Latest Business Support news from East Riding of Yorkshire Council - 27/6/23
ERYC have a range of useful information along with some specific advice around energy usage and carbon output reduction as their topic of the week.
As ever, if your business needs help or advice please get in touch.
Business Updates
Plan to boost creative industries
New plans to maximise the potential of the UK creative industries and grow the economy have been set out by the Government. The plans include £50 million to grow clusters of creative businesses in locations all over the country, and funding to help creative start-ups. Read more about the plans at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ambitious-plans-to-grow-the-economy-and-boost-creative-industries
Inquiry into post-Brexit trade deals
A cross-party parliamentary inquiry will examine the impact post-Brexit trade policy has had, and will have, on food producers, consumers and businesses in the UK. The inquiry will assess the positive and negative impacts of agreements made so far and the opportunities and risks of future trade deals. Read more about the inquiry and how you may contribute at: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/52/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/news/195534/inquiry-launches-into-postbrexit-international-trade-deals/
Updated code of practice for food inspections
The Food Standards Agency has published a revised Food Law Code of Practice for England and Northern Ireland. The revised code will help local authorities take a more risk-based and intelligence-driven approach to inspections with more focus on food businesses that pose the greatest risk to consumers. Read more about the code at: https://www.food.gov.uk/news-alerts/news/updated-code-of-practice-for-local-authorities-in-england-and-northern-ireland-to-focus-inspection-efforts-on-higher-risk-food
UK GDP estimated to have grown by 0.2% in April 2023
Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP), which is the total value of goods and services produced after adjusting for inflation, is estimated to have grown by 0.2% in April 2023 after a fall of 0.3% in March. Services grew by 0.3% in April 2023, after falling by 0.5% in March 2023, and was the main contributor to the growth. The largest contributions to the growth in services came from the “wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles” and “information and communication” sectors. https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/economicoutputandproductivity/output/articles/ukeconomylatest/2021-01-25#ukgdp
Changes to Charities Act come into force
Changes introduced by the Charities Act 2022 have come into force. The changes include simplified legal requirements that charities must comply with before selling, transferring or leasing land, and new spending and borrowing rules. Read more about the changes at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/charities-gain-new-powers-as-more-legislative-changes-come-into-force
Celebrating Brilliant Businesses
Entries now open for Hull Live Business Awards 2023. The awards will celebrate innovation, entrepreneurship, technology and creativity, honour brilliant people going the extra mile for their customers and clients, and shine a light on the fantastic things businesses are doing to make a difference right here in Hull and East Riding (the event is to be held 16th November 2023 at DoubleTree, entries close 23rd September 2023) https://hlbusinessawards.co.uk/2023/en/page/home
Topic Of The Week
Energy usage and carbon reduction.
With energy prices still higher than they have been historically, and an ongoing push for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, reducing energy consumption is a key area for businesses to look at to save money and also help access new sales opportunities.
Did you know that there are lots of things that you can do to reduce your energy usage and carbon footprint either at no or low cost? Here are some top tips for reducing your bills:
- Switch off lights and equipment when they don’t need to be on – this can be done during working hours manually or can be done automatically using sensors or timer switches during working hours or when the building isn’t being used
- Switch older lighting to LED – on average this can save up to 90% of the running costs and fitting LED lighting can pay for itself very quickly.
- Insulate your roof space – Loft insulation can reduce your heat loss by up to 90%
- Replace older desktop computers with laptops – laptops use around 70% less energy
- Get your boiler serviced – a well maintained boiler can be up to 15% more efficient. Working with our partner organisation, Environmental Strategies Ltd, we have developed a simple self help tool to help businesses identify where they can make energy savings. For a copy of the tool or to have a chat about other support we have around reducing your carbon output please get in touch.
Events
Disability Confident Free Business Breakfast Events Invitation
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, Humber Learning Consortium and a range of other organisations to increase awareness of the support available to employers to recruit and retain employees with a disability. This session will explore how your business can benefit from the Disability Confident Scheme Award.
As part of this work, we are organising free Business Breakfast events in Goole, Beverley and Bridlington. Invitations for all three events are attached to this email and we would encourage local businesses to attend to find out more about:
- the benefits of adopting inclusive work practices;
- the Disability Confident Scheme and how it can benefit employers;
- Access to Work and how it can help support disabled employees.
To book a place at one of these events (or if you have any queries) please email supported.internships@eastriding.gov.uk with your name, business address and email, event location and number of places required.
RaisE Goole – Tuesday 11th July, 8.30am - 10am
Beverley Enterprise Centre – Thursday 13th July, 8.30am - 10am
Bridlington Business Centre – Thursday 20th July, 8.30am - 10am