Fully-Funded Membership Offers: Helping Local Businesses Recover Eligible businesses in the Harrogate district are invited to become members of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) or Institute of Directors (IoD), at no cost to them. Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) is supporting one year's fully-funded membership of the FSB and IoD, using Government COVID-19 business recovery funding. Membership of the FSB and IoD offers complementary services to local and regional business support - helping businesses as they recover from the pandemic.  Funding is limited and interested businesses are encouraged to find out more, using the contact details in the news features below. 

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Membership Offer Membership of the FSB gives access to a range of services that support businesses, from legal help & advice to cyber protection and free banking. Up to 200 new memberships are available in the Harrogate district, including for those who are self-employed and businesses with less than 250 employees. For details of the FSB membership offer please email [email protected] with the reference HBC. 

Institute of Directors (IoD) Membership Offer The Institute of Directors is offering fully-funded memberships for local businesses, with support from the Council using Government Covid-19 business recovery funding.   IoD members receive a variety of benefits including events, access to UK business hubs, expert legal and financial advice and discounted professional development.   Directors interested in taking up the membership offer are asked to contact senior branch manager [email protected] for further details. 

Business Support and Funding for Manufacturers Enabling business growth, delivering improvements and securing grant funding are just some of the benefits of the Manufacturing Growth Programme. Offering tailored support, at no charge, the Manufacturing Growth Programme has engaged with over 4,000 businesses across a broad range of sectors, including: engineering, food and drink and packaging. For further details and to check eligibility, please visit the Manufacturing Growth Programme website. 

Business Bulletin Hosted in association with business organisation The Northern Affinity, the next open day at the Co-Lab Harrogate work space is 27 April (free to attend). Business expenses for the self-employed is the focus of an HMRC live webinar on 28 April and 17 May. Business Excellence Awards 2022 hosted by the Harrogate Advertiser closes for applications on 29 April. A series of free to attend workshops, masterclasses and mentoring on digital skills has been published by Digital Enterprise, the North and West Yorkshire business support programme. Data protection: what every business needs to know This free webinar on 10 May will look at practical measures to help comply with UK GDPR obligations.

Retail Crime - New Investigation Process North Yorkshire Police has introduced a new retail crime investigation process, designed to be more convenient for retailers and enable the Police to respond to incidents more effectively. Retailers should report thefts in the normal way - via 101 or the police website (999 in an emergency). The level of threat and risk will be assessed and if suitable for the new process retailers will be sent an evidence pack to complete. Retailers will have dedicated support from a team of police officers, who will carry out all initial enquiries and be a point of contact to answer any questions.

Website harrogate.gov.uk/business General enquiries [email protected] ‌

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