September 2014
South Cambridgeshire
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Issue 5
Could we have your feedback please?
In this edition P2
Have your say on the next phase of Northstowe
Are you Retro-Fit? development of the low carbon economy
P5
P3
Get your broadband vouchers before funds run out
Female Business Owners - skills training at no charge
P8
Join our business register to access even more support and information. www.scambs.gov.uk/ businessregister
To unsubscribe from this mailing, email ‘unsubscribe’ to openforbusiness@ scambs.gov.uk
We’re delighted to announce that South Cambs District Council have commissioned Exemplas who will shortly be running a new programme of training workshops for businesses in South Cambridgeshire.
In order to decide on the best topics and to help us deliver effective support to businesses in the area, we’d love your feedback via our two minute survey. By completing the survey you’ll be automatically entered into a draw for the chance to win one hour of free remote* business consultancy with one of Exemplas’ qualified Business Advisers.** We have two surveys, one link for if you run or work in a pub and all other businesses. We’d therefore be very grateful if you could spend just two minutes completing the survey.
Pub Survey: www.keysurvey.co.uk/f/693606/5064
Business Support Survey: www.keysurvey.co.uk/f/693056/5d3f
If you have engaged with the South Cambridgeshire Business Support Service in the past, you will be contacted separately and sent a unique link to the survey. Please note we only need you to complete the survey once. If you have questions about the survey, please contact us at southcambsbusinesssupport@exemplas.com Alternatively you can call us on 0844 346 0755 *Via email, telephone or Skype **Terms and conditions apply
Government boost for home-based businesses The Government has recently introduced new legislation to increase the number of home-based entrepreneurs. The newly-launched ‘Home Business’ initiative will make it easier to start and run a business from home. The new measures include: No requirement to file for planning permission to run a home-based business No business rates will be payable on the majority of these home-based firms A new tenancy agreement making it easier to run firms from rented accommodation. www.gov.uk/government/news/backing-for-home-based-business-boom
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Welcome Welcome to the September issue of Open for Business This edition, we are pleased to introduce an exciting opportunity for ambitious female business owners in South Cambs to benefit from £4,000 worth of business skills training at no charge - thanks to a partnership between Enterprising Women and Santander UK. We are also encouraging South Cambs businesses to apply for broadband vouchers before funds run out. Businesses in South Cambs can also net up to £8,000 for purchases that help them save energy through a capital grant scheme - The Low Carbon Keep programme. We include information on events being run by/with partner organisations, including a special focus on smartLIFE and free building retro-fit events taking place during October.
Calling South Cambs Businesses ..
We are constantly looking for case studies on a whole range of business issues. In addition it is important that here at South Cambs District Council we respond to the issues affecting businesses in the area. It is often difficult to find a business which fits the bill for the media piece or consultation at the short notice we are often given. If you have an interesting business issue you would like to share, have benefited from a grant or business support and would be willing to act as a case study. We would be happy to hear from you. You can contact us through our ‘Open for Business’ email address which is below. It is real everyday issues which are important to us and which drives our work in supporting businesses in South Cambridgeshire. Find out about support available to business in South Cambridgeshire and to join the South Cambs business register so we can keep you up to date with news. email openforbusiness@scambs.gov.uk or visit our website www.scambs.gov.uk/services/business
Have your Say
We would like to ensure that businesses in the South Cambs district get to have their say in the next stage of Northstowe. It’s really important for us to hear your views so that you can help us make sure Northstowe is a place where people want to live, work, study and socialise. This application looks to provide up to 3,500 new homes, a town centre, a new road to the south of Northstowe, two primary schools and a secondary school as well as sports facilities and open space. You will find series of documents below which give you further information, and you can also comment on the application online.
The consultation runs until the 31 October 2014.
We have latest news on the requirement of auto-enrolment to work place pensions, advice on how to check whether your employees are legally able to work, help on how to file your VAT online and information on a boost from Government for home based businesses. There is money saving news for employers and staff through the travel for work in Cambridgeshire scheme. In the near future we will be running some training workshops. Before we do and in order to decide on the best topics and to help us deliver effective support to businesses in the area, we’d love your feedback via our two minute survey. Cllr Nick Wright Cabinet member for planning and economic development
2
Details of how you and your business can be involved can be found here: www.scambs.gov.uk/content/northstowe-planning-documents-phase-two
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Retro-fit for business
The SmartLIFE Retro-fit for business project is about supporting the low carbon economy through the development of the retrofit market, in the East of England. These events and workshops aim to encourage and support small businesses to pursue building retrofit opportunities. Events are open to small and medium enterprises with 1 - 250 employees, which are based in the East of England. They are provided completely free of charge.
