The law has changed on employing older workers

People are living longer and working longer. By the early 2020s, people aged between 50 and 64 will comprise almost a third of the workforce.

With skills shortages and changing labour markets, it makes sense to use all available skills and experience, and to encourage older workers to stay within your business.

Business Link has designed a toolkit to help you to review your practices for the benefit of your business and your workers. These benefits could include a reduction in recruitment and training costs, and increased productivity.

What is the Employer toolkit?

The Employer toolkit contains what you need to know to talk to your staff about working longer and when to retire.

Two-minute toolkit

Knowing that business people don't have much time to spare, Business Link hasproduced a two-minute toolkit. In four easy steps it gives a quick guide to what you need to know about employing older workers and working past State Pension age.

For further information, please visit the Business Link website.

Torbay bids to host the UKs Green Bank:

Thirty-two towns and cities including Torbay have bid to host the UK’s planned Green Investment Bank (GIB).  The South West which is at the heart of the UK green economy would be an ideal location for Devon.

As befitting a region at the forefront of renewable and low carbon technology the South West is a home to a wealth of experts on the green economy.  As well as leading the way in innovation and training through the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, South Devon College and the Schumacher Institute, we also have expertise on our doorstep in the form of Regen SW and the Energy Saving Trust and business groups such as Zero2050.

The South West is leading the way in renewable technology, and Torbay in South Devon is centrally located to access this. Cornwall and the work being carried out on the wave hub and geothermal technology is just across the Tamar, while the high levels of solar irradiation in the region make it a natural hub for photovoltaics and solar panels.

DTZ assessing the contribution of the Renewable

There are also numerous low carbon businesses in the South West ranging from renewable energy installers to hybrid vehicle experts and every thing in between.

Got a Business Idea?

Let’s Talk Starting in Business workshops are for people who are close to starting their new business and in need of key business advice to ensure their launch is successful.

The workshops provide information about the risks and rewards of self employment and the common pitfalls of running a business

If you would like to attend a FREE ‘Let’s Talk Starting in Business Workshop’ and find out how to prepare yourself, your finances and your business idea including legalities, securing finance, ensuring that you have customers, ensuring that the cash flow works.  The next workshop is planned for:

Date:Wednesday 15th March 2012

Venue:The Watermark, Ivybridge

Time:9.30am – 1.30pm

For full details and to reserve your place go to

www.bipwestdevon.biz/seminars-and-workshops.html

Or contact the Business Information Point (BIP) on

Tel: 0800 592872 (free from landlines) 0330 1000 338 (free from mobiles/landlines)

Or Email: team@bipwestdevon.biz

Apprenticeships

All kinds of different apprenticeships are available at South Devon College, rated as Outstanding by OFSTED. Most apprentices spend one day a week learning at the College and the remainder with the company that employs them. Apprentices need to have secured a job and be enrolled with a training provider like South Devon College

South Devon College works with employers who are looking for apprentices and is always willing to hear from employers who would like to consider offering apprenticeship opportunities.  For more information please call 01803 540 600 or visit www.southdevon.ac.uk/apprentice

Dr Sarah Wollaston recently visited the College’s Vantage Point campus to meet with the apprentices for National Apprenticeship Week as the Totnes Constituency had 700 new apprenticeships start last year  - an increase of 56%.

Helen Flint, College Apprenticeship Manager said: “Apprenticeships are an excellent route to first class qualifications and bring huge benefits to employers.”

Robin Thompson, Assistant General Manager at the Seven Stars in Totnes, who have taken on five apprentices in the last few years says: “It’s great having an apprentice. They are an invaluable business tool and you really notice the difference if your employee is learning and receiving on-site training whilst at work. The support we get from South Devon College is outstanding too, it’s great having them as a working partner.!.

FREE Breakfast event - Dispelling the myths around apprentices

8am - 10am on the 16th March 2012

Venue:  Arlington Room, The Toorak Hotel, Chestnut Avenue Torquay

If you are interested in attending please call:  Nicola Scoon on 01803 208369 or Email: nicola.scoon@tedcltd.com

Farming & Forestry Improvement Scheme

Are you a farmer, forester, farming contractor, woodland owner or horticultural business?

If so, there is a new grant available to help meet one or more of the following objectives:

• Improving animal health and welfare
• Reducing energy usage
• Improving the management of manures / farm nutrients
• Improving soil quality
• Improving water resource management
• Improving the use of forestry resources

Funding is available for slurry separators, slurry application equipment, GPS equipment, heat recovery systems, electricity efficiency devices, rainwater harvesting systems including storage ponds, roofing of silage clamps and slurry stores, horticultural water recycling, sheep weigh crates, EID readers, cattle foot trimming facilities, computer software for monitoring animal health, grooving of concrete floors, rubber matting, slatted floors for indoor lambing, interventions for poultry and pig welfare, forestry grabs, trailers, chippers, saw benches, firewood processors and many other items.

