Warwickshire & Coventry Home Page
 

Welcome!

 

The Warwickshire and Coventry FSB website is a great source of information for local businesses. It aims to bring you the latest business news, as well as the details of fantastic events in your area!

 

Hot off the press!

Small Business Awards WINNERS Announced!

 

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have held its first year of the small business awards for Coventry and Warwickshire businesses and were overwhelmed by the number and quality of applicants.

 

Finalists were invited to a prestigious awards ceremony, in conjunction with Burgis & Bullock, at Warwick Castle on 14th May where the winners were announced.

 

Overall Winner - Broad Lane Vets

Best use of Technology - Zap Events Ltd

Best New Business - The Natural Childcare Company

Service Excellence - Solutions Services Ltd

Innovation Award - Embed Ltd

Environmental Award - Focal-Earth Ltd

Enterprising Business - Broad Lane Vets

Staff Training and Development - Wallace Robinson and Morgan Solicitors

 

To view the photo's from the evening visit FSB Warwickshire and Coventry Small Business Awards

 

Hear from the FSB and it's members!

 

At a recent agricultural show the FSB asked local businesses about their views of legisltation, the current trade conditions and the FSB!

 

To view the video click FSB and it's members!

 

Ask me why.......Share the Secret!

 

To become a lead generator you simply fill in a form. As a lead generator you are eligible to received the £10 incentive, payable when the lead becomes a full FSB member. A lead generator manual will be sent to you which will contain full details of the scheme. Become a lead generator.

 

For full details of the new campaign visit the Ask Me Why website.

Get involved with your local FSB

 

AGM session will soon be upon us and it is during this time that you get the chance to take an active role in your local FSB. By joining yor branch committee you can help shape the local lobbying direction and also the type and frequency of local events.

 

The branch AGM's will take place throughout October and you can nominate yourself to join the local committee - just download the nomination form for your specific branch;

 

 

Join our Survey Panel!

 

The FSB have a national survey panel where members can opt in to take part in a monthly business survey.  The survey consists of only 20 questions so won't take up much of your time.

 

The results are used to provide media comment for national and local lobbying issues, so they are vital to ensure the FSB remains the leading business support organisation. Sign up today!

 

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)

 

There are a number of Business Improvement Districts in Coventry and Warwickshire and the FSB urge its members to take an active role in their development.

 

Businesses are in control of a BID and have the opportunity to vote on its introduction and on how the money will be spent. It is therefore vital that you use your vote.

 

Note: If a BID is introduced all businesses within the BID area will be legally bound to pay a levy.

 

There are a number of BIDs already in place in our Region, including:

 

Coventry City Centre BID - CV One

Coventry City-wide BID - Coventry Best 4 Business - DISBANDED

Stratford Town Centre - Stratforward

Leamington Town Centre - Bid Leamington

Rugby Town Centre - Rugby BID

 

The following BIDs are currently being developed - so businesses in these areas make sure you have your say - NOW!

 

Solihull Town Centre - Solihull BID

Nuneaton Town Centre - Nuneaton Town Centre Management

 

There have been 2 BIDs in our area that were proposed and received a negative vote from the business levy payers. These were in Bayton Road Industrial Estate and Warwick Town Centre.

Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust

 

Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust is a "not for profit" financial institution providing loan finance to organisations that can be seen to be improving the local economy.


Despite the Credit Crunch and the difficulties that many businesses find in raising loan capital at present they can still lend to enterprises needing loan capital to start, grow or develop - if your bank cannot help you then why not contact them and see how a CWRT loan could help.


They are partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Advantage West Midlands and by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and their commercial loans are available to organisations and individuals who can convince them that their business plan is viable, they have the ability and intention to repay the loan, their business will benefit the region and that they have attempted to raise this finance from a main stream commercial lender.

 

For more information visit their website Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust.

Credit crunch information and help

 

FREE Debt Advice for Rugby Businesses

 

Rugby Borough Council have launched a free service for businesses in the Borough. A debt solicitor is being made available FREE to businesses each Wednesday to any small company about debt recovery.

 

Companies can either arrange to visit the solicitor at the Town hall in Evreux Way, or request that the specialist visit them at their premises.

 

Companies can arrange a meeting with the solicitor by calling Mike Lenihan, the Borough Council's Economic Development Team Leader on 01788 533 512.

Contact Linsey Luke on 024 7640 3895