In summary
FSB is 50 years old this year and we are grateful to all our members who have supported us throughout that time. If you want a Zoom chat about making the most of your membership – or you want to discuss any business issues – then please don’t hesitate to email me. And of course if you know anyone that isn’t a member who you think could benefit from joining please invite them to get in touch.
Featured news and events
Meet the Funder – South West
In partnership with the British Business Bank, Exeter Science Park are bringing you the founding investors of the South West’s newest angel investor network.
At a time when raising investment is difficult and cash is vital, it is more important than ever to fully understand the approach taken by investors when considering an investment opportunity.
In partnership with the British Business Bank, Exeter Science Park are offering you the opportunity to discuss, interrogate and question all things investment with local angel investors.
This fireside chat aims to guide you through the mind of an investor, explore their thinking when looking at opportunities and question their approach or thoughts on your own business proposition.
In addition to open Q&A, there will be an opportunity for 1-2-1 conversations with the investors following the fireside chat for selected businesses.
Sign up for free: https://exetersciencepark.co.uk/events/meet-the-funder-south-west-2-2
Devon Virtual Networking
Join us for our regular, friendly, local, virtual networking event. Come along to network, make new contacts, and seek advice from other small business owners. As usual, our host will be Jonathan Keable, FSB Plymouth Leader.
You're sure of a warm welcome whether you're from Plymouth, Devon, or further afield. We look forward to seeing you online. We hold these on the first Wednesday of each month.
This free FSB virtual networking is open to all businesses - both FSB members and non-members are welcome to attend - so please feel free to share with your networks.
In other news
Rural Grant Programme Opens for North Devon and Torridge Businesses:
The second round of the Rural England Prosperity Fund Grants has opened for businesses in North Devon and Torridge District Council areas.
The grants range from £2,500 up to a maximum of £35,000. They are aimed at small and micro businesses (up to 50 employees and a turnover of less than £10million).
The grant scheme provides funding to assist with the purchase of capital items (e.g., equipment) that will help business to create jobs, introduce new technologies or net zero processes. You will need to provide match funding of 10-20% of the items to be purchased.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants for items that fit under one of the key investment priorities.
For more information, visit the North Devon+ site: https://www.northdevonplus.co.uk/our-services/rural-england-prosperity-fund-repf-grant-programme
SWIG Funding for the South West
The SWIG Finance Team are delighted to report another successful year in funding many smaller businesses with growth ambitions across the South and South West.
In 2023/24, they delivered 580 loans to start-ups and growing SMEs with lending worth £14m.
If you’d like to discuss your business finance needs, please get in touch on [email protected] or call them on 01872 227 930.
Still in the news
The South West Visitor Economy Data Hub is now live!
Want real time data for the Tourism Industry? Interested in getting a better understanding of how businesses like yours are performing?
The South West Visitor Economy Hub is a free online tool for tourism businesses in Torbay, Devon and Somerset. There is a range of datasets to help businesses and organisations understand their businesses performance, the sector and compare to gain valuable insight on visitor and customer trends.
Find out more here: [email protected]
Listen to a special FSB webinar recording where Cheltenham speaker gives advice to help your communication skills.
FSB South West members are being invited to listen in to a new webinar recording which may help you rethink how to make the most of your business messaging.
The latest recording which is now available to listen to is entitled 'How to communicate better with everyone you meet’ in business or beyond.
Our speaker is Neil Martin from ActionCOACH Cheltenham who showcases the ‘DISC’ theory - where you identify one of four main characteristics in a person and then communicate with them in a way that suits their particular personality based on those characteristics.
https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/how-to-communicate-better-with-those-you-do-business-with.html
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Devon is Carmen Hanif. 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: @FSBDevon
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Devon