Business Support Directory

Blackpool Unlimited BusinessDirectory

IntroductionIntroduction

• Peter Legg to completePeter Legg to complete

B i St t U• Energy Efficiency

• Business Start Up

• Finance & Grants• Available Land & Property

• Employment Support for Employers• Capital Investments

• Innovation & Product Development

• Employment Support for Employers

• Other Business Support Agencies

• International Trade

• Growing your business

• Council Departments

• Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• H&S

• IT & E-Commerce

• Glossary of Terms & Useful Links

Business Start UpBusiness Start Up

Business LinkBusiness Link• Support Available from Business Link• Business Link is government's online

• Advanced Engineering and Materials Biomedical Business Link is government s online

resource for businesses.• It contains essential information, support

and services for you and your business –whether you work for a large organisation or are on your way to

t ti

Digital and Creative Energy and Environmental Technologies Food and Drink Financial and Professional Services Other growth sectors.

starting up.• Simple to use, up to date and practical,

Business Link is the first place to go to find guidance on regulations and to access government services. It also has a number of useful online tools

• http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1087351667&type=CAMPAIGN]

a number of useful online tools, calculators, and best practice case studies; and provides access to funding options, as well as wider support including

• Finance InnovationInnovation Resource Efficiency Skills and Training

• It also includes advisers with expertise in the following sectors:

Get Started

• Start up business support and training in Blackpool

• A combination of quality advice, training, networking, mentoring and start up finance will help

b i t i th diffi lt l• Coverage: Blackpool, Wyre, Fylde, • Finance Type: New Business Start Up• Summary:

• Blackpool has long had a reputation for creating entrepreneurs – people with bright ideas who are

new businesses to survive those difficult early months of trading.

• This will be delivered entirely by Orvia.( click here )who have vast experience of knowing what it takes for individuals to unlock their potential.

• For more information on the Get Started program click here to visit their websiteentrepreneurs people with bright ideas who are

prepared to turn them into viable businesses.

• Get Started is Intensive Start Up Support and is part funded by the North West Regional Development Agency and the European Union.

program, click here to visit their website.

• Type of Funding:

• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: 2011/12

• Part of the BlackpoolUnlimited.com philosophy is to re-ignite business confidence in Blackpool in order to create a new generation of entrepreneurs.

• To do that, we need to ensure that people starting up in business have all the help they need

• Eligibility: As above

• Useful Website(s):

up in business have all the help they need.

• Get Started is a business start up service tailored for people in Blackpool and offering a comprehensive package of support.

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information

Business Start Up North West• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital

• Interest charges are competitive against other major lenders for this type of finance and there are

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Investment, Energy Efficiency, Environmental, New Business Start Up, New Product Development, Plant and Equipment, Property Improvement, Renewable Technologies, Technology, Training and Development,

• SummaryB i Fi N thW t i th fi

no extra charges for early repayment, or for periodic lump sum payments.

• Rates are also fixed at the start of the loan, so you can guarantee they will not rise throughout the term. The maximum term is 5 years.

• As the loan is unsecured, there are no legal charges taken over business assets or property• Business Finance NorthWest is the finance arm

of Bolton Business Ventures Ltd., an enterprise agency in partnership with North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

• They specialise in providing finance for business start-ups and for growing businesses looking to

charges taken over business assets or property, although a personal guarantee will be requested where appropriate.

• Funding: Loans are provided from £3,000 to £50,000

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe Expiry Date: n/astart-ups and for growing businesses looking to

develop to the next level, or simply looking to stabilise their situation.

• They offer a flexible approach to lending, although it is a prerequisite when applying that you have been declined initially by your bank, or other primary source of finance, either in part or fully.

• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Eligibility: • Useful Website(s): • Disclaimer: The information above was accurate

at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and hen req ired Blackpool Boro gh

p y• A range of loans are provided to suit all business

types and sectors, and for most purposes, including working capital, machinery purchase, marketing, cash flow etc.

as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

North West FundNorth West Fund

• The North West Fund provides debt and equity fi f £50 000 t £2 illi t ll d

• Funding for growth oriented businesses in the Digital and Creative industries to support start-

d l t d l t th h tfinance from £50,000 to £2 million to small and medium sized businesses based in, or relocating to, the North West of England to start, develop and grow.

• Use the link (The Funds) below to view the different funds available or visit The Funds page

up and early stage development, through to expansion plans for trading businesses.

• Funding available between £50,000 and £1,500,000

• Funding for growth orientated companies in the Energy and Environmental Technology industries to support start up and early stagedifferent funds available or visit The Funds page

to see the full list.• Different funds available are:• Venture Capital – This is support for

entrepreneurs to build high growth companies in the form of risk capital for new and early-stage start-up companies

industries to support start-up and early stage development, through to expansion plans for trading businesses.


• Funding for growth orientated companies in the Biomedical sector to support start-up and earlystage start-up companies.


• Development Capital Finance in the form of investment capital to support the expansion plans of established companies who are already generating trading income and cash flow.

Biomedical sector to support start-up and early stage development, through to expansion plans for trading businesses.


• What type of finance do you need?• Our online eligibility checklist helps you see whichgenerating trading income and cash flow.


• Business Loans Loan only funding specifically targeted at small and medium sized businesses who are finding difficulty obtaining finance from traditional sources.

• Our online eligibility checklist helps you see which type of finance might be right for your business. Click here for more information.

• Funding available between £50,000 to £250,000

New Enterprise Allowance Schemep

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: New Business Start Up,

• Following referral to mentoring support, an initial assessment of the customer’s self-employment prospects and their business proposition including future growth potential will be

• Summary:

• NEA will be available to Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) customers who have been claiming for 26-weeks or more. Participants will get access to a volunteer business mentor

h ill t th th h th f iti

business proposition, including future growth potential, will be made. If the assessment is positive, the customer will be matched to a business mentor to support them in developing their business plan. If not, they will be referred back to Jobcentre Plus and signposted to other sources of self-employment support if that is considered appropriate.

