Business News - Opening up the economy safely, Kickstart update and much more

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Opening up the economy safely - breakfast briefing 

Join Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry, the Leader of the council, and Dr Debbie Chase for a business breakfast webinar to update businesses on the latest COVID-19 situation and the council’s plans to support businesses in the city.

The majority of this webinar will be an opportunity to ask Dr Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health for Southampton, questions about how you can operate safely following the easing of restrictions.

The aim of the session is to give local business access to the Director of Public Health and the Leader of the Council. So, please come along armed with your questions and we can learn together about the safe ways to continue running your business and Get Southampton Moving.

Join us on Thursday 22 July at 8am for this 45mins webinar. To register for the event, please email Kathryn.Glynn@southampton.gov.uk. 

Please submit questions ahead of the session Kathryn.Glynn@southampton.gov.uk by 16 July.

Coronavirus business

Can you help Kickstart a young person’s career?

If so, you could receive funding to cover the costs of the young person’s wages and National Insurance contributions as you help them learn about the world of work. Plus, you’ll receive £1,500 per Kickstart placement.

Whatever the size of your business, you can get involved.

To find out more, you’re invited to join a 30 minute session hosted by Employer and Partnership Managers from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Wednesday 21 July 1.30pm - request a booking here

Alternatively, e-mail your booking request to: dwhiiowexternal.events@dwp.gov.uk

Kickstart logo

The Future of Southampton - webinar 

Southampton, the economic powerhouse of England’s south coast, is a city undergoing an ambitious regeneration. From the rejuvenation of the Leisure World site – one of the most significant redevelopments the city has seen in a long time – to the proposed extension of Southampton Airport’s runway and the chancellor’s recent go-ahead for the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership’s freeport bid, this coastal community is on the cusp of a renaissance.

With a unique opportunity to become a thriving destination port city, now is the time for Southampton to level up, band together and support future growth. But to do that collaboration between the public and private sector will be required across the city like never before. So, what would this look like?

Join our webinar on Thursday 22 July 2021 10am


Make your urban deliveries greener with a free RIDES electric cargo bike trial

The RIDES scheme, launched by Southampton City Council, in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council, offers a fleet of 10 electric cargo (e-cargo) bikes on loan to local organisations. It is an opportunity to see how making deliveries with an e-cargo bike, instead of with a car or van, can be a practical and greener solution for your business.

RIDES (Realising Innovative Deliveries in Eastleigh and Southampton) is offering businesses and educational, charitable, community and voluntary sector organisations the opportunity to participate in the trial for up to 3 months, or even for just a weekend event. There are two types of bike available: the Urban Arrow (pictured) for heavier loads of up to 100kg and the more conventional Tern GSD which can carry up to 80kg.

Since the scheme started in March 21, the RIDES e-cargo bikes have transported over 7 tonnes of goods and travelled almost 800 miles for local companies, delivering everything from print materials, foods, liquids, food parcels, maintenance equipment and materials to tools and office equipment.

If your organisation is interested in trialling an e-cargo bike for short distance deliveries, find more information here, or contact the RIDES Project Manager – Stuart Williams at stuart.williams@southampton.gov.uk

RIDES cargo bike

Southampton's new direction 

Specialist communications consultancy Cratus has organised a webinar with Southampton City Council, hearing from the new Leader on his vision and ambitions for the City.

Join us on Monday 12 July  4.30  -  5.30pm on Zoom

Cratus webinar

Save money while going green

As the UK gears up for the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow in November, now is the chance to go that One Step Greener and commit your business to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.

Join thousands of other small businesses taking action on climate change by signing up to the SME Climate Commitment here, where you’ll also find tips and resources to help you go green.

When you commit, you’ll get the tools to help you understand your emissions, how to tackle them, and how to share what you’re doing with your customers and your community.

Taking action also has business benefits - taking simple steps can reduce your running costs, attract new customers who want to buy sustainably, and help you seize new opportunities.


Games Demo Day 

Barclays is delighted to be partnering with UKIE in creating an opportunity for UK Games developers to showcase their games to potential audiences and investors.

One of the biggest hurdles for indie games developers is finding funding. On the other hand larger games businesses and investors often struggle to find the right game and developers to work with.

The Demo Day will be held in September with successful developers showcasing their work on a virtual Demo day.

If you would like the chance to be a demonstrator at this event please complete the application form here. Applications will close on Friday 23 July 2021.


Transfer to Transform one year anniversary

The Solent Apprenticeship Hub is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its highly successful Transfer to Transform initiative. Transfer to Transform encourages large employers to pledge their unspent apprenticeship levy funds to cover the costs of apprenticeship training for smaller businesses across the Solent region.

Currently at £1,450,000 in total pledges and with over 100 apprentice starts, the initiative has exceeded all initial expectations. Transfer to Transform is also becoming a permanent solution to the issue of the estimated £400 million of unused levy funding nationally; with many other local authorities choosing to follow suit and putting initiatives of their own in place to support their local employers. 

SAH Transfer to Transform

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