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 

 

 

 

Get more done without getting busier or burnt out
Tuesday 27 July, 12pm – 1pm 
This session is for busy people who want to improve their habits and decision-making abilities, so they truly smash their goals, in spite of the challenges they face, but without sacrificing their most precious things (like their most precious relationships, health or sanity). Book here

 

Bounce Back Loans – How to benefit from Pay As You Grow
Thursday 29 July, 1pm – 2pm
Join FSB and the British Business Bank – UK government’s economic development bank – to hear how Pay -As You Grow’ (PAYG) works and how your business can benefit. The session will also cover Recovery Loans and include plenty of time for questions. Hosted by Martin McTague, FSB National Vice Chair Policy and Advocacy, FSB will also be joined by Richard Bearman – Managing Director, Small Business Lending and Gaynor Dykes – Senior Manager, Origination and Relationship Management, Guarantee and Wholesale Solutions. Register here

Social Media Strategy with FSB and Google Digital Garage
Thursday 5 August, 11am – 12pm  
We’re pleased to be partnering with Google Digital Garage to provide a free live webinar training. The Google Digital Garage provides free online and live webinar digital skills training to individuals and businesses in the UK to help people find a job, grow their skills, careers or businesses from home. Join us for a session to learn about how you can build a social media strategy into your business plan. Book here

 

Maximise Your Membership
Thursday 9 September, 12.30pm – 1.30pm 
This “Maximise Your Membership” session is a free online event open to all new joiners to FSB and for any existing members that want to refresh their memories regarding the available benefits. Register here

 

Kent Property and Construction Event
Thursday 9 September, 8am – 9am  
Join this online event to get inside knowledge from an expert, which could make the difference & make useful contacts. Hosted by Peter Searle, BA4CS. Booking link to follow. 

 

Kent Women in Enterprise Virtual Networking
Thursday 9 September, 11am – 12pm (optional after party 12pm – 12.30pm!)
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. Hosted by Sue Hainsby of Carlean Lettings. Book here

 

Local News and Information 

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 

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.