• Once the customers have the initial meeting with their mentor they will have up to eight weeks to prepare their business plan for an approvals stage This period may be extended in somewho will support them through the process of writing a

business plan, starting a business and through to post start.• Once a customer can demonstrate they have a viable

business proposition with the potential for growth in the future, they will be able to access financial support. This will consist of:

• A weekly allowance worth up to £1,275, and • If they need start up capital they may also be able to access

for an approvals stage. This period may be extended in some circumstances, where agreed by Jobcentre Plus, but this will be subject to customers fully meeting benefit conditionality rules.

• Funding: The total package of support could be worth up to £2,000 to each participant who starts their own business.

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• If they need start-up capital, they may also be able to access

a loan up to £1,000 to help with their start-up costs. • Process:• Jobcentre Plus will identify interested and eligible customers

and only those referred by Jobcentre Plus to the mentoring organisation will be matched with a business mentor, subject to the suitability of the individual and their business idea.

Project Timeframe Expiry Date: n/a

• Eligibility: The NEA is currently being trialed in Merseyside and will be rolled out to other areas of the UK from April 2011. NEA is being piloted by the Chambers of Commerce on Merseyside.

• Useful Website(s): http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/new-enterprise-allowance

Start Up DonutStart Up Donut• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Becoming a registered Donut user is quick and

costs nothing, but it opens up a range of additional R i t d l i• Finance Type: New Business Start Up,

• Summary• There are five Donut websites , founded by Google

and Sage – Law Donut, Marketing Donut, Start Up Donut IT Donut and Tax Donut Each aims to help

resources. Registered users also receive our popular monthly business advice e-newsletter –MyDonut.

• Donut information is updated regularly and checked by a network of hundreds of leading business support professionals and independent experts.

Donut, IT Donut and Tax Donut. Each aims to help small and medium-sized businesses to succeed by providing reliable information and resources that can save business owners time and money.

• With an engaging mix of how-to guides, feature articles, checklists, expert Q&As, FAQs, case studies, video content, blogs and forums, each site

id d bli h d b i i h f

• Funding: n/a• Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Eligibility:

provides new and established businesses with free advice about how to manage a range of key tasks and issues. The start up donut for example offers an online guide to starting a business, including free advice, tools and resources, including an online forum, free download templates and a directory of local enterprise agencies. The sites also contain a

g b ty• Useful Website(s):

http://www.startupdonut.co.uk/• [email protected]

0117 904 2224

Disclaimer: The information above was accuratelocal enterprise agencies. The sites also contain a weekly round-up of small business news and events.

Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

Start Up BritainStart Up Britain• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde Wyre, • Finance Type: New Business Start Up,

• MentorMarketplace: Find or become a mentor • Masterclass Platform: Deliver or sign up for a yp p,

• Summary• Start-Up Britain is a series of web based tools and

guidance (all in one place) to help business to start and grow. There are a number of corporate sponsors who make offers to new and growing

g pmasterclass near you

• Pledge matchmaker: Step up to invest your resources in other organisations’ enterprise initiatives

• Best of the web: a database of StartUp content, p g gbusinesses such as free business cards, discount business phone lines and discounts insurance.

• The website is currently planning to launch some new features to make the portal a living market place for the wide range of enterprise support that is already available. The aim is not to replace current provision but to give it a higher profile and

p ,apps, videos and case studies curated from the web

• A calendar of enterprise related events, into which you can suggest your own event, or just keep up to date with what’s going on.

• Funding: n/a• Type of Funding: Serviceprovision, but to give it a higher profile, and

complement existing provision with further offers of support.

• Start Up Britain began with 2 platform services: a catalogue of links to great web resources, and a series of offers from their corporate supporters. Their ideas for extending this free-market, open-

ype o u d g Se ce• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Useful Website(s): http://www.startupbritain.org/

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the detailsTheir ideas for extending this free market, open

source approach to the provision of enterprise support and promotion include:

evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

Coaching For Growth

• Finance Type: Business Start Up• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre

• Advice on how to identify and protect intellectual property and copyright and develop strategies to commercially exploit IP g p , y , y

• Amount: • Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:

• Coaching for Growth is aimed at both established SMEs with th t ti l t i l t t b 20

and innovation• Fast track access to trusted sources of specialist advice and

support such as the Technology Strategy Board and UKTI• Access to business and knowledge networks• Funding:• There is no funding availablethe potential to increase employment or turnover by 20 per

cent or more each year for three years; and new start ups with the potential to achieve turnover of £1m within three years of starting to trade or have at least 10 employees within three years.

• Coaching for Growth offers:C hi f i t t t d l d

There is no funding available.• Timeframe: • Business Coaching for Growth is a new programme to help up

to 10,000 high growth businesses a year to address barriers to growth and grow more rapidly.

• The Procurement process for Business Coaching for Growth has started and BIS are currently engaging with short listed• Coaching of senior management teams to develop and

implement growth strategies and develop leadership and management skills

• Tailored, specialist help to develop a successful investment pitch

• Facilitated introductions to potential investors

has started, and BIS are currently engaging with short-listed bidders on the most effective means of delivering the service.

• Funding: • Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Eligibility: ERDF eligibility rules apply

• Access to high quality facilities by partnering with leading business incubators, science parks and Technology Innovation Centres

• BIS • Contact:: Contact• Chris Hepworth ([email protected], 020 7215

1069) Visit: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies

Fund101• Fund101• Finance Type: New Business Start Up, • Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: £50 - £500•

• The grants can be used to fund miscellaneous capital costs associated with starting up a new

• About this Finance item:• Fund101 is a new initiative for UK-based

entrepreneurs looking to turn an idea into a new business and for existing small companies wishing to purchase equipment to help take their enterprise

capital costs associated with starting up a new venture and for existing small businesses to purchase equipment, promotional flyers, hardware etc. in order to boost their operations.

