|
Welcome to the May edition of Test Valley Business Matters.
This month, we'd like to highlight the Andover Careers Fair on Wednesday 10 July. If you're struggling to recruit, this could provide practical help. Please get in touch if you would like a stand.
For managers, free Help to Grow: Management Essentials courses have been launched online - they provide help in strategic thinking about business growth.
Finally, remember to sign up to our free in person AI workshop on 13 June if you have not yet thought through your organisational approach to AI.
Businesses in and around Romsey are invited to take part in a consultation about Romsey's community facilities. Please come along on 5 June to share your views.
TVBC, Andover Jobcentre Plus, Andover College and the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to organise a careers event to be hosted by Andover College on Wednesday 10 July from 09:30-12:30. It's aimed at all ages, covering those seeking to enter the workplace, change career, or change job.
The Andover Jobcentre Plus will book their customers in to attend and the event will be advertised widely to the general public, encouraging people to turn up on the day.
The event is free for employers and jobseekers. If you would like an employer's stand, please contact jhewson@testvalley.gov.uk.
The Government has launched a free online 'Help to Grow: Management Essentials' course for leaders of small and medium sized businesses who want to think more strategically about growth. It consists of three modules each with videos and resources that you can watch at your own pace. The first module is about your current business position and setting goals, Module two considers marketing, operations and HR. The final module covers strategic direction and creation of an action plan. More details and free registration can be found here: Help to Grow: Management Essentials | Small Business Charter
AI is back in the news this week with the launch of Chat GPT 4.0. Given the pace of development in this technology, all businesses are going to have to make decisions about their use of AI in the near future. Places are available for any Test Valley business to attend the free AI workshop to be held at TVBC's offices at Beech Hurst in Andover on 13 June. This is an opportunity to start to think through how you could be using AI; and what strategies and policies you need in place so that employees understand your organisation's approach. It is being led by Luke Williams, Group Head of AI at marketing agency Intergage. Please sign up here: TVBC AI workshop.
The Government has launched the third year of the Freight Innovation Fund which seeks to make freight cleaner, more sustainable and more efficient. It will support up to 12 SMEs to trial solutions which tackle challenges within the freight sector. Each SME can access up to £150k to trial their solutions in a pre-commercial pilot. SMEs can either apply to be matched with an industry partner (such as DHL, Eddie Stobart etc), or apply with their own partner. Further details can be found here: Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator Cohort 3. Applications are open until 9 June; there is a an application support webinar on 16 May Freight Innovation Fund Support Webinar.
This is a reminder that Government grants are available to cover up to 75% of the costs of installing up to 40 electric vehicle charge point sockets at work sites. The scheme is capped at £350 per socket and 40 sockets per company. You must own the site or have consent from the landlord/landowner, and must have dedicated off-road parking. For further details, see: Workplace Charging Scheme - GOV-UK.
Nominations are open for the Test Valley Business Awards. These awards give the opportunity for local businesses across all sectors to get the recognition they deserve. Anyone can nominate - please let your employees know! The nominator simply selects their chosen award category and explains the reasons for the nomination in 200-250 words. More details can be found here: Test Valley Business Awards.
This year, the Council is sponsoring the sustainability award which will celebrate a business that has successfully integrated sustainability practices into its operations, delivering a positive environmental and social impact. We are committed to helping businesses in their move to a net zero economy - resources for all businesses can be found on our website at Decarbonisation and Net Zero | Test Valley Borough Council.
The Beautiful South Tourism awards are open for nominations until Sunday 23 June. There are plenty of categories including accommodation, food and drink, wedding and business venues, and events. Details can be found here: Beautiful South Tourism Awards.
DEFRA has launched a fund for groups of two or more farms who wish to work together to store water and protect against the impact of drought. You can apply for a screening study with the Environment Agency to assess and rank water resource options to increase water supply resilience. If you are successful, you would receive a report with location specific advice and guidance. Applications must be received by 16 June 2024. Further details can be found here: Local water resources options screening studies - GOV.UK.
TVBC and Romsey Future are about to embark on a consultation with a wide variety of groups to seek views on what community facilities should be provided in Romsey and the wider area. As part of this process, we would like to hear the views of the Romsey business community. We know that many businesses use local community facilities for things like room hire but it would also be useful to hear about other issues that you may have, such a lack of venues that can hold conference size events in the town.
The Romsey Chamber of Commerce has arranged a consultation event for member and non-member businesses on Wednesday 5 June at 18:00 at the Crosfield Hall in Romsey. Nibbles and drinks will be provided. The event will be finished by no later than 20:00. Please book your free place here: Business Views Needed for the Future of Romsey
|
