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Business Support

Business Support.

Below is information provided to us by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council Business Investment and Tourism Services team and also from the Hull & East Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (HEY LEP).


Business Updates 23/03/2023

The Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Spring Statement on Wednesday 15th March 2023. The statement included various measures to benefit UK businesses & households.  Please see the link below for more information:

Spring Budget 2023 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Booking for our Networking Breakfast event on the 30th of March at ergo Business Centre in Hessle is underway, please follow the Event Pilot link to secure your place

Event Details for Networking Business Breakfast – 2023 Launch Event (evolutive.co.uk)

 

Getting ready for the 2025 PSTN switch-off

From 2025, ISDN (integrated services digital network) and PSTN (public switched telephone network) telephone lines will be permanently turned off. This applies to business and home customers.

You need to start planning your move today because there could be a lot to do.

Remember, it’s not just about your phone services, you need to review everything you’re connecting to your phone lines, like alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and faxes.

Many businesses have already embraced an all-digital model, moving their communications to the cloud, making calls over the internet and embracing video conferencing.

See: Getting ready for the 2025 PSTN switch-off (bt.com)

 

Are you still using stamps? Do you know where your old stamps are?

Royal Mail have added barcodes to their regular stamps. Regular stamps without a barcode will no longer be valid after 31 July 2023. This follows the introduction of a 6 month grace period from the initial 31 January deadline. You can either use up your non-barcoded stamps before this new deadline or swap them for the new barcoded ones.

See: Know where your old stamps are? | Royal Mail Group Ltd

 

HSE guidance and information available to download (Resources / use like ACAS)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers a wide variety of publications containing advice and guidance for employers, workers and the general public.

Like all HSE publications, the health and safety guidance leaflets are available to download on HSE’s website.

See: HSE Publications – free leaflets to download< /p>

 

National Insurance contributions – further update

Last time we told you about the end date for paying voluntary National Insurance contributions, well good news, after members of the public voiced concern over the previous end date of 5 April 2023 they have extended the end date 31st July 2023. Anyone with gaps in their National Insurance record from April 2006 onwards now has more time to decide whether to fill the gaps to boost their new State Pension. Any payments made will be at the lower 2022 to 2023 tax year

Check your State Pension forecast – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Check your National Insurance record – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

National minimum wage rate changes as of 1st April 2023

 

Current rates

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 23 and over) and the National

Minimum Wage (for those of at least school leaving age). The rates change on 1 April every year.

 

23 and over      21 to 22           18 to 20           Under 18            Apprentice

April 2022 (current rate)£9.50               £9.18                £6.83                £4.81                £4.81

April 2023                    £10.42              £10.18              £7.49                £5.28                £5.28

 

National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

Events

Calling all Tourism and Hospitality Business – MORE!

A workshop for attracting more visitors & increasing your income. 

The HEY Growth Hub invites you to join us at the second workshop of the THRIVE programme.  A series of workshops aimed at Tourism and Hospitality Businesses in the Humber Region*.

Attracting MORE Visitors- Marketing Workshop

Jubilee Central – HULL HU1 3SQ
Tuesday, 28 March 2023; 14:30 – 17:30

Event Details for Attracting MORE Visitors- Marketing Workshop (evolutive.co.uk)

 

HEY Manufacturers Network event

Following a successful launch event, the newly formed HEY Manufacturers Network will be meeting again at 3pm on Tuesday 4th April at the AURA Innovation Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 OGD.

If any manufacturing businesses want to get involved, more details and bookings can be found here:

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hull-east-yorkshire-manufacturers-network-april-meeting-registration-592828294387


Business Updates 07/03/2023

Events

Following on from the success of the 2022 Networking Business Breakfast events, the University of Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Council are pleased to launch our 2023 events, the 1st event is on the 30th March courtesy of The Supply Chain Network, please secure your place by visiting the Event Pilot website Visit event website

Spring Budget

March 15th will also see the Chancellor announce his Spring Budget, expectations are that he will focus on measures which will support the Government’s economic plan to halve inflation, grow the economy and reduce public debt.

Support and Guidance

East Yorkshire Business Support Services continue to offer support & guidance to businesses in the East Riding Of Yorkshire, please follow the link to the website

Invest East Yorkshire | A Place To Grow Your Business.

HMRC Employer Bulletin

HMRC issued their 100th Edition of the online Employer Bulletin in February and now as readership has increased, other government departments have seen the benefit of using the bulletin to share important messages, to help customers get things right. With over 2 million customers now receiving an email alert on publication day, are you signed up to get the latest information.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employer-bulletin-february-2023/february-2023-issue-of-the-employer-bulletin

 

Check when you must register for Plastic Packaging Tax

As we approach the end of this first year, do you know how to apply the look back test and see if you should be registered?