• UK-based start-ups looking to commence trading and those who are already in business and need

to the next level.• Fund101 is a new initiative for UK-based

entrepreneurs looking to turn an idea into a new business and for existing small companies wishing to purchase equipment to help take their enterprise

yfunding to further their enterprise may be eligible for assistance through Fund101.

• To apply, entrants must complete an online application, explaining how much money they require and for what purpose. They must then raise

to the next level.• Administered by Enterprise Nation, the programme

is designed to assist those who are looking for relatively small amounts of capital support. The initial funding pool in £50,000 and this will be topped

h th ith dditi l £5 000 id d

an equivalent number of votes to the grant they are seeking – if they need £100, they must engage 100 people to vote for them online. When the target is met, the funds will be deposited into the successful candidate’s PayPal accounts. Grant recipients must agree to be profiled on the F nd101 ebsite toup each month with an additional £5,000 provided

by Intuit and PayPal. Individual grants ranging from £50 to £500 can be requested.

• Enterprise Nation

agree to be profiled on the Fund101 website to explain how the grant has benefited their business.

• Visit http://www.enterprisenation.com/fund101/ to apply, and for further information,

• [email protected]

TeenBiz

• TeenBiz• Finance Type: Capital Investment, New Business Start Up,

• TeenBiz is open to all students, of all academic levels – from 13 to 18-years-old, all over the UK.yp p , p,

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: • Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:T

• Opening in November to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week, the scheme is launching in a climate of high teenage unemployment and social disengagement, as demonstrated by the summer riots which took places in cities across England.

• The scheme aims to provide teenage entrepreneurs with the tools needed to start their own businesses. It is designed to ignite an entrepreneurial interest among students who want to take their ideas to the next step and require assistance to make this happen. The objective is to help 100 young people who have fresh ideas, hunger and drive, to commence business operations over the next three years

• Applications open 1 November 2011 for awards to start from 1 January 2012.

• Please visit the website below to request more information or to apply on or after 1st Novemberbusiness operations over the next three years.

• Every month one student will receive up to £500 of funding. The money can be used towards a range of start-up costs, primarily equipment required in the early stages of setting up a new business. Additionally, successful applicants will receive a mentor and a ‘Business in a Box’ start up pack including a

to apply on or after 1st November.

• Call Us: 01924 277343Email: [email protected]

mentor and a Business in a Box start-up pack – including a virtual PA service, business cards and the loan of office space. Sponsors of the scheme have also donated vouchers for stationery and a website.

Community Development Finance Association (CDFA)(C )

• Community Development Finance Association (CDFA)• The two CDFI’s covering Lancashire are: the East Lancs

Money Line (focuses on personal loans) and Lancashire y p ( )• Finance Type: New Business Start Up• Coverage: Blackpool , Fylde & Wyre

• Amount: To be confirmed• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013

Community Finance (which operates in Central, West and North Lancashire supplying small personal and business loans.

• Funding:• The CDFA will receive £30,000,000 allocation from the

Regional Growth Fund and £30,000,000 of bank finance over • About this Finance item:• The Community Development Finance Association has been

awarded £60,000,000 in funding under the Government’s Regional Growth Fund scheme, the biggest ever investment available to Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs).

three years.• Timeframe:• The money will be passed on to 35 CDFIs, which lend to

businesses in deprived communities, to use over the next three years. The amount that goes to each CDFI will depend on its previous success in developing jobs in deprived

• The funding will be used to support the financing and growth of CDFIs, which provide loans to businesses, social enterprises and individuals who are unable access financing through traditional sources. CDFIs will usually only lend to customers who have been unable to get the finance they need from a high street loan provider, such as a bank, building society or loan company (these are sometimes known as ‘mainstream

communities. There is relatively little detail about how it will work and the structure of the fund is currently under design.

• CDFIs).• Useful Links: http://www.elmline.co.uk/• Tel: T: 01254 696203

loan company (these are sometimes known as mainstream lenders’). Some CDFIs require proof that the customer has been turned down by a mainstream lender. Some CDFIs will provide an extra loan if a business is waiting for finance to come through from another source, or if a bank is only willing to lend part of the finance they need (these are sometimes known as ‘co-financing’, gap financing’ or ‘bridging loans’).g g p g g g )

Community Development Fi A i tiFinance Association

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Start Up

• The two CDFI’s covering Lancashire are: the East Lancs Money Line (focuses on personal loans) and L hi C it Fi ( hi h t i

yp p• Summary• The Community Development Finance Association

has been awarded £60,000,000 in funding under the Government’s Regional Growth Fund scheme, the biggest ever investment available to Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs).

Lancashire Community Finance (which operates in Central, West and North Lancashire supplying small personal and business loans.

• Funding:• The CDFA will receive £30,000,000 allocation from

the Regional Growth Fund and £30,000,000 of bank finance over three years• The funding will be used to support the financing

and growth of CDFIs, which provide loans to businesses, social enterprises and individuals who are unable access financing through traditional sources.

• CDFIs will usually only lend to customers who have been unable to get the finance they need from a

finance over three years.• Timeframe:• The money will be passed on to 35 CDFIs, which

lend to businesses in deprived communities, to use over the next three years. The amount that goes to each CDFI will depend on its previous success in developing jobs in deprived communities There isbeen unable to get the finance they need from a

high street loan provider, such as a bank, building society or loan company (these are sometimes known as ‘mainstream lenders’). Some CDFIs require proof that the customer has been turned down by a mainstream lender. Some CDFIs will provide an extra loan if a business is waiting for

developing jobs in deprived communities. There is relatively little detail about how it will work and the structure of the fund is currently under design.

• Type of Funding: Grant

Project Timeframe E pir Date S nda 31stp gfinance to come through from another source, or if a bank is only willing to lend part of the finance they need (these are sometimes known as ‘co-financing’, gap financing’ or ‘bridging loans’).

• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Sunday 31st March 2013

• Useful Website(s): http://www.cdfa.org.uk/• Tel: T: 01254 696203

Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards (England, Scotland and Wales)

• The search will take place across England, Scotland and • Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards (England, Scotland and

Wales)• Finance Type: New Business Start Up• Coverage: Blackpool , Fylde & Wyre• Amount:

E i d t M d 31 t J 2011

p g ,Wales with two awards, Best Enterprise and Best Start Up. A series of regional heats will be then be held, with winners of both awards in each heat to be announced in February 2012. The regional winners will then move forward into a national final, in March 2012, where they will compete for national titles. The deadline for admissions is the 30th January 2012.

• Expiry date: Monday 31st January 2011• About this Finance item:• The Lloyds Banking Group has announced the launch of a

new awards programme, to search for the small business start ups that are emerging through Universities in England, Scotland and Wales.

• Useful Links: http://www.lloydstsbenterpriseawards.com/

• Find out more about Lloyds TSB

• Organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial and supported by the National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs (NACUE) the Awards offer prize packages to help nurture and grow your business including:

• - An overall cash investment of £50,000 to the national best enterprise

C h i t t i f t £5 000 i th i iti l h t- Cash investment prizes of up to £5,000 in the initial heats- Enhanced mentoring support packages at regional and national level business networking and promotional opportunities.

MentoringMentoring

Coaching For Growth

• Finance Type: Business Start Up• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre

• Advice on how to identify and protect intellectual property and copyright and develop strategies to commercially exploit IP g p , y , y

• Amount: • Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:

• Coaching for Growth is aimed at both established SMEs with th t ti l t i l t t b 20

and innovation• Fast track access to trusted sources of specialist advice and

support such as the Technology Strategy Board and UKTI• Access to business and knowledge networks• Funding:• There is no funding availablethe potential to increase employment or turnover by 20 per

cent or more each year for three years; and new start ups with the potential to achieve turnover of £1m within three years of starting to trade or have at least 10 employees within three years.

• Coaching for Growth offers:C hi f i t t t d l d

There is no funding available.• Timeframe: • Business Coaching for Growth is a new programme to help up

to 10,000 high growth businesses a year to address barriers to growth and grow more rapidly.

• The Procurement process for Business Coaching for Growth has started and BIS are currently engaging with short listed• Coaching of senior management teams to develop and

implement growth strategies and develop leadership and management skills

• Tailored, specialist help to develop a successful investment pitch

• Facilitated introductions to potential investors

has started, and BIS are currently engaging with short-listed bidders on the most effective means of delivering the service.

• Funding: • Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Eligibility: ERDF eligibility rules apply

• Access to high quality facilities by partnering with leading business incubators, science parks and Technology Innovation Centres

• BIS • Contact:: Contact• Chris Hepworth ([email protected], 020 7215

1069) Visit: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies

New Enterprise Allowance Schemep

• Coverage:Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre• Finance Type: New Business Start Up,

• Following referral to mentoring support, an initial assessment of the customer’s self-employment prospects and their business proposition including future growth potential will be

• Summary:

• NEA will be available to Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) customers who have been claiming for 26-weeks or more. Participants will get access to a volunteer business mentor

h ill t th th h th f iti

business proposition, including future growth potential, will be made. If the assessment is positive, the customer will be matched to a business mentor to support them in developing their business plan. If not, they will be referred back to Jobcentre Plus and signposted to other sources of self-employment support if that is considered appropriate.

• Once the customers have the initial meeting with their mentor they will have up to eight weeks to prepare their business plan for an approvals stage This period may be extended in somewho will support them through the process of writing a

business plan, starting a business and through to post start.• Once a customer can demonstrate they have a viable

business proposition with the potential for growth in the future, they will be able to access financial support. This will consist of:

• A weekly allowance worth up to £1,275, and • If they need start up capital they may also be able to access

for an approvals stage. This period may be extended in some circumstances, where agreed by Jobcentre Plus, but this will be subject to customers fully meeting benefit conditionality rules.

• Funding: The total package of support could be worth up to £2,000 to each participant who starts their own business.

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• If they need start-up capital, they may also be able to access

a loan up to £1,000 to help with their start-up costs. • Process:• Jobcentre Plus will identify interested and eligible customers

and only those referred by Jobcentre Plus to the mentoring organisation will be matched with a business mentor, subject to the suitability of the individual and their business idea.

Project Timeframe Expiry Date: n/a

• Eligibility: The NEA is currently being trialed in Merseyside and will be rolled out to other areas of the UK from April 2011. NEA is being piloted by the Chambers of Commerce on Merseyside.

• Useful Website(s): http://www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/new-enterprise-allowance

Designing Demand

• Designing Demand• Finance Type: Mentoring• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• The Design Council is looking for manufacturing businesses with ambition to grow but who recognise the need for some external, objective advice and support to help achieve that. Manufacturing businesses from all sectors are eligible and applications from those with some advanced manufacturing

• About this Finance item:• The Design Council is running a national business

development mentoring service to SME manufacturers to unlock growth through design.

• The Design Council has an established team of Design Associates, a national network of design management

applications from those with some advanced manufacturing capability are particularly welcome. ‘Business to consumer’ as well as ‘business to business’ enterprises (including OEMs) are all eligible.

• If you are a business interested in innovation and growth then you will be eligible for 50% government support towards the cost of the mentoring service. Acceptance onto Designing , g g

specialists, whose own professional experience is across businesses of all sizes including some of the most recognised brands and businesses in the UK and internationally. It is the Design Associates, once assigned to a business, that provide the hands-on support and mentoring.

• Using the Design Council’s unique design opportunities

g p g gDemand requires companies to resource the design project that results from participation. Each design project is different, but many businesses have seen substantial returns on design investments that cost between £5,000 and £15,000.

