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News 23/08/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changes to Planning Services
This note sets out some important changes to the way that planning services will be delivered to members of the public in anticipation of Council Connect customer services reception being relocated from Trimbridge House to the Guildhall later this year. The changes relate to general planning advice and guidance and will come into effect on 13th September 2010. The aim of the revised service is to ensure that we focus resources for the customer in the most effective and efficient way.

The Planning Service currently receives enquiries in two broad categories. These are:

General - Householder development questions (Do I need planning permission for… related to houses and their curtilage), Do I need planning permission (unrelated to dwelling houses), How much are the planning fees? How do I obtain the relevant forms? Is my building listed?, Am I in a Conservation Area?

Live planning or listed building applications - Has it been registered/decided? I want to make a comment how can I do this and by when? Has the application been registered? Is the application going to Committee? When is the deadline for the decision?

How will we handle customer queries?
In response to general and some planning application enquiries we receive, Council Connect and Planning Information Officers will assist in the first instance by responding to queries and providing information. This should allow Planning Officers to concentrate on core technical activities such as dealing with applications and pre application submissions.

If a query is complex, customers will be able to speak to a Planning Officer through a Call Back Service. The initial contact process will be designed to answer basic enquiries. Where more detailed technical knowledge is required we will seek to obtain enough information to allow a planning officer to answer the query. Following this a Planning Officer will aim to call back within 24 hours of the initial query. 

These arrangements are designed to replace the existing duty planner system at Trimbridge House and in Keynsham which are inefficient uses of technical skills.  

Other important changes
More than half of our planning applications are submitted via the web as the most efficient means of submission. In order to contain costs we will no longer automatically provide paper copies of current applications. Applications and associated documents can be viewed online on the Council's website where the public can comment on applications.  For those who do not have access to the internet, PCs set up for use with Public Access will be available to use in the Guildhall reception and Council Connect Staff will be on hand to assist in reading the plans where necessary.

We understand that this may be difficult for some customers who are not used to reading plans from a computer screen.   In the case of major and complex schemes, we will encourage applicants to supply a hard copy A3 sized summary of their scheme where appropriate.

In addition, we will provide a paper copy of an application for customers who have a particular difficulty in reading from a computer screen. Paper copies will need to be ordered through Council Connect and customers will be informed when the documentation is available to view.

Things that are not changing 
It is important to note that the new system does NOT make any changes to “live” applications therefore agents, applicants, neighbours or councillors will still be able to contact the relevant Planning Officer.

No changes are proposed to the current pre application service offered, or the householder development questionnaire and Development Team on large projects.
Finally
The whole Planning Service will be moving from Trimbridge House in October 2010 and we will be providing more information about the move in due course.

If you need more information on the proposed changes please contact Lisa Bartlett, Development Manager on 01225 477281.

 

News 29/06/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Changing Lives - with Bath & North East Somerset!

Malcom was unemployed and in financial difficulty. Find out how, alongside our business partners, we helped him get back into employment and become his own boss.

Click here to view his video story

How else is your Council changing lives?
23 businesses employing 259 people in Midsomer Norton and Radstock were given one-to-one support, training and advice to help them improve their performance and keep on trading, adding to economic vitality of the area. Find out more.

62 creative and technology companies employing 334 people across the district were given one-to-one support, training and advice to help them improve their performance and keep on trading, adding to economic vitality of the area. Find out more.

529 people across the district have been helped by the Jobs and Training Bus which put them in touch with work and training opportunities and so improve their employment prospects. Find out more

The council supports 230 businesses as a landlord for city centre properties, 139 of which are independent traders, and they provide employment, revenue and an opportunity for entrepreneurs. Find out more

The Council and its partners want to change lives by improving quality of life and developing sustainable communities now and in the future.

Find out how we are supporting the development of a thriving and resilient economy that will play a key role in achieving sustainable growth.



News 17/06/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midsomer Norton - Town Centre Proposals - Public Exhibition!

 


An opportunity to discuss the future development of the town centre has been arranged for Saturday 19 June. 
The exhibition is intended to offer people the chance to feed into the draft proposals for the Midsomer Norton town centre that will guide and promote development over the next 20 years as part of the new Core Strategy.

These draft proposals, which have been developed by Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with the Midsomer Norton Forum, aim to create new job opportunities by providing new, modern office accommodation and a more vibrant High Street that attracts more national high street stores.

Your place, your say…. How to get involved
Bath & North East Somerset Council would like to encourage residents, visitors and the business community to take this opportunity to get involved in the future of Midsomer Norton town centre.

The exhibition will take place at the Midsomer Norton Town Hall on Saturday 19 June between 09:30 – 15:00 where representatives from the Council and Midsomer Norton Forum will be on hand to discuss proposals and answer questions.  The exhibition will continue at the Midsomer Norton Library from 21 June until 2 July.

For further information email or visit:

Email: regen_msn@bathnes.gov.uk/msnregen
Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/msnregen


 

News 16/06/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



New European funding to support Bath businesses!

The South West must focus on improving business competitiveness and employment throughout the region.  In order to do this there needs to be a shift towards high-quality business generating high value added activity.  But how do businesses achieve this?  The new High Growth business support programmes will provide advice and support on how to start a high growth business, demonstrate ways of financing a business and how to acquire the skills to access external finance.

