In summary
We hope to see you at our regular monthly virtual networking events in November, plus we have a stand at the B2B Expo in Salisbury on 20th November. Do stop by and say hello. Thank you to our two volunteer Area Leads who have stepped down this month- Angela Atkinson and John Mayer. We have really appreciated their hard work across the area over the years amplifying the voice of small businesses.
Featured news and events
The Wiltshire Marque
October saw the launch of a new scheme celebrating the wonderful food and drink produced across Wiltshire. This new concept provides a directory that is already fostering collaborations between Wiltshire producers and will be an easy way for those interested in Wiltshire produce to meet the makers and those who pride themselves in using local produce. This scheme is more than a website though with plans for Wiltshire Marque events and marketing that will help to raise the profile of Wiltshire as “The Makers’ County”.
If you produce or use Wiltshire food or beverages then why not have a look at joining this new scheme to raise the profile of our local produce? Find out more about how to join here. Members get exposure in the free online directory with a link to your own website and socials. There is also free promotion of your latest offers and news on the Wiltshire Marque blog and social channels, exclusive networking events for Wiltshire Marque members, helpful connections to other local businesses, funded business advice and access to support programmes and us of the Wiltshire Marque on your products and website.
Swindon and Wiltshire Virtual Networking
Thursday 21 November, 11am-12pm
This virtual networking event aims to continue to provide the opportunity for you to meet and expand your network with other business owners in the Swindon and Wiltshire areas.
In other news
Threat to businesses and homes in North Somerset
FSB is supporting businesses based in and around Kingston Seymour in North Somerset as a threat to their livelihoods and homes has emerged from EDF and Hinkley Point C. EDF have been tasked to create acres of new salt marsh to provide environmental mitigation for the fish which will be killed by Hinkley Point C once it starts to operate and sucks in water from the Bristol Channel as part of its cooling system. Local residents in Kingston Seymour have been told that they are one of 4 locations being considered to be flooded to create this salt marsh.
FSB attended a public meeting which was held in the village with EDF to discuss this on 14th October and it was very clear the levels of local concern that those in the area would lose their homes and premises and those located nearby might be subject to greater flood risk, lower property prices, higher insurance costs and potential fresh water contamination. If you live or work nearby do check out the Kingston Seymour Action Group Facebook Page and the Parish Council updates on their website. If you’d like to discuss this further please do get in touch.
Still in the news
Help to Grow Management Courses
Help to Grow Management Courses are practical management training over 12 weeks designed to support leaders of small businesses. Eight sessions are online two-hour workshops, there are four face to face workshops and ten hours of one to one support. You also benefit from peer support and access to the alumni network.
This round is being offered by the Bristol Business School at UWE in Bristol and helps you to formulate strategies for growth and innovation , learn how to lead high performing teams and to adopt digital and financial innovation to help your business. These courses are 90% funded by the government and cost £750. You can use this link to find out more. The next round of courses start in Taunton on 18th November and in Bristol on 14th January.
Wiltshire Business Support Programmes
Wiltshire Council are offering four different business support programmes through their Business fit for the Future programme.
- Fit for Growth is a programme led by BIC innovation offering one to one support to help your business to grow
- Fit for Start Up is designed for new businesses and is accompanied by grant assistance to help you to get going
- Fit for net zero helps you to understand your business’ carbon emissions and provides a free energy survey
- The Rural Hubs Programme supports businesses in rural Wiltshire to help them to grow.
You can find out more about all these free schemes here.
More news and activity near you
Get in touch
Your local contact for Somerset and Wiltshire is Beth Doel. 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: @FSBSomAndWilts
- follow us on Facebook: FSB Somerset and Wiltshire