• Projects last between 6-10 months. Getting the full benefit means having the senior team available to join Design

framework they begin by leading the senior team through an intensive workshop to identify the company’s biggest challenges, exploring how design can help overcome them. Here the link between business planning and effective, change-making design projects is made. The mentoring also supports the team to identify the right design project to implement the approach that has been developed The Design

Associates in identifying design opportunities and making them happen.

• The mentoring is designed to help and guide the company to improve its product design and market presence.

• Useful Links: implement the approach that has been developed. The Design Associates do not undertake the design project. They will provide guidance to develop a robust brief, procure the right design agency and ensure that the right projects get to market.

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/designingdemand

Get Ahead, Stay Ahead Programme

• Get Ahead, Stay Ahead Programme• Finance Type: Mentoring

• Grant criteria • Businesses with 2 – 249 employees; social enterprises and yp g

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Summary• Access over £1,000 of funding to develop your business,

management team and employees, and to plan strategies for future growth, via Enterprise4all and their Get Ahead, Stay Ahead scheme

p y ; pcharities can also apply

• Support is available to the business owner, or if over 50 employees to a senior manager

• Support will be provided for the development of theAhead scheme.• • Professional 1:1 bespoke business support and advice• • Develop 3 year growth plans toolkits and frameworks• • Improve leadership and management capabilities• • Access master classes and core skills sessions• • Network and share with other business owners

• Support will be provided for the development of the owner/senior manager to support business growth

• If trading under 12 months: the business must project a turnover of a minimum £500,000 within 3 years of trading

• Businesses can also benefit from a range of free and publicly funded business support:

• • Sales and Marketing Workshops• • Procurement Application Support• • Certified Qualifications• • Apprenticeships

• If trading over 12 months: The business must demonstrate a 20% year on year growth in turnover or staff recruitment for 3 years (Social Enterprises are required to demonstrate a 10% year on year growth for 3 years).

• To find out more, visit www.enterprise4all.co.uk,• • Apprenticeships• • Manufacturing support• • Food & drink programmes• • Networking and advice• • Exit strategy planning

• call 0845 607 0786 • Email [email protected]

Leadership and Management Grant 2011p g

• Leadership and Management Grant 2011• Finance Type: Mentoring• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• A government grant of up to £1,000 for use on management and leadership development activity, such as any training

• Amount: Up to £1,000The government has set up a new Leadership and Management Advisory Service (LMAS) to help eligible employers identify and fund development opportunities for their senior leaders.

• The aim of the service is to foster the leadership and management skills of senior staff so they can make full use of their orkforce and accelerate the gro th of their b siness

agreed with the skills adviser• The eligible business will be required to ‘match fund’ the grant

– i.e. to receive a grant of £500 the business will have to contribute £500 of its own money or for a grant of £1000 the business must match with £1000.

• Additional Infotheir workforce and accelerate the growth of their business.

• Eligibility• To be eligible, the business must be in England and:-• • Have between 2 – 249 full-time equivalent employees, and

the potential for high or fast growth. (The business must project growth of 20% year on year for 3 years. Start ups

• The funding must be used for obvious Leadership & Management Development for example one-to-one mentoring or coaching, or attendance at leadership programmes. It cannot be used for anything that might be considered technical or a statutory requirement i.e. training towards ISO or the environment award, tendering writing, IT, website construction,

i l di h lth & f t CPD(Trading less than 12 months) must be projecting turnover to reach £500K in 3 years time, and social enterprises are required to project growth of 10% each year for 3 years).

• • In organisations under 50 employees, the applicant must be the CEO, MD or Owner

• • In organisations of 50 employees + the applicant can be i h f b l h di l i b

social media, health & safety, CPD.• When the development activity is complete, the skills adviser

will discuss the impact with the business and see if there are opportunities for further assistance.

• How to Applyeither one of above or a role that reports directly into above roles

• Eligible businesses will receive:• • A free skills diagnostic from a skills adviser to identify the

leadership and management development required by the nominated leader

• The project is being managed by the Business & Enterprise Group located at Seaham in County Durham. You need to apply for the grant direct yourself by contacting the Admin Dept. at Business & Enterprise Group on 0845 112 0527, or emailing [email protected]

Business Finance & GGrants























Regional Growth Fund Bid(RGF)(RGF)

• Regional Growth Fund• The Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is now a £2.4bn fund operating across

England from 2011 to 2015. It supports projects and programmes that lever

• Application forms• The application forms for the new round of the RGF are available here • Application form Part 1 – projects (PDF, 872 Kb)g pp p j p g

private sector investment to create economic growth and sustainable employment. It aims particularly to help those areas and communities which were dependent on the public sector to make the transition to sustainable private sector-led growth and prosperity.

• Round 3 of the Regional Growth Fund (RGF) is now open: £1bn is available for this round.

• The first two rounds have been very successful - conditional allocations were made to 176 bidders which will leverage over £7.5bn of private sector leverage and deliver around 330,000 jobs. For an opportunity to access the RGF send in your completed application

Application form Part 1 projects (PDF, 872 Kb)• Application form Part 1 – programmes (PDF, 884 Kb)• Application form Part 2 – projects and programmes (XLS, 369 Kb)• To ask for a copy of any of these documents in other formats e.g. Braille,

please email the team. • The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 12 noon on 13 June

2012. • Bidding guidance• We strongly advise that you refer to the bidding guidance as you complete

the application form:• For an opportunity to access the RGF, send in your completed application form and supporting documentation by the closing date of 13 June to [email protected]

• The Chancellor announced in his Autumn Statement (November 2011) that “the Government will increase the Regional Growth Fund for England by £1 billion, and extend it into 2014–15, to provide ongoing support to grow the private sector in areas currently dependent on the public sector.”

• The following pages will explain what the fund is, who has successful bid for RGF so far and details of what is happening next.

