Business Support

Articles

advice
Marketing: Profiling a Target Audience
Do you know who your customers are and their needs?
Apprenticeship Coffee and Chat
Tuesday 5th April https://hopin.com/events/swlep-growth-hub-skills-informal-all-things-apprenticeships-coffee-and-chat-networking-171dc276-831e-46f5-...
case study
Apprenticeship Employer Case Study - Tim Burghes
We explore the advantages of taking on an apprentice with Digital Marketing Manager Tim Burghes.
Construction Industry Scheme
What is the Construction Industry Scheme, how does it work and who does it effect?
guide
Social Media and your Business
We all use social media today but what is it and how can your business use it?
Setting up and Running a Payroll System
A brief guide to payroll systems
Support for Businesses through Funding and Finance
A review of a few of the sources of Business Support and Funding
Controlling the costs of your business
How to identify and monitor business costs and how to carry out cost-benefit analysis
Faraday battery challenge
An overview of government’s challenge to industry and research to develop the next generation of batteries for vehicles and other applications.
Healthy ageing and funding for Business
The healthy ageing challenge asks industry and researchers to develop products and services to help people remain independent, productive, active and ...
Community News
Is your business taking advantage of the latest technology?
Don't fall behind this fast moving industry.
advice
SMEs & Apprenticeships: Recruiting a Balanced Approach
Navigating apprenticeships from an SME perspective in Swindon & Wiltshire.
Young Entrepreneurs Swindon Network Launch - The Purpose of Networks
Thursday 31 January sees the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs Swindon Network but what is the purpose of business network groups?
advice
Top 10 mistakes employers make when paying the National Minimum Wage
Avoid making mistakes with this list of the most common reasons that cause underpayment.
advice
Spotting early signs of insolvency and ways to resolve it
Recognising the early signs of insolvency and seeking advice to turn things around.
guide
E-commerce for UK small businesses selling online to the USA
A guide to e-commerce with the United States of America.
guide
Choosing and Using a Website Designer​
If a business is looking for a professional, well-structured and secure website that complies with all the relevant legislation, it is worth investing...
guide
Start out with a business mentor
Maximise your potential by getting the right advice early on with a business mentor.
case study
Plain Action and Vale Action Leader Programme
The Local Action Groups (LAGs) administered by Community First, provide grants to help to increase rural jobs, boost tourism, help businesses grow and...
Higher Education Strategy
See the latest updates on the SWLEP Higher Education Strategy and access the downloads
advice
Can I apply for financial business support?
Guide to available business support funding for Salisbury businesses

