*Register for our three-part webinar programme designed to help you use AI for tendering and bid applications, and confirm your comment to attend all sessions on the 16th, 23rd and 30th January*
Join us this January for an insightful series of three webinars that introduce you to AI-supported bid and tender writing. Hosted by RTFQ, these sessions will show you how to use inexpensive AI tools – paired with your business expertise - to improve your chances of bid success.
What will be covered:
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Workshop 1, 16th January: Understand the fundamentals of bidding with the aid of modern tools for opportunity search and ‘bid or no bid’ decision making, along with a look at what’s new in the UK Procurement Act, which comes into force in 2025.
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Workshop 2, 23rd January: Prepare to bid quickly using AI-driven tools to dissect bid invitation and complete standard documentation.
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Workshop 3, 30th January: Learn how AI-supported techniques can help you draft compelling bid responses and then edit them to suit the bid requirements.
AI-Enhanced Bid Writing: Less Pain, More Gain Tickets, Thu, Jan 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
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The revitalisation of the Social Enterprise (SE) network has been a remarkable success. Laura Atyeo of Open Harmony CIC, has collaborated with Community Resource and the Shropshire Growth Hub to deliver four impactful events this year.
- June Business Boost Workshop: This event, featuring expert speakers and one-to-one sessions, gathered feedback from SEs and charity partners about their expectations for the network. It also showcased successful networks in other regions. Feedback highlighted strong enthusiasm and the need for this network. Peer-to-peer support was identified as a unique selling point, as it helps reduce isolation, fosters collaboration, and enables organisations to secure joint contracts.
- September Webinar with Gareth Hart: Gareth Hart, a Director of the Plymouth SE Network, shared insights into Plymouth’s SE journey and outlined a potential roadmap for the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin area. Follow-up meetings between Laura Atyeo and Duncan Spilsbury (Community Resource), and Gareth allowed further exploration of his experience in building an SE movement and attracting external investment.
- November Vision and Objectives Workshop: Duncan Spilsbury led an engaging workshop to define the vision and objectives for the network as a framework for forming a constituted, unincorporated group. Attendees’ input reinforced the network’s necessity and growing momentum.
- December Workshop on Social Value: This energising session validated the network’s vision and objectives while exploring practical ways to leverage social value to strengthen organisations’ missions and service delivery.
The re-established network has grown from 0 members in the spring of 2024 to 54 organisations committed to its success. This is a living, breathing network that goes beyond the meetings. Its key feature is peer-to-peer support and collaboration to leverage greater investment into social organisations in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.
For 2025:
We will put together a yearly schedule of events across the whole county.
These events will include:
- Creating and strengthening those vital connections between members that not only increase self-esteem and sense of community, but give immediate and ongoing practical support and guidance
- Identifying and collaborating with other member organisations to form partnerships that empower growth through e.g. larger contracts/investment
- Spotlighting organisations doing amazing work, so we can all learn from and be inspired by their successes
- Expert speakers imparting valuable knowledge to help you and your organisation increase skills and knowhow
- Mentoring and support for start-ups or those with a social entrepreneurial idea
- Gathering feedback on what's needed locally and what's desired e.g. education and employment opportunities for young people
To share your ideas or to join the network, please email the Shropshire Growth Hub growthhub@shropshire.gov.uk or contact Laura directly laura@openharmony.co.uk
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The UKSPF Small Business Grant Scheme is still open and would like to encourage more businesses to apply before the scheme ends.
Grants of between £2,000 and £10,000 are available to purchase new equipment or make improvements to business premises.
UKSPF Expression of interest form guidance | Shropshire Council
The grant was made possible because of the £15m worth of funding awarded to Shropshire Council for a range of projects through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in 2022. This funding round will end in March 2025.
Gary Spence, Shropshire Council’s external funding and technical lead officer in the Business Growth and Investment team, said:
“The recent budget announced that there would be a continuation of the funding for another year, but we are not sure how much this will be or what it will fund. Consequently, we urge businesses to take advantage of the current pot by applying as soon as possible.
We would like as many applications before the Christmas break as possible to allow time for the awards to be made before March 2025.”
Prospective applicants need to complete an online Expression of Interest (EOI) form and demonstrate how the grant will help create new employment opportunities, or develop new products, processes, or services within their business.