• How to apply

the application form: • Bidding guidance for project bids (PDF, 66 Kb)• Bidding guidance for programme bids (PDF, 66 Kb)• The links for our most up-to-date data sources for the official statistics which

will be used in assessing the locations that bids will impact are listed below • Percentage of residents (aged 16-64 years old) claiming out of work benefits• Public sector employee job share• Number of active enterprises per 1,000 resident population are available on

the ONS website and the NOMIS website.How to apply • The application process for the Regional Growth Fund is now open. • For bidding guidance and our application forms please visit the how to

apply section

For help with your bid and more information about the RGF process please see the regional events section and the Glossary

• In December, Nick Clegg announced that the next round of bidding for RGF will open in February. We will keep this site updated with all the information you will need to bid, as soon as round three opens.

• Private sector employee job growth• The attached file (XLS, 376 Kb) collates the data which will be used in the

assessment. • Taken together, this data will create a view of the current state of reliance on

public sector employment for locations in England. • It will be important to consider other evidence, and bidders are asked to

submit any other information they believe will help us in forming a good understanding of the relative reliance of the area the bid will cover.

• Submitting a bidy , p• Please see our How to apply section to review existing bidding guidance.

Submitting a bid• All completed applications and supporting evidence should be sent to:

[email protected]• The closing date for the fund is 12 noon on 13 June 2012.• Bidding Support • There will be a number of regional events and Expression of interest

meetings to support potential bidders with their applications. Dates and how to book are on the regional events page.

• Please note: it is not mandatory to submit an Expression of Interest or attend an event in order to bidattend an event in order to bid.

Business Finance North WestBusiness Finance North West• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital

• A range of loans are provided to suit all business types and sectors, and for most yp p , p

Investment, Energy Efficiency, Environmental, New Business Start Up, New Product Development, Plant and Equipment, Property Improvement, Renewable Technologies, Technology,

• Summary• Business Finance Northwest is the finance arm of

B lt B i V t Ltd t i

yp ,purposes, including working capital, machinery purchase, marketing, cash flow etc.

• Interest charges are competitive against other major lenders for this type of finance and there are no extra charges for earlyBolton Business Ventures Ltd., an enterprise

agency in partnership with North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

• They specialise in providing finance for business start-ups and for growing businesses looking todevelop to the next level or simply looking to

and there are no extra charges for early repayment, or for periodic lump sum payments.

• Rates are also fixed at the start of the loan, so you can guarantee they will not rise throughout the term. The maximum term is 5 develop to the next level, or simply looking to

stabilise their situation.• They offer a flexible approach to lending, although it

is a prerequisite when applying that you have been declined initially by your bank, or other primary source of finance, either in part or fully.

gyears.

• As the loan is unsecured, there are no legal charges taken over business assets or property, although a personal guarantee will be requested where appropriate.F di L id d f £3 000 t• Funding: Loans are provided from £3,000 to £50,000

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a


• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion
















• Useful Website(s): http://www.cdfa.org.uk/

Enterprise Finance Guarantee

• Coverage: Blackpool Fylde & Wyre• Finance Type: Business Expansion

• The lender will typically assess the business against their normal commercial lending criteria for instance with regard to the viability of the business the ability to service the loan and

• Summary:• The aim of the scheme is to facilitate additional commercial

lending to viable UK based SMEs with no or insufficient security to obtain a normal commercial loan facility.

• The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) facilitates additional bank lending to viable Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which lack the security to secure a normal commercial

the viability of the business, the ability to service the loan, and the availability of existing security, in order to determine whether they wish to lend. Where a lender determines that use of EFG likely to be appropriate, they confirm eligibility and record details of the borrower and their facility via a secure web portal through. However, there is no automatic entitlement to receive a guaranteed loan and nor is there any pre-qualification process for it. Decision-making on individual loans is fully delegated to participating lenders and integrated with(SMEs) which lack the security to secure a normal commercial

loan. The Government provides the lender with a guarantee for which the borrower pays a premium. Accredited lenders administer EFG and make all decisions on lending.

• There are a variety of types of loan facilities available:• - New term loans (unsecured)• - New term loans (partially secured)• Refinancing of existing term loans

is fully delegated to participating lenders and integrated with the commercial decision to lend. BIS plays no role in the application or decision making process.

• Funding: Loans available from £1,000 to £1 million for companies with a turnover of up to £25m.

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st March 2015• Eligibility: Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which• - Refinancing of existing term loans

• - Conversion of part of all of an existing utilised overdraft• - Invoice Finance Guarantee (Available for terms up to 3

years)• - Overdraft Guarantee (Available for terms up to 2 years)• An EFG accredited lender may not necessarily offer all the

eligible types of facilities if to do so would be incompatible with their normal commercial lending practices

Eligibility: Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which lack the security to secure a normal commercial loan.

• Useful Website(s): http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/enterprise-and-business-support/access-to-finance/enterprise-finance-guarantee

• www.berr.gov.uk/.../enterprise/enterprisesmes/...finance/.../page37607.html

• http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/gsdDetail?ittheir normal commercial lending practices.• The turnover of the company must be up to £25 million per

annum• Process:

p g g gemId=1081834978

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

Capital InvestmentCapital Investment

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (North West)

• The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (North West)• Finance Type: Capital Investment

• The ERDF funding will enable TSELF to provide loans of up to £50,000 for social enterprises across the region as part of the yp p

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Expire: March 2013• Summary

• Social and Community based enterprises within the North W t th t h i ti b i id l f l

Government’s ‘Solutions for Business’ scheme. In addition, TSELF can accommodate applications up to £250,000 for the right proposal, meeting the difference from its own funds.

• Sir Howard Bernstein, Vice Chair of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Monitoring Committee,

West that have innovative business ideas can apply for loans through the Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF).

• Funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) TSELF is able to provide loans of up to £50,000 for social/community enterprises across the region as part of the Government’s Solutions for Business scheme.

said: “The Social Enterprise Loan Fund has the potential to make a huge difference to businesses unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources.