News

Natwest Accelerator programme open for application...
The NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator supports and empowers UK entrepreneurs and business owners to s...
Wiltshire Council to take on business support func...
SWLEP functions currently cover both the Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council authority are...
Developing a Business Idea: A Blueprint for SME Gr...
Taking your first steps in developing a business idea
GH Webinar
Free to access online Wellbeing for the Workplace ...
For 2024 Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub, in partnership with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough...
Fully funded Start Up support from Kick Off in Bus...
Fully funded, one-week, online self-employment courses running every week.
Invest in Wiltshire business grants
Invest in Wiltshire is a £1.35m grants scheme to encourage businesses in the county to improve and e...
Support for Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Consumer...
The following information is for organisations and businesses who use alternative fuels for energy.
£2.4m Government support for Leafield Logistics
Chippenham company set to expand
South West offered tech funding support
Tech South West StartUp Studio re-opens
New grants for hospitality companies
Wiltshire Council providing support.
£1 billion in support for businesses most impacted...
Additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant, t...
£700 million to support NHS this winter
Hospitals across the country will benefit from a share of £700 million to help tackle waiting lists ...
£7.9m Fund Launched to Help UK SMEs Exhibit at Ove...
Support is available for small UK firms to help them tackle tradeshows with confidence, maximise the...
Dedicated hotline and online service launched for ...
Export support service for new and existing UK exporters.
TechX Clean Energy Accelerator Opens to Applicatio...
The TechX Clean Energy Accelerator aims to help innovative clean energy start-ups develop their tech...
Business growth scheme open to next group of space...
A pioneering programme to help firms find their place in space is now on the search to find the next...
Funding available for young digital entrepreneurs
Support is available for UK digital entrepreneurs aged 18 to 24 in the form of financial assistance ...
Invaluable Peer Network programme continues for SM...
We are delighted that Peer networks will be running for a second year!
Grants to help small and medium-sized businesses n...
The SME Brexit Support Fund could give you up to £2,000 to help with training or professional advice...
Healthcare Life Science Export Support
Healthcare Life Science companies within the Western Gateway region are being encouraged to take adv...
Find coronavirus financial support for your busine...
Use this business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavir...
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) supports businesses that have been req...
Chancellor Announces £4.6 Billion Business Lockdow...
A new financial package designed to support retail, hospitality and leisure sectors businesses and p...
New plans set out to transform procurement, provid...
New plans to overhaul procurement rules, cutting red tape and making it easier for smaller businesse...
Invitation to join new green apprenticeships advis...
Help support the UK to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
Conversion to create more housing
Swindon office block sale completed.
Beard Group in eco-build deal
Beard Group to form partnership with Green Unit.
Office of the Small Business Commissioner
Office of the Small Business Commissioner outlines how they can help small businesses.
Support for Honda workers discussed
Government Minister chairs Honda special task force meeting.
New $93m contract for Avon Rubber
US Army places order for headgear with Avon Rubber.
IUK Launches Fourth Round of Faraday Battery Chall...
Funding is available for business-led feasibility studies and research and development projects focu...
The Prince's Countryside Fund Opens for Applicatio...
Revenue project funding to support the UK’s rural communities that are dealing with the impact of th...
Green Alley Award Supports Europe's Eco-entreprene...
This business competition is intended to support, fund and promote green economy start-up companies ...
Local support for workers and supply chain is key ...
Latest Honda national task meeting outlines support for workers on site and through the supply chain...
Government extends support to stop business evicti...
Commercial tenants will be protected from the risk of eviction until the end of 2020 helping busines...
Coronavirus - business support - Grants
The Government has announced a number of schemes to support businesses. Regular updates are being ma...
BAE Systems Swoops for Bristol Company
Defence, security and aerospace giant BAE Systems has snapped up a Bristol data science business.
Getting help to apply for Universal Credit
Citizens Advice offer a free, confidential and independent service that can help you every step of t...
featured
Build and Innovate: Swindon and Wiltshire LEP secu...
Funding will develop new projects that will bring public and private sector investment over the next...
Thousands of business advisers to offer free servi...
Thousands of expert professional and business services advisers have signed up to offer free online ...
Flagship business support programme launches in Sw...
£2.4m business support programme launches
The Young Innovators Awards 2020/21 are now open
Young people can apply for an award to make their business idea a reality. The Award includes a £5,0...
Community News
Melksham businessman saves lives at night
Melksham businessman is being thanked for his vital work during the coronavirus pandemic.
Funding for Creative Projects for Armed Forces Com...
One-off grants for projects supporting people from Armed Forces communities who are isolated as a re...
Announcement of National Innovation Centre for Rur...
New centre to help unlock potential of the UK’s rural economies
GWP Group assists with PPE work
1,000 visors to be donated out of new cross-county manufacturing partnership.
Multi-million pound investment at Wasdell
New packaging equipment to be acquired.
Swindon to receive an extra £6.2m in funds
Government support Swindon Borough Council in coronavirus crisis.
Devizes Brewery Converts 3 Tankers of Beer into Ha...
Devizes brewery Wadworth has put three tankers' worth of surplus beer to good use – by having it con...
Parking help provided for front-line workers
Chipside working with local authorities to help support the NHS.
Business Engagement – Value or Vanity?
Effective business engagement can play a hugely valuable role in helping to build resilience in the ...
Research to better understand cyber security guida...
An offer from the Behavioural Insights Team on behalf of the Economy & Society Engagement Team at th...
Don't ignore Cyber Security and your business
Tell us about Cyber Security and your business.
First cross-border ‘powerhouse’ the Western Gatewa...
The Western Gateway complements and develops the excellent work already taken place, supercharging t...
Bath Spa University introduces an MSc in Cyber Sec...
This new course launches in September 2020.
Wiltshire’s jewel in the crown given international...
Porton Science Park is awarded a coveted Life Sciences Opportunity Zone status.
Launch of digital tools for traders
Two digital tools on gov.uk launched to provide information to businesses exporting goods in and out...
Community News
Buy-in at Optimum Professional Services
Management team made up of equal partners
£35m government funding for rural businesses
The government’s Growth Programme provides grants of up to £750,000 for start-ups and businesses in ...
Zero Chippenham launches Community Solar Scheme
Not-for-profit community group Zero Chippenham launched its solar panel scheme on Tuesday, as part o...
Business Basics Programme
The Business Basics Programme is designed to test innovative ways of encouraging small and medium si...
Wasdell Academy takes on intern students
Company to offer jobs to successful candidates
F Factor Competition for Tech Savvy Young Entrepre...
The F Factor is a UK-wide startup competition underpinned with active entrepreneurship education for...
Local partners working behind the scenes to suppor...
Actions to help Honda-associated companies deliver a programme of welfare support for their Swindon ...
Community News
WH Smith to acquire US group for $400m
Great West Way Named Finalist in International Tou...
Chipside wins Global ICT Excellence Award
Chipside has been recognised by the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) with ...
MHA Monahans opens Manufacturing Survey
Recent report shows downward trend
Community News
Trowbridge is in line for Government investment
Future High Streets Fund may boost the town
Community News
Zurich Insurance UK shows enhanced earnings
First half revenue up 74 per cent
Launch of £3m Fund for Businesses Redistributing S...