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/when-you-must-register-for-plastic-packaging-tax

You must register for Plastic Packaging Tax if you:

  • expect to import into the UK or manufacture in the UK 10 tonnes or more of finished plastic packaging components in the next 30 days
  • have imported into the UK or manufactured in the UK 10 tonnes or more of finished plastic packaging components since 1 April 2022

 

Reminder – Voluntary Contributions to State Pensions are to be curtailed from April

Are you or your employees aware? Are you due to Retire soon? – Check your entitlement to the State Pension now! If you are planning to claim the UK state pension you should check your national insurance (NI) record before 5 April 2023.

Check your State Pension forecast – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Not yet ready to retire? – check your NI contributions are up to date – an extension to voluntary contributions are currently in place.

Check your National Insurance record – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

More Events

Construction Business Summit: Super-charge your business to win more contracts

The Construction Business Summit, hosted by The Supply Chain Network in partnership with the York & North Yorkshire Growth Hub, CITB and North Yorkshire Construction Training Group, takes place in York on Tuesday 14 March at Principal York Hotel.

By attending this free event, you will:

  • have access a wealth of support and information from industry experts.
  • Hear from organisations from major construction projects
  • listen to renowned architect and TV personality, George Clarke, discuss his views on how the construction industry will develop in the future.

Event Link
Visit event website

 

Networking Business Breakfast – 2023 Launch Event

Following on from the success of our 2022 Networking Business Breakfast Event’s, the University of Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire Council are pleased to launch our 2023 events courtesy of The Supply Chain Network. Get an update on the latest big topics affecting businesses in the Humber region, and find out how you can get support for your business from the University and ERYC.

Ideal for small or large companies in any sector, these quarterly events will give you the chance to explore new opportunities and connections for your business.

Date
30 March 2023, 7.30am-9.30am

Location
ergo Business Centre, Bridgehead Business Park, Hessle, HU13 0GD

Event Link
Visit event website

 

 

OWC2023 (Offshore Wind Connections) to be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull on 3-4 May 2023.   The event will be its tenth anniversary, so we will have much to celebrate!  The event’s website is here.  We will be updating the information, so please do check it from time to time for updates.

www.offshorewindconnections.com

 

Link to book Tickets and Exhibition Space

Here is the link to the Eventbrite booking website where online bookings for exhibition space and tickets can be made.   EXHIBITION SPACES AND TICKETS ON SALE HERE

 

Sponsorship enquiries and other enquiries to marygreen@humber-marine-renewables.co.uk

 

For ongoing business support, contact your dedicated business advisor, or the business support team: business.support@eastriding.gov.uk

Tel: 01482 391622

https://investeastyorkshire.co.uk/

 


Business Updates 01/02/2023

Changes to energy support announced

A new Energy Bills Discount Scheme for businesses and charities has been announced by the government. Eligible businesses with high energy bills from 1 April 2023 until 31st March 2024 will receive discount.  With the highest level of discount provided to energy-intensive sectors for example – Manufacturing. Businesses with energy cost below the threshold will not receive support.

The government unveils new “Energy Bills Discount Scheme” for businesses – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

For information on additional help don’t forget to visit our help for businesses page:

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/business/cost-of-living-help-for-businesses/

 

 

Business Rate Rateable Values Revaluation 2023

Now is the time to check your rateable value

Historically, the business rates commercial list has been periodically re- evaluated or would be reviewed and re-assessed when there has been a material change to your property.

The last revaluation was undertaken on 1/4/17 and the next one is due 1/4/23. In future the plan is to do this every 3 years, so rateable values (RV) are more relevant.

All occupiers were emailed a draft of their 1/4/23 RV from the VOA in December 22, and you have up until 31 March 2023 to check that factual information, held by the valuation office about your property is correct, and to let them know if it isn’t (this is known as making a Check case).

Business rates list closes soon – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

You will need to have an account set up on the Government Gateway and claim your property before you can check make a Check case.

 

Help to Grow: Digital scheme

Help to Grow: Digital is a UK-wide scheme to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital technologies proven to increase productivity.

The scheme offers:

free, impartial advice and guidance about what digital technology is best suited to your business and how it can boost your business’ performance; and

targeted financial support, if your business is eligible, worth up to £5,000 towards the costs of buying approved digital technologies.