Over the last year GWE Business West has successfully secured several new South West business support contracts.  And,  working in partnership with a regional consortium of organisations has now secured European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) to deliver three new high growth business support and development programmes - Starting a High Growth Business, Coaching for High Growth and Understanding Finance for Business - through its Enterprise Services division.

Jo Greenwood, Director of Business Support for GWE Business West said, "GWE Business West has a successful track record of delivering business support throughout the South West.  Our focus is to deliver high quality services to support business growth and ensure businesses have the right package of support as well as the skills they need to succeed."

Each programme offers a comprehensive range of support delivered through a combination of workshops and coaching support sessions.  The free workshops will provide a wealth of advice and information on a range of topics such as Intellectual Property (IP), high growth finance, routes to market, internationalisation and business planning. Businesses will also hear first hand from experts and existing high growth business owners about the pitfalls and successes of running a high growth business.

The free coaching sessions (one-to-one meetings, telephone and e-mail support from a business coach) is provided with all three programmes up to a period of 36 months (Starting a High Growth Business).  This support will build the knowledge and skills of business entrepreneurs and will also enable the development of a higher proportion of high growth businesses for the region.

Jo Greenwood said, "Businesses today face challenges with raising finance, cash flow, and finding new routes to market.  What is not always clear is how they can best tackle these issues.  We are delighted to be delivering practical business support, without which there is a risk that some businesses with the potential to bring significant economic benefits to the region will not materialise."

These business support programmes will be available from July 2010 and are subject to eligibility.  For further information on how GWE Business West can help your business visit www.gwebusinesswest.co.uk or join us at www.gwebwlinkedin.co.uk

News 6/04/2010-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Following a successful debut in 2008, Bath & North East Somerset Council are proud to be sponsoring The Bath Business Show which returns to the Assembly Rooms on 14th April.

The event will be showcasing up to 70 exhibitors from a range of business sectors, including a new Creative Sector Zone, and Science & Technology area. Also exhibiting at the show will be procurement teams from the Council and other public sector organisations across the region; including a free seminar setting out the latest procurement policies and issues.

The show runs from 9am till 4pm on 14th April at the Assembly Rooms, Bath.  For free admittance, visitors are asked to apply directly to GWE Business West at visitbath@gwebusinesswest.co.uk or telephone 01275 370849.

For further information, please visit GWE Business West.

News 26/03/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


In recent years Bath & North East Somerset Council has moved to BACS as its preferred method of payment and as a result has gradually been reducing its use of cheques. BACS is recognised as being more cost effective than cheques, due to its cheaper transaction cost, bank charges and stationery costs.

This development is reflected nationally with most organisations moving toward the phasing out of cheque payments. A result of this will be that cheques are likely to cease to be a legal form of payment in the coming years.  

The Council will be moving to BACS payments only for all NEW suppliers as from April 2010

If you would like more information on the Council's method of payment to suppliers please contact Business and Financial Services on 01225 477383

News 28/01/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




You may be aware that Central Government is encouraging the use of technology in business, with all public sector organisations reviewing ways of trading with their suppliers electronically.
As Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to streamlining the tendering, implementation and monitoring of contracts, it has chosen 'Supply the South West Portal' as its preferred solution.

If you wish to do business with the Council, please register on www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk.  Registration is easy and free.  Once you have registered;

• you will have access to a number of contract opportunities from Councils in the South West in a one stop shop

• you will be able to post a profile of your company and an indication of what type of opportunities that you are interested in

• you will receive email notifications whenever opportunities matching your profile become available

• you will be able to register an expression of interest and download contract documentation.

If you need further assistance or require details of our Supplier open day please email procadmin@bathnes.gov.uk

News 15/01/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Foresters Human Table Football Competition
Saturday 20th March 2010 at the Chippenham Olympiad
Help raise funds for a new premature baby unit at the RUH
Kindly sponsored by Foresters – the international charitable financial services organisation

Join in with some inflatable fun and battle it out to be crowned champions of the Foresters Human Table Football competition 2010! 

Human Table Football is the life-sized version of the classic table football game. Teams of seven are attached to poles on an inflatable pitch, where they can move up and down the pole to kick the football but are not able to move forward or backwards. 

Simply get together with your friends and colleagues to represent your company, organisation or community group.  The competition is taking place on Saturday 20th March from 12pm at the Chippenham Olympiad.  It will be a fun day out for all the family, so bring them along to cheer you on! 

To secure your place all you need to do is pay a £100.00 entry fee per team, then pledge a further £250.00 sponsorship.  Every penny raised will go towards helping to complete the NICU 'space to grow' Campaign for sick and premature babies at Bath's Royal United Hospital.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to take part, so give the Appeal a call today to reserve your teams place.  Call 01225 821535, email natalie.hannam@ruh.nhs.uk or visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk for more information. 

News 15/01/2010 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chairman's Business Awards 2009/10

Bath and North East Somerset Council will recognise businesses that help contribute to creating more sustainable communities at the Chairman's Business Awards held in March 2010.
The Chairman's Business Awards will highlight the great work done by businesses who work alongside their local communities for a common cause. For example, a business may help the local community by supporting events and activities, by having a volunteering scheme or using local suppliers.

