 08:30 start, one week course - online
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Farm Grants Update & Navigating the Agricultural Transition 11 September - 18:00-21:00 - Crowcombe Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 4AQ
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Somerset Business Awards Launch 12 September - 14:30-16:30 - Hurds Hill, Westover House, Langport, TA10 0ND
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Business communication - Powerfully, Clearly, Effectively 12 September - 10:00-11:00
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Discover Microsoft 365 12 September - 10:00-12:00 - online
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How to Supply Somerset Council 12 September - 10:00-12:00 - Somerset Council Offices, Deane House, Taunton, TA1 1HE
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How to Stay Safe Online 13 September - 10:00-12:30 - online
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Yeovil Jobs Fair 14 September - 10:30-15:30 - Westland Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil, BA20 2DD
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Construction Connections 14 September - 12:00-14:00 - Town Hall, Magdalene St, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL
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Social Care Hub 15 September - 14:00-15:00 - Yeovil Innovation Centre, Barracks Close, Copse Road, Yeovil, BA228RN
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Business Start-Up and Self Employment Course 18 September - 08:30 start, one week course - online
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Attracting and Retaining Top Talent 18 September - 09:30am-12:30
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Farm Grants Update & Navigating the Agricultural Transition 18 September - 18:00-21:00 - Brent Knoll Parish Hall, Brent Knoll, Somerset, TA9 4EH
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Central Somerset Networking Meeting 19 September - 07:45-08:45 - online
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Breaking Barriers - Embracing AI and Automation for Business Transformation 19 September - 08:15-12:00 - Northover Manor Hotel, Ilchester, Yeovil, BA22 8LD
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Hinkley Point C Site Tour 19 September - 09:00-13:00 - HPC Cannington Park and Ride, Cannington, Bridgwater, TA5 2JA
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Market Strategy 19 September - 10:00-14:00 - online
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Excel for your Farm Business 19 September - 13:00-15:30 - online
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How to Supply Somerset Council 21 September - 14:00-16:00 - Yeovil Innovation Centre, Copse Road, Barracks Close, Yeovil, BA22 8RN
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Business Start-Up and Self Employment Course 25 September - 08:30 start, one week course - online
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Improving your LinkedIn, SEO and Website Presence 26 September - 10:00-16:00 - online
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Digital Essentials: Technology Support for your Farm 26 September - 10:00-12:30 - online
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Farm Grants Update & Navigating the Agricultural Transition 26 September - 10:30-12:30 - Wiveliscombe Community Centre, West Street, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 2JP
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Carbon Neutral need NOT cost the Earth 27 September - 09:30-10:20 - online
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Becoming Grant Ready 27 September - 10:00-12:00 - online
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Taunton Jobs Fair 27 September - 10:30-15:30 - Somerset County Cricket Club, Taunton, TA1 1JT
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Farm Grants Update & Navigating the Agricultural Transition 28 September - 10:30-12:30 - Baltonsborough Village Hall, Ham Street, Baltonsborough, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8PX
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Business Breakfast with Hinkley PSG 5 October - 08:00-09:30 - Mercure Hotel, 56-66 Eastover, Bridgwater, TA6 5AR
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Somerset Skills & Careers Fair 10 October - Westlands Entertainment Venue, Westbourne Close, Yeovil, BA20 2DD
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Do you have an Economic Development enquiry? Get in touch with the Somerset Economic Development team:
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