Recent news
Small Business Saturday is coming to North Devon
A national campaign that celebrates small businesses for the important role they play within communities is coming to North Devon on Saturday 2 December - and North Devon Council is getting behind it.
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.
To take part in Small Business Saturday, small business owners can register and advertise their businesses for free on the Small Business Saturday UK website. The campaign has made marketing packs available and encourages participating businesses to tag them (@smallbizsatuk) in social media posts relating to Small Business Saturday.
Article added 27th November 2023
The British Chamber of Commerce has published a report highlighting the lack of awareness among exporters about forthcoming changes when shipping certain goods to EU countries
New research by the BCC has uncovered that the vast majority of businesses are unaware and unprepared for a swathe of fast approaching changes in EU/UK regulations.
When asked about their knowledge of a number of changes coming down the track, the survey of more than 700 firms found:
- 84% of manufacturers do not know about new reporting requirements on exports of goods containing high-carbon steel, and selected other products, to the EU starting in October
- 87% of exporters are either unaware or unprepared for new EU VAT requirements due in January 2025
- 43% of manufacturers are still unaware of the UK’s, now voluntary, alternative product safety marking system to the EU’s CE one
While not all of the incoming changes to regulations will impact every firm, the wide range of new rules, and the complexity of their requirements, means many businesses will face new obstacles.
You can read the full Chamber of Commerce article on the BCC website
For information about the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Reports, visit the Customs Support website
For further background information on the planned changes to the EU VAT system, visit BDO's website
For information about the use of the UKCA and EU safety standard marks visit the Gov.uk website
Article added 18th September 2023
The ban on the sale of single-use plastic cutlery etc. is due to come into effect on 1st October
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is urging retailers to start preparing for the single-use plastic ban coming into force on 1 October.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre advises retailers to really understand the new regulations and start planning to use up old stock. “The message is clear, get to know the rules, start planning and tell the customer you have made the changes. It might even be possible to turn this cost into an opportunity”.
To read the article published by Sustainability/Beat, visit the sustainability-beat website or to read the Government guidance go to the gov.uk website.
Article added 18th September 2023
Government delays Brexit food import checks for fifth time
30 August 2023
The government has confirmed that the roll out of post-Brexit border controls on food and fresh products will be delayed for a fifth time, to next year.
Government delays Brexit food import checks for fifth time - FarmingUK News
New "Head On" Skills training workshops
Cosmic are currently offering free workshops which will arm you with helpful advice, tools and techniques to tackle the cost-of-living crisis “Head On”.
• Gain confidence with saving, spending and planning
• Develop new habits and achieve your financial goals
• Improve your financial wellbeing and digital skills
• Feel empowered to make better decisions
Topics include:
‘Money matters’, ‘Budgeting basics’, ‘Cost of living hacks’, ‘Tackling debt Head-on’, and ‘Savvy for self-employment’.
Eligibility:
This project is open to individuals aged 19+ in Devon who have not previously attained a GCSE Grade 4 / C
or higher maths qualification.
For more information, visit the Multiply Project website or contact planning@cosmic.org.uk
Article published 18th July 2023
UKEF backs British exporters with £6.5 billion
Published 28.06.2023
- UK Export Finance has provided £6.5 billion to help UK companies, particularly small and medium-sized businesses
- This has helped to support up to 55,000 jobs in communities across the UK and contributed up to £4.1 billion to the economy
- New figures unveiled as part of the Export Credit Agency’s Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23
UKEF has also launched a new business-friendly website to make it easier for firms of all sizes to find out more about its services on offer, and to access the finance they need to grow.
Grant Scheme for young people starting or growing a business
The South West Enterprise Fund offers business grants of up to £2,000 to aid with business expenses such as the purchase of equipment or product development, as well as follow-up business support for young people aged between 18 - 30.
Grants provide funding for individuals or teams working on a newly established business i.e. has been trading for less than 2 years and must be for costs directly related to the business.
They also offer access to a network of other people in the same position, i.e. in the early stages of starting their business, and to a business mentor who can act as an independent sounding board for any business issue you would like to discuss.
For further information and details about how to apply, visit the SWEF Website
Published 9th May 2023
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