Councillor Bryan Chalker, Chairman of Bath and North East Somerset Council said:

"I would like to encourage nominations for businesses that are both profit making and non-profit making, including those businesses that are social enterprises or community interest companies.  Many businesses contribute towards community life in different ways and the Awards will help recognise those businesses that make valuable contributions to our communities".

The Chairman's theme for his year in office is, "Grow Your Own Food and Know Your Local Heritage", and nominations are particularly invited that link with this theme.

To meet the nomination criteria, businesses must make a positive contribution to community life. They also need to meet at least one of the following criteria:

Local investment - A business that has contributed to community life through investment and support of community activities – this does not have to be financial support.
Volunteering - A business that has a number of volunteers who undertake some or all duties within the organisation. A business that has a volunteering scheme to support employees to undertaking activities for the benefit of the local community.
Local Purchasing - A business that supports local purchasing by regularly using local suppliers.

Every business nominated for an Award will be presented with a certificate in recognition of their contribution to community life.  The winners of the Award, one for profit making and one for non-profit making businesses, will be given £250 each towards a charity of their choice presented by the Chairman at the awards ceremony on the 24 March 2010.

Councillor Terry Gazzard, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Enterprise said:

"The awards are a great opportunity for Bath and North East Somerset Council to recognise businesses that go the extra mile. Businesses play a fundamental role in contributing to thriving communities and in helping the Council and the community achieve sustainable growth for the area."

1. How to nominate?

Nomination forms can be obtained from:

Council's Website, link: /BathNES/councilanddemocracy/councillorsdemocracyandelections/
councillorsinformationandadvice/chairman2.htm
By Email – Sara_Dixon@bathnes.gov.uk
In writing - Sara Dixon, Community Project Officer, Stronger Communities Team, Policy and Partnerships, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Keynsham Town Hall, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1NL.
2. Deadline for nominations

The closing date for nominations is Friday 19 February 2010.  An Awards Ceremony for the nominees will be held on 24 March 2010.

3. Who can make nominations?

Anyone who thinks a local business deserves a nomination – this includes local residents, council staff, councillors, organisations and groups, teachers and volunteers or businesses can nominate themselves.



News 7/01/2010 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Biowaz AS (www.biowaz.com) is a developer of low cost farm based biogas systems. They are looking to establish a subsidiary in the UK and hire a Country Manager. This is a managerial role for a highly motivated person with a strong background and business experience at management level. The individual must be willing to invest time and effort in building up a company with large growth potential.

Industry - Renewable energy generation, farming, cleantech
Category - UK Country Manager
Remuneration - To be discussed, there will be possibility for stock options and provision

Requirements

Company
Biowaz develops low cost farm based biogas systems with a technology that is based on standardised and module-based components. Together with an industrialized production it has an investment cost substantially lower than existing products on the market. The turn of manure and other organic waste into biogas which consists of approximately 60% methane (CH4). The gas may be used for heating, cooling, electricity, cooking and even as fuel. The residual is a higher quality fertilizer, with reduced odour.

Biowaz are currently active in Norway and Sweden but are looking towards estabglishing a UK subsidiary, dependent on where in the UK they find a suitable Country Manager. Later on, the company will also look to build strong relationships with selected UK plumbers, training and certifying them as installers of BioWaz/Biogas, hence adding a new business area to the plumbers' portfolio.

For more information please contact development_regeneration@bathnes.gov.uk



 

News 25/11/09 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On December 7th Bath will be invaded by Team BARK! Along with our partners, BathFM, we will fill the city with the cheer of Random Acts of Kindness. 

We will be giving out freebies, lending a helping hand to all and generally aiming to make as many people smile as possible. We hope to create an annual day of kindness in the city of Bath. 

To get involved please check out the 'Get Involved' section of our website. 

We hope to start a tradition this day every year from now of making a special effort to be kinder to one another, and why not?! 

All it takes is a Random Act!

www.bark2009.co.uk

To find out more and register your businesses interest in this event please visit the website for more information 

 

News 13/11/09 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nicholas Dupre, Priyesh Patel & Sol Mitchell - Indian Tea Room
Credit: Nic Delves-Broughton

Students bring Apprentice-style business to an empty shop in Bath

Teams of students from the University of Bath are finalising business plans that will see them bring new life to an empty shop in the city centre for 10 days from Tuesday 10 November.

Each student team will take ownership of the shop at 7a Lower Borough Walls for one day only, setting up their own retail business from scratch and hoping to persuade local shoppers to part with their cash.

The retail action will be available to watch online from Tuesday 10 November through a live webcam at www.bath.ac.uk/studententerprise

Priyesh Patel and his team will bring a taste of India to the city centre on the first day of opening (Tuesday 10 November), transforming the shop to give an Indian Experience to customers who want to try traditional Indian teas, savouries and sweets, and even try out an Indian head, back or neck massage.

The students are taking part in a competition organised by the Students' Union in conjunction with Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES). Each team will get to run their business in the shop for one day only, from a £200 start-up fund and expert advice from local business mentors. 

Other businesses lined up for the shop include: Winter Warmers, serving homemade soups including a special chocolate variety; and Aptus Suits, offering bespoke tailoring together with handmade ties and cufflinks.
 
