New Members

HELLO, WE’RE HALO!

Halo Leisure is a registered charity and social enterprise running 22 sport and leisure facilities and programmes supporting the health/wellbeing agenda across Herefordshire, Bridgend County, Shropshire, Swindon and Gloucester. Any surplus is ploughed back into their facilities and services so they can offer accessible and affordable leisure activities for all groups including juniors, teenagers, students, seniors, families, people with disabilities, people on means tested benefits and local talented athletes.

From gyms, swimming, group exercise classes, racket sports, indoor and outdoor team games, golf, personal training, childrens coaching to spa facilities Halo has expertise in managing a wide portfolio of activities with the aim of getting more people more active more often and achieving it’s mission of “Creating Healthier Communities”. Halo is particularly interested in working with local employers to support their workforce to get more physically active. Companies such as NHS Wye Valley Trust, Heineken and Sony Technology UK have used Halo to help put workplace wellbeing on the agenda through workplace wellbeing programmes. Charlotte Webb’s journey began 5 years ago after a successful career in the public sector, her vision for Castle Green Financial Planning is to provide ‘financial planning in a world worth living in’ through trusted face to face advice for individuals, business owners and their families both locally and nationally. Based in St Owen’s Street, Hereford the Practice covers all areas of financial planning including pensions, protections and investments. Charlotte is passionate about breaking down the barriers that prevent people from accessing financial advice and believes that financial planning is for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns around your finances, the team are happy to have a no obligation chat.

partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/ castlegreenfp

THE OLD BLACK LION

James & Gill from The Old Black Lion in Hay-on-Wye are delighted to have joined the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce. The number one choice for high quality food and a pub with rooms in Hay-on-Wye; the Old Black Lion has an endearing old-world vibe. Legend has it that Oliver Cromwell sojourned here while the Roundheads besieged Hay Castle, and you can’t blame him for making himself comfortable among the inn’s dark beams and welcoming hospitality – things that remain in place today! There is a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout, with ‘boots and paws’ welcome in the Lions Den. Outside there is plenty of space to sit and relax and soak up the quaint atmosphere of the surrounding Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. The Old Black Lion is the ultimate destination for walkers, cyclists, canoeists, music lovers and book-browsers who are looking for the best quality food and ale in town. They welcome collaboration with other local businesses and Chamber members, offering a great dining experience along with comfortable stay in a wonderful part of the world!

www.oldblacklion.co.uk

PARENTAL EDUCATION GROWTH SUPPORT – PEGS

PEGS is a not-for-profit organisation at the forefront of the campaign to raise awareness for Child to Parent Abuse – which is estimated to impact at least 3% of UK households, and can take the form of physical, financial, emotional or sexual abuse from a child of any age (including adult offspring). The organisation offers support to parents, carers and guardians via one-to-ones, empowerment programmes, peer support, virtual drop-in sessions and advocacy. PEGS hosts training for professionals wanting to learn more about CPA and how to assist affected families, and has a DWP-backed Employer Covenant which highlights how companies can help staff and service users. Founding Director Michelle John, who has lived experience of CPA and a background in the domestic abuse and family law sectors, also acts as a consultant to regional and national organisations who are looking to implement effective policies and practices. Visit www.pegsupport.co.uk or search PEGS Support on social media to find out more.

www.pegsupport.co.uk

CHANGES TO RED DIESEL USE: CAUGHT RED HANDED?

Red diesel is simply diesel which is dyed to indicate it is rebated and hence subject to less fuel duty and VAT than normal (white) diesel.

Currently, most non-road machinery is capable of being powered by red diesel, which is significantly cheaper than white diesel, but as a result of the government’s climate change policy the exemptions are reformed such that they will only apply to very specific uses such as for agriculture or for non-commercial heating. This means that any business outside of these specific sectors using red diesel will need to deplete stocks and prepare for an increased fuel bill from 1 April 2022. Those no longer able to use red diesel after 1 April 2022 are (but not limited to): Construction and road maintenance

Manufacturing

Logistics and haulage (including refrigeration units)

Waste management

Commercial heating

Leisure

Airport operations and ports A minor point, but red diesel in vehicles added before 1 April 2022 will be capable of being used up after that date provided it qualified before 1 April 2022. Any in storage at 1 April 2022 should be disposed of or transferred. Tanks do not need to be flushed out after 1 April 2022. Please feel free to get in contact with Ben Powell, Partner at Ballards LLP regarding any accountancy, taxation or business advisory support on 01905 794 504 or email ben.powell@ballardsllp.com.

Ben Powell, Ballards LLP

In need of additional funding to drive your business forward in 2022?

Do you have strong growth potential but limited trading history or lack of security and can’t get support from High Street lenders? Need funds between £15,000 and £50,000 (subject to business status) We are a Worcestershire based lender who have government legacy funds available for lending to businesses in the West Mercia Region (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire & Telford & Wrekin)

For more information and the link to begin the application process, please visit our website.

www.impetus-marches.co.uk

email: lending @impetus-marches.co.uk MRRT Ltd, The Garden House, WR10 1PZ

Registered in England 05112041