businesses

Over a million SMEs lack basic digital skills

According to the latest UK Business Digital Index, over a million (23%) small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) still lack basic digital skills. The Index from Lloyds Bank, in association with Accenture and digital skills charity Go ON UK, measures and tracks the level of digital ability among SMEs and charities.

An overall rise in the UK Index score suggests a slow but positive shift...

Digital ignorance threat to SW businesses

Eighty per cent of businesses in the South West feel inspired to grow, and 87% feel capable of doing so. However, the government’s Do More Online campaign is highlighting the risk that small businesses will be hampered because they are not doing enough online and are missing out on opportunities to find more customers, be more efficient, and save money.

The Do More Online campaign...

Devon Business Expo 2015

The Devon Business Expo will take place at the Matford Centre in Exeter on April 30th and looks set to be even bigger than last year’s event which saw more than 700 people attend and visit the 70 exhibitors.

Stands are already being taken up with 50% already booked. It is expected that there will be 100 exhibitors and up to 1000 people attending on the day.

Dave Barr, thebestof...

Firms to have say on regulatory services

Businesses are being asked how better relationships can be forged between companies and the councils and organisations that regulate them.

Plymouth City Council is asking businesses to fill in a survey to find out what sort of support they would like to see to help them comply with regulations that affect their business.

Plymouth City Council is working with other regulatory...

Get ready for pensions auto-enrolment

Small businesses across the South West are being advised to prepare themselves for pensions auto-enrolment says ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Figures show that there are 513,000 companies across the region that are classed as being a small or medium sized business.

The government reaffirmed their commitment to auto-enrolment (AE) in the June 2010 budget....

Devon & Somerset ‘Better Business for All’ Survey

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) are working with other local regulators across Devon and Somerset to develop a co-ordinated and consistent approach to assisting businesses in meeting their regulatory requirements.

For DSFRS this means helping businesses by giving advice and support in managing fire safety within their premises and ensuring that they are complying...

The Seed Fund calls for entries

The Seed Fund 2015 has launched its search for a food and drink brand with the growth potential to be the proud recipient of £100,000 worth of business, branding and marketing resources.

Designed to offer brand and marketing support, business and commercial advice and expert sector business mentoring, The Seed Fund is a fantastic springboard for future growth and specifically helps...

Council spend with local business going up

Almost half the Council’s spend – 45 per cent – is now with local businesses compared to just 16 per cent in 2011/12, thanks to a concerted and sustained effort by the Council’s procurement team to make sure they buy local.

Significant changes to the way the Council buys services locally has created more than 220 jobs in the city as well as brought more spending power back into...

Businesses invited to tour PEMC

Businesses in the South West are being invited to tour a Plymouth University centre of expertise to see for themselves how it could benefit their manufacturing and enhance profitability.

A breakfast seminar for manufacturers is being held on Thursday 3 April at the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC), where businesses will be able to see for themselves how the technique can help...

Free training to help businesses get the age right

Free training workshops are now available for Plymouth businesses that sell age restricted products and services.

The Council’s Public Protection Service is offering training to proprietors of corner shops, sunbed salons, newsagents, supermarkets, off-licences, public houses, amusement arcades and tattoo parlours – anyone who needs practical tips on how to prevent underage sales and to...

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