Help to Grow: Digital will close to new business applications for discounts on 2 February 2023. Discounts issued for eligible software must be redeemed within 30 days from issue date.

https://www.learn-to-grow-your-business.service.gov.uk/

 

 

EVENTS

 

Tenders Untangled Workshop

Tuesday 31st January – 9:30am to 12:00 noon

Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel

 

Would you like to know how to prepare a winning tender?

Knowing how to produce compelling bids is an invaluable skill for any SME. But what are the secrets to successful bidding and how can you make the most of the opportunities that present themselves?

Hosted by the Supply Chain Network and developed by bid experts Gimlet Associates, this informative, workshop is designed to improve your chances of success in competitive tenders by exploring the secrets to successful bidding.

Book now

Event Details for Tenders Untangled: How to prepare a winning tender – YORK (evolutive.co.uk)

 

 

Calling all Tourism and Hospitality Business

The HEY Growth Hub invites you to a series of 3 free workshops aimed at Tourism and Hospitality Businesses in the Humber Region*

Delivered by Susan Briggs from the Tourism Network and aimed at tourism and retail businesses in the Humber region.

So, if you are a Visitor Attraction, Accommodation Provider, Activity Provider, Food and Drink Premise /Manufacturer or Retailer, don’t miss the opportunity to book your places now.

 

 

  1. How to survive and THRIVE, even in tricky times Date: Tuesday 28th February 2023 – 2.30pm until 5.30pmAddress:  Jubilee Central, 62 King Edward St, Hull HU1 3SQDifficult times call for a different approach. During this practical workshop, you’ll learn how to improve your marketing, and understand how to grab the attention of potential visitors, even when times are tough.

     

    To book go to:   Event Details for How to THRIVE and survive – Marketing Workshop (evolutive.co.uk)

     

  2. Attracting MORE visitors & increasing your income.

Date: Tuesday 14th March 2023, 2.30pm until 5.30pm

Address: Jubilee Central, 62 King Edward St, Hull HU1 3SQ

Would you like to attract some new visitors, who keep returning and telling others about you? To find ways to increase your revenue and discover new markets? This practical workshop is for you. We’ll look at some of the most important target markets, what you need to say and do to attract them.

To book go to:  Event Details for Attracting MORE visitors – Marketing Workshop (evolutive.co.uk)

 

  1. LOOK Grab attention with the right photos, videos & words. Date: Tuesday 28th March 2023 – 2.30pm until 5.30pm

Address: Jubilee Central, 62 King Edward St, Hull HU1 3SQ

Photos and videos have become an important part of tourism marketing. Come to this practical workshop and find out how to use impactful images, films and words to grab attention and promote your business. You’ll learn some simple ways to improve your social media, website & other promotional activity.

To book go to:

Event Details for LOOK, grab attention – Marketing Workshop (evolutive.co.uk)

*All workshops are FREE to attend, for businesses based in Hull, East Riding, North or North East Lincolnshire, through registering onto the #GrowMySME Programme.  If not already registered, this will be completed in line with your booking.

If you do want to discuss this or future sessions with the business support team, please telephone 01482 391622 or email mandy.drewery@eastriding.gov.uk

For ongoing business support, contact your dedicated business advisor, or the business support team:

business.support@eastriding.gov.uk

01482 391622

https://investeastyorkshire.co.uk/


Business Updates 10/01/2023

Cost of Living – Help for businesses 

In these challenging times we continue to offer support, guidance, and a range of services to help your business. Complementing our Cost of living – help for households section, the following link provides access help and advice on 

  • Energy efficiency for business – understanding your energy consumption and understanding your energy bills 
  • Energy Bill Relief Scheme – Check if the scheme is available to you 
  • Financial support for businesses 
  • Help for your employees 
  • Small business rate relief 

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/business/cost-of-living-help-for-businesses/ 

 

2021-2022 Self Assessment deadline 31st January 2023 

Reminder : There is less than one month to complete and submit your tax returns online.  HMRC is warning customers that the deadline to submit a paper return has passed and tax returns can only be submitted online. Anyone who files after 31 January may face a penalty. 

  

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Chairman’s Awards 2023 

After a break of two years, nominations are now open for the 2023 East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Chairman’s Awards. 

The awards, which will be presented by chairman John Whittle at an event in May, recognise people, businesses and projects that have helped improve the East Riding. 