• "With a particular focus on supporting businesses operating in disadvantaged areas, this fund can provide a major boost to localities, communities and people who need it the most by

f di j b d ti l t t iti ”• Applications of up to £250,000 for the right proposal can be

considered, with TSELF making up the difference from its own funds. TSELF has until March 2013 to lend the ERDF money to social enterprises across the region.

safeguarding jobs and creating employment opportunities.”

http://www.tself.org.uk/news-erdf-grant.html

Tel: 020 7526 3440Fax: 020 7488 9231

• The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) wants to hear from North West social enterprises with innovative business ideas after being awarded money by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Fax: 020 7488 9231 [email protected]

HSBC Business Growth Grant Competition Launched

• HSBC Business Growth Grant Competition Launched• Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital Investment,

• Find out how you can access the funding by speaking to your Commercial Manager, who'll discuss finance and borrowing yp p , p ,

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: • Expiry date: Thursday 11th December 2031• About this Finance item:• Businesses with annual turnovers of between £100,000 and

£2 ith biti f th ld i f HSBC’

options to help your business trade overseas.• Loans • Working Capital • Trade Finance • International Receivables Finance • Speak to your Commercial Manager about how we could£2m with ambitions for growth could win one of HSBC’s new

grants. HSBC has launched its brand-new Business Growth Grant competition, to support motivated business owners and entrepreneurs

• In the future, we believe even the smallest business will be multinational.S ' k d £4 billi t t th i t ti l

• Speak to your Commercial Manager about how we could help your business achieve its ambitions.

• or Call 0800 085 6088**• Find your nearest Commercial Centre• Important Information• HSBC's normal lending criteria will apply.

• So we've earmarked £4 billion to support the international growth of UK businesses

• Whether you trade in Dollars, Euros, Renminbi or Sterling, global markets are opening up to everyone. And while many businesses are feeling the squeeze at home, UK exports grew by 13% last year.*D i f UK b i

• The funding is available to UK businesses which can demonstrate an annual turnover below £25 million.

• Useful Website: http://www.business.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/news/4billionfund

• Doing more for UK businesses.• We're committed to do more in 2012, starting with our £4

billion International SME Fund to support our customers and fuel overseas trade.

• Tel: 0800 085 6088

Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards (England, Scotland and Wales)

• The search will take place across England, Scotland and • Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards (England, Scotland and

Wales)• Finance Type: New Business Start Up• Coverage: Blackpool , Fylde & Wyre• Amount:

E i d t M d 31 t J 2011

p g ,Wales with two awards, Best Enterprise and Best Start Up. A series of regional heats will be then be held, with winners of both awards in each heat to be announced in February 2012. The regional winners will then move forward into a national final, in March 2012, where they will compete for national titles. The deadline for admissions is the 30th January 2012.

• Expiry date: Monday 31st January 2011• About this Finance item:• The Lloyds Banking Group has announced the launch of a

new awards programme, to search for the small business start ups that are emerging through Universities in England, Scotland and Wales.

• Useful Links: http://www.lloydstsbenterpriseawards.com/

• Find out more about Lloyds TSB

• Organised by Lloyds TSB Commercial and supported by the National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs (NACUE) the Awards offer prize packages to help nurture and grow your business including:

• - An overall cash investment of £50,000 to the national best enterprise

C h i t t i f t £5 000 i th i iti l h t- Cash investment prizes of up to £5,000 in the initial heats- Enhanced mentoring support packages at regional and national level business networking and promotional opportunities.























Business Finance North West• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital


t h f l t fyp p , p













• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Eligibility: • Useful Website(s):

http://www.bbvonline.net/funding.asp

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate p y• A range of loans are provided to suit all business


at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

Enhanced Capital Allowances – Water Saving Investments and Energy Efficient technologiesgy g

• Enhanced Capital Allowances – Water Saving Investments and Energy Efficient technologies

• Finance Type: Capital Investment, Environmental, Property Improvement, Renewable Technologies, C Bl k l F ld & W

• Meters and monitoring equipment.• Rainwater harvesting equipment.• Efficient toilets.• Efficient showers.

Effi i t t• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Amount: Tax relief• The Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme for Water Saving

Investments is part of the government initiative to provide tax relief to businesses for investments in designated energy saving technology. The aim of the scheme is to encourage b i t i t i t i t h l i b bli

• Efficient taps.• Water efficient small-scale slurry and sludge dewatering

equipment.• Water efficient washing machines (for large scale fabric

washing).• Vehicle wash water reclaim units

businesses to invest in water saving technologies by enabling businesses to claim 100% first year capital allowances on investments in technologies and products that encourage sustainable water use. Businesses can write off the whole cost of their investment against their taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment.

• Key criteria:

• Water efficient industrial cleaning equipment• Water management equipment for mechanical seals• Water reuse• Application procedure: Allowances are claimed in the

income or corporation tax return of the business. Contact the Business Tax and Capital Allowances Department at HM • Key criteria:

• All businesses are eligible – regardless of sector, size and location.

• Allowances are in respect of expenditure on water saving technologies and products incurred on or after 1 April 2003.

• Only investments in new and unused plant and machinery can q alif The q alif ing technologies ill ha e to meet defined

us ess a a d Cap ta o a ces epa t e t atRevenue and Customs for further information.

• Useful Website: http://etl.decc.gov.uk/etl• For tax enquiries relating to the ECA Scheme, please contact

Nick Williams at HM Revenue & Customs on (020 7147 2541), Fax (020 77147 2640) or Email [email protected]. The qualifying technologies will have to meet defined

water saving criteria.• Eligible expenditure: Allowances are available for

expenditure on the Water Technology List, which includes:• Leakage detection equipment.• Cleaning in place equipment.

@ g g

For further advice on energy efficiency, please contact the Carbon Trust helpline on 0800 085 2005 or visit www.carbontrust.co.uk.

