In summary
A very happy new year to you! We hope you had an enjoyable and restful festive break. This month you will find information about our first ever business bootcamp event in Beds, Cambs and Herts, the Government grant scheme Access to Work, allergen management advice for food businesses as well as support for those seeking investment in Cambridgeshire. I look forward to seeing you at an FSB event in 2025!
Featured news and events
Grow your business for good with FSB’s latest bootcamp
Our popular FSB bootcamp series is coming to Peterborough at the Allia Future Business Centre on 4 March 2025, featuring a brilliant line-up of expert speakers to help you hone your skills in marketing, AI, and fraud prevention.
In partnership with NatWest, this jam-packed event includes a wide range of workshops, a variety of exhibitors and with plenty of networking sessions built into the day, there will be lots of opportunities to mix and mingle with local entrepreneurs to grow your connections.
The keynote speaker is entrepreneur and award winner Esther Roche, founder of DeRoiste Natural Beauty. Esther will share her journey to success juggling a family of five, two businesses, and a successful podcast.
There are limited tickets available so book now to ensure you don’t miss out! Visit here to register.
Interested in exhibiting at the Bootcamp?
We have a limited number of exhibition spaces available to help you make your business stand out from the crowd and get in front of entrepreneurs from across the East of England. To book a stand at the event visit here.
FSB Bootcamp – Grow Your Business for Good – Tuesday 4 March 2025
For a day, the Allia Future Business Centre in Peterborough will become a hive of ideas and innovation as informative speakers, engaging panellists, fantastic businesses, a variety of exhibitors, our friends and sponsors take attendees on a journey to grow their businesses for good. Don’t miss out on our first Business Bootcamp in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, in partnership with Natwest. Book your space now.
In other news
An introduction to Access to Work
Did you know financial support is available for employers to make adjustments to create a suitable environment for disabled employees to work in successfully and productively?
Often described as a well-kept secret, Access to Work is a government grant scheme that helps disabled people to gain employment or remain in the current employment. But how can you, as an employer, access the scheme to recruit and retain – and value – staff?
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Business Support and Development Team is running a free one-hour webinar at 11am on 22 January 2025 when Fleur Patten from Papworth Trust will explain what the scheme funds, how to access those funds, and how it can benefit you as a caring employer and as a successful business.
Allergy Alert – Hertfordshire Trading Standards
Do you own or work in a food business? Reports of consumers suffering allergic reactions in restaurants are on the rise across Hertfordshire. Allergens can be deadly. Don’t forget to make sure your allergen management procedures are accurate and robust and that your staff have the relevant training.
Report any incidents by calling 0808 223 1133. Free training for your staff, Training Guidance and signs.
Still in the news
Skills hub on demand
With so much changing for SMEs, FSB’s On Demand Webinars are a brilliant way to stay informed and boost your business skills.
Covering everything from making the most of your FSB membership to hiring apprentices or managing working capital, these sessions offer expert insights whenever you need them.
The FSB Skills Hub is a flexible resource library, perfect for busy business owners. By bookmarking the Skills Hub, you’ll have a go-to for updates and support as new challenges and opportunities come up. Stay ahead with FSB’s on-demand learning, available anytime!
Business Funding in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough now live
A new investment fund has launched for Cambridgeshire businesses, offering capital grants and loans of up to £75,000 to SMEs in the CPCA region, covering Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire, and Cambridge.
The Social Impact Investment Fund (SIIF) aims to bridge the gap for social ventures that need flexible, patient capital. By providing grants and social loans, the SIIF supports organisations to achieve both social and financial goals, fostering community growth and lasting impact. For more information see here.
More news and activity near you
- East Anglia
- Essex
- More from FSB East of England
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Bedford, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire is Suzanna Austin. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.
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