Fiona Edwards, Senior Project Officer at the DR Company, has already visited several farms and found a great deal of interest in resource efficiency, especially where this helps to cut costs, improves farming practice and helps the environment into the bargain!  

The visit and advice is free so why not make the most of it whilst it is available?

If you are, or know anyone else who might be, interested in applying please contact Fiona on 01837 658643 or email Fiona@DRCompany.co.uk

South West Marine Energy Park

The South West has been named as the UK’s first Marine Energy Park, firmly placing the region on the international map for leadership in marine renewable energy, making the South West the sector’s focal point in the UK.

The South West Marine Energy Park will stretch from Bristol through to Cornwall and as far as the Isles of Scilly. It will create a collaborative partnership in the region between national and local government, Local Enterprise Partnerships, the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter and industry including Cornwall’s famous Wave Hub. The aim of the partnership will be to speed up the progress of marine power development.

Energy from the waves or tides has the potential to generate up to 27GW of power in the UK alone by 2050, equivalent to the power generated from 8 coal-fired power stations, as well as helping to reduce emissions to fight climate change.

Marine power has huge potential in the UK not just in contributing to a greener electricity supply and cutting emissions, but in supporting thousands of jobs in a sector worth a possible £15bn to the economy to 2050.

The South West can now build on its existing unique mix of renewable energy resource and home-grown academic, technical and industrial expertise.

The work to develop the South West Marine Energy Park was commissioned by Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council. The work was undertaken and produced by Regen SW.

For further information please refer to:  http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/pn12_003/pn12_003.aspx

Business Advice Evening

The Federation of Small Business have organised a Free business advice evening at Endsleigh Garden Centre, Ivybridge on Monday 26^th March 2012 between 6.00pm and 8.30pm

Advice will be available from:

• HMRC, Groundwork Trust, Trading Standards and the Valuation Office on topics such as personal and business taxation, VAT, business rates, trading issues, and environmental regulations.  
• Leading Westcountry bankers and professional accountancy and legal firms on topics such as bank loans, legal, financial and taxation issues.
• Devon Fire Rescue, Police and others on fire regulations, business crime and disability discrimination

Latest renewable Technologies:

Devon County Council is hosting a free business event at Bicton College's new EaRTH Centre, aimed at tourism, hospitality and food & drink businesses from across the county on Wednesday 21 March 2012, 13:00-17:00.

There will be a chance to see the latest renewable technologies showcased at Bicton's EaRTH Centre, alongside an exhibition of Devon's environmental services and a chance to learn from the experts in a series of short presentations. Topics covered will include: Government Incentives - the latest; Water and Energy Efficiency; Waste Management; Sustainable Travel Grants and more...

If you wish to learn how smarter resource management can save your business time and money book early to avoid disappointment! Bookings close Friday 16 March.

Limited places are available, so Find out more and book your place here: http://letstalkmoneybicton.eventbrite.co.uk/

Does your business need electronic waste recycling?

Pluss, a social enterprise company providing support for people with disabilities and disadvantages in the labour market operates a free collection of business electrical waste throughout Devon.

Equipment is repaired or refurbished for sale, useful parts are re-used or sold wherever possible, and whatever is left is recycled.  This provides an important landfill diversion as well as resource recovery.  

Working with Pluss ensures that electronic waste is responsibly handled within a heavily regulated environment.  Data security concerns are eradicated through the use of industry leading software and processes, providing certification on destruction.

Michael Crompton-Holgate, Enterprise manager for the waste electrical recycling operation at Pluss has said "Our waste electrical collections have gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months, providing an invaluable service to the businesses around Devon diverting over 160 tons of e-waste from landfill.  Whether it is through our large scale amnesty days or regular free collections, we can help relieve the pressure businesses face to meet their recycling obligations whilst delivering social value".

For your free collection of waste electronic equipment or for more information, please contact Pluss on 01803 520386 or email WEEE.recycleitright@pluss.org.uk

Business Coaching for Growth:

Business Coaching for Growth is designed for high growth potential independent businesses currently trading in England.

The Business Coaching for Growth programme (BCG), launched in January 2012, will provide high quality coaching for up to 10,000 SMEs a year. This is being rolled out across England from January 2012 and will be fully operational by March 2012. Targeted at both start ups and established businesses with the potential to achieve fast or high growth rates across all sectors, companies will be coached to develop and implement their strategies and overcome the challenges such as exploiting innovation, sales or raising finance. Participants will also be connected with:

• External finance – Business Angel Networks, Venture Capitalists
• Business Support Services – Trade (UK Trade and Investment); Innovation (Technology Strategy Board); Intellectual Property (Intellectual Property Office); Manufacturing (Manufacturing Advisory Service) as well as private sector delivered solutions
• Access to Premises – science parks, universities, business incubators.