The student businesses will make a video diary reflecting on their experiences and the quality of this package, together with the takings, will decide the winner to be announced in a grand finale at the Guildhall on Friday 20 November. 

Priyesh Patel, a 22 year-old final year student in aerospace engineering, said: "We want to bring something different to Bath and give people a small taste of India. As the weather is getting colder we're giving shoppers the chance to try traditional 'masala' teas, hot chocolate and fruit drinks, made with warming spices which are great for relieving aching bones and winter colds.

"We're hoping people will like it and will be curious enough to come in and enjoy the relaxing, peaceful environment, surrounded by Indian fabrics, gentle music and a traditional Indian movie for people who are interested."
Siobain Hone, Student Enterprise Coordinator, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for students to try out their entrepreneurial ambitions and to play a part in Bath's retail economy. They've had a very short space of time to come up with their ideas and put plans into action. It's going to be a steep learning curve and it's very exciting to see what they come up with and the reactions of potential customers."
B&NES are landlords of the shop and are backing the project to bring student entrepreneurship into the city. Councillor Francine Haeberling, leader of the Council, said: "Bath and North East Somerset Council is delighted to be supporting the University of Bath on this exciting project. Students make a huge contribution to Bath and this project will give them the opportunity to learn and develop valuable new skills. It will also compliment work being done through the Student Community Partnership to get students involved in the wider community."
Professor Glynis Breakwell, Vice-Chancellor of the University, added: "We are very pleased to work with Bath and North East Somerset Council to offer our students this unique opportunity within the local community. The University has a strong tradition of producing entrepreneurial graduates, and this project is an important step in developing their skills, knowledge and ambition."
For more information about the project please visit www.bath.ac.uk/studententerprise

 

News! 4/11/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Valuation Office - Rateable Values
You may have recently recieved a letter from the Valuation Office informing you of the rateable value of your business property. The Valuation Office have produced a guide to help you understand how the process of evaluating rateable values works and how this relates to your Business Rates. For more information please visit the website http://www.2010.voa.gov.uk/rli/


 

News! 4/11/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Global Entrepreneurship Week takes place from 16 – 22 November 2009. It's a worldwide movement of entrepreneurial people, with millions unleashing their enterprising talents and turning their ideas into reality.

Visit the official website for further details http://www.gew.org.uk/ 
If you are taking part and are based in Bath & North East Somerset please let us know at business-matters.biz (development_regeneration@bathnes.gov.uk ) and we'll include your success on this website.

 

News! 23/10/009 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0% Business loans fight high energy bills - and climate change.
Energy-guzzling heating, air conditioning and plant equipment could be draining your business of vital profits. To help businesses upgrade to more efficient equipment and cut energy bills, the Carbon Trust is offering 0% loans of up to £400,000.
No security is required for the interest free business loans - and the loans scheme is designed so that energy savings cover montly repayments. What's more, the new equipment may also qualify for 100% first year tax relief.

Thousands of companies have now taken advantage of the interest free loans to reduce their energy bills:

More information on the Carbon Trust's 0% business loans is available at www.carbontrust.co.uk/loans

 

News! 23/10/09 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He's not the messiah - But he is coming to Bath. Monty Python star to support local cinema appeal.

Monty Python star Terry Jones is coming to Bath next month to host a special 30th anniversary screening of the legendary Life of Brian film in aid of the Little Theatre Cinema £100,000 improvement appeal. The screening will be held in Bath's sole surviving independent picture house on the evening of November 6th 2009. Tickets are priced at £25 each further information can be gotten from the Little Theatre on 01225 330803

News! 21/09/09 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Office Space at Green Park Station - Ethical Property!
Green Park Station's South Vaults Provides flexible, affordable office space to organisations working towards social change. It is a place for like-minded individuals, charities and local campaigners to get together, share ideas and network under one roof. We offer fixed desk spaces for small groups at competitive rents and on friendly and flexible terms.

To find out about our rates and to book a viewing contact the office manager on 01225 787910 / claire@ethicalproperty.co.uk

Additionally Hive Bath is their package of services available to small, start up groups looking for flexible office space, and offers workspace by the hour use of meeting rooms on site registered business / charity address, broadband and phone connection dedicated phone number and voice-mail. Flexible office space is available noew from £35 a month + VAT Contact the Office Manager on 01225 787910 / claire@ethicalproperty.co.uk

 

News! 01/09/09 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


39 High Street, Keynsham 'THE PLACE TO DO BUSINESS'
We offer serviced office space with strong business support and extensive networking opportunities for small businesses. THE place to do business in Keynsham and the Chew Valley.
The premises are based at 39 High Street, Keynsham, BS31 1DS. Opposite Boots, with an apron of double width pavement in front, it is the former premises of Lloyds Bank and stands out as an attractive Regency building in a busy country town on the edge of the Chew Valley.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR FLEXIBLE OFFICE SPACE?
PLEASE RING US TO ARRANGE A VIEWING OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON:
07766754677 or 07748606862

A central location with free parkingavailable close by
Credibility for start ups, either based physically in our offices or working from home and making use of our virtual office facilities
Reception facilities
Secretarial support
Meeting rooms
Kitchens and catering services
Mail services – including collection from the sorting offices which are at the back of the Post Office, one minute from 39 High Street
Fax, photocopying, scanning and printing
Email and all internet facilities including VOIP telephony
Fully furnished
ICT equipment
Washroom facilities
Cleaning
Presentation and conferencing facilities
ADT and Redcare security
Extensive business support and advice through Business Link and connected organisations
Flexible payment terms for both hotdesking and the individual offices
Regular buisness opportunities

