| The three sections below will help you navigate your way through the updates: A. News from City of York Council (items 1 – 6) B. Business News & Support (items 7 – 12) C. Events & Webinars (items 13 – 17) 1. York Business Week 2021 – Participant Survey The 11th iteration of York Business Week came to an end earlier this month. With over 35 successful events taking place between 8th and 12th November, the week welcomed over 600 delegates from a wide range of businesses (large and small) across York. If you attended any of the events organised during York Business Week 2021, please complete a quick survey about your experience and how next year’s events can be improved to fulfil your needs. Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YorkBusinessWeek2021Follow the link for more information: https://www.york.gov.uk/news/article/836/an-outstanding-york-business-week-comes-to-an-end 2. Haxby and Wigginton Area Economic Study City of York Council has launched a consultation to identify current challenges around Haxby and Wigginton’s shopping area and understand how to best support it.The outcomes of this study will be used to identify both short term and longer term initiatives to create a thriving economic future for Haxby and Wigginton shopping area.Complete the survey online at https://www.research.net/r/HaxbyFollow the link to find out more: https://www.york.gov.uk/consultations 3. Council launches Business Growth Voucher Scheme City of York Council’s Business Growth Voucher Scheme will issue vouchers of up to £1000 to eligible businesses in York which can be used to procure services from a list of York-based approved providers. These services can range from business management, legal aid and publicity to marketing, sales and e-commerce. Registrations are now open for –Businesses seeking support under the schemeBusinesses interested in providing services under the schemeFollow the link for more information, eligibility criteria and application process: https://www.york.gov.uk/BusinessGrowthVoucherScheme 4. Let’s keep York safe and open The council has committed to provide hundreds of free face coverings for distribution in retail spaces. Our Support Marshalls will distribute face masks and posters to city centre businesses for staff and customers over the coming days. As thousands of visitors and shoppers are expected in York City Centre in the run up to the festive season, businesses are encouraged to continue with measures to reduce spread of Covid. The council has also created posters and social media graphics and messages, to help businesses stay safe and open in York this winter. Follow the link to download and print posters and social media assets: https://www.york.gov.uk/BusinessToolkitFor more information, visit: https://www.york.gov.uk/news/article/832/council-commits-to-free-face-coverings-in-retail-spaces 5. Businesses urged to draw up action plans Following the installation of temporary protective barriers in the city centre and the recent event in Liverpool, businesses are being reminded to draw up action plans in case of an incident in York which should include: Evacuation – people leaving the area Invacuation – keeping people within the building so as not to expose them to an incident taking place outside Lockdown – to quickly secure a building by locking it down and to keep any would-be attackers outside. For more information, visit National Counter Terrorism Security Office’s website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/national-counter-terrorism-security-office For further Protective Security Advice, visit: https://www.cpni.gov.uk/advice-guidance To complete the ACT Awareness eLearning and download the ACT App, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/act-awareness-elearning We urge everyone to remain vigilant and alert, but not alarmed. Please report anything suspicious to the police.You can pass information in confidence via the Action Counters Terrorism (https://act.campaign.gov.uk/) or report information on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always call 999. 6. Council Support for York Businesses Businesses can get in touch with the Economic Development Team, who can offer businesses information, advice, and support, including: Business start-up and growth support Access to finance and funding Skills and training support The Economic Development Team can be contacted on email at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk 7. Programme Spotlight – Internationalisation Fund. The Department for International Trade (DIT) has launched its new Internationalisation Fund for eligible SMEs in England. Match-funded grants of between £1,000 and £9,000 will be available for future activity (subject to eligibility and availability). The fund can be used to support areas like market research, intellectual property advice, social media/SEO, trade fairs, consultancy and other international commercial services.Follow the link to learn more about the funding, eligibility criteria and to register:https://www.great.gov.uk/campaigns/internationalisation-fund-for-english-businesses/ 8. Power to Change – Powering Up programme The Powering Up programme worth £20,000 supports community businesses in the key areas of digital growth, zero carbon and sustainability, and financial resilience, with a cross cutting theme of diversity, equity and inclusion. Follow the link to