Lancashire small business support for April

Local News 28 Mar 2024

Lancashire businesses are you wondering what is available to you and your business in April? This is the article for you. Get reading and adding dates to your diary.

For more information about the below FSB events, and if you would like to be a guest speaker, guest host at any future local networking events, or if you would like a 1-to-1 chat about your business and FSB benefits, please contact [email protected]


International Market Research webinar

From DBT / UK Export Academy on Thursday 4 April join Rimante Bang who will guide you through the key areas and the different ways to conduct research, and how to select the best market opportunities. Join this webinar to explore how you can structure your international market research to achieve more sales. Register now.


Blackpool Net Zero

If you're a Blackpool-based business with your own premises and have been operating for over 12 months then, the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy can support you. Driven by Blackpool Council and with funded support from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, the specialist support helps Blackpool businesses on the journey to net zero. To find out more, click here.


Senior Leadership information event

In this online session, you will learn about Senior Leader Apprenticeship (PGDip) and pathways to Executive MBA and Leadership Practice MSc at Lancaster University Management School, on Wednesday 10 April 12pm to 1pm. Tuition fees are funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, you must meet the ESFA eligibility requirements to be eligible for this funding. Book here.


Finance for International Growth masterclass

From DBT / UK Export Academy on Thursday 11 April join Rob Lewtas who helps businesses to secure new global markets. In this masterclass, you will be shown how to access funding through loans and investments or available grants. You will learn the basics of how you can prepare your business for international growth. Register now.


Build your competitive advantage

Feel empowered to thrive in new markets with Andy Bird, the former President of Walt Disney International. He will share invaluable strategies for building and nurturing your company’s competitive advantage equipping you to succeed in new markets. Join this free 30-minute webinar on Friday 12 April at 3pmRegister now. Speakers at upcoming events include Ruth Chapman, Libby Hart and and iconic fashion label founder Anya Hindmarch.


Help to Grow Management course

Boost your leadership skills and business performance with Centre for SME and Enterprise Development at The University of Central Lancashire, in partnership with Small Business Charter. Whether you need to identify more efficient ways of working, target new markets, or create a plan to take your business and team to the next level, this course provides the knowledge and support you need. The leadership course, starting on Monday 15 April, is 90 per cent funded by the government with mentoring, networking, and peer-to-peer support. To find out more, email the team, or read the information and book your place


Drop-in sessions

Local businesses are invited to a local drop-in sessions to meet Salma Chaudhry, Economic Development Manager at Hyndburn Borough Council to find out what support is available for local businesses. Tuesday 16 April 10am to 1pm at Clayton Community Centre and Wednesday 17 April 10am to 1pm at Oswaldtwistle Mills Business and Conference Centre. 


Cyber Secure your business

Join Head of Cyber Security at Seriun, Criminal Lawyer & Partner at Forbes, along with other presenters for live demonstrations, interactive workshops, insights and Q&A. You will gain an understanding of cyber security best practices and strategies to safeguard your business. Held on Thursday 18 April 8:30am to 11:30am at Accrington Stanley. Book your place.


Leadership & Management workshop

Blackpool Growth Business Academy are holding a workshop on Friday 19 April 10am to 2pm. Funded by the UK Government Levelling Up Fund, to support scale-up businesses in Blackpool. Eligible businesses are from any sector, trading for more than 3-years, have more than 5 employees, with a turnover typically above £250k. Perhaps you have a vision for what you want to achieve or plans for new products. This session will cover, business productivity, communication, culture, and much more. Get your ticket.


Natwest Enterprise session

Preston branch manager welcomes you into the branch, who will be talking about enterprise health checks, how they can help to uncover key areas of focus for you and your business now and in the future. Representatives from Tyl by NatWest will provide a brief overview of card payments. Join them on Monday 22 April 5:30pm to 7:00pm. You will meet other businesses, with tea or coffee available. Book your place.


Health & Wellbeing Conference

Brought to you by Lancashire Business View, in association with Amber River True Bearing, this event is for those looking to learn from health and wellbeing experts and be inspired by businesses who are successful in supporting their teams to be happy and healthy. Held at Crow Wood Hotel in Burnley on Tuesday 23 April. The Conference will feature panel sessions, masterclasses, exhibition, and networking, with light breakfast, lunch and refreshments available. Book here.


Love Local Expo

A day to explore exhibiting businesses, listen to seminars, gain business support, develop new connections at the state-of-the-art Impact Conferencing in Burnley, on Wednesday 24 April 9am to 3pm. There are four expert seminars on hot topics to help your business grow: Your business video strategy, The power of Podcasting, Customer Experience - Five small tweaks, also, Five steps to the financial future you want. Book your Expo ticket.


Virtual Networking

New for 2024, FSB Members will guest host. Join this friendly session on Wednesday 24 April 9:30am to 10:30am and feel part of the local business community within Lancashire & Cumbria. Guest Host is FSB Member Natalie Barker, Owner at M&M Business Support. Natalie will be joined by a guest speaker. Book now.

Prepare and bring along your 30 second elevator pitch; see our useful guide on Elevator Pitch to perfect yours. 


Consultations for Burnley area

Have your say! Share your voice! A 10-week public consultation starting at the end of March will gather feedback from residents and landlords on the proposals in six areas. Selective licensing schemes in the Trinity, Queensgate, Gannow, and Daneshouse and Stoneyholme areas are due to come to an end in October. It is proposed to renew these schemes for a further five years. There are also proposals to introduce selective licensing into two new areas – Padiham and the Lyndhurst Road area. Read more here.


 

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Meet The Team - Lancashire & Cumbria

Meet the author

Natalie Simm

Natalie Simm

Operational Support Coordinator