ECONOMY
@eastleighbc
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News round up Make a date for November’s Business Breakfast The Economic Development Team is planning a business breakfast on the morning of Thursday 7 November, which should be an excellent networking opportunity. More details will be published closer to the event.
New Platform 4 Business Advice launched in Eastleigh A new advice service for companies across Eastleigh Borough has been launched by the Council. Platform 4 Business Advice is a free, one-stop service supporting newly formed or established companies. Users will be able to live-chat with a business advisor between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday or post an enquiry outside business hours that will be dealt with on the next working day. Key features of Platform 4 include: support for start-ups, downloadable business guides and templates; access to Companies House and HMRC documentation; events information and the latest business news. Users can find out about funding schemes and programmes, join discussion groups or even set up their own networks. Cabinet Member for Economy, Cllr Derek Pretty, said: “Eastleigh has already been voted a businessfriendly location and the Platform 4 service is part of the ongoing support we provide to promote prosperity in the Borough. We are sure that local companies will find it a valuable resource.”
Visit eastleigh.gov.uk/business/ platform-4 to start chatting to an advisor. You can also opt in to receive information from the Council about business support services, events, consultations, news and legislation.
To find out more about business events in the Borough, why not sign up for the Eastleigh Business News bulletin. Contact economicdevelopment@ eastleigh.gov.uk
Business Conference a success The Eastleigh Business Conference, held at The Berry Theatre in Hedge End earlier in the summer, was very successful.
Apprenticeships at EBC Your first step to a new career For anyone considering an apprenticeship, Eastleigh Borough Council offers an exciting range of roles to kick start your career. This year’s apprentice intake at the Council will include placements in customer services, IT desktop/ infrastructure, internal audit and project management. They are all fantastic opportunities giving successful applicants the chance to earn money while getting on-the-job training, as well as gaining a nationally recognised qualification (including NVQ Level 2 to 5) that supports their career ambitions. We offer an enjoyable place to work in a supportive environment, where new apprentices are allocated a mentor and a workplace buddy - and can pursue personal development and training opportunities, such as IT skills, alongside their apprenticeship qualification. Laura Payne (pictured) is working towards an IRRV Technician Qualification Level 4 with the authority’s Revenues Tax team. She said: “I really enjoy working for the Council which provides an excellent work-life balance. My qualification focuses on council
tax and business rates and is highly regarded by the profession. It could lead to a local taxation manager or consultancy role in the future. The apprenticeship is a heavy workload, but I get great support, have received really good feedback and my efforts are recognised and rewarded.” Salary for an Eastleigh Borough Council apprentice is above the apprentice minimum wage and benefits include 22 days annual leave, staff discounts (including travel), membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and access to an employee support line. To start an apprenticeship you’ll need to be living in England and not in full-time education. Applications are welcome from anyone with commitment and a willingness to learn. Find out more: eastleigh.gov.uk/apprenticeships or email: learninganddevelopment@eastleigh.gov.uk Picture above: Laura Payne the Council’s Revenues apprentice
The Council’s Economic Development team received very positive feedback from attendees at the event that showcased Borough businesses, gave profile to Council grant recipients and presented awards to companies that promoted health and wellbeing and sustainability. Cllr Derek Pretty, Cabinet Member for Economy, presented awards to School Lane Colour Press, winner of the Green Borough Award; PurpleLily Design, highly commended in the Green Borough Award, and DocHQ, winner of the Healthy Community Award.
Glowing report for Fleet Management Service The Council’s Fleet Management Service team, based at the Hedge End Depot, has received a glowing report following a recent inspection by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The agency, whose licensing role is to ensure the safe and proper operation of the Council’s HGV and LGV vehicles, rated the Fleet Management Service as ‘Outstanding’.
