Merry Christmas!
The NWedR team will be on its festive break from Friday 22 December until Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Responses to enquiries made during this time will be made as soon as possible on our return to work. We'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
|
Changes to NWedR
The three district councils in North Worcestershire have announced that they are planning to change arrangements for supporting their work on economic development and regeneration.
The leadership of the three councils; Bromsgrove, Redditch, and Wyre Forest, have been considering future options for more than a year.
|
Celebrating the Winners of the 2023 North Worcestershire Business Awards
Eight top businesses were crowned winners at the 2023 North Worcestershire Business Awards. Twenty-seven finalists gathered with the award sponsors and VIP guests at the celebratory awards dinner at Hogarths Stone Manor on Thursday 30 November where the winners of each category were announced.
|
Kidderminster Town Hall transformation – contract signed
Plans to transform Kidderminster Town Hall take another step forward as the development contract is awarded to Malvern based construction firm Speller Metcalfe.
Work on site is about to begin to create a bright new cultural, music and community meeting space which will attract visitors for years to come.
|
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.
|
Upcoming flagship event designed to help shape the future of the county
Get ready for an event that’s more than just a date on your calendar. The Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is thrilled to unveil our flagship event of 2024, and we want you to be a part of it!
Join us on Friday 23rd February, for a dynamic set-piece event. We’re diving deep into the opportunities and challenges shaping Worcestershire’s future. But this isn’t your average event, it’s your chance to be a part of the conversation, share your insights, and make a real impact on our community.
|
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 north Worcestershire Masterclasses take place on Friday and Saturday 9 & 10 February – Bromsgrove Library
Learn more and sign up for a course near you.
|
HS2 Update and newsletter
Over recent months, the government has announced its commitment to completing HS2 between London Euston and Birmingham Curzon Street, with connections further north. This follows the Prime Minister’s announcement of the cancellation of Phase Two in October. The programme remains on course for an opening date within its timeline of 2029-2033.
Find out more and sign up for the HS2 newsletter here.
|
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
|
Make coaching one of your new year’s resolutions
If you have launched a business within the last 3 years and are looking to build a solid foundation for growth, the Enterprising Worcestershire Coaching Programme can help you to do just that.
But don’t just take our word for it! Local business, Trainer Armour experienced a boost in sales and was able to grow its workforce following support from Enterprising Worcestershire.
When catching up with business owner Andy, here is what they had to say about the programme, “The coaching offered best business practice information which helped the Trainer Armour growth journey by boosting our knowledge and confidence. The skills learnt on the programme have ensured we have the correct foundations to help move the business forward.”
Its flexible delivery means you can access up to 10 hours of support from an award-winning coach which can be delivered either face-to-face or remotely, whatever suits you best.
Don’t miss out, apply today to get your coach on board.
|
Save the date for The Innovation and Tech Conference
Worcestershire County Council invites you to attend their Innovation and Technology conference, featuring industry experts and local businesses, on 13 March, at Sixways Stadium Worcester. This is a golden opportunity to gain insights, be inspired by the latest thinking, and network with like-minded professionals.
|
Caring is Sharing
As energy bills and rents are set to increase further, your local authorities together with partners, have put together web pages, a leaflet and a social media campaign which signposts to organisations which can help and provide advice on a range of issues.
This includes energy efficiency advice, debt management, available funds like pension credit and information on food banks from groups and organisations including Citizen’s Advice (CAB), Age Concern, NewStarts and Bromsgrove District Housing Trust.
Found out more about help in your area:
Bromsgrove
Redditch
Wyre Forest
|
Interested in renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions in your business?
If you are looking to improve energy efficiency in your business, The Net Zero Worcestershire programme can help you to do just that.
The programme provides a fully funded decarbonisation review, during which expert advisors will review your current energy usage and provide you with advice on your next steps.
The report provided will offer tailored recommendations to suit your organisation that will not only save operating costs, but also reduce your carbon footprint - whether it’s switching to LED lights, upgrading machinery, or installing renewable measures like solar panels.
To help you on your way, businesses that have received a decarbonisation review will gain access to apply for grant funding to implement your energy saving changes.
One local business to benefit from support was Little Owl Farm Park. The business received an energy assessment and grant funding to install a solar PV system which is predicted to save them 13.6 tonnes CO2 and £6,644 each year! Could your business be next?
Don’t delay apply today.
|
|
|
Business support and grants
The council is dedicated to helping local businesses develop and thrive. From start-ups to high-growth enterprises, we're offering a variety of support for businesses of all sizes across the county.
|
|