• Web development services
• Advertising and communications
• Marketing services
• Financial services for growing businesses
• Pension and employee benefit services
• Insurance services
• IT and networking services
• All personal assistant and secretarial services
• Couriers
• Easy access to accountancy, banking and legal services – with free advice available at certain times in the week
• IP telephony
• Broadband Internet
• easy in/easy out terms
• opportunities for knowledge transfer and networking
• rates inclusive of utilities and all building maintenance
• basic reception services during standard office hours
• rates inclusive of utilities and all building maintenance and cleaning
• reception services during standard office hours use of meeting rooms by arrangement


News! 1/09/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 6th-8th November 2009 will be the First Annual LEGENDS ALL STAR WEEKEND in aid of local charities such as SHAPE, ABBEY CHURCH Homelessness Initiative, GENESIS Trust and S&P Youth Rugby Club to name a few. The weekend will consist of The LEGEND AWARDS, VIP Meet & Greet, Celebrity Basketball Game, 1920's Theme Celebrity Birthday Bash and Gospel Brunch!
 
Tickets are on sale now Exclusively at 15 Cheap Street, Bath. Tickets are limited to 1,400 in total. We encourage businesses to get involved by purchasing their tickets for the whole weekend for only 100 quid which would include their businesses being advertised on our web sites and/or promotional materials. They can call Mandana direct at 0798 468 4000/01225 444 604 or by emailing at LegendsDirect@aol.com . Coverage is by BATH FM. Early purchase/involvement by businesses is recommended to avoid missing the biggest star studded event of the year! Where there will be Legends of Music, Sports and Film!  www.LegendsDirect.co.uk or www.LegendsWorldTour.com/events.html or www.BathBroadcastingCompany.com


News! 24/07/09 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Dispute Resolution – or agreeing a solution without the costs of going to court.

Mediation is the alternative to going to court to resolve a dispute.

This process has many advantages. Not only is the process considerably quicker (often resolved in days, rather than months or years in the legal system), it is considerable cheaper.

The parties are in control of the processes and can agree on a solution that they can both accept, and not have a decision imposed on them by a Judge.

It is an informal process - with the impressive statistic that over 80% of cases that enter mediation settle.

In the Commercial world Mediation is especially important as it maintains existing working relationships – neither party should leave a mediation feeling that they "lost", unlike a trip to the Courts.

The whole process is also confidential, keeping all discussion out of the public domain, so protecting reputation, and with no requirement for any of the parties to be cross examined in the witness box – often an extremely unpleasant experience.

To find out more please contact Jackie Gregory-Stevens CEnv MRICS ACIArb, Accredited Mediator jackie.gregorystevens@googlemail.com 07710 358306


News! 4/06/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A buzzing community for social change
Ethical property, who run Green Park Station are setting up Hive Bath: new, flexible, office space for local ethical organisations to base themselves.

Members of Hive Bath recieve access to a meeting rooms and other facilities in our network of centres around the UK and Belgium, as well as use of a workstation in the Green Park Station South Vaults. Members can make use of our meeting rooms, other shared facilities, IT equipment, post facilities and reception in the South Vaults as part of their membership. Our membership packages mean you only pay the for the time you need, saving you the cost of having a permanent office you don't use. Members of Hive Bath are also welcome to any and all events, seminars and networking opportunities happening in and around Hive Bath and our other Hive centres across the UK and Brussels.

Hive members reap all the benefits of being part of an Ethical Property centre without paying the full cost of permanent office space.

Give us a ring on 01225 787910 or email claire@ethicalproperty.co.uk for more information on becoming a member!

www.ethicalproperty.co.uk


 

News! 4/06/09--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Save Money through the Business Rate Relief Scheme!
If you own a small business which has a rateable value of below £15,000 a year you could claim up to half of your business rates back with the money being paid by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr Alistair Darling. The Business rate relief website offers advice and guidance on taking advantage of the Government's business rate relief scheme. It provides practical information on eligibility and on how to go about claiming. For further information visit:
www.businessraterelief.co.uk

 

News! 24/04/09------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A new loan fund for South West businesses.
As part of the drive for economic recovery, the South West Regional Development Agency (RDA) has announced the launch of a new £10m South West Loans Fund which is now available to help growth-oriented business with viable business plans. Of this £5m is available in Cornwall and the Isle of Scilly and £5m for the rest of the region.

Interested businesses should contact Business Link who will take them through the first steps in the application process. Contact details: 0845 600 9966 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest

Small businesses are at the heart of the economy and it is vital that they are supported during this critical time. The South West Loans Fund will play an important role in supporting some of these companies through the economic downturn. It offers smaller firms, who meet the eligibility criteria, the opportunity to obtain the capital they need to sustain and develop their business activities.

