In summary
A big thank you to everyone who attended our FSB Business Bootcamp: Grow Your Business for Good on 4th March! It was fantastic to see so many local SMEs connecting, sharing ideas, and gaining valuable insights.
This month, we’re focusing on key challenges for small businesses, from self-employment to business growth. Don’t miss our latest updates, events, and support to help your business thrive.
Read on for more!
Featured news and events
The Challenges of Self-Employment – A Four-Part Report
Self-employment offers freedom and opportunity, yet many entrepreneurs face barriers to success. Every year, around 400,000 people start their own business, but we need more to boost the economy and meet employment targets.
Our four-part report explores:
🔹 Why people choose self-employment
🔹 The biggest challenges they face
🔹 How better support can drive success
🔹 Targets to make entrepreneurship more inclusive
FSB has supported small businesses for 50 years. Now, we’re calling for bold action to help more entrepreneurs start and grow—whether in cities or rural communities. Read the report on our website and join the conversation FSB | Entrepreneurs, start-ups and business growth
Leighton Buzzard’s Must-Attend Event
The highly anticipated annual Leighton Buzzard Business networking event is back!
This free event is the perfect chance to connect, collaborate, and grow your business. Meet fellow business owners, expand your network, and discover local support.
Enjoy informal networking, complimentary refreshments, and the opportunity to engage with other networking groups. Free parking available.
Open to all SMEs in and around Leighton Buzzard – whatever your sector, don’t miss this key date in the local business calendar!
Register now to secure your place. [email protected]
In other news
All Change for Public Procurement
From 24 February 2025, the current procurement regulations will be replaced by the Procurement Act 2023. These new regulations aim to improve public procurement by enhancing how suppliers, services, and works are sourced for the public sector.
A key change is the introduction of a central digital platform, where all public sector bodies will publish procurement opportunities. This platform will serve as a single hub for suppliers to register and upload essential business information, reducing duplication when bidding for tenders with councils and other public bodies.
To support businesses seeking public sector contracts, the Cabinet Office has provided a set of useful resources.
Final Weeks to Apply for the EV Infrastructure Grant!
Time is running out for small and medium-sized businesses to apply for the EV Infrastructure Grant. This grant covers 75% of installation costs (up to £15,000) for chargepoint sockets and supporting infrastructure. You can receive up to £350 per installed socket and £500 per enabled parking space, with a maximum of five grants across different sites.
To be eligible, your business must have fewer than 250 employees, and the property must be in the UK. Applications close soon—don’t miss out! Apply now before it’s too late.
Still in the news
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.
- email us: [email protected]
- follow us on x: @FSBBedCambHert
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Beds, Cambs & Herts