The programme will be delivered by the Coaching for Growth Consortium. This includes Grant Thornton, Pera, Oxford Innovation, and Winning Pitch along with seven other delivery partners with excellent connections to local support providers right across England. Participating companies will only be expected to contribute towards costs, not pick up the whole bill. The amount of the contribution is determined by company size and the scale of the final growth programme. Further information is available on the Consortium’s interim BCG website http://www.businessgrowth.uk.com/ where SMEs can also register an interest.

Business Rates Roundup

Through Business Voice our Business Rates team - will look at some areas of Business Rates and also at changes that will happen or are ideas for the future.

If you wish for any specific advice, please contact the Business Rates helpline on Totnes (01803) 861275 and we will be happy to help.

Alternatively, if you feel it would benefit all businesses if certain topics were covered in future editions, please let us know and we will see what we can do.

Localisation of Business Rates:

You may have heard that Business Rates are going to be ‘localised’ from April 2013 onwards.

This localisation primarily deals with the way local Council’s are funded and will have no affect on the way your Business Rates bill is calculated or collected.

The Rateable Value will still be set by the Valuation Office (an executive agency of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs) and the annual ‘Rate Poundage’ will be set by the Government with South Hams District Council issuing the bill and collecting the instalments.

Small Business Rates Relief:

The Government have continued the additional relief awarded to businesses that qualify for Small Business Rates Relief and it will now run up to 31^st March 2013.

The additional relief means that qualifying businesses with a Rateable Value of under £6,000 will pay no Business Rates.  Those with Rateable Values between £6,000 and £17,999 will receive reductions based on their Rateable Values.

To qualify for Small Business Rates Relief, you must not be entitled to a mandatory relief and must;

• Occupy only one business property in England with a Rateable Value of under £18,000, or
• If you occupy more than one property in England, you might still qualify but only if the total of all the Rateable Values is less than £18,000 and no more than one property has a Rateable Value greater than £2,599

If your bill doesn’t show any Small Business Rate Relief and you think you may qualify, give our Business Rates helpline a call and we can see if you should be making an application – we don’t want you to be paying more than you have to!

Changes for 2012/2013 onwards

Small Business Rates Relief applications; From 1^st April 2012 onwards, we will no longer require a completed application form to be able to award this relief to qualifying properties, and can deal with the application over the telephone.  Prior to 1^st April 2012, it is still a legal requirement that an application form be completed to confirm eligibility.

Provisional Business Rates Multiplier; The Government has announced the provisional multipliers for 2012/13.  The standard non-domestic multiplier is proposed at 45.8p and the small business non-domestic rating multiplier is proposed at 45.0p.  These are subject to approval by Parliament.

Multiplier for Businesses with a Rateable Value under £18,000;  Unless you qualify for a mandatory relief, from April 2012 onwards all Rates Bills for occupied property with a Rateable Value of under £18,000 will be calculated based on the small business non-domestic rating multiplier (provisionally 45.0p).  This will automatically be shown on the bill and therefore there will be no need to make an application.

South Hams District Council asked the Business Community?

How can the Council support businesses?  This is what you said.

Planning:

• Planning policy should reflect business needs in terms of both the provision of land and the nature of employment units built, in particular to support Small Medium Enterprise (SMEs), rather than larger scale units.
• Planning policy and other council activities should support the long term future of high streets, including lobbying central government to develop a national agenda that “supports” high streets. The council could provide effective support for town centres through car parking management and pricing, more robust planning policies to control non retail uses that undermine the viability of town centres and actively facilitate events that encourage visitors to town centres, e.g. markets and events. The Council should start by assessing its current approach against the Mary Porta’s report.

Supporting infrastructure delivery:

• Prioritise provision of high speed rural broadband.
• Need for flexible space and arrangements so that micro businesses and SMEs can operate more effectively.
• Council activities should support the long term future of high streets, including lobbying central government to develop a national agenda that “supports” high streets.

Influence/Lobby:

• As part of the Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEPs) agenda to promote “internationalism” the council needs to influence the LEP to encourage export opportunities for local businesses, e.g. encouraging the LEP to engage with UK Trade & Industry to promote foreign trade with south devon.
• Concern that high streets are occupied by large numbers of charity shops that do not pay full business rates. Is it possible for the council to lobby on this issue as it does not have any control on the number of charity outlets?
• Concern that while there is a thriving manufacturing sector across the district jobs are being lost; therefore there is a need to influence the LEP to actively encourage new jobs from this sector into the area.

Marketing & Promotion:

• Promotion and marketing high streets as destinations / Repetition / Feature Towns
• Emphasise the uniqueness of the different towns

Business Rates:

• More action on small business rate relief.
• Government should consider whether business rates can better support small businesses and independent retailers
• Local authorities should use their new discretionary powers to give business rate concessions to new local businesses

Waste:

Business waste costs.

