Welcome to the Harborough Business Bulletin. We provide a fortnightly overview of the latest business related news, initiatives and support packages.

Read about a local business' success since March 2020. 'Live at the Lodge', Lutterworth, faced a challenging start in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic when they took over The Wycliffe Rooms. However, their success can be attributed in part to the UK government's Kickstart scheme, which provided funding for six-month work placements to support young people during the pandemic. Live at the Lodge hired two such placements, one of whom, Jamie, excelled and completed an apprenticeship in Event Management with a distinction in August 2023. Harborough District Council supported this process by offering guidance and funding to encourage the apprenticeship. For more information on apprenticeships, you can contact the Harborough District Council's Economic Development team.

Join Emerald Starfish on Monday 13 November for a session on elevating your employer brand. The session will cover:

• Defining and effectively communicating your employer brand.
• Enhancing candidate experience and your reputation as an employer of choice.
• Leveraging social media for employer branding.
• Top tips for better recruitment practices.

Quick wins and long-term strategies will be discussed. Emerald Starfish specializes in SME recruitment and local candidate market appeal.

Community Safety Partnerships across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland are inviting residents and business owners to share their views on crime and anti-social behaviour by completing a questionnaire. 

The survey's findings will be used to improve the work undertaken in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland to prevent crime and anti-social behavior in communities. As this survey is being conducted annually, it will also help to identify changes in the levels and types of crime and anti-social behavior in the local area over time.

The data collected through the survey is being used to produce a report which will be shared with Community Safety Partnerships and key agencies (such as the police) to inform their work. 

The United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA), a widely respected institution with nearly 80 years of history in championing the warehousing sector, has recently transitioned to Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC). This move is more than just a change of address; it’s a reflection of UKWA’s enduring commitment to fostering community, promoting industry standards and serving its members with unparalleled dedication. The HIC, with its smart offices, friendly atmosphere, and strategic location, offers the perfect backdrop for UKWA’s mission. Find out more about UKWA and their decision to relocate to Harborough Innovation Centre.

Freedom Support is inviting local small businesses to their training academy at Lathkill Street, Market Harborough on Thursday 14 December. This event is aimed to support small businesses in the local community to network and work together on ideas. The aim of the evening is to set up a stall with your business and then open the doors to the public. There is outside space for food trucks or other businesses that may want to set up a marquee. The gift shop will be open for refreshments and food from the Secret Garden Cafe will also be available.

Become a voluntary mentor for the Help to Grow: Management course and commit 10 hours over 12 weeks to support businesses with their growth action plan.

You can sign up as a mentor now. You may be working as an employee, a founder, a trusted expert or an adviser looking to get involved in this national effort to boost small businesses' performance.

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The Level 2 Digital Marketing course is ideal for those who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of Digital Marketing. 

The programme is designed for those who desire to form a foundation due to little or no previous digital marketing experience.

Learn the basics of marketing strategy including social media, Email and SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) as part of marketing campaigns.

A Local Skills Improvement Plan – or LSIP for short – is a tool being produced on a

locality-by-locality basis to help educators better respond to the needs of local businesses. Further Education Colleges must consider the LSIP when planning their curriculum. It has been commissioned by Government, with 38 being delivered across England. The LSIP for our area covers all of Leicester and Leicestershire

The work is captured as part of our Collective Intelligence Skills Observatory. The LSIP will be working with companies to continue to get new intelligence on what attributes you need in your people to succeed. If you want to be a part of this, then please fill in the form.