In summary
As we move through the first quarter, we’ve embracing new opportunities and fresh momentum. We are therefore encouraging you to celebrate your success by entering the Nachural Awards for the West Midlands and to continue to learn by coming along to our next Bootcamp. Let’s make this month one of growth, connection and celebration – it’s a perfect time to reflect on your progress.
Featured news and events
Get up to £2,500 to Grow Your Business – Apply for Your Innovation Voucher!
The Innovation Voucher grants are available to support small-and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the Shropshire Council area. We have two £2500 vouchers and one £1500 vouchers available for a limited amount of time only!
The grants can be used by businesses to support their innovation and growth of their business; it can be used to access external expertise, such as consultants, software developers, marketing agencies, or knowledge-based institutions to develop new products, services, or internal processes etc.
Grants are £1 for £1 match funded. What this means is that if you are applying for an Innovation Voucher grant of £2,500, your project must cost a minimum of £5,000 (ex. VAT if your business is VAT registered), this is also known as a 50% match requirement.
Applications must be for future projects (i.e. not have started yet) and must be completed within 1 month receiving an approval email.
Please note, the Innovation Voucher grants do not cover any capital cost projects. Contact Shropshire Council for more information.
FSB Business Bootcamp: Mid-Year Momentum
This not-to-be-missed event is packed with opportunities for you to learn how to improve your business and personal prospects, straight away.
Kicking off with an informal networking breakfast and opening address, the event will also feature exhibition stands, a fun, interactive speed networking session, and eight topflight speakers who will provide you with insights, ideas and inspiration.
Want to grab the spotlight on the day? Book an Expo stand! Stands are discounted for FSB members but all businesses and business support organisations with something to offer SMEs are welcome to exhibit. Book your stand or your Bootcamp ticket here.
In other news
Free Workplace Wellbeing Training for Birmingham & Worcestershire Businesses!
Invest in your team’s wellbeing and watch productivity soar! The Workplace Champions Programme (Birmingham) & Work Well Live Better (Worcestershire) provide FREE expert training to help businesses create healthier, more engaged workplaces.
A nominated Workplace Champion will gain practical strategies to improve wellbeing, reduce absenteeism, and boost morale all at no cost to your business.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enhance workplace culture and performance. Don’t miss out - register today!
Celebrate Success and Grow Your Network at the Nachural Awards – West Midlands
The Nachural Awards in the West Midlands are more than just an awards ceremony — they’re a powerful platform to celebrate business excellence, foster connections, and inspire growth. Whether you’re a thriving entrepreneur, a dynamic start-up, or a well-established company, this event is your opportunity to shine.
Attending the Nachural Awards puts you in the room with some of the region’s most influential business leaders, innovators, and changemakers. It’s a chance to raise your company’s profile, share your achievements, and create meaningful relationships that can open doors to future opportunities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an event that champions business success and amplifies voices across industries. Enter today. Nomination Form Summer Business Ball - Nachural
Still in the news
Does your business employ an apprentice?
The Shropshire Telford & Wrekin Apprenticeship Awards is returning for 2025. With categories for both apprentices and their employers, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the brightest and best workers who are ‘earning while they are learning’.
It’s also a chance to recognise the fantastic companies which support apprenticeships.
Entries are now open, with individual apprentice of the year categories this year including
- Construction & Civil Engineering
- Health & Social Care
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- IT & Digital Industries
- Creative & Media
- Business Legal & Finance
- Education & Early Years
There are also awards for small, medium and large sized employers . . . and an overall star apprentice crowned for the Shropshire Council area, and an overall champion for Telford & Wrekin. More information is here.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your FSB Development Manager for Shropshire, Herefordshire & Worcestershire is Linsey Luke. 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]
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- follow us on Facebook: @FSB.Shropshire.Herefordshire.Worcestershire