These EOIs are assessed, and any projects successfully passing this initial stage are invited to submit a full application.
Read the full article:
Shropshire Business Urged to Apply for Funding before Scheme Ends – Invest in Shropshire
UKSPF Small Capital Equipment Grant: access the full eligibility criteria and submit an EOI here: UKSPF Expression of interest form guidance | Shropshire Council
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The Shropshire Growth Hub has again joined forces with the Federation of Small Businesses and Telford businesswoman Hollie Whittles to create an inspiring event to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025.
Beauty entrepreneur Karmen Novak will be the headline speaker at the event, which will take place at High Grosvenor House in Claverley, near Bridgnorth, on Friday March 7.
Emma Chapman, manager of the Shropshire Growth Hub, said: “International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity for us celebrate the achievements of local businesses whilst also enjoying the chance to network in an idyllic setting.”
Hollie said: “This is the seventh year running that we’ve organised an event to celebrate Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin businesswomen, and the feedback we get is always fantastic.”
Netherlands-based Karmen Novak is the founder of international beauty brand Flower and Spice, which offers a blend of organic luxury and nature. Her mantra is: “Anyone can change their profession and destiny by learning something new – it’s never too late to pursue what makes you truly happy.”
Karmen transformed her passion into a purpose-driven business and now, through the Woman2Woman partnership, helps support women in third world countries to start and grow their own businesses.
Michael Goodall from the FSB added: “The theme for 2025 is #AccelerateAction and the aim of the campaign is to speed up women’s equality. FSB research has shown that women-owned and women-led businesses contribute more than £220bn GVA to the nation’s economy and support almost a quarter of all UK employment. This event is not to be missed.”
The International Women’s Day event runs from 11.45am until 2.30pm. A panel of guest speakers will share their stories, insights and expertise over lunch and networking.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit the event booking page.
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Vibrant Shropshire is looking for a partner to deliver 'Celebrating Shropshire', a new commission for an innovative programme of cultural activities that enables rural communities across Shropshire to participate in culture. It is aimed at Shropshire-based entities to deliver the programme of cultural activity.
You are invited to propose an exciting and innovative programme of cultural activities that engages rural communities and focuses on ‘celebrating Shropshire’ whether it be its heritage, natural landscapes, cultural scene or something else entirely.
All activities must be delivered in the Shropshire Council Local Authority area.
Budget: £13,000
Project duration: January to March 2025
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 16 December 2024.
Celebrating Shropshire Commission Opportunity | Shropshire Council
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The FundingHero team is thrilled to announce the next Fundraising Accelerator cohort launching in January 2025! This time, they’re back with an exclusive partnership, offering up to £1 million in investment through Midven, the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund manager.
Supporting the Region’s Most Ambitious Businesses
Now on their third cohort, their mission is to support up to eight high-growth potential businesses in this next January cohort, helping them prepare to secure equity investment. This accelerator is more than just a programme; it’s a set of comprehensive investment readiness sprints, led by an experienced CFO who has twice been part of successful scaleup to exit journeys. The programme is tailored to ensure each business has a fully aligned financial and fundraising strategy to guide each business through the fundraising process with a clear approach to increase their odds of success.
FundingHero was proud to support businesses like ChangeMaker3D Ltd, with female founder, Natalie Wadley, who was a recent finalist in the prestigious "One 2 Win" £1m investment competition at the closing dinner for TechWM Week, ran by Midven, Haatch and Rigby Group plc. Prior cohort members have also successfully secured interest for over £1 million of venture capital term sheets following completion of their programme.
Ready to Apply?
Applications are now open, but with only eight slots available, this opportunity is limited. Don’t miss out—if you’re ready to secure investment and take your business to the next level, we encourage you to apply!
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All employers must provide toilets, washbasins and other welfare facilities that workers require.
Employers must also provide a working environment that's healthy and safe for everyone in the workplace, including disabled people.
This means you must have:
- welfare facilities
- a healthy working environment
- a safe workplace
Find out in more detail what you must provide for a safe and healthy workplace.
Employers are also required to provide enough toilets and washbasins for those expected to use them. Follow our guidance for toilets and washing facilities.
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