SMALL BUSINESS RATE RELIEF
You may be eligible for relief or a discount on your business rates if your rateable value is under £15,000
Telephone your local council and ask for an application form- it takes only minutes to complete.
If a majority of businesses do not claim, the government may discontinue this benefit to small businesses.
Many members have claimed and received refunds up to 50%.
Telephone your council now - ask for the Business Rates Department. The FSB fought long and hard for this - use it or stand the chance of losing it.
Information is available from your local council's web site. Forms can be obtained by calling the number given, or may be downloaded from some sites. Have a look today!
Mansfield District Council Ashfield District Council
Bolsover District Council
NEW INITIATIVES TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESS START-UP AND GROWTH IN MANSFIELD AND ASHFIELD
Mansfield - A new initiative known as ‘The Business Place' has been developed across Mansfield to encourage business start-up and growth.
The Business Place units are situated across Mansfield in Neighbourhood Renewal Fund areas – some of the most deprived areas in the district. The four units are focused on helping those with good ideas who lack the confidence to set up a business on their own.
Support and expertise is on hand in The Business Place units so that the journey into business is made as easy as possible. Ongoing advice and business support is available from Biz Fizz coaches and outreach workers provided through LEGI (Local Enterprise Growth Initiative), as well as business support from Mansfield District Council.
The units offer high quality workshops and offices. The aim is to keep running costs to a minimum so the rental prices include business rates, utility costs, car parking, support from a Neighbourhood Business Incubation Network Manager, business support, security systems, broadband internet and telecommunications.
All four units have meeting and conference room facilities, informal meeting and lobby areas, which are ideal for business networking, fully equipped kitchen facilities, buildings insurance, 24-hour CCTV security, an energy efficient building and sound proofed walls.
So far three businesses have started up at The Business Places. These include a design and print business, an outdoor pursuits business and Nottinghamshire Counselling Service.
For more information go to the Business Place web site.
ASHFIELD BUSINESS INCUBATION NETWORK
Similarly to the "Business Place" units in Mansfield, Ashfield District Council, using funding from the Alliance SSP and the Alliance for Enterprise (LEGI) have established a network of three Small Business Centres in the District:
- Kingsway Lodge Business Centre, Kirkby in Ashfield. Five office units between 12.5 and 16 sq m.
- Ashfield Business Centre, the Idlewells, Sutton-in-Ashfield. Six office units between 15 and 28.5 sqm.
- Ashfield Skills Centre, Ashfield School, Sutton in Ashfield. Offering local small businesses a range of services including business support, hot-desk facilities, meeting rooms, conference suite and engagement with school activities.
At the incubation centres the units are let on flexible easy in-easy out terms and include Broadband connectivity, a desktop PC, printer, shared meeting room and kitchen. They also have access to a range of business advice and support through Nottinghamshire Business Ventures and BizFizz.
For more information call 01623 457008 or visit the Ashfield DC web site.
THE LOCAL ENTERRPISE GROWTH INITIATIVE (LEGI)
Extra business support available in your area above and beyond that provided elsewhere.
The Alliance for Enterprise, now known as LEO, launched in November 2006, provides special support for business growth and development in areas of the districts where rates for business start-up and survival are below regional and national averages.
The programme provides individualised coaching, tailored business support, and loan assistance. The programme will also help small and medium-sized businesses learn about and apply for public procurement opportunities and to expand local supply chain networks. Grants may also be available for the expansion of business accommodation and to improve security on sites and premises.
For more information see the Alliance for Enterprise Progamme. (LEO) web site.
Or call the team on 01623 457478.
The Alliance for Enterprise Programme also helps businesses in Bolsover, Ashfield and Mansfield sell to the Public Sector Businesses in Bolsover, Ashfield or Mansfield are being offered extra help to either start selling to the public sector or to help them increase the number and value of contracts that they are awarded.
Selling into the public sector often looks complicated and time consuming, but through the Alliance for Enterprise funded programme, a team of advisors are there to help you.
The advisors are there to provide one to one support at your business. They will also hold group seminars and meet the buyer workshops to help you navigate your way through the tendering processes.
They have formed a local supply chain network and database of local businesses to ensure local businesses get every opportunity to meet the supply demands of the public sector. Members of the network receive weekly notifications of local tendering opportunities.
So why not register now. You have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain.
Contact David Dillon e-mail david.dillon@bolsover.gov.uk telephone 01246 242355
BUSINESS SUPPORT IN ASHFIELD DISTRICT
Enterprise Support Scheme
Grants and/or loans for new and existing businesses already located or intending to locate within the Ashfield District area. (except retail)
Loans are interest free and repaid over 12, 24 or 36 months.
Commercial vehicles may qualify for part grant and part laon.
The Council may provide up to 50% of expenditure on capital assets such as plant, equipment or machinery.
Grants of up to £1,000 may be awarded to new businesses and up to £2,000 for existing businesses.
Secure, Safe, Aware - the Hucknall Security Grant Scheme
Ashfield District Council, working with Nottinghamshire Police and with support from the Greater Nottingham Partnership, have established a scheme to provide grants for security improvements for small businesses in Hucknall.
The application process is simple.
The Crime Prevention Officer will provide a free crime audit of your business.
Security improvements may be suggested and they may attract 50% grant funding up to a total of £5,000 per business.
You don't have to do everything suggested - You can pick what you think are priorities and phase the improvements to suit your circumstances.
For more informationon both schemes contact Caroline Lomas on 01623 457283 Email or Margaret Harvey on 01623 457279
Business Support and advice in Bolsover.
Bolsover District Council have produced a useful guide to all the business support available to local businesses.