Business Support & Development::

• Businesses do not have access to comprehensive business advice services. Potential for greater engagement by Business Information Point (BIP) in the South Hams.
• Business voice meetings to be chaired by the private sector rather than the council but supported by the authority.
• Town teams (made up of local government decision makers and people actively involved in businesses) should focus on making high streets accessible, attractive places to work and live.
• Each town needs to identify its particular strength and Unique Selling Point and build on that, encouraging the business community to co-operate to secure mutual benefits. The council could help build sustainable and resilient local economies by being open to ideas, providing seedbed funding, staff support, marketing and the use of council assets. A particular example raised was that in Totnes the supermarkets import fruit from all over the world, when much of it is grown locally but without a market much is wasted. There is an opportunity to collect this fruit and process it to create local jobs and local income.
• The role of the council in supporting the local economy should be to identify and then fill the gaps left by private sector activity.
• Concern that while there is a thriving manufacturing sector across the district jobs are being lost; therefore there is a need to influence the LEP to actively encourage new jobs from this sector into the area.
• There was a suggestion that the council could enable a range of business events such as ‘Export’ and other ‘Trade Fairs’ which would highlight “Made in South Devon” products and services.
• Continue SHDC Business Voice – useful information
• To support the local economy, the council should actively promote local procurement policies, including lobbying government to find ways that encourages local procurement by all public agencies.
• Facilitate buying groups for small businesses
• Shared procurement for small businesses
• Organise a workshop on ‘how does businesses trade with the Council’.
• Get to know businesses better through visits.
• Collect data.  Market demand for accommodation needs.
• Organise business exhibitions / business fairs.
• Facilitate business networking
• Signposting – co-ordinated information
• Local businesses need help with business start up support, and business support to ‘grow’ their business
• Promote on–line trading which has been identified as a growth business.
• Actively facilitate events that encourage visitors to town centres, e.g. markets and events.

Car Parks:

• Car parking charges in the South Hams are high.
• There needs to be signage in car parks directing to the local shops
• Sunday car parking fees reduced
• Car parking fees reduced for the quiet periods
• Consider payment on exit when replacing existing system, as people shopping do not the have to worry about the time.
• Annual permit cost to traders
• The Council could provide effective support for town centres through car parking management and pricing,
• Local areas should implement free controlled parking schemes for shoppers car-parks that work for their town centre’s

General Comments:

• To many talking shops, bring them all together
• Communication between DCC/SHDC.  There appears to be no cohesion.

Connecting Devon and Somerset superfast broadband procurement Opportunity

Devon County Council would like to make you aware of a forthcoming opportunity to support the delivery of the Connecting Devon and Somerset Superfast Broadband Project.

The Connecting Devon and Somerset Partnership has launched a procurement exercise for potential suppliers to help deliver a demand stimulation programme to businesses and communities across Devon and Somerset. Essentially the programme will promote a strong and tailored package of support for businesses and communities to encourage them to use the internet more effectively and stimulate demand for superfast broadband. It will also deliver training to meet the identified skills gaps amongst businesses and residents. The programme will be procured under four lots:

Lot 1 - Management and coordination

Lot 2 - Business support

Lot 3 - Communities support

Lot 4 - Skills uplift

If you are interested in tendering please register your business following the instructions below:

1. Open the internet and go to www.devontenders.gov.uk.
2. Follow the suppliers area link at the top of the page
3. The first heading is for ‘new users’
4. Follow the "New User" link
5. This will open a new page and welcome you to ProContract
6. On the right side click on "register free"
7. This will open the registration form which comprises of 5 steps for you to

complete.

You only need to complete the mandatory red * fields
Once this registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation e-mail and a second e-mail informing you of your username and password.

If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the helpdesk on 01392 384659 - Lines are open Monday – Friday 08:30 to 16:30, or contact the tender support mailbox on tendersupport@devon.gov.uk

We also recommend that you register on the South West Councils secure hosted electronic tendering system called ProContract.  Instructions below.

The South West Councils use a secure hosted electronic tendering system called ProContract. ProContract which provides a user friendly, intuitive system to advertise all open tender and quotation opportunities. It also includes a tender submission wizard to guide suppliers through the submission process.

The Devon procurement portal has merged with the supplying the south west opportunities portal which will enable you to view all opportunities offered through ProContract by South West Councils.

The portal is free to join for businesses and offers the following advantages:
During registration you will be given the opportunity to select categories which align with your business, (in this instance CPV 79000000)

• You will automatically receive notification of any opportunities published within the categories selected.
• You can create accounts with multiple users to help you administer your tender interests and responses
• You are in control of your tender submission and not reliant on a third party courier or postal service
• Submissions can be completed electronically rather than hand written
• Submissions can be amended up until the closing date and time

Devon and Somerset County Councils together with North Somerset, Plymouth, Torbay and Bath & North East Somerset Councils are working in partnership to bring faster broadband to the area and are among the first local authorities to have secured money from the government to do this.