There are four award categories: 

  • community – recognises groups and individuals for the contribution to improving lives of those living in the East Riding with a non-commercial project 
  • built heritage – celebrates private homes, new builds or business premises that have been sympathetically renovated and/or restored 
  • business – recognises businesses that have helped the economy flourish 
  • sport – celebrates local talent and commitment to sports clubs and activities. 

Closing date for nominations is Tuesday 31 January 2023. 

For more information or to submit a nomination go to: 

https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/council/civic-services/chairman-of-the-council/ 

 

 A boost for British Farming  

Government provides boost to horticulture industry with certainty over seasonal workers  

45,000 visas for horticultural seasonal workers are available this year, allowing foreign workers to come to the UK for up to 6 months through a Seasonal Worker visa route. 

 

Events 

Calling all start-up businesses  

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Business Support Team, invite individuals who have recently started out in business, interested in starting a business or maybe looking for a refresher to attend the following webinars that will give you the essentials to starting and growing your own business. Whether you can attend one or all four these sessions will help you in the understanding the basic principles of a business.  

 

The Four stand-alone webinars will cover  

1)    A Beginner’s Guide to Marketing and Sales, giving you an insight into how to identify and reach your target customers and plan the customer journey ‘touch-points’ that will get your customers coming back for more. 

Wednesday 18th January 2023 10am – 12noon 

 

Event Details for Sales & Marketing for New Businesses (evolutive.co.uk)

 

2)    Planning for Business success. A guide to writing your own business plan.  It will give you an insight into what is required and will help you to structure a plan so that it is easy to write whilst projecting you and your business in a professional and confident way.  

Wednesday 25th January 2023 10am – 12noon 

Event Details for Planning for Business Success for New Businesses (evolutive.co.uk)

 

3)    A Beginner’s Guide to Business Finance and Bookkeeping, giving you an insight into how to help you to get your head around those all-important figures to start your planning in the right way. 

Tuesday 31st January 2023 13.00-15.00 

Event Details for Managing Money for New Businesses (evolutive.co.uk)

  

4)    A Beginner’s Guide to Business Regulation and Compliance, giving you an insight into how to identify regulations that may apply to your business and what plans to put in place to comply with them. 

Tuesday 7th February 2023 13.00 – 15.00 

Event Details for Complying with Business Regulation for New Businesses (evolutive.co.uk) 

 

Calling all Tourism and Hospitality Businesses  

Marketing magic, putting it all together. 

A very practical marketing workshop aimed at tourism and hospitality businesses. You will be taken step-by-step through the process of creating a marketing communications calendar, so you’ll never be lost for words on social media posts and know exactly what you need to do to improve your website. You’ll discover a secret formula for adding muscle to your marketing, without doing more work. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear action plan and be ready for the season ahead. 

We have two dates at different locations 

Highfield House, Driffield on Tuesday 24th January 10.30am – 13.30pm 

Event Details for Marketing Magic – Putting it all together (evolutive.co.uk) 

Lazaat Hotel, Cottingham on Tuesday 1st February 10.30am – 13.30pm 

Event Details for Marketing Magic – Putting it all together (evolutive.co.uk) 

 

 

 

Calling All Exhibitors!  The Skills Hull & East Riding careers event is returning in March 2023 

Hull and East Riding’s largest skills, careers and apprenticeship event returns to the University of Hull on 28th and 29th March 2023. Exhibit at Skills Hull and East Riding and join over 3,000 young people and a wide range of national and local employers, together with universities, colleges, and training providers. 

Benefits of exhibiting include: 

  • Face-to-face – conversations with future talent, their key influencers, teachers and career leaders. 
  • Interactive – bring your organisation to life through hands on learning, activities and demonstrations. 
  • Ambassadors – showcasing your talent with peer-to-peer engagement, giving visitors the opportunity to connect and hear real life stories from your ambassadors. 
  • Support – your sector and inspire students to address your skills shortages. 
  • Help – your community to support young people in feeling confident and positive about the future world of work. 

For more information and to find out how to book your exhibitor stand, visit:  https://www.skillsevents.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2022/11/SkillsHullEastRiding-Exhibitor-Brochure-1022-3.pdf  

 

For ongoing business support, contact your dedicated business advisor, or the business support team: 

business.support@eastriding.gov.uk 

01482 391622 

https://www.investeastriding.co.uk/ 


Business Update 14/12/2022

Business Updates

Yorkshire urged to sign up to flood warnings

The Environment Agency has introduced a new flood warning service across Yorkshire, including the East Riding.  The warnings will inform people of any risk to allow them to make informed decisions about how to respond.