learn more about the programme, eligibility criteria and to register: https://www.powertochange.org.uk/our-work/our-programmes/powering-up/ 9. The Circular Future Fund – The Million Pound Challenge The Circular Future Fund worth £1 million aims to support trailblazing ideas and innovations that can accelerate the transition towards a more circular economy. The fund will provide grants of £150,000-£300,000 to organisations that have ideas with the potential to rethink waste or to reduce the environmental impact of the food, clothing and gadgets we buy. Application Deadline – 9 January 2022Follow the link for more information about circular economy, funding, eligibility criteria and to apply: https://www.circularfuturefund.co.uk/ 10. AccelerateHER Awards 2022 The AccelerateHER Awards in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs celebrates women entrepreneurs excelling in their sector. Entrants from North England can enter in any one of the four categories: Science and MedTech; FinTech, Data Science and Cybersecurity; CleanTech, Climate and Net Zero; and Disruptive Innovation. The category winners will receive a mentoring package from Investing Women Angels, opportunity to take part in one of Accelerate HER’s international market building missions and benefit from priceless connections, industry contacts and potential funders among other perks. Applications close on 10 December 2021.Follow the link for more information, eligibility criteria and to apply: https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/accelerateher-awards 11. UK Business Climate Hub Businesses of all sizes around the UK are committing to do their bit to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 and to reach ‘net zero’ by 2050. No matter how small your business or what industry you’re in, join the commitment to make a real difference – to the planet, to your customers and to your running costs. The Climate Hub will help you understand and tackle your emissions as well as share ideas, tips and other incentives. Follow the link for more information and to join the commitment: https://businessclimatehub.org/uk/ 12. Sign the Armed Forces Covenant The Armed Forces Covenant represents a promise by the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly. Businesses of all sizes can sign the covenant to show support for your employees as reservists and veterans. Follow the link for more information about why you should pledge your support and to sign the covenant: https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/get-involved/sign-the-covenant/ 13. FSB free webinars Women entrepreneurs in hospitality – Tuesday, 30 November 2021, 11:00 – 12:00 Visit link for more information: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/women-entrepreneurs-in-hospitality.html Lighting the Motivation inside your people and customers – Friday, 3 December 2021, 11:00 – 12:30 Visit link for more information: https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/lighting-the-motivation-inside-your-people-and-customers.html 14. Connect over Coffee business forum Connect over Coffee offers you the chance to hear from guest speakers, network via Zoom breakout rooms, exchange ideas, find support, discuss and address your business challenges and much more. The meetings will be chaired by Louise Saw, Business Growth Manager at the City of York Council. Upcoming Connect over Coffee dates are as follows: 01 December, 9 – 10:30 am: “Looking to grow your business – exporting could be for you!” with Caroline Wilson, Partnership Manager at the Department for International Trade. 15 December, 9 – 10:30 am: Christmas special in person event at HSBC Bank, Parliament Street, York.Register to attend Connect over Coffee: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-over-coffee-tickets-117501902353 15. York and North Yorkshire Growth Hub – Free webinars How to be a LinkedIn ‘All-Star’ – 7 December 2021, 10:30am – 12pmFollow the link for more information: https://www.ynygrowthhub.com/events/how-to-be-a-linkedin-all-star/ Preparing for change: Farm business skills and future opportunities – 8 December 2021 10am – 11am Follow the link for more information: https://www.ynygrowthhub.com/events/preparing-for-change-farm-business-skills-and-future-opportunities/ 16. How a US or EU ecommerce fulfilment service can benefit your International online business The Department for International Trade (DIT) North West have teamed up with warehousing and logistics specialists Fulfilment crowd to organise a webinar that offers expert insights and insider knowledge for UK companies wishing to set up an overseas fulfilment centre. Date – Tuesday, 7 December 2021 Time – 11:00 am to 12:00 pmFollow the link for more information and to register: https://eu.eventscloud.com/website/6496/ 17. Export Academy workshops for small businesses – Department for International Trade Selling Services Overseas – Tuesday 30 November 2021, 10:00 – 11:30 (virtual event)Incoterms, Shipping and Customs Requirements Thursday 2 December 2021, 14:00 – 16:00 (virtual event)Financing International Trade and Payment Terms Tuesday 7 December, 10:00 – 12:00 (virtual event)Understanding Export Documentation Thursday 9 December, 10:30 – 12:30 (virtual event)Visit link for more information and to register for workshops: https://www.events.great.gov.uk/ereg/index.php?eventid=200213995&?&reference=yhint%0D |