Stephen Peacock, the RDA's Executive Director of Enterprise and Innovation, said: "This is good news for the region's businesses. Viable and growing companies throughout the South West need help accessing finance. This fund will go some way towards alleviating these problems"

South West Investment Group (Capital) Ltd has been awarded a grant of £10m for the fund and will be overseeing the programme. The money is provided by the South West RDA (£3.75m) and the European Regional Development Fund - through the ERDF Convergence Programme in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (£3.75m) and the ERDF Competitiveness and Employment Programme in the rest of the region (£2.5m). This is the first time that the new European Structural Funds have been used in this way in England.

John Berry Executive director of SWIG Capital, the organisation responsible for holding the funds, said: "I am really pleased that the European Regional Development Fund Programmes and the RDA have agreed to provide these funds, particularly in this difficult financial environment. Everyone has really pulled the stops out to make this happen. The fund is targeted at those businesses which have the potential to make a real economic difference to the South West through their growth prospects - importantly this is not a 'bail out' fund".

Contact Business Link on 0845 600 99 66

News! 9/04/09--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fund Raising gala 20th April - The Little Cinema

Two of the U.K.'s top award-winning film directors - Ken Loach and Aardman Animations' Nick Park - have pledged their support for the £100,000 improvement appeal for Bath's Little Theatre Cinema.

They have donated unique items to be put up for auction at a special fundraising gala evening on Monday, April 20, to be hosted by the ITV West News and weather presenting team of Peter Rowell and Bob Crampton.

Oscar-winner Nick Park has donated signed watercolour artwork featuring his famous Wallace and Gromit characters, while multi-honoured Ken Loach has given an autographed script of his film The Wind That Shakes The Barley, which won the Palme d'Or at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2006.

The gala evening at the cinema starts at 7 p.m. with a film quiz hosted by local film expert and connoisseur Phil Raby and Julie Rands, with the auction starting an hour later. A full list of the items going up for bidding will be available on the appeal website - www.lovethelittle.com


News! 9/04/09--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 2009 - Legislation update
Business Link have shortlisted a number of regulation changes which came into place on the 6th April. Check this information carefullyk, more detail is available on their website. Click Here!

HR

Taxes, returns & payroll

Health, safety, premises
Business rates in England are revised for the financial year 2009-2010 and empty property relief threshold is increased

News! 9/04/09--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Practical Guide to EU funding opportunities for research and innovation

A practical guide to EU funding has been created in order to help potential beneficiaries find their way through the three funding instruments and identify the most appropriate funding scheme for them.

To read the guide visit: http://www.enterpriseeuropesw.org.uk/swr/news/index.asp?newsid=114

 

News! 2/04/09--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Businesses given more time to pay BUSINESS RATES! -
The Governement has announced proposals to allow businesses to spread the payment of this year's increase in Business Rates over three years.
Business rate payers will be able to defer up to 60% of both the annual increase in business rates and increases which relate to the end of the 2005 transitional reviewing scheme. The deferal will only be available in respect of rates that have not already been paid.
The Department for Communities and Local Government has produced a fact sheet which provides more information and the answers to questions businesses are likely to ask.
Visit the website for more details: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1190659

News & Events! 31/03/09-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shell Step Summer Work Placement Scheme

Every year the Shell Step programme places nationally approximately 600 students with small and medium-sized businesses to undertake projects that make a real difference. The student gets a taste of life beyond university and in many cases, the company gets a burst of energy and new ideas that can help make it a better business.

Shell Step gives you a cost-effective, short-term, highly skilled resource to help you get a new or outstanding initiative off the ground.

This can help your business to: Save time by having a dedicated and mainly self-sufficient team member to concentrate on your project, while you concentrate on running your business acquire new skills and knowledge without having to commit to training courses or additional employees. Get value for money by having a student with skills that your business needs, plus support from a local Shell Step agent, all at a competitive rate. Gain a fresh perspective on your current practices and development plans. Enjoy PR and Shell Step Awards opportunities for projects that produce outstanding results.

Shell Step is managed in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire by Brave Enterprise, which has over 25 years experience in helping small businesses start-up, grow and prosper.

The total cost of employing an undergraduate full-time on an eight week project will be £1,830 + VAT (made up of 8 weeks remuneration at £210 per week plus a placement fee of £150). So if your business has a project you'd like to complete, but no time or resources to undertake it then Shell Step may provide a cost effective and innovative solution.

To find out more, please contact Liz Sands or Moira Hibbard at BRAVE Enterprise on 0117 9445330 or info@brave.org.uk or visit the Shell Step website - www.shellstep.org.uk - where you can also register your interest.

 

News!24/03/09-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ricochet TV, the makers of RISKING IT ALL and NO GOING BACK are developing a programme about couples who have decided to embark on a new business venture together for the first time. Ideally the kind of businesses they would be interested in featuring would be service or produce based, rather than IT or finance driven. In particular they would like to hear from couples who are planning a new business as food providers, about to launch an interesting retail outlet or leisure/tourist related enterprise.  

The producers want to make contact with people as soon as possible, so anyone interested should call Matt Smith on 01273 224828 or email with details of their enterprise and the circumstance that led up to its inception to ournewbusiness@ricochet.co.uk

For more information about Ricochet and the kind of programming the company makes, please go to www.ricochet.co.uk



News!13/03/09-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Retail Opportunities for small / start up businesses!
Ethical Property have recently taken over the running of Green Park Station and are keen to develop it as a thriving platform for small, local, ethically run and quality assured organisations to grow and trade.

