|
Welcome to the September edition of Test Valley Business Matters.
We've highlighted some of the free events coming up in the next month - it is worth taking advantage of the resources available to you. For example, forthcoming changes to employment law will affect many businesses - we've flagged an online seminar on this topic on 16 October.
We are lucky in Test Valley to have a significant number of companies in the net zero sector, developing sustainability solutions. We have partnered with the Future Towns Innovation Hub at the University of Southampton Science Park to develop a Test Valley Net Zero Innovation Network. This will promote networking and link businesses into support available from the University of Southampton. The first meeting will be on the morning of 8 October at the Southampton Science Park - please contact jhewson@testvalley.gov.uk if you are interested in joining us.
 Business park solar surveys
We hope occupants on the business parks have received their solar surveys and have found them useful. If you occupy a unit on a Test Valley business park and have not received a survey, please contact info@absolar.co.uk giving your full address.
Water saving audits
Southern Water is offering free water saving audits for businesses. For further information, see Water Saving Audit (southernwater.co.uk). To book an appointment, please contact SouthernWaterNHH@groundwork.org.uk or call 0808 196 8711.
 Pilot demonstrators for nitrogen usage efficiency
Test Valley Borough Council in partnership with IncuHive is funding pilot demonstrators at Michelmersh Manor Farm and Goddards Farm under the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund. These are trialling different methods to improve nitrogen usage efficiency.
The Goddards Farm trial is a collaboration between the farmer, suppliers of an innovative product applied to crop roots, Apsley Farm who performed the drilling, and SOYL who are conducting analysis. This week, all collaborators gathered at Goddards farm to see the maize plots planted with and without the trial product. Full results will be disseminated after harvest.
 Free training and information
The following free events catch the eye this month:
Conquer camera shyness and create impactful videos. Most people don't like making videos but they are becoming increasingly important on social media - this is a free half hour online seminar run by Enterprise Nation on 23 September 2024 from 12:00. Register at Lunch and Learn: Create impactful videos.
Financing working capital and cashflow for your business: This is a free online seminar run by FSB in partnership with Allica Bank and the British Business Bank on 25 September 2024 from 11:00-12:00. Register at FSB | Financing working capital and cashflow for your business
Start-up workshop for new businesses and those considering starting up. The online workshop on the morning of 11 October will cover a range of topics including common pitfalls and how to avoid them, business planning and money management, and legal and tax obligations. Register at Free Start-Up Workshop (syob.net)
AI workshop at Crosfield Hall in Romsey on the morning of 23 October. This will cover the quick wins for your business as well as the risks that you need to be aware of and control. We are limiting attendance to 30 to allow for discussion - please book at AI for Small Businesses Tickets
For a fuller list of events, see the foot of the newsletter or go to Business Meetings and Events Diary | Test Valley Borough Council
Hampshire Growth Hub
The Hampshire Growth Hub offers free 1-1 tailored business support for businesses seeking to grow. They will focus on your growth plans and priorities and can help with topics including marketing, finance, bid writing, exports and investments. For more information, email growth.hub@hants.gov.uk or visit https://www.hants.gov.uk/business/hampshire-growth-hub
 Setting up as a sole trader (newly self-employed)
If you became self-employed during the 2023-24 tax year, you must notify HMRC no later than 5 October 2024. Please see Set up as a sole trader - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Employment Rights Bill
The new Government has announced its intention to introduce an Employment Rights Bill in its first 100 days of Government. This is likely to include commitments to the following:
- Banning zero-hour contracts
- Ending fire and rehire, and fire and replace
- Making parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal available from the first day of employment (subject to probationary periods)
- Strengthening statutory sick pay
- Making flexible working the default from the first day of employment, with employers required to accommodate this as far as is reasonable
- Strengthening protections for new mothers
- Establishing a Fair Work Agency as a new single enforcement body
- Updating trade union legislation.
Once the Bill is published, more information will be available on timescales.
The FSB is holding an online workshop 'Employment Law Changes' on Wednesday 16 October at 11:00 to help small businesses start to prepare. You do not need to be a member to attend, though will need to register with them: FSB | Employment law changes: What you need to know and how FSB can help
|