Connecting Devon and Somerset Broadband Project

“Keep up to speed” - the campaign to launch the Connecting Devon and Somerset and programme went  live on 6 February.  Through media coverage, direct mail and telephone surveys, businesses and residents have been asked to register their current broadband speed, what kind of activity they go online for, how current speeds limit them and what better connectivity might mean.  The material gathered during this survey will form the basis of negotiation with suppliers as the procurement process begins later in the spring.

This is a unique opportunity for us all to ensure that Devon and Somerset are at the forefront of the digital revolution, and that our businesses and communities have the ability to compete on a level footing, regardless of location.

So what can you do?

• Go to the website to find out what is happening
• Register for programme updates and  keep in touch with latest developments
• Respond to the questionnaires/telephone enquiries
• Attend events and workshops in your area – and let us know about any opportunities to engage in existing networks and events
• Think about,  and if possible, put yourself forward as becoming a “programme champion”
• Take the survey and register your interest in the new services, including how much you might be prepared to pay !
• Encourage others to register and get involved
• If you know of any ducting or existing unused fibre or buildings, or own land which could facilitate broadband access for your local community, then let the project team know
• Identify any local suppliers or installers who might like to put themselves forward to sub-contract for installation works.

More details are available on the website www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk

Your assistance is greatly appreciated. My contact details:- Robert Plumb; rplumb@westdevon.gov.uk  or 01822 813620

Background:

The Connecting Devon and Somerset Programme has secured £50 million of funding to roll out faster broadband across the region. By 2015, the aim is for all our businesses and communities to have access to faster broadband – with 85% of them enjoying superfast broadband and full coverage by 2020.  There will still be a large element of private sector investment required, and to achieve the best possible deal from suppliers, with the best available infrastructure, we need to demonstrate that there is a real demand for broadband.

Major UK Business Event - Supporting Business Growth

Torbay Development Agency (TDA) is pleased to announce that it is hosting a regional business support event planned for the 7^th & 8^th February 2012 at the Riviera International Centre, Torquay.

Prime Minister David Cameron recently announced that £95 million is to be invested in boosting business growth, to help hundreds of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

As a result, TDA is partnering with School 4 Startups and the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to host this unique event.

Tuesday 7^th February 2012

Web Fuelled Business Workshop hosted by Schools 4 Startups. This pioneering event will present a complete guide to building web exploitation skills for SMEs including:  

• driving marketing through social media
• increasing website exposure through search engine optimization
• procuring and enhancing supply chains through business-to-business websites.

Increasing the efficiency of web use can help businesses access new markets, increase sales and growth potential, and lower costs.

Wednesday 8^th February 2012

Doug Richard (former Dragons Den entrepreneur) will present ‘The 21st Century Business’ event.  Doug will deliver his School for Startups accelerated course that will detail how business owners can effectively build stronger and more profitable businesses.

Doug will also review 10 critical questions a business owner must consider for their business to succeed in the long-term. He will review how these questions can be used to quickly identify problems and provide effective solutions. Delegates will learn how to create great products, and discover how to market products quickly and cost effectively.

Advice will be given on how to decide on the right time to seek outside help to source funding and to identify industry risks that may forever limit success.

This event is perfect for both the struggling business owner who needs help fast; and the successful business owner who wants to take their business to the next level.

Torbay Development Agency’s Director of Economic Strategy, Alan Denby, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to work with School 4 Startups and the LEP to host this prestigious regional event which will offer valuable advice to businesses and assist their competitive advantage.”

Doug Richard and School 4 Startups said: “We are very excited about offering our workshops in Torbay, I am confident that businesses can really benefit from the breadth of advice we have to offer.”

LEP Chairman, Tim Jones, said: “Torbay and South Devon has a lot to offer businesses looking to invest; whether they are an existing investor or a new start up with a great idea; so I am delighted not only that it Torbay has been selected to host the regional event,”.

There are only 350 places available each day so advanced bookings are necessary. To register your interest visit The 21st Century Business

Sponsorship packages for are available for the high profile regional event on 8 February. Contact Helena Davison for details on 01803 207 915 or email: helena.davison@tedcltd.com

Apprenticeships

The department for business, innovation and skills (BIS) recently announced plans to ensure more young people benefit from an apprenticeship, and to help employers gain the skilled workers needed to grow.

The plans include:

• making it easier for companies to take on apprentices, by reducing red tape
• providing a financial incentive to help the smallest businesses recruit their first young apprentices.
• simplified processes to make it quicker and easier for employers to take on an apprentice.