SME programme October 2014 The economics of retrofit With changing legislation and a myriad of government incentives, there are many powerful economic reasons to retrofit both commercial premises and homes. This evening seminar will explore some of the expected and unexpected financial impacts, and what we can learn from experience of retrofitting a range of different low carbon technologies. Who:
East of England SMEs interested in retrofit
When: 1 October Where: SmartLIFE Low Carbon, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2QT Time:
5pm - 7:30pm with refreshments
Contact: jane.frank@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or 01223 715689 to sign up
Invest To Save Workshop A day-long workshop about energy saving and renewable energy technologies, including advice on their most appropriate use and how to build an investment business case. The session will include lots of opportunities for Q&A and practical, interactive sessions. Who:
East of England SMEs interested in retrofit - ideal for those wanting to break into retrofit as a new area
When:
14 October
Where: SmartLIFE Low Carbon, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2QT Time:
9am - 4pm including lunch and refreshments
Contact jane.frank@cambridgeshire.gov.uk or 01223 715689 to sign up
Smartlife Retrofit - Soft Landings As the SmartLIFE Retro-fit for business project draws to a close, this event is an opportunity to review what we’ve learnt from the project. There will be a particular focus on behavioural aspects and we will hear from Anglia Ruskin University on the process of engagement with building occupants to get the best from retrofit technologies. Who:
East of England SMEs, Local Authorities, Housing Associations, Landlords, Letting agents and local charities
When:
Oct/Nov, date tbc
Where: Anglia Ruskin University Time:
12noon - 2pm with refreshments
3
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Efficiency grants scheme doubles in size Businesses in the East can net up to £8,000 for purchases that help them save energy Companies looking to make energy-saving purchases can get up to £8,000 towards their outlay thanks to a newly-expanded scheme from the Low Carbon KEEP programme. The Low Carbon KEEP programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Anglia Ruskin, will award capital grants to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the East of England for efficiency purchases. The scheme provides 40% of the cost of items such as lowenergy lighting, 3D printers, more efficient machinery and cutting edge software and design tools. Purchases made through the Capital Grant Scheme may include more than one item and can be of any value. The grant will cover 40% of the cost up to a maximum award of £8,000 for a purchase of £20,000 or more. Carole Randall, Low Carbon KEEP Programme Manager, said: “Our aim is that by doubling our capital grant, from £4,000 to £8,000, we will attract the attention of businesses on the cusp of making major changes and therefore enable them to achieve those changes in a sustainable manner.”
For further information on Low Carbon Keep and Capital Grants’ visit www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/microsites/low_carbon_keep.html
4
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Businesses urged to apply for broadband vouchers before funds run out
Small companies, sole traders and charities are being urged to apply for connection vouchers worth up to £3000 to get superfast broadband to their offices before the funding runs out. Connection Vouchers are only available until March 2015 and can provide £100-£3000 free Government funding for small businesses based in South Cambridgeshire. The connection vouchers pay the cost of installing superfast broadband to business buildings, including those that are based at home. The scheme is being run by Destination Digital, the project from Connecting Cambridgeshire to help small businesses use digital technology in partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council. Growing Cambridgeshire communications agency Cuttsy+Cuttsy, moved to a larger office in Ickleton this summer and installed faster broadband with the help of a connection voucher from Destination Digital. Company Director, Mathew Cutts, says: “Good connectivity is vital. The faster connection is going to help us build the film production side of the business, as we need the bandwidth to transfer large files. It also helps us reduce costs per employee and therefore make it easier to hire new members of staff. We can now offer more flexible working to our staff as we will have secure access to the data they need to work from home.” Matthew comments that applying for a voucher was easy: “Paul at Destination Digital was very quick to respond to our questions and helped us through the process. Our application was even approved on the same day.” Destination Digital ends in March 2015 and small companies are being urged to apply before it’s too late. Councillor Nick Wright, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Please do not miss this opportunity to give your business a big connectivity boost. Rural businesses constantly tell us that faster broadband is vital to unlocking their full potential so this voucher could be just the ticket for them.” “The speed of broadband connection is crucially important to the way people do business today. This Destination Digital project is already proving it can play a significant part in helping Cambridge and the wider region’s economy to continue to thrive - both nationally and internationally.” Small businesses can find out more at an information event on 8 October at Central Library in Cambridge, from 12-2pm.
