In summary
Autumn is a busy season, and this year is no exception as we see the effects of the first Labour budget in some time.
Our High Streets campaign has been a huge success, celebrating the vibrancy of town centre businesses. It's been a pleasure to learn from many of you about both challenges and successes as a part of this, and I look forward to catching up with even more of you before year end.
Featured news and events
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!
Not the Office Christmas Party
Looking for a festive way to network this season? Whether you’re a small office team, solopreneur, or just seeking a reason to connect, join Nutwood Networking and FSB for a Christmas office party with a twist!
Hosted at the Woodman Inn in Nuthampstead near Royston, this relaxed celebration features a delicious roast dinner, prosecco, and mince pies—all for just £30 per person.
Enjoy communal seating for easy mingling and bring a small Secret Santa gift for a fun exchange led by Santa himself! See here for full details and to book your ticket
In other news
Global Entrepreneurship Week
As the entrepreneurial hub of Cranfield University, the Bettany Centre is hosting a series of events during Global Entrepreneurship Week, bringing together entrepreneurs from the local community and beyond. Throughout the week commencing 18th November through you can hear from industry experts, take part in mini workshops, and discover how Cranfield University can support you to achieve your business goals.
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
Still in the news
St Albans Greener Together Net Zero Fund is now live!
The St Albans Greener Together Net Zero Fund provides grants for not-for-profit organisations, community groups and small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to deliver sustainability projects that will benefit St Albans District linked to transport and energy.
Applicants can apply for funding for grants between £2,000 and £20,000. To find out more information and apply please go to the St Albans Greener Together page on the Council website. The deadline for applications is midnight 30 October.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch.
Space to be Brilliant Book Now for Free!
South Cambs Connect offers modern co-working spaces, bookable hot desks, and meeting rooms at no cost. Facilities include ergonomic furniture, private workspaces, EV charger access, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments. It’s ideal for businesses, freelancers, and volunteers seeking a flexible working environment. The space is fully wheelchair accessible and available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm. Whether for a one-off meeting or long-term use, this facility caters to varied business needs.
For more information or to book, visit their website.
More news and activity near you
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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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