Funding is available for UK food producers, offsetting the costs of sending quality unsold food to g...
Developing low carbon automotive capability: apply...
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £20 million for UK-developed late stage R&D in advanced...
Entries open for the National Female Start-up of t...
Apply now for the leading Female Start Up
Have you dreamt of being a firefighter?
The search is on for new recruits at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to be on-call firefi...
F-TEC continues to expand after three years
The company offers apprenticeships, advanced level courses, thorough examination, diagnostics, safet...
IUK’s £10 Million Innovation Loans for SMEs: July ...
Providing finance to businesses that is affordable, patient and flexible for projects that have a cl...
IUK Announces Analysis for Innovators Round 5 Comp...
Help boost a company’s productivity or competitiveness
RTS Group marks 30 years in business and opens a n...
The company now has more than 65 employees
Mark Beard stresses need for quality
No need to wait for Government action and regulations
The Launchpad Competition is now open for applicat...
A budding engineering entrepreneur aged 18-25 could win £15k to start a business based on their engi...
award
Tata Varsity Pitch 2019 is now open!
The hunt is on for the best student and graduate business ideas.
Plans to transform Swindon Town Centre move a step...
Exciting plans to revitalise Fleming Way by creating a new bus interchange have received a significa...
Pulse Power and Measurement expands at Shrivenham
Acquires 2,000 sq ft of additional offices
Business confidence in the South West region incre...
The region moves ahead of national trends
Community News
Water Reseach Academy (WRc) launches in Swindon
Many years of experience to support the water sector
Community News
Wincanton launches Virtual Access to Storage and T...
Finding and selling warehouse space made quick and easy
Scisys Brexit action 'pays off'
The company reports strong order book
Innovate UK releases 2019-2020 Delivery Plan
Innovate UK sets out plan to drive sustainable economic growth through business-led innovation.
Community News
Nationwide Building Society has received a £50m gr...
RBS bailout fund provides funding for development
Community News
New Business West Initiative Manager
Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund: for research a...
A fund to strengthen UK science and business innovation and take on the biggest challenges that soci...
Community News
Fast growing Wasdell Group invests in US facilitie...
Just the latest step in extending the companies global reach
featured
What support is available for my small business?
Our modern Industrial Strategy is helping to support small businesses and improve productivity acros...
Community News
Nationwide takes stake in leading fintech
Partnership formed with 10x Future Technologies
SMEs to have easier access to government contracts...
The SME Action Plan will unlock opportunities for smaller businesses to access government contracts ...
Community News
Ros Trotman to chair Women in Property South West
Associate solicitor and expert in planning matters at Thrings, has been appointed.
Community News
E Classic Mini produced by Swindon company
Zero-emission makeover creates new electric model
Community News
DHL to become first tenant at new Swindon developm...
Company to significantly expand its operational base in Swindon
Community News
Beck & Pollitzer moves to Chippenham
Leading engineering company relocating from Bath
Community News
Training success for young accountants
Accountants Daviod Owen announce the recent exam results of many of its employees.
Royal Agricultural University to deliver cultural ...
The Royal Agricultural University will deliver a new postgraduate and professional training hub in S...
New guidance to help employers close gender pay ga...
Two new pieces of guidance published to help employers identify potential causes of the gender pay g...
MJ Church sees a robust 2018 as a framework to bui...
MJ Church has seen a strong year of trading and is looking forward to a strong pipeline and further ...
1000th Digital apprentice completes apprenticeship...
A software developer from Lloyds Banking Group is the 1000th digital apprentice to have successfully...
New ministerial champion to back jobs, growth and ...
Lord Henley to provide local leaders with a single point of contact in the heart of government.
New expert brought in to boost government’s relati...
New 'Small Business Crown Representative' will make sure government gets best value and small busine...
Funding: Business Basics Programme
The Business Basics Programme is designed to test innovative ways of encouraging small and medium si...
featured
Seeking disability sector champions for 2019
The Office for Disability Issues are seeking disability sector champions in 7 sectors.
featured
Government launches world leading plan to tackle a...
Government has launched an ambitious new strategy to clean up our air and save lives.
featured
One to one business advice
Register with the i2s programme for free business advice
Making sense of business regulations: apply for co...
Organisations can apply for a share of up to £1.25 million to help the government find innovative wa...
featured
Grants available for SMEs looking to export
Applications are now open for UK businesses to apply for grants of up to £2,500 to attend internatio...
survey
Tell us how you are helping to deliver the Global ...
We are inviting people and organisations to share information about their projects that contribute t...
report
Largest upgrade in a generation to workplace right...
New legislation to upgrade workers’ rights introduced today - including a day one statement of right...
survey
Businesses urged to have their say on National Par...
The government's call for evidence on the Designated Landscapes Review will end on 18 December.
featured
New Funding Available: Detection and identificatio...
Organisations can apply for a share of £250,000, including VAT, to develop innovative detection tech...
featured
Funding call for reducing plastic pollution: ocean...
UK businesses can apply for a share of up to £2 million to develop solutions that tackle the environ...
featured
Power Up with up-to £100k TDAP funding
Helping to Accelerate SME Innovations to Market
Christmas bonus for millions of workers
Workers can claim a rebate on their expenses and get and an early present from HMRC.
236,000 UK businesses making the most of overseas ...
The number of UK businesses exporting abroad has increased by 6.6% to 235,800 in 2017, according to ...
award
Entries for the 2019/20 Rural Business Awards are ...
The next regional awards ceremonies will take place during October 2019
Google teams up with Near.St to give a boost to sm...
Google and Near.St to help customers see what is available in local shops in their search results.
Minimum wage: work experience and internships
Guidance on the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage for organisations who offer work expe...
VisitEngland launches online programme to support ...
Support for SME's from Visit England's new online hub
Safer online shopping and selling for Internationa...
Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) calls on sellers to take proper responsibility for ch...
Launch of the online toolbox for SME's using or co...
Tony Porter launches his online toolbox, a collection of resources to help you comply with the surve...
FTSE companies urged to appoint more women leaders
Figures published today in the Hampton-Alexander Review's 2018 report show a welcome increase in the...
Breathe easy with cleaner air: new funding to figh...
£5 million competition invites ideas to reduce the cause of vehicle emissions, minimise the amount o...
Consultation: Understanding the needs of small and...
The Alan Turing Institute has launched a consultation about the needs of small and medium-sized firm...
Rising Stars applications close shortly
The UK’s newest and most exciting pitch competition.
featured
Businesses in the South West warned to watch out f...
The CMA is calling for more whistle-blowers to expose business cartels with the launch of a national...
Latest ONS figures show exports in services contin...
Figures released today (24 October 2018) show services exports grew to £286 billion, increasing by 6...
BEIS graduate and experienced entrants programmes.
Find out about our graduate and experienced entrants programmes and how to apply.
Call for new green innovations to tackle climate c...
Innovators and researchers can bid for a share of £60 million with their ideas to make our air clean...
featured
Government support to boost skills and prosperity
Philip Hammond today announced a package of measures to support business to boost skills, growth and...
Swindon’s New “Workshed” Offers 150 Co-Working Spa...
SME Innovators’ Incubation Centre Opens 1st June. Swindon’s New “Workshed” Offers 150 Co-Working Spa...
advice
How Salisbury BID Is Representing You & Your Busin...
Salisbury Bid has outlined how it is supporting it's BID members. They have published the following...