We have retail space available through our market stalls for local businesses looking for flexible, cheap retail options. The market runs Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm with a variety of stall types available (including some with electrical connections) costing as little as £10 per day.

We are also developing our newest service, Bath Hive, in the South Vaults, offering flexible office space. Businesses will be able to rent hot desks for as little as 20 hours per week, yet gain all the advantages of a serviced office (such as a phone number; postal address; high quality broadband connection; meeting rooms and space to work outside of home!).

If you would like information on either of these opportunities, or are interested in finding out about other activities on the site (such as hosting events on the market square or renting the Conference / Meeting room), please contact claire@ethicalproperty.co.uk 01225 787910

A previous market at Green Park Station


 

News! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Little Theatre Cinema Needs Your Love!

Little Theatre Cinema has been central to the cultural life of Bath for over 70 years and is appreciated by thousands who have joined as Friends and Members. To keep this cultural icon thriving and to add those modifications that make the cinema experience more comfortable, some much needed improvements are planned: air conditioning and roof repairs are essential and need to be done very soon.

Friends of The Little and the Management also want to create the all-important bar café where cinemagoers can meet friends before the show or stay to chat afterwards. 

Cinema manager Martin Jennings-Wright: "To raise money for all of these exciting initiatives, we have launched the LOVE THE LITTLE campaign and it needs your help

City Screen is supporting us with enthusiasm and has pledged to match the funding raised by the local campaign. Our aim is to raise £100,000.

"The campaign has now started and continues right through the summer with special star studded Galas, an auction night in April where rare and collectable film memorabilia will go under the hammer, special screening events with filmmakers, open air screenings on balmy summer nights, and a whole range of great little products promoting the campaign so you can LOVE THE LITTLE in your own home. Watch out for details on our website: www.lovethelittle.com
"Please help us raise this money. We need your support to help us achieve the goal."

Show Your Love
The LOVE THE LITTLE campaign started in February 2009 - a future programme of events is being planned to entice and amuse, and at the same time give members of the public the chance to support the fundraising campaign. www.lovethelittle.com

" If you have any fundraising ideas or would like to help in the fundraising campaign call Jennifer on 01225 330803 or email at jennifer.j@picturehouse.co.uk "

 

News! 24/02/09 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bath Broadcasting Company, Bath's first Digital TV and Digital Radio Station are anticipating their official on-air launch in May 2009. As a digital company producing and broadcasting radio and television productions for the Bath and West Wiltshire areas, Bath Broadcasting Company's digital radio division alone is anticipated to cover a listening audience of 300,000 people.

As the first official community TV & radio station, the company are committed to enhancing and promoting our community through their coverage. They have vowed to donate 10% of all their advertising revenue to local charities.

For more information and for details of their advertising, introductory offer, please visit www.bathbroadcastingcompany.com/advertise.html or telephone 01225 444604 email bathbroadcasting@aol.com

 

News! 6/02/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bath & North East Somerset Trading standards are looking for businesses that go that little bit extra for their approved trader scheme, Buy with Confidence.
Are you a business that puts its customers first? If so, contact trading standards for more information.

Telephone: 01225 396753
Email: trading_standards@bathnes.gov.uk
Address: 9-10 Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SN

This is not a scheme you can just buy your way into - membership really means something. Members are listed on the scheme's website, and a list of members can be accessed from any council office. A directory of members is produced annually. Most importantly, members are able to display the scheme's logo and words 'Trading Standards Approved' on advertisements, quotations, business letters, vehicles and anywhere else it will help them show they are more than an ordinary trader!

News! 2/02/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Resource Futures is delighted to announce the acquisition of the following business units from Envolve Sustainable Partnerships based in Bath as of 1st October 2008:

Business Advice: the team provides specialist advice to businesses on resource efficiency. Services provided include:
• advice on environmental policies
• environmental auditing
• preparation for accreditation under ISO14001 and BS 8555
• Investors in People, accreditation and review

The team has been operating in the Bristol, Bath and NE Somerset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas and is an active member of the Wessex Environmental Business Club.
The team will complement the work undertaken by Resource Futures in the Yorkshire and Humber region which has included advice to Business Link teams and a survey of business waste services offered by local authorities.

Education for Sustainable Development: the team provides specialist educational services on sustainable development and global learning:
• support to Eco-schools in Bath & NE Somerset and South Gloucestershire
• Bath & NE Somerset Global Learning Network

This work will expand Resource Futures' waste and recycling education work delivered in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Devon and the support to Eco-schools in Bristol by providing additional services addressing the wider sustainability agenda.

Commenting on the acquisition, Jane Stephenson CEO of Resource Futures said:
'We welcome these new teams into our organisation. Their experience and expertise will further enhance the delivery of high quality project delivery which characterises the services offered to clients by Resource Futures.'

For more information contact:
Jane Stephenson, CEO
Tel 0117 914 3575 (direct dial)
janestephenson@resourcefutures.co.uk

 


News! 6/01/09 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The West of England Partnership Office and Bath & North East Somerset Council at the Business Show Bath


Development & Regeneration & West of England Partnership at the Bath Business Show 08

Businesses from across the Bath area took part in a ground-breaking celebration of commerce in the city in November of 08. The Business Show Bath was held at the Assembly Rooms attracting hundreds of visitors and over 70 exhibitors.


