Humber Innovation Support Programme (HISP)
Funding is available to help businesses to take their ideas to innovate within their businesses into reality. Support is offered through four different areas:
- Fully funded internship placement
- Expert guidance in Intellectual Property
- 50% innovation grants up to £30k to help guide your innovation ideas.
- 50% funded access to specialist academic expertise across a range of topics
The funding is part of levelling up funding that is being delivered by the University of Hull and the Aura Innovation Centre.
You can find out more information via Aura Innovation Centre’s pdf brochure or email [email protected].
AI Scams having the potential to make emails seem more trustworthy
The Business Resilience Centre has issued advise on getting to grips with AI and its impact on phishing and other attempts to gain access into your IT systems. From improved grammar to better access to more believable information. Is your business up to date with its security and knowledge on cyber security? Read more on their AI article and how you can get free support from the business resilience Centre.
East Riding of Yorkshire’s Supply Chain Network getting a refresh
The Supply Chain Network (TSCN) website currently being redeveloped, and due to be relaunched in June 2024. The Supply Chain Network is a regional tool, and they are keen that organisations in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire are the first to adopt it. Working with closely with large companies and organisations in the region they want to ensure that the system will also meet their procurement needs and be adopted as best practice, supporting the Council to meet their commitments to using local supply chains.
Whilst the database is being updated you can still join the network and your information will be transferred to the new site in the Summer. Visit The Supply Chain Network to register your details. Whether a sole trader providing services to other small businesses or a business looking to bid for work from larger businesses your details can be submitted.
Hull Networking Success – so let’s repeat!
Following the successful business breakfast networking at Craven Park in February, we ‘the FSB’ in collaboration with Hull City Council are pleased to announce we are hosting another networking event on the morning of Tuesday 30 April. With attendee feedback asking us to ‘move around’ venues we are hosting the next event at the Louis Pearlman Centre.
The event provides an informal networking environment to get to know other small business owners, speak to one of the local business advisers, and connect with other FSB members.
Places are limited so get in quick and book your space via Eventbrite. We will be around from 9am through to 11am so come for the whole event or simply pop for an hour to say hello, a light breakfast will be served.
Hold the date – Sheffield Networking, 4 June, Electric Works
On the 4 June, our local FSB Development Manager will be joining Sheffield City Council’s Business support team to host a networking event at Electric Works in Sheffield. A great opportunity to meet other small business owners in a relaxed setting, find out more about what funding and support is available locally and create new connections and opportunities.
Apparently, the day also coincides with National Cheese Day… so whether you’re a ‘gouda’ listener or a ‘brie-lliant’ conversationalist, remember a ‘grate’ first impression is essential’.
Further booking details be shared on our events listings page and across our regional social media platforms in the coming weeks.
Invite to attend South Yorkshire Mayoral Hustings - 19 April, Doncaster College, 9.30am.
Join the FSB and colleagues from across the South Yorkshire Chambers, Make UK and CBI networks for a conversation with the Mayoral candidates for South Yorkshire. The event provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about those who have put themselves forward to be Mayor of South Yorkshire.
In addition to this, attendees can take part in a lively Q&A session; where they can pose their burning questions directly to candidates and raise any concerns that they think ought to be on the radar of whomever gets elected.
The hustings event is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make sure their voice is heard by prospective Mayors, working together with the leading business organisations we want to ensure that our local businesses are considered and play a vital part in shaping the future of South Yorkshire. Businesses of all shapes, sectors, sizes and stages of growth to join us as this pivotal event.
Booking is via the Doncaster Chamber event registration page; noting that you can select the chambers non-member registration and from here select that you are attending as an FSB member.
Humber Business Week: Launch Event
Humber Business Week returns for 2024, and as always, everyone is welcome to be involved either as an event holder, attendee or supporter. With a programme of events across the full week with topics, expo’s, advice, connections, and inspiration to appeal to all sizes and sectors of business. This year it reaches its 20th year. To find out more and network with event hosts, its steering group of volunteers and other attendees you can join its launch event on Thursday 18 April, at the Lexington Rooftop Bar, 5pm-.6.30pm. Register your place. Email [email protected] if you’re interested in running your own event as part of Biz Week.
Recruitment Showcase, Doncaster, 17 April, 10-5pm.
Advance Doncaster and partners are working together to host a recruitment drive bringing future candidates and businesses together. There will be speakers talking about their experiences from across different sectors and the pathways they took to improve their own recruitment.
Find out more via the Business Doncaster.
Manufacturers, producers and makers – support to get smarter.
Made Smarter is a national programme for manufacturers, producers and makers, it is delivered and accessible to businesses across the whole of Yorkshire and Humber area. If you make or manufacturer thing, and whether a micro sized business or medium sized business you could be eligible for support, and it includes:
- A digital assessment and roadmap,
- help to develop your business and implement new technology or processes
- support to advance your own skills with a ‘Leading Digital Transformation’ training programme
- Up to 50% match funding with grants up to a maximum value of £20,000 are available,
- guidance to ensure the right technology is taking your business in the right direction
If you’re a creative that is making products and you are looking to scale-up your production you should also enquire for support via this programme.