Monthly newsletter for North Worcestershire businesses

NWedR supports and promotes economic development and regeneration across North Worcestershire

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winners 2023 apprenticeship awards

Apprenticeships in Worcestershire celebrated at Annual Awards

The 9th annual awards were held on Thursday 16 November where over 300 representatives from businesses, apprentices, schools, training providers and ambassadors attended the West Midland Safari Park for the prestigious celebration. The event recognised the tremendous efforts of all those involved in delivering and supporting apprenticeships in the county.

11 winners were crowned, with the highly coveted Worcestershire Apprentice of the year named as Cameron Gallamore from Doncasters, sponsored by Redspeed International, and Worcestershire Apprenticeship Employer of the Year announced as Open GI, sponsored by Sanctuary.

See the full story


Workforce

The Start It Business Masterclass

Do you know someone keen to learn more about what it takes to start a business?

The Start-It Business Masterclass is a two-day workshop designed to give individuals the skills, confidence and knowledge to start their venture. It’s a friendly and informal small group environment which will inspire you to take the next step.

The masterclass will guide participants through what is required to start a business, including registration, best legal structure, marketing, finance, business planning and is the perfect place to have your questions answered.

The next Masterclasses take place on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 December at Redditch Library.

Learn more


NW Bus Awards Finalist

Finalists set for the North Worcestershire Business Awards

Finalists will gather with the award sponsors and VIP guests at a celebratory awards dinner at Hogarths Stone Manor on Thursday 30 November where the winners of the 2023 North Worcestershire Business Awards (NWBusAwards) will be announced.

The NWBusAwards are organised by NWedR (the shared Local Authority service representing Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest) and NWBL (North Worcestershire Business Leaders) in partnership with Hogarths Stone Manor.

The independent judges panel commented that the finalists reflect “an impressive range of diverse businesses, all showcasing their commitment to innovation, sustainability and adding extra value for customers.”

Read the story


online masterclass

Support for Worcestershire businesses under three years old

If you have launched a business within the last 3 years and are looking to further establish yourself in the market, the Enterprising Worcestershire Coaching Programme can help you to do just that.

The fully funded programme can help you to build a strong foundation, empower you to make informed decisions and guide your business to develop and grow.

Its flexible delivery means you can access up to 10 hours of support which can be delivered either face-to-face or remotely, whatever suits you best.

See how coaching can support you.


Enterprising Worcestershire logo

Save the date for the Enterprising Worcestershire Start Up Fest!

A free festival for aspiring entrepreneurs and new businesses will take place on Tuesday 6 February 2024 at the Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Get ready for a jam-packed day of inspiration, interactive workshops and information to help get your ideas off the ground!

To secure an early spot, register your interest.  More information will be announced soon, so keep your eyes on the county council’s social media page.


online meeting

White Ribbon Conference – online this Friday

Calling all businesses to support colleagues experiencing domestic abuse. We'd all like to think we'd do the right thing and support colleagues experiencing domestic abuse, but would you know how to spot it and what to do?

This is just the kind of knowledge and information that will be the subject of this year's White Ribbon Conference. The White Ribbon Conference is a free online event organised jointly by Public Health from Worcestershire County Council and Herefordshire Community Safety Partnership to help spread awareness of the issues and support available to tackle domestic abuse. The conference takes place every year to coincide with the national campaign, 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse. It is free to join and will take place this Friday 24 November 2023 via Microsoft Teams between 9.30 am and 3.15 pm.

Register now.


help to grow

Help to Grow Management Course

Boost growth and resilience and join a growing number of SME leaders taking part in the Help to Grow: Management Course.  The course is 90% funded by UK Government, so the cost is only £750 per person!

This practical course offers 1-1 mentoring, peer learning and help in developing a business growth plan. Courses are running this September at Worcester University and other business schools across the West Midlands.

For more on eligibility information and registration, please visit the website.


growing your business

2023 Visit Worcestershire Business Barometer – have your say

So far, 2023 has been the first "normal" year since the pandemic and Visit Worcestershire is keen to know how business within Worcestershire's tourism sectors have found the return to more normal trading patterns. We are hoping that you will be able to assist us with this by completing a short survey about how 2023 has been for you.

The Tourism Business Barometer was set up last year to provide a snapshot of the state of trade within the Worcestershire tourism sector and visitor economy. The aim is to conduct the survey annually, and publish the results, providing wider insight for stakeholders about the state of trade and highlight any specific issues that are affecting levels of business.  Survey closes Thursday 30 November.

Complete the survey now


Money grants

Energy Efficiency Grants

The Net Zero Grant Programme (NZGP) aims to help businesses to reduce their environmental impact along with the rising energy costs companies are experiencing.  Energy Efficiency Grants aim to remove financial barriers and enable SMEs to make carbon savings through increased energy and resource efficiency. NZGP is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and managed by The West Midlands Combined Authority.

There are grants between £2,500 and £7,500 for start-ups and £5,000 and £100,000 for growing businesses. All businesses must undertake an independent diagnostic energy audit to qualify for consideration.  Aston University will conduct energy audits for NZGP applicants free of charge. See the Energy Survey Referral Form before applying for a NZGP application. For more information and full eligibility criteria, visit the website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/nzgp


connected

Staying Connected

The NWedR team delivers support and services to businesses across North Worcestershire. Email us on info@nwedr.org.uk Call us on 0845 6015953 or visit our NWedR website to read our news and sign up for our weekly newsletters for North Worcestershire businesses. Connect with your local council on social media Bromsgrove DC Twitter, Facebook, Redditch BC Twitter, Facebook, Wyre Forest DC Twitter, Facebook. NWedR social connections are shown at the top of this newsletter.

For regional Worcestershire business advice, grants and support go to Worcestershire Growth Hub or The Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP Growth Hub. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, a full range of business support is available to UK businesses and employees.  See the latest updates from Government. The business support helpline is 0300 456 3565 - available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.