FSB
‘Advice and guidance for small businesses and the self-employed’
Here you will find events, workshops and information posts from Federation of Small Businesses Kent & Medway
Thursday 21 October, 12pm – 1pm
Four in 10 small businesses report they have been victims of cyber-crime, with the average cost a jaw dropping £8,460 to put right. Could you afford to become part of those stats? Join FSB for this bite sized session led by Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, Director of the North West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC), to help you understand the threats you face as a business and what you can do to reduce your chance of being targeted. Book here.
Kent BAME Networking
Friday 22 October, 12 noon – 2pm
Black History Month Special. Join us for talks and a Q&A from 3 business owners from Kent and the South East who will discuss their successes and experiences of being an ethnic minority business owner. Hosted by FSB member Jemma Fairclough-Haynes. Book here
Kent Women in Enterprise Virtual Networking
Thursday 26 October, 9.30am – 10.30am
Join us for this Women in Enterprise Brunch and have the opportunity to promote your business and link up with fellow entrepreneurs in our interactive and engaging breakout rooms. Book here
At FSB, we know from our own research that small businesses already punch well above their weight in terms of providing opportunities for people with disabilities. This session explores how good practice, new technologies and better understanding can deliver massive benefits to disabled people and the small businesses that employ and serve them. Book here.
Q&A breakfast meeting with Damian Green MP for Ashford
Friday 29 October, 8am – 9am
Discuss what is needed for business success in Ashford with your local MP. Book here
As the COP26 climate talks will soon take place in the UK, we have the perfect opportunity to explore the significant role small businesses will and must urgently play in the transition to Net Zero. Join us for this cutting-edge FSB conference to find out what it all means and what’s in it for you. Book here
Q&A breakfast meeting with Sir Roger Gale MP for North Thanet
Friday 5 November, 8am – 9am
This will be a great opportunity to hear more about his priorities for North Thanet and to pose any questions you may have in relation to how the Government plans to support our small businesses going forward. Book here
Property and Construction Event:
Tax savings for developers and those considering developments
Thursday 11 November, 8am – 9am
At this event we will focus on tax savings for developers and those considering developments. Book here
Post COP26 Sustainability & Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategy for Kent SMEs
Monday 15 November 9am – 12.30pm
This in-person event will be a workshop and include networking with small business owners and sole traders. There will also be an opportunity to discuss electric vehicles and to try out Kent County Council’s electric vans for hire. Free to attend. Book here
Local News and Information
South East Construction Expo
The South East Construction Expo takes place on 21 October. You can find out more and register your place here.
SELEP COVID Recovery Fund- Starting and Succeeding in Business and Adapting with Digital Programmes
If your business is based in Kent you can engage with these new support programmes. Starting and Succeeding in Business is a free online series of business courses, 1-2-1’s and specialist events, supplemented by a 24/7 Start-up App and a range of wider learning resources. Designed for those who are looking to or recently started a new business, as well as those made redundant or unemployed as a result of COVID-19. Adapting with Digital is a programme of business support, 100% delivered online, consisting of business events and peer networking, masterclasses/workshops, 1-2-1’s, specialist events and online support resources. If your business has been impacted by COVID then get on board with harnessing digital technology to help your business run more efficiently and profitably. These programmes include the opportunity to apply for a grant in the Autumn.
Barclays Digital Wings
Barclays Digital Wings is an online learning tool designed to help you become more tech savvy and keep up-to-date on recent digital trends. If you are a business owner, you may wish to use Digital Wings as a learning and development tool for your employees. Inputting a company code can help to provide your company with certain specific details regarding the users from your company. For more information visit here. If you would like to find out more about using a company code for your business email [email protected].
Lower Thames Crossing
What are your thoughts on this major infrastructure project? How might it affect your business, and access to customers and supplies? Please do take this quick survey, we are keen to understand your views.
South East Export Development Project (SEED) launches
SEED will offer businesses a range of free support services to help them access new international markets through an innovative support programme culminating in a series of virtual trade missions aimed at SELEP-based companies which are keen to increase their international activity. To find out more visit here.
Business Support
Grant funding
The Growing Kent and Medway grant funding for sustainable R&D is open for applications from today. To find our more visit the website.
Free rapid testing
Everyone in England will be able to access two free Covid-19 rapid testing kits a week from their pharmacist from April 19.
Cycle to Work Scheme
A report published by the Cycle to Work Alliance urges the government to widen access to the scheme to ensure it’s accessible for as many people as possible. FSB’s Craig Beaumont said: “These solid policy recommendations will expand the scheme’s success to millions of small businesses and the self-employed, removing barriers.”
OKOINDUSTRIA
OKOINDUSTRIA, which is a leading international green expo in Central Europe goes virtual this year between 28-30 April 2021. Also, an international B2B matchmaking program will be organised with the cooperation of the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency. You can visit the detailed program, pre-register and view the list of exhibitors here. To register for the free B2B event, please click here.
Sponsors
