The Prime Minister has set out plans to transform the training and skills system, making it fit for the 21st century economy, and helping the country build back better from coronavirus. Adults without an A-Level or equivalent qualification will be offered a free, fully-funded college course – providing them with skills valued by employers, and the opportunity to study at a time and location that suits them. This offer will be available from April in England, and will be paid for through the National Skills Fund. A full list of available courses will be set out shortly. Higher education loans…
Author: sme-admin
Over 80,000 volunteers tested in England between 18 and 26 September as part of the country’s largest study into COVID-19. Interim results from the fourth report of the country’s largest study on coronavirus rates of infection have been published today. The study examines levels of infection in the general population in England by testing over 150,000 participants each month over a 2-week period. Over 80,000 volunteers out of 150,000 have been tested so far between 18 and 26 September. Findings show infections increased substantially across the country before the R rate fell to around 1.1, suggesting the growth of infection may be…
The largest brownfield regeneration site in the South West has been purchased by BCP Council following a successful £5 million Local Growth Fund investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). Situated in Hamworthy, on the waterfront at Poole Harbour, the 40 acre site was left vacant following the closure of the former Holes Bay power station in 1994. Being in close proximity to Poole town centre, the commercial Port of Poole and neighbouring residential areas, it has since been designated as an important area for future regeneration and investment by the council. Now in the ownership of the local authority, thanks to…
A new digitised investment platform, the Elevate investment network, has been launched by the GS Verde Group. The Elevate investment network will sit within the Verde Corporate Finance business of the multi-discipline Group and help to support growing businesses across the UK in raising investment via the private equity markets. Elevate is a regulated digital and digitised fintech platform that will connect business founders seeking investment, to a UK wide network of experienced investors. It will enable businesses with scale-up potential to be presented to registered investors, unlocking a far-reaching network and providing the GS Verde Group with the…
The first ever hydrogen powered train had its first trial on the UK mainline in Warwickshire yesterday, 30th September. The new train, which is set to revolutionise rail travel, is a big step forward towards the UK’s net-zero targets. Tees Valley is set to host the UK’s first hydrogen transport hub, bringing together industry and academia to help create hundreds of green jobs. The £23 million ‘Hydrogen for Transport Programme’ will see the funding of new hydrogen refuse trucks and a hydrogen refuelling station in Glasgow. Trials of the train, known as HydroFLEX, which have been supported with a £750,000 grant from…
HR specialist Laura Callahan and her growing team have supported so many business owners in Oxfordshire and beyond this summer that they’ve moved to their first office. The specialist team of Willow HR have moved to the High Street in Shrivenham as Laura expands her company to help business owners who are either thriving due to Covid19, or facing challenges. Laura (37) is well known in the county and also as a supporter of the national organisation Single Mums Business Network, as she was a single mum for several years. “Covid19 has changed life for all of us, personally and in…
Winning a business award is a very appealing concept – the shiny trophy, the adulation from the audience, the motivation created for the team and the amazing promotional prospects. Business owners and marketing teams are always testing and perfecting ways to raise brand profile, increase awareness, win and retain clients and build team cohesion. Winning a business award can really boost team morale, drive competitive advantage and secure trust in your business. So how do you go about winning? Lack of confidence is an often-cited problem, alongside limited time and resources. Businesses need to understand what benefits will be derived…
Chippenham, United Kingdom – 10 September, 2020 – Denise O’Leary was named the winner of a GOLD Stevie® Award in the Best Business Book category in The 17th Annual International Business Awards® today. She was also a Bronze Stevie® Award winner for her company Purpol Marketing within the category Company of the Year – Advertising Marketing and Public Relations – Small. The International Business Awards are the world’s premier business awards program. All individuals and organizations worldwide – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small – are eligible to submit nominations. The 2020 IBAs received entries from organizations…
Local transport hubs in the Portsmouth city region will receive almost £56 million from the Transforming Cities Fund to transform how residents use and access the city, Transport Minister Baroness Vere has announced today, 28th September 2020. The money will help overhaul local transport links to boost the local economy, opening up jobs, services and giving residents greater access to the city. Funding will go towards a range of key local projects including the much-needed relocation of Gosport bus station and taxi rank and the development of new and upgraded walking and cycling routes. The Ryde transport hub in the…
Award-winning super food brand Creative Nature have launched their latest allergen free baking mix – delightfully crumbly Cornbread. Julianne Ponan, Creative Nature’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be introducing our new delightfully crumbly Cornbread baking mix. This was a natural next step for us and shows that we’ve been working hard in the background developing new products during the pandemic. Like our other products it’s free from the top 14 allergens, is nutritious and vegan friendly.” Creative Nature whose HQ is in West Molesey, is already well established in the ‘free from’ food market. In 2018 the company won the national…