Events

'Get Ready for Brexit' - Morning Session
Swindon , United Kingdom Free
'Get Ready for Brexit' - Afternoon Session
Swindon , United Kingdom Free
Community Events Growth Hub Road Show Salisbury - Find out about support for your business
Salisbury FREE FOR SWINDON AND WILTSHIRE SMEs
Community Events Growth Hub Road Show Ludgershall  - Find out about support for your business
Ludgershall FREE FOR SWINDON AND WILTSHIRE SMEs
Community Events Growth Hub Road Show Swindon - Find out about support for your business
Swindon FREE FOR SWINDON AND WILTSHIRE SMEs
Community Events Growth Hub Road Show Trowbridge  - Find out about support for your business
Trowbridge FREE FOR SWINDON AND WILTSHIRE SMEs

Community Insights

advice
Marketing: Profiling a Target Audience
Do you know who your customers are and their needs?
Selling in the Modern Sales Environment
The sales environment is constantly adapting.
Is video the right marketing tool for you?
If a picture paints a thousand words, then video paints a whole lot more. Love it or hate it, we live in the age of social media and sharing video co...
EU Transition – Actions for Businesses
A range of new advice and guidance is available from Government following the end of the EU transition period. This article lists the key sources of a...
Before You Sell to a Decision Maker… You Need to Understand their Buying Persona...
The selling environment is like the animal kingdom: * Different needs * Different personalities and attributes * Different communication styles
How Instagram and Facebook supporting small businesses via stickers!
We are now 12 weeks into lockdown and with restrictions being gradually lifted, businesses are starting to sell products in different ways.

Business Support Helpline

Get business advice over the phone

Questions or queries?

Send our business advisers an Email