The Environment Agency is encouraging business owners to register directly with them.  For more information, please visit:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/yorkshire-communities-urged-to-sign-up-to-new-flood-warnings

 

Call for Volunteer Business Advisor/Mentors

Could you help make a difference in Young People’s lives? Then why not volunteer as Business Advisor/mentor for Young Enterprise.

The Young Enterprise programme makes connection between education and the world of work, enabling young people to develop the knowledge and attitudes they need to succeed. Integral to this are nearly 6,000 business volunteers who share their experiences of industry in the classroom and support young people to develop their own skills.

“Often, the greatest reward for a volunteer Business Adviser comes when you look back over the year and realise how far the team of students have come from the uncertainty of their early meetings. You can see the contribution you have made to help build real business acumen – in a way that textbooks alone cannot.” – Stuart Carthy – Business Adviser and Local Volunteer Board Chair

Interested in finding out more, further details available at: www.young-enterprise.org.uk

Or contact:  Volunteer and Support Team on: volunteer.support@y-e.org.uk or call 01865 776845

 

Seeking Your Views

  1. East Riding Members of Youth Parliament are seeking the views of local employers and businesses on the further development of Log on Move on service that offers free, independent, and impartial advice to inspire young people to succeed in their education and training journey.  The service aims to raise awareness of employment/apprenticeship opportunities in the local area.

The deadline for responses is 31st December 2022 and you will find the survey link is here –  https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GL7J5Z8

 

  1. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is undertaking research to understand what is needed to make the North of England the best place to start and grow a business.    Next time you are having a cuppa, please spare 10 minutes to take part in their survey and tell them what is important to you:

www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/EntrepreneurialNorth

 

Events / Training

Calling all Tourism and Hospitality Businesses – Marketing magic, putting it all together Workshop 

The HEY Growth Hub invites you to join us at the fourth workshop of the THRIVE programme, which is a series of workshops aimed at Tourism and Hospitality Businesses in the Humber Region*.

A very practical marketing workshop where you will be taken step-by-step through the process of creating a marketing communications calendar, so you’ll never be lost for words on social media posts and know exactly what you need to do to improve your website. You’ll discover a secret formula for adding muscle to your marketing, without doing more work. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear action plan and be ready for the season ahead.

Delivered by our expert trainer, Susan Briggs from the Tourism Network, this  workshop is aimed at Tourism businesses in the Humber region, including Visitor Attractions, Accommodation Providers, Activity Providers, Food and Drink Manufacturers and Premises and Retailer.

 

There are two dates to choose from, so book now to secure your place:

 

Tuesday 24th January 2023 at Highfield House, Windmill Hill, Driffield, YO25 5YP.  10.30am – 1.30pm.

https://eventpilot.evolutive.co.uk/eventDetails.aspx?siteId=47&eventNo=794349

 

Wednesday 1st February 2023 at Lazaat Hotel, Woodhill Way, Cottingham, HU16 5SX.  10.30am – 1.30pm

https://eventpilot.evolutive.co.uk/eventDetails.aspx?siteId=47&eventNo=794350

 

*All workshops are FREE to attend, for trading businesses based in Hull, East Riding, North or North East Lincolnshire, through registering onto the #GrowMySME Programme.  If not already registered, this will be completed in line with your booking.

Don’t forget you could also access The Skill Support for the Workforce (SSW) with courses available in areas including customer service, team leading, license holding, leadership and management, and marketing, the Programme seeks to futureproof your business by equipping staff with the skills that they need to not only perform their role well, but to progress and build their careers.

For more details, please visit – https://ssw.fundingunit.org.uk/industries/visitor-economy/

 

Sales and Marketing Workshops – Hornsea – January 2023 onwards

The HEY Growth Hub invites you to join us in Hornsea for a series of FREE Sales and Marketing Workshops aimed at business in any sector.

If you would like to learn more about sales and marketing, the following workshops are available at Hornsea Town Hall, running from 9am – 1pm:

Monday 16 January – Strategic Marketing

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/479169006397

Monday 6 February – Digital Marketing

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/464980598487

Monday 27 February – Social Media

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/464983386827

Monday 20 March – Branding

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/464984389827

*All workshops are FREE to attend, for businesses based in Hull, East Riding, North or North East Lincolnshire, through registering onto the #GrowMySME Programme.  If not already registered, this will be completed in line with your booking.

For ongoing business support, contact your dedicated business advisor, or the business support team:

business.support@eastriding.gov.uk

01482 391622

https://www.investeastriding.co.uk/


(Previous Business Updates from 2020 – 2022 have been removed).