Mathew Cutts, Director Destination Digital
Businesses can also apply online for a connection voucher until March 2015 at www.destinationdigital.info/vouchers
5
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
6
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Are you ready for autoenrolment? In April, the rules on workplace pensions changed. Every employer must now automatically enroll their staff into a workplace pension scheme if they:
Are aged between 22 and state pension age
Earn more than £10,000 per year
Work in the UK
So far, auto enrolment has only affected larger firms, but next year thousands of companies with 30 employees or fewer will have to offer a pension. The Pensions Regulator has produced a user-friendly online guide for employers, outlining what you need to do today to prepare. To access the guide visit www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/employers/e-brochure/index.html#12 Grants available now to support your next business growth or efficiency project By running a small or medium sized (SME) business in South Cambridgeshire, you could be eligible for a grant to catalyse your business growth or efficiency. Please register your interest using the link below and, following an eligibility check, your grant application will be supported by a local, dedicated Business Broker from the Grants4Growth Scheme. www.grants4growth.org.uk
Are all your employees legally able to work? Help available to avoid the new hefty fines. The maximum fine for employing an illegal worker has recently doubled from £10,000 to £20,000. To coincide with the increase, the Government had launched an online interactive tool for employers to help find out if a potential employee has the right to work in the UK and to advise on the correct documents an employer should be checking to ensure eligibility. www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk
Can’t file your VAT returns online? Help now available. On 1st July 2014, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) changed its rules to make it easier to file your VAT returns, if submitting them online is not reasonably practicable. HMRC will accept paper returns and be able to approve telephone filing as an alternative method of electronic filing, in certain circumstances. New guidance is available at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/briefs/vat/brief2914.htm
7
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Ambitious Female Business Owners in South Cambs An exciting opportunity for ambitious female business owners in South Cambs to benefit from £4,000 worth of business skills training at no charge - thanks to a partnership between Enterprising Women and Santander UK. The Growth Programme: This unique programme is tailor-made for ambitious female owned SME’s who want to increase their knowledge, skills and confidence, overcome barriers to growth, and have the commitment and motivation to take their existing business to the next level. Led by serial entrepreneur and EU Female Entrepreneurship Ambassador Bev Hurley C.B.E., the four-day Enterprising Women Growth Programme blends interactive strategic workshops, peer support and 1:1 mentoring sessions to help female entrepreneurs to take their business to the next stage of its development. Delivered to hundreds of women over the past six years, results and evaluations show high levels of satisfaction with the knowledge, information and skills included within the content of the workshops, and some fantastic, sustained results. This includes turnover increases between 10 - 250%, greater profitability, new business collaborations and partnerships, increased access to finance, expansion into new markets and additional job creation. Women are invited to apply for places at one of three upcoming events in London, Nottingham and Glasgow. All female entrepreneurs with annual turnovers (or projected annual turnovers) of £500,000 are encouraged to apply.
The Programme Outline: Usually costing £4,000 per delegate, the programme provides female entrepreneurs with the knowledge, confidence and skills to overcome barriers to growth and equip them with the personal and strategic business skills, clarity, focus and expertise needed to grow their business.
Addressing the key barriers to growth for women-owned businesses with annual turnovers (or projected annual turnovers) of £500,000.
Topics include: how to create a growth strategy and plan, building sales pipelines, segmentation, competition, financing growth, leadership and management skills development, confidence, growing effective teams, trust, delegation and managing quality and performance
Successful applicants will also share their own knowledge, ideas and experience with like-minded female peers - creating a solid foundation for future partnerships and alliances
Participants will have access to Santander’s Breakthrough programme - which runs overseas trade missions, and provides masterclasses, roundtables and funding to help SMEs achieve their full commercial potential For more information on programme dates and how to apply, download the form at www.enterprising-women.org/business-support/growth-programme
8
South Cambridgeshire - OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Helping commuters with the daily grind The daily journey into work can in itself get your day off to a stressful start. One of the biggest problems of the rush hour (or rush hours), is the threat of getting stuck in traffic and running late.
The Travel for Work partnership provides travel solutions for Cambridgeshire’s employers, helping to deliver effective travel initiatives that ease transport and access problems, getting your working day off to a much better start. This includes raising the profile of sustainable travel such as cycling and walking which offer obvious health benefits too, and studies show that improved wellbeing leads to a happier and more productive workforce. The Partnership also promotes public transport and helps to facilitate car sharing through its passenger matching service at www.camshare.co.uk The Partnership even works with individual businesses and business parks on the development and implementation of travel plans, which can often be required to meet planning conditions. Planning for, and promoting sustainable travel, in this way can help businesses to create a positive corporate image. If you want or need to put initiatives such as these into a workplace travel plan, why not become a member of the Travel for Work Partnership? Joining is free and the benefits include:
For businesses:
For employees:
Grants, for those eligible, for infrastructure improvements, such as cycle parking and shower facilities
Train ticket discounts
Assistance in the development and writing of travel plans
Car share matching website
Postcode mapping of employees to focus efforts accordingly Assistance and grants to run events promoting sustainable commuting
Cycle shop discounts Cycle training Bike maintenance sessions
For more information visit www.tfw.org.uk, email info@tfw.org.uk or call 01223 715550
Events
Businesses in South Cambs can take advantage of a myriad of events, providing networking opportunities and the chance to learn more about topics that can help your business. Most are organised through our network of local business support organisations. To find out more about what’s on offer, click on the links below.
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commence
www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/index.php?pageid=114
Enterprising Women
www.enterprising-women.org/events
Greater Cambridgeshire and Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership www.gcgp.co.uk/
Federation of Small Business www.fsb.org.uk/default.aspx?loc=111
9
Editorial information This newsletter is produced for local businesses by South Cambridgeshire District Council. Editorial enquiries should be emailed to openforbusiness@scambs.gov.uk The opinions and views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of South Cambridgeshire District Council. All data is accepted in good faith at the time of going to press.