To encourage thousands of small businesses that don’t currently hire apprentices to take on a young apprentice aged 18-24, the Government will offer employers with up to 50 employees an incentive payment of up to £1,500.  An initial payment will be made two months after the individual has started their apprenticeship: the balance will be paid after the apprenticeship has been completed and the trainee has progressed into sustainable employment.

Please contact your local college for further information.

South Devon College already work with a number of South Hams’ employers with apprentices in several different trade and business areas.  These include electrical installation, hairdressing, vehicle maintenance repair, construction, hospitality and business administration.  

An ex Naval Officer has recently joined the Apprenticeship Team at the College as the Apprenticeship and Work Experience Manager.  Helen Flint was a Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy until this September.  Helen is a biology graduate from what is now the University of Plymouth.  She joined the Royal Navy in 1993 and has been on the staff at Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth on two occasions, the last only a year ago.

Helen said, “I am delighted to be the new Apprenticeship Manager at the College.  I was involved in work-based learning for a long time in the Navy and I genuinely think that apprenticeships are a great way ahead for both employers and young people.  South Devon College is an exceptional place to learn and to work, and in my opinion, provides fantastic support for the apprentices and their employers.  We are an OFSTED Grade 1 Outstanding apprenticeship provision and I feel fortunate to be working in such a great team.  I look forward to using our strengths to develop strong relationships with businesses in the South Hams over the coming year”.

The College is increasing its apprenticeship provision across the district.  Currently, it has apprenticeship vacancies available for professional chefs, retail and customer service apprentices with employers in Dartmouth and Totnes - including Dartington Hall Trust.  Details of these vacancies are available at   http://www.southdevon.ac.uk/current-vacancies/apprenticeship-vacancies or please call or email the contacts below.

South Devon College is always keen to talk to employers across the South Hams who would like to know more about apprenticeships and the value it can bring to their business.  They have a dedicated Apprenticeship Team who can be contacted on 01803 540600 or apprenticeships@southdevon.ac.uk.

Next Generation ‘Superfast’ Broadband

South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council are working closely with Devon County Council and its partners in the delivery of the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme to provide superfast broadband.  The project recently received £31 million funding commitment from the government, the biggest funding allocation in the Country.  Thank you to all the businesses that supported the bid earlier this year.

The latest information about the project and when it will deliver improvements across our area can be found at the following website:-

www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk
You can register for programme updates.

Meanwhile, the two local authorities are working with the County Councils to bring these improvements to you and your neighbours at the earliest opportunity.
However, there are rigorous rules to be followed, as you would expect, when over £50millions of public money is proposed to be spent in the next 4 years. Hence, it is unlikely that any improvements will take place until the end of 2012. The programme will then roll out across the whole of South Hams and West Devon providing Standard Broadband (2Mbps) to everyone by the end of 2015 and Super fast (over 24Mbps) to 85% of homes and businesses over the same period.
Early next year a series of events will take place to outline the benefits of these improved services and asking businesses to sign up. This will help us encourage the private investment needed to deliver the project. It will also help and inform businesses about what they can do to improve existing connectivity.

In the meantime, the existing private sector providers continue to roll out their improvement programmes, whether that is the main fibre and copper to the cabinet solutions, wireless or using satellite technology.

Further announcements are expected shortly from Defra about additional funding for rural community broadband.
We will keep you informed through further bulletins on this subject.

South Hams Business Survey

South Hams District Council would like to encourage as many businesses as possible to respond to a business survey designed to provide the Council with a good understanding of business needs, current issues, future aspirations and to learn about premises that businesses currently operate from and whether consideration is being given to relocating, adapting or expanding existing premises.  

Devon Renaissance (DR) is carrying out the survey on line at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Devonbusiness It takes less than 10 minutes to complete. If you do not have internet access just call the team on 01837 658643 to go through the questions over the phone.

The surveys carried out by DR over the last six years have helped to bring over £4 million of funding into the area for projects including:

• free or subsidised training opportunities
• IT equipment and advice
• direct funding to businesses to start up or  fulfil growth plans

In addition the information has been used by DR to support bids that have brought over £10 million of additional funding into Devon.

Future Employment Site Opportunities

SOUTH Hams District Council is rolling out the red carpet inviting businesses to relocate or expand their businesses on land it has now earmarked throughout the district.

South Hams Strategic Planner Graham Swiss said: “We are now in a position of having land for firms to relocate or expand on. We want entrepreneurs out there to realise we are open for business.

He added: “For the last 30 plus years we have been focusing on protecting our environmental assets in the South Hams. Now with the affordable housing crisis, we have to look at making mixed sustainable development.”

Earlier this year South Hams District Council adopted a set of five new planning documents, the culmination of six years intensive work, which specifically allocated sites for development to help meet the current and future needs of the district.

These five site allocation plans cover the whole of the South Hams except the Plymouth fringe area and allocate a wide-range of new sites for employment, housing and mixed-use development.