The event was the first of its kind in the city and designed by organisers GWE Business West to encourage networking and raise the profile of businesses from in and around Bath.



News! 22/12/08 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over 50 members and affiliates of the FSB Bath Branch gathered on Monday, December 15, at the Bath City Hilton for a "Making the Headlines" networking evening, to garner inside knowledge and hot tips from the media experts, Linda Donaldson (Geometry PR), Paul Mullins (Sandusky Media) and Tim Gander (Tim Gander Photography). The Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Bath, Councillors Tim and Sharon Ball, welcomed the participants and honoured the great contribution made to Bath's economy by the small business community.

The event, chaired by the branch's own PR representative – Richard Chapman, is the first in a series of recession-busting activities to help small businesses withstand the present economic challenges. "Bucking the Trend" with optimised marketing strategy tips will take place on Monday, February 9 at the Hilton Hotel. For further details please contact Angela Ladd at angelaRladd@aol.com or on 01761 432254.



FSB Photograph

Pictured from left to right Rubina Jaffer, Business Link: Paul Mullins, Sandusky Media: Tim Gander, Tim Gander Photography: the Mayor, Councillor Tim Ball: the Mayoress, Councillor Sharon Ball: Linda Donaldson, Geometry PR: Richard Chapman, Elysan: Peter Jennings, Business Link.


News! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Bath Broadcasting Company has now opened it's offices in the heart of the city at 15 Cheap Street Bath BA1 1NA...The business is a subsidiary of the celebrity PR & Productions Firm Mandana Entertainment www.MandanaEnt.com which has been established in U.S. since 1994. Their business acumen has always been to get involved with their community by giving 10% of all their net revenue to local charities. For more information visit the website www.BathBroadcastingCompany.com


Bath Broadcasting Company

News! 5/11/ 08 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Development & Regeneration Service of Bath & North East Somerset Council will be exhibiting at the Bath Business Show on Wednesday 5th November, we would like to invite you along to our stand, H3, to discuss any business challenges/requirements that you may have and learn more about the services we can provide including:

Business support services
Economic intelligence on the B&NES area;
Commercial land and property availability
Business to business services including access to our shared on-line business directory

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01225 477748, otherwise we look forward to meeting with you on the 5th.

Regards
The Development & Regeneration Team

News! 25/02/08 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplying to the Public Sector - Thursday 3 April 2008 - 9.30am to 2.30pm.
University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Glendinning Lecture Theatre

Supplying to the Public Sector offers local businesses an ideal opportunity to develop and grown their business. Public Sector organisations have a combine spending in excess of £1.5 billion in the local area and a need for a diverse range of products and services. This presents opportunities for many businesses in this area. But how do you identify these opportunities, how should you tender for them and what are the expectations of current and potential suppliers?

The supplying the Public Sector event is designed to help answer these questions. Taking place on Thursday 3 April 2008 at the University of the West of England, Frenchay Campus, Glendinning Lecture Theatre, speakers from the region's key procurement teams will provide you with an insight into:

How to identify business opportunities
How to address the essential pre-qualification criteria, such as
Finance, Insurance, compliance with EU regs
Health and safety
Equalities
This event, now in its third year, will focus on what is required from potential suppliers, particularly in the early stages of the tender process (pre-qualifiation). This stage is vital for suppliers to get right as it provides an insight into the organisations capacity to fulfil a contract. This event is an invaluable opportyunity to find out what is happening in this area and how the procurement teams can help small and medium-sized businesses in this area.

There will be an opportunity to meet the buyers from the local authorities of Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, as well as procurement representatives from Avon and Somerset Police, University of the West of England, University of Bristol, University of Bath and Further education colleges.

The Event is free but booking is required: to reserve your place please download and complete the booking form which is at the bottom of this page and email it to procurement.support@bristol.gov.uk or fax it to 0117 922 3540.
For further information, please go to www.bristol.gov.uk/business


News! 25/02/08 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Are South West companies making the most of Globalisation?
Globalisation can be a good thing for the economy- how can we take advantage of the opportunities it presents? Lord Digby Jones, Minister of State for Trade and Investment at the Deparment of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, will be leading a discussion around this question at a seminar on 18 March at HP Labs, in Bristol.

New research into the impact globalisation is making on the South West economy will be published. It will be followed by a debate chaired by Jane Henderson, Cheif Executive of the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA).

Nigal Jump, the RDA's Chief economist, said: 'This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the south west's economy for the future opportunities, and threats, that globalisation presents. I'd urge everyone with an interest in unlocking the region's business potential to take part in this event'.

Business who would like to attend the conference should email swdebates@southwestrda.org.uk


News! 31/10/07 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion (QAEP)

This is a Royal Award for individuals who develop and promote business enterprise skills and attitudes in others.

Do you know of someone who promotes business enterprise skills and attitudes in the UK by encouraging, training or mentoring others?

The QAEP rewards people who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting the growth of business enterprise and / or entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others. Nominees could be working in business, education, training or youth work.

Nominations can be made between 21 April and 31 October each year. The 2008 awards will be announced on 21 April 2008.

For further details please see the website www.queensawards.org.uk/individual

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