In summary
March is all about new growth and blossoming ideas so in this newsletter we have some information about skills collaboration, inspiration about grants (from those who have successfully applied) and a creative learning opportunity to see how being more climate resilient can benefit your business. Don’t forget that you also have all of the benefits of being an FSB member to support any projects or issues that you are working on. We’re always happy to help!
Featured news and events
#Project50 Apprentice and Employer Ambassadors
Project 50 is all about growing a network of passionate Apprentice and Employer Ambassadors, with a focus on SMEs. The intention is to get partners, businesses and apprentices working together across the region to champion Apprenticeships and create a stronger, more supportive future for Apprentices and their employers in Cornwall. The collaborative partnership includes South West Apprenticeship Ambassador Network (SWAAN), Career Hub Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, ASK, Cornwall College, Duchy College, Falmouth Marine School, Truro & Penwith College and Future Skills Institute.
Benefits of being an ambassador:
- Free to join
- Inspire the next generation of apprentices
- Receive regular e-news bulletins
- Attend ambassador only meetings
- Boost your professional and personal skills
- Build your regional and national networks at their conferences
- Share insights to influence and inform policy decisions
- Ambassador support – access to training and development resources
- Advocacy
SWAAN is one of nine regional voluntary networks across England and is made up of employers and current or former apprentices, and encompasses Cornwall and IoS, Devon, Somerset West of England (incorporating Bristol), Gloucester, Swindon and Wiltshire. SWAAN ambassadors get involved on a voluntary basis and champion apprenticeships through marketing, publicity, supporting and mentoring others, celebrating successes, and taking part in events. Find out more here: www.southwestaan.com.
Cornwall Conversations Virtual Networking
Why not set aside an hour each month to join in with our regular "Cornwall Conversations" virtual networking. You'll find lots of new contacts, some familiar faces and a great opportunity to network, chat, make some new friends and discuss some of the issues that are affecting all small businesses at the moment.
Taking place at 2.30pm on Thursday 20 March, this regular monthly networking event is open to all - we'd love you to join the conversation!
In other news
Growth Hub Grants 2023-2025
Need some inspiration or ever wondered just who gets these grants that we often tell you about in this newsletter? Well, we asked those behind the scheme that is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, to share some details to give you an idea of where the money goes and what sorts of projects get accepted.
So projects listed here have been funded by the Growth Hub Business Grants Schemes for 2023-2025 and were grouped in the following categories.
- Business Growth, including Export
- Net Zero
- Research, Development & Innovation
- Rural Business
The grants aim to encourage businesses that have the ambition and capacity to grow and improve their productivity whilst also delivering improvements in environmental sustainability and enhancing social responsibility. So could this be you? Call the Growth Hub on 01209 708660 and see if they can help you to get your ideas moving.
Climate Skills through Creativity Programme
Free Spaces Available for Businesses, Teachers & Individuals in Cornwall.
A cutting-edge Climate Skills through Creativity brings together advanced technology, real-world learning, and expert-led training to help individuals and businesses in Cornwall build resilience against the impacts of climate change and inspiring them to innovate around mitigation and adaptation. Thanks to the generous support of Cornwall Council’s Culture and Creative Industries Innovation Fund, SWW, and the Community Chest Programme, Climate Vision are offering free spaces for Cornwall-based businesses and individuals looking to upskill for the net zero economy. This is your opportunity to future-proof your home or business, engage with innovative solutions, and become part of Cornwall’s journey to a more sustainable and resilient future. On offer is Bespoke Accredited Training that includes:
- Tailored Continuing Professional Development programme for employees in the CPD system and everyone else no matter where you are or what your level is.
- Upskilling at pace (within 8-12 hours), completing & recording practical strategies to mitigate risks and adapt to climate change.
- Expert-led workshops and training sessions will equip you with the tools to build climate resilience in your business operations.
For more details click here
Still in the news
WorkWell Cornwall and Isles of Scilly
WorkWell Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is one of 15 pilots across the UK. Running initially until end of March 2025 the service pilot will also inform the wider work and health strategy and resultant investment and commissioning beyond then. WorkWell is an early intervention and support service offering participants an expert assessment of their health-related barriers to work along with a tailored plan to address these and will serve as a pathway to other local services to help people get the support they need. WorkWell can also provide advice and support to employers where appropriate; triage, signposting and referrals to clinical and non-clinical support including wider community provision, for example, financial advice.
Individuals can be referred to WorkWell through their employer, local services within their area, Jobcentre Plus and primary care network neighbourhood teams such as GPs, social prescribing workers, health and wellbeing workers, and themselves through self-referral. To be eligible for WorkWell people must be aged over 16; with the right to work in the UK; a CIOS address for either their home, their GP, or their local job centre; and a health-related barrier* to work which means that they are either:
- In-work, and either off sick or struggling in the workplace due to a health condition; or
- Recently out-of-work and requiring health related support to move into sustainable employment.
*A ‘health related barrier’ includes anyone with a health condition or disability, including mental health conditions.
Referrals can be made via email, telephone (8am-8pm) 01872 266383 or web form link.
Complying with Regulation Made Easy
The Business Regulatory Support (BRS) service team has many years of experience supporting businesses in Cornwall with regulatory matters. They offer businesses a single point of contact where you can speak with a friendly adviser making it quicker and easier for you to access our help. They have a range of business support packages to help you run a successful and compliant business. These cover many areas of regulatory compliance such as:
- food safety
- health and safety
- licensing
- trading standards
- planning and building control
- fire safety and;
- environmental health
So whether you are starting up or are an existing business of any size, BRS in Cornwall can help you to cut through the red tape. The service aims to:
- help you get compliance right first time, saving you time and money
- help you to understand and apply the relevant legislation
- understand the issues, challenges and opportunities of trading in Cornwall
- help you to grow and compete
- offer a single point of contact
- have proven and up to date regulatory expertise
- offer a free signposting service and free regulatory needs assessment
- offer chargeable ‘support and advice’ packages. This is on a cost only basis (we do not make a profit from our service)
We think they do a great job in supporting small businesses but don’t just take our word for it. We have some testimonials from other businesses that have worked with them too. https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/business-trading-and-licences/business-regulatory-support/testimonials/
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Devon is Ann Vandermeulen. 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: @FSBCornwall
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB Cornwall