The plans also identify scope for mixed-use redevelopment on some of the longer established employment areas in the district’s towns which could benefit from new investment.

In total twenty-eight hectares of new land for employment development is allocated in these plans.

Allocations in main towns up to 2016 (beyond 20166 allocation in brackets) include: Dartmouth, Townstal 2 hectares (2.6ha); Ivybridge 5 hectares (5ha); Kingsbridge 1.6ha (1ha); Totnes 4.1hectares (0.3ha).

Allocations in local centres to 2016: Modbury 1ha; Salcombe 1ha; Yealmpton 1.5 ha, Stokenham and Chillington 0.5 ha.

Allocation in the villages Blackawton, Brixton, Dartington, Ermington, Harbertonford, Loddiswell and Stoke Gabriel range from 0.1 ha to 0.5 ha.

In addition to the above, a further 20ha. of employment land is allocated at Langage with further significant employment land proposed as part of the Sherford New community.

It is hoped that this approach will help to deliver a good range of employment development opportunities, to help meet the requirements of inward-investors and business start-ups as well as the expansion needs of established businesses.

If you would like further details please email: carol.trant@southhams.gov.uk

Business outlook for the UK and Local Economy

TOP business speakers will share their expert predictions on the way the future of the UK economy will shape up in a special meeting to be hosted by South Hams District Council at its Follaton House headquarters – open to the area’s businesses.

Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW), chairman, Tim Jones will provide businesses with an outlook for the UK Economy and an update on the private sector led  Local Enterprise Partnerships drive for economic growth and regeneration for Devon & Somerset, whilst, Ian Courtney, Specialised Relationship Manager, Nat West Bank will provide an Outlook for the local economy at a special meeting planned by South Hams District Council.

The meeting will not only provide an opportunity to listen to some key speakers but it will also provide a chance for local businesses to air their views on the councils proposed spending plans for 2012/2013 and to discuss how the Council could support businesses in order to sustain the local economy.  

Lisa Buckle, Head of Finance and Audit, will present the Council's spending proposals whilst Marion Playle, Head of Planning, Economy & Community will provide an opportunity for business to share their concerns and issues, so the Council can better understand the needs of local businesses.

Lisa Buckle says “This meeting is an opportunity for businesses to consult with the Council on its proposed spending proposals and to listen to some well informed speakers on the outlook for both the UK and local economy.

The meeting is planned for Wednesday 11^th January at Follaton House, Totnes, commencing at 6.30pm.  Coffees and light refreshments will be available from 6pm.

The Council welcomes any businesses that would like to attend.  Please contact Carol Trant 01803 861267 or email:  carol.trant@southhams.gov.uk

Food Waste Recycling

Commercial Waste at South Hams District Council (SHDC) works with businesses throughout the district helping to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, through a recycling service for paper, cardboard, plastics, and tin.  However, SHDC are now pleased to announce a new food waste recycling scheme for commercial users.

SHDC one of the few local authorities in the South West to offer the service and the benefits are two-fold - local businesses can cut costs by reducing the amount of waste they send to landfill whilst minimising carbon footprint as the waste is processed in the South Hams.

SHDC offers competitive recycling collection prices.  If you are not already one of our customers we would be happy to hear from you to discuss ways we can help you reduce the amount of waste you send to landfill and reduce your disposal costs.

If you are interested in learning more about the South Hams District Councils range of collection methods,  recycling waste solutions, or the new food service please contact the Commercial Waste team at South Hams District Council on 01803 861256 or email  commercial.waste@southhams.gov.uk

Food Safety in the South Hams

Join the South Hams District Council food safety team on facebook where you will find the following information:

• useful links to guidance
• information on starting a business
• links to the food hygiene rating scheme
• Food safety information and alerts

You can also:

• join a discussion group
• post your food events
• and network

For more information:

Email:  food.safety@southhams.gov.uk
Tel No: 01803 861234
or refer to facebook-search for  ‘South Hams District Council Food Safety Team’

Fast-track4Growth

For women looking to grow their business there is up to £875 of support from as little as £50.   

(Please note that this will be available across Devon from January 2012)

• Action learning
• Specialist mentoring
• Training
• Business Coaching

Developing business potential:

The Fast-track4Growth programme is offering women-owned businesses a package of highly subsidised training and developments.

This ground-breaking programme is designed to help women who have already established their business to move up a gear, build on their success and optimise their income.

The programme aims to maximise flexibility and minimise time spent out of the business, focusing on the issues and opportunities you want to explore.  However, participants will need to commit the time and effort needed to enable them to step up to the next level.

The FT4G programme is being delivered with support from Devon County Council

For further information please contact: Jan Spencer on 07811 946320 or email: jan@womensdevelopmentunlimited.org.uk

Business Support for Businesses

Business Information Point (BIP) can support you through challenging times.  With funding from the Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund BIP can offer a low cost business health check.  

