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The following organisations can provide support, help and advice
Warwick District Council Enterprise Team
We can provide business support for existing and new businesses. If you are thinking about starting a new business and want to find out what help and advice is available contact the Enterprise Team at Althorpe Enterprise Hub.
The Enterprise Team can also provide practical support offering business premises for new or early start ups. Serviced offices are available on 3 month notice licences. Another option available is hot-desking, plus you could take advantage of the recently launched subscription packages,with increased additional benefits.
GOV.UK
Advice and services are available online at Gov.uk - the government's website. Support is focussed on helping businesses to start up, develop and grow and is supported by the Business Link Helpline Tel: 0845 600 9006 (9.00am - 6.00pm Monday to Friday).
Warwickshire County Council
Visit the county council website for business services and advice.
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber’s Business Support Team offers a range of business services.
Federation of Small Businesses
Linsey Luke, FSB Regional Organiser for Warwickshire and Coventry suggests that businesses should use the following checklist to survive these difficult times:
- Strengthen your unique selling proposition
- Cut costs, streamline, don’t be afraid to wield the axe everywhere in the business
- Go on the offensive-make your product/service better and tell your customers
- Use the business support services - Business Link and other representative organisations
- Make use of your own support network of accountants consultants
- Talk to your suppliers
- Cash flow is critical and must be protected
FSB members can contact the following Helplines for assistance:
Legal Helpline Tel: 08450 727 727
Financial Helpline Tel: 08000 193 633
Website: www.fsb.org.uk/warwickshire
Employing University students or graduates from University of Warwick and Coventry University
Work placements for students will vary from full-year placements as part of a traditional 4-year “sandwich” course degree (i.e. where the third year is spent in industry) to short placements either in the summer or done on an ongoing basis through the year. Students will often be looking for experience that is directly connected to their course and for which they can ultimately receive credit points towards their degree as part of their project or thesis.
From an employer’s perspective a work placement is a very attractive form of employment which can have significant benefits for your company such as bringing in new ideas and up to date knowledge. A placement student could also undertake a specific piece of work such as developing a marketing strategy/plan or undertaking an important piece of research. It is also a chance for you to assess a student’s future potential for employment.
Both Universities have overseas students who can offer language skills and local knowledge which could be valued by exporting businesses. There are also graduates studying for higher degrees or MBA’s and many of these have previous work experience and business management skills that can be matched to your business’s requirements.
For more information on the help available, and contact details see the following
Coventry & Warwickshire Enterprise and Business Growth Package
The Package aims to provide a cohesive offer of business support tailored to meet the needs of Coventry & Warwickshire growth dynamics. The Package will establish new businesses and create new jobs by working with established firms with the potential for growth, assisting them to invest, exploit new markets and develop local supply chain opportunities.
The £13m Package is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and private sector investment.
The Package will be delivered from January 2012 until December 2014.
For more detailed information and contact details see Business Awards and Grants.
Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership(CWLEP)
CWLEP is a locally owned partnership between local authorities, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses and local businesses. It plays a central role in determining local economic priorities and undertaking activities to drive economic growth and the creation of local jobs
Website: www.cwlep.com
Jobcentre Plus (JCP)
Providing support with your individual staffing issues and access to a Rapid Response
service for businesses making redundancies.
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
Providing advice and guidance on all legal issues connected to business restructuring, alternatives to redundancy or the legislation regarding making redundancies, ensuring the principles of good practice are applied to the way all staff are treated.
- General Helpline: 08457 474747
- Contact No. for West Midlands based ACAS Advisers is 08457 38 37 36
- Website: www.acas.org.uk
Starting a business
If you are thinking about starting your own business, visit our starting a business page.
Business rates and hardship relief
If you pay business rates, find out if you are eligible for hardship relief.
Springboard To Ltd
Springboard To are ten local small business principals with decades of practical experience of starting, maintaining and building small and medium size business in the UK. They offer a straightforward service to people who would like to start up on their own but don't know which way to turn. Contact:
GrowthAccelerator is the new premier service that helps ambitious businesses achieve rapid and sustainable growth
If you're an ambitious business, you're in a race for growth. You're already good but you want to be bigger and even better.
Our aim is to help you double your business within three years. We'll help you seize new business opportunities, open doors to the right funding, and match you with expert business coaches close to you and within your sector. We'll also suggest ways to boost your innovation, develop your products and grow your markets.
Are you eligible?
You need to be a business registered in England with fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than approximately £40m. Just as importantly, you should have the potential for rapid, sustained growth and want to double or better within three years. To find out more visit www.growthaccelerator.com.
International Trade - Open to Export
This is a community driven service to help small and medium size businesses looking to expand their business internationally. It provides access to advice and support from specialists, enabling you to grow your business overseas. To find out more visit the open to export website.
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