Lancashire small business support for December and January

Local News 5 Jan 2024

Lancashire businesses are you wondering what is available to you and your business in the upcoming months? 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, please contact [email protected]

Transforming Coastal Communities - A panel discussion

Chaired by Jennifer Williams, Northern England Correspondent, Financial Times with guest speakers, held on Wednesday 6 December in Morecambe. The panel will discuss the challenges faced in the communities of Morecambe, Blackpool, and surrounding areas. These challenges will be examined for how they can be addressed by local universities, enterprise, and political leaders. To find out more, read here.

Roadshow West Lancashire

Boost Business Advisors will be on hand to offer advice on support available for your business growth. On Wednesday 6 December, with an 8am start, you will hear business leaders' experiences, meet and connect with others. West Lancashire Borough Council will share additional support and development opportunities. Book here.

Virtual Networking

Lancashire & Cumbria Winter Connect is on Thursday 14 December. This event, brings a one-stop place to connect, gain support, discuss challenges and opportunities for businesses. Step into the winter wonderland where business meets festive cheer! This event offers a range of business support, we hold an open room discussion so you can gain valuable insights and gather practical advice for success. To bookclick here.

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Accessing finance

From DBT / Export Academy on Monday 8 January, learn the basics of how you can prepare your business for international growth through accessing the right finance. You will learn about funding options and more. Register now.

Women in Business - Lancashire & Cumbria

The relaunch of Women in Business – Lancashire & Cumbria in October 2023 was a huge success, and the demand for it was crystal clear. Established to empower women entrepreneurs, we adopt a proactive and solution-oriented approach to finding strategies for overcoming challenges. On Wednesday 10 January we will hear from guest speaker, FSB Member Dr Dunni will talk on 'Your RECIPE for reducing burnout as you run Your BUSINESS'. With networking in breakout rooms, followed by an open room, the group engages in conversations and reflections about crucial topics that impact women in business. Book here.

Business growth overseas

From DBT / Export Academy on Friday 12 January, join for week one of the free five-week business growth challenge programme to grow your business overseas. This session will introduce the challenge as well as exploring your business growth strategy. Register now. Then follow on here for week two to develop your marketing, week three to explore your value proposition, week four to learn successful pitching, and week five for bidding and closing deals.

Made in the UK Sold to the World Awards 2024

The Department for Business and Trade has opened its “Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards 2024” to recognise the global trading success of small businesses from across the UK. There are ten industry sector categories to choose from. Entries close on Sunday 14 January. For more information and to submit your entry click here.

Senior Leader Apprenticeship

Lancaster University are holding an information event on Wednesday 17 January. Are you looking to advance your leadership skills, learn how to get the best from your team, gain vital knowledge on ethical and sustainable practices, and develop the management of innovation and change. Learn about Senior Leader Apprenticeship (PGDip) and pathways to Masters programmes at Lancaster University Management School. The £14,000 fee is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. Book now.

Lancashire Devolution

Are you a Lancashire business and wondering what the Devolution will mean for you? Find out more on Thursday 18 January at Shout Connect HQ, places are limited, register here. Read the proposal and FAQ's, Consultation closes on Friday 26 January, share you views.

Ribble Valley Business Awards 2024

Now open for ntominations, nominate your favourite bar, restaurant, shop, service provider, supplier, or other fantastic businesses across the area. Submissions close on Thursday 18 January. There are 18 categories, head on over to the website for further information.

Funding for creative industries

Creative Catalyst 2024 launches on Tuesday 23rd January. Micro or small businesses in the creative industries sector can compete by entering their proposals for funding of up to £50,000 with a package of tailored support to grow their business. This fully funded grant programme is from Innovate UK. For full details, click here.

Virtual Networking

NEW for 2024, FSB Members will guest host providing a warm welcome, this month is  FSB Lancashire & Cumbria Area Leader and FSB Member, Gary Lovatt of Laurel Bank B&B. The Guest Speaker this month is FSB Member Rachel NaylorThe Energy Queen talking about ''The science behind putting your needs first, for sustainable success''. Join us on Wednesday 24 Janaury to kickstart your business in 2024! Followed by breakout rooms for discussions on business matters and make connections. Book here.

Understanding VAT in Europe

From DBT / Export Academy on Monday 29 January join tax experts SimplyVAT in this session which will support your understanding of VAT implications when trading with Europe. You will learn how to be tax compliant when selling into Europe and become confident on the steps and requirements you need to take. Register here.

Navigating the planning system

Businesses in Hyndburn can meet the Planning Department at Hyndburn Borough Council to understand commercial planning regulations on Tuesday 30 January. You will learn; how best to engage with the planning system from inception to implementation; if planning permission is required; how to submit an application and the matters that will be considered. You can share your proposals for your business (mid to long-term plans) and recieve advice on the pre-application. Book here.

Understanding Meta Adverting

The Growing Club and Fika Digital bring you a 90-minute workshop on Tuesday 30 January to help you harness the power of advertising on Facebook and Instagram, you will leave with the tools and confidence to create powerful and effective paid ads for your business. To book your place, click here.

What You May Have Missed 

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Meet The Team - Lancashire & Cumbria

Meet the author

Natalie Simm

Natalie Simm

Operational Support Coordinator