By sitting down with an experienced advisor, you can evaluate your businesses performance, financial, marketing, sales and legislative requirements.  BIP offers a broad base of practical, no nonsense advice that builds the foundations of a strong business. You can use BIP on a one-to-one basis or take a look at the package of workshops below.

We also run the Barclays Let's Talk Business workshops, "Let's Talk Business Ideas" for people that are contemplating going self-employed and have an initial business idea and "Let's Talk Starting in Business".  If you are interested in attending a workshop please take a look at the BIP workshops page for further details.  

If you know anyone who is unemployed and is considering self employment please advise them to speak to their JCP advisor for self employment support through the New Enterprise Allowance which is delivered by BIP.

Please call: BIP on 01837 659059 or free phone 0330 1000338 to ask for further information.

Unfortunately there are parts of the South Hams that are not covered by this programme, so please call BIP on the above number to enquire whether you are eligible for support.

New Enterprise Allowance (NEA)

On 5 October 2010 the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced that the Government will give extra help to unemployed people who want to start their own business, through the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA).

NEA is available to Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) claimants aged 18 and over who have been claiming for 26-weeks or more.

Participants will get access to a volunteer business mentor who will provide guidance and support as they develop their business plan and through the early months of trading. Once a claimant can demonstrate they have a viable business proposition with the potential for growth in the future, they will be able to access financial support. This will consist of:

• a weekly allowance worth £1,274 over 26 weeks, paid at £65 a week for the first 13 weeks and £33 a week for a further 13 weeks, and
• the facility to access a loan of up to £1,000 to help with start-up costs, subject to status.

The total package of support could be worth up to £2,274 to each participant who starts their own business.  For further information contact:  Business Information Point:  Free Phone 0330 1000338 or team@bipwestdevon.biz

Volunteer Mentors needed for the New Enterprise Allowance Scheme

Could you help people with ambition to grow the economy?

In June 2011 a new business support programme was launched by Business Information Point (BIP), which helps unemployed people of all ages start businesses across Devon and Cornwall.  The programme is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, managed by JobCentrePlus and is called the New Enterprise Allowance.

BIP needs volunteer mentors to act as ‘a shoulder to lean on’ to support these new business owners, to be their mentors as they develop their business plans and during their first six months of trading.  There will be a travel allowance available and help and assistance from a business advisor who can advise along the way.

BIP are trying to build up a volunteer mentor resource for the area and are currently seeking successful business owners that would like to give a little more time to supporting prospective entrepreneurs.  JobCentrePlus are anticipating that over 700 businesses will start over the next two years through their involvement with the project; enhancing the local economy and benefiting all businesses in the area.  You can help to make this a success by getting involved.

In return for your time you will be involved in a network of other mentors/business advisors and local deliverers who are helping grow the local business community.  You will be invited to attend quarterly meetings where you can hear inspirational speakers on topics such as marketing, finance and management.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer business mentor please get in touch with BIP on Free Phone 0330 1000338 or team@bipwestdevon.biz  There will be a travel allowance available and help and assistance from a business advisor who can advise you along the way.

Renewable Energy Seminar:

A renewable energy seminar for rural businesses, particularly targeted at the agricultural sector is planned for Monday 23^rd January 2012 at Follaton House, Totnes.  

Further details will be published in January, however, If you are interested in attending please email:  carol.trant@southhams.gov.uk

Government proposes new rules to save SMEs £millions in reporting and accountancy fees

More than 100 thousand UK businesses could save in excess of £600 million in accountancy and administration costs every year under proposals to reduce financial reporting requirements, published by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in October 2011.

The consultation on Audit Exemptions and Change of Accounting Framework sets out plans to allow more small companies and subsidiaries to decide whether or not to have an audit.

Current EU rules mean that to classify as ‘small’ for accounting purposes, a company must comply with two out of three criteria relating to their turnover, balance sheet total and number of employees. However, to obtain an audit exemption in the UK, small companies must fulfil both the balance sheet and turnover criteria. Under the new proposals, UK SMEs would be eligible for audit exemption by meeting any two of the three criteria, saving them an estimated £206m per year.

The Government is also proposing to introduce legislation in 2012 to exempt most subsidiary companies from mandatory audit, provided their parent is prepared to guarantee their debts. Savings are estimated at £406m per year.

In total, removing this EU gold plating could save UK businesses £612m per year. These moves are part of the Government’s wider focus on cutting red tape and reducing unnecessary burdens on business, in particular addressing the impact of European legislation.

Additionally, following the consultation by the UK Accounting Standards Board on changes to UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP), the Government is also seeking views on whether to allow companies which currently prepare accounts under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) more flexibility to change their accounting framework to UK GAAP.

Source: News Distribution Service for Government and the Public Sector