In summary
As you will be aware FSB is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and we are extremely grateful to all our members who have supported us throughout that half century. If you want a Zoom chat about making the most of membership then please don’t hesitate to email (see links at foot of page). And if you know anyone that isn’t a member who you think could benefit please invite them to contact us.
Featured news and events
Cyber-attacks on SMEs are on the increase – this free support could be invaluable
Cyber-attacks on small businesses and the self-employed remain a serious and ongoing problem which is why FSB urge business owners in this area to sign up to the South West Cyber Resilience Centre who offer free, Government-backed advice and support for businesses.
The South West Cyber Resilience Centre is a police-led, FSB-supported, not-for-profit business who exist for the sole purpose of making South West businesses, charities, and the public sector safer online.
They have useful tips and important things which could help you. For example, did you know that an average cyber breach can cost an SME over £1000? Or, that hacks into public facing platforms such as Facebook happen because of weak security practices, not because of flaws in the platform itself?
Lots of people use Facebook to promote their business and so Facebook accounts are not only a prime target for criminals but a potential chink in your cyber security armour. The good news is that you can protect yourself by understanding how hackers operate and taking simple steps to improve your online safety.
By following a few simple steps, you can reduce the chances of being hacked. It’s just like leaving the front door unlocked if you don’t keep one step ahead of the hackers so check into this link to help stay safe.
Gloucestershire, Bristol & Bath Virtual Networking
Our regular online networking meetings for this area continue to attract new people and very good audiences. If you want to join us for our next event in November it is easy to register and free to attend. We are next getting together at 11am on Friday 15 November.
In other news
Advice and support available for West of England businesses
FSB members in Bristol, Bath, and South Gloucestershire are reminded of the wide array of support on offer via the West of England Growth Hub.
The Hub is at the heart of business support in those areas working with all the local councils and the West of England Combined Authority to give advice on grants, management courses, leadership training, staff development and much more.
As well as news, courses and events for the West of England SME community, the Hub can also offers 1-2-1 advice via its team of Enterprise Advisors so they are a great one-stop show for business help throughout the busy Bristol, Bath and South Gloucestershire patch.
To find out more about visit West of England Growth Hub.
Deadline getting closer to apply for Tewkesbury rural grant scheme
Businesses across rural areas in the Tewkesbury have been invited to apply for round three of a special business grant scheme. Over £70k worth of funding is available from the 'Rural England Prosperity Fund' to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. This grant scheme is capital funding only.
Tewkesbury Borough Council will consider applications from eligible rural businesses for grants from £3,000 up to £24,999. Applications will need to focus on small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas. This includes capital funding for net zero infrastructure for rural businesses, and diversification of farm businesses outside of agriculture.
Applications close at 9am on Monday 18 November. All communication relating to the scheme and grant applications should be directed to GRCC via 01452 528491 or email. Go to Tewkesbury Rural Grants for info about eligibility and how to apply.
We at FSB have been actively involved in this grant scheme in Tewkesbury and elsewhere in the past couple of years and we have seen how it can really help local businesses so if are eligible then please apply.
Still in the news
Enjoy an FSB breakfast at a great two day business show
We are delighted once again to be fully supporting The South Gloucestershire Business Show this month which is an excellent two day event which will be useful for businesses throughout this area.
We have been involved in every one of these events since they started and this one will see the programme of networking, meetings, workshops and seminars move to a new venue at the Thornbury Leisure and Conference Centre on Tuesday 19 November and Wednesday 20 November.
The event is a perfect way to enjoy lots of networking with businesses from South Gloucestershire and beyond and it all kicks off with an FSB run breakfast on day one. You can book to attend that at FSB South Glos Breakfast.
Elsewhere there will be plenty of great businesses and organisations exhibiting – including FSB of course – and the show will also have a full programme of events on issues from start-ups right through to business exit strategies along with interactive talks on subjects as varied as marketing, access to finance, neurodiversity in the workplace, social value, the arts in business and more. You can see the full programme at South Glos Show Line Up.
To find out more, complete the registration and start booking individual events visit the South Gloucestershire Business Show homepage.
Opportunity for Forest of Dean businesses to learn about NetZero
The Forest of Dean Growth Hub and Forest of Dean District Council are working together to offer businesses a fully funded workshop to kick start their journey towards Net Zero.
The event on November 13 will feature a number of different speakers who are all united in trying to help Forest businesses have a more sustainable future and use renewable energy to reduce not only their emissions, but also their bills.
Local business owners, manufacturers, suppliers, hotels and organisations in tourism are all invited to attend as well as businesses and individuals who want to gain knowledge on carbon literacy, carbon auditing and how to choose renewable energy to drive efforts towards sustainability.
To attend please book at Forest of Dean green event.
More news and activity near you
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Dorset
- Somerset and Wiltshire
- More from FSB South West
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Gloucestershire, Bristol and Bath is Sam Holliday. 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: @FSBGlosandWoE
- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.GloucestershireBristolBath
- connect with me on LinkedIn: Sam Holliday