• Efficient membrane filtration system.• Flow controllers.
















Research Funding for SMEs (UK)

• Research Funding for SMEs (UK)• Finance Type: Capital Investment, New Product

• http://www.eurostars-eureka.eu/what.doMr. Graham Mobbs • National Project Coordinator yp p ,

Development, Research and Development, Technology, • Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: • Expiry date: Thursday 1st March 2012• About this Finance item:

F di i il bl t S ll d M di Si d E t i

j• Technology Strategy Board • B1, North Star House, North Star Avenue • SN2 1JF , Swindon • tel: +44 (0)7824 599585 • fax: +44 [0]17 93 44 27 97

• Funding is available to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to undertake research and development in any technological area.

•• Under Eurostars, funding is available to Small and Medium

Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to undertake research and d l t i t h l i l b t t h

• [email protected]

development in any technological area, but must have a civilian purpose and be aimed at the development of a new product, process or service. Eurostars supports collaborative projects involving at least two participants (legal entities) from two different Eurostars participating countries. In addition, the main participant must be a research-performing SME. Eurostars will support projects that are market-driven and thatEurostars will support projects that are market driven and that have a maximum duration of three years. In addition projects must be within two years of completion and ready for launch onto the market. The exception to this rule applies to biomedical or medical projects, where clinical trials must be started within two years of project completion.

Rosebud Micro

• Rosebud Micro• Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital Investment, Plant

• Applicants must demonstrate an ambition to grow beyond a lifestyle business to increase their chances of securing a loan yp p , p ,

and Equipment, Property Improvement, • Coverage: Wyre• Amount: Upto £10,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013• About this Finance item:Managed by Lancashire County

Council’s Economic Development Company Lancashire

and those also supported by the banks will be considered favourably.

• Process:

• Applications can be completed online at www.lancashire.gov.uk/rosebudCouncil s Economic Development Company Lancashire

County Development Ltd, Rosebud micro offers loans from £2,000 to £10,000 to new or small businesses with growth potential operating in Lancashire.

• Funding:• Rosebud provides flexible loans which can be tailored to

business needs at very competitive rates and terms Loans

g

• or return the completed form to Sue Roberts at Lancashire County Development Ltd, County Hall, PO Box 78, PRESTON PR1 8XJ.

• http://www lancashire gov uk/corporate/lcdl/finance/micro/indebusiness needs at very competitive rates and terms. Loans arrangements will differ depending on the size of the loan and other factors, but typical terms are an interest rate of 4% above the Royal Bank of Scotland base rate, a set up fee of 2.5%, repayable over 5 years, with no penalty for early repayment and 100% of the funding requirements will be considered under certain circumstances. Credit issues must

• http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/lcdl/finance/micro/index.asp

• 0845 053 0000 • email: [email protected]

be disclosed otherwise applications will be rejected.

Business Growth Fund• Business Growth Fund• Finance Type: Loan• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Amount: Investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013

• The BGF are looking to forge strong links with other investors and investment bodies across the UK, including venture capital trusts and private equity firm e.g. British Business Angels Association to look for mutually beneficial opportunities.

• The BGF currently have offices in London Birmingham andp y y• Summary: • The Business Growth fund plc (BGF) is a new equity

investment company set up between the banks and the government. The purpose of the organisation is to make substantial equity investments into ambitious mid-cap British companies who are set to create the business success stories

• The BGF currently have offices in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh, and are looking to open offices inManchester and Bristol soon. Birminghamwill act as the administrative centre of the company.

• Funding Proportion and Investment Criteria:• The BGF use the following Investment Criteria to assess

applications:pof the coming years.

• The aim of the BGF is to recognise businesses that have real potential and the desire to succeed. Their ambition is to create the household business names and listed companies of tomorrow; businesses that are successful not only in the UK, but around the world.

applications:• Target companies that typically turnover £10,000,000 to

£100,000,000 per annum and have been operating successfully for two or more years

• Offer investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000 in return for an equity stake in the business and a seat on the Board

• BGF’s mission: to help build the next generation of world class UK companies.

• BGF will support talented management teams and business leaders achieve their full potential by offering 3 ingredients for success: Substantial capital, Superb contacts; and Sound counsel.

Board• As Board Members, contribute business guidance as well as

capital for growth• Invest over the long term – five to seven years or more; and• Consider investment opportunities across all sectors apart

from financial services and real estate.

• The BGF are interested in sectors of the economy that have long-term and significant potential for growth, particularly: high-tech manufacturing, software and electronics, leisure and tourism, renewable energy and cleantech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial and business services, outsourcing, and digital businesses. However, they will support businesses with t d ti l i th t E h ill b

• Timeframe:• April 2011 onwards.• Funding: Investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000• Type of Funding: Loan• Useful Website: http://www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk/• +44 (0)845 266 8860enquiries@businessgrowthfund co ukstrong credentials in other sectors. Each company will be

judged on its individual merits, not by sector – long-term potential is the key.

• +44 (0)845 266 [email protected]

The Business Angel Co Investment Fund

• The Business Angel Co Investment Fund• Finance Type: Business Expansion Capital Investment

• http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/portfolioyp p p

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• Amount: The CoFund will look to provide funding of between £50,000 and £1,000,000 in investment rounds ranging from £200 000 upwards into eligible SMEs

• Capital for Enterprise Ltd. 1 Broadfield Close, Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 0XN

• Tel: 0114 206 2131

£200,000 upwards into eligible SMEs.

• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013

• Summary: • The fund will make £50,000,000 available to invest alongside

Business Angel networks or syndicates into eligible SMEs. The fund will operate by investing alongside and on the same terms as Syndicates. The fund will not be open to approaches from individual businesses. Businesses seeking investment gshould first look for an investment Syndicate.

Finance for Business

• Finance for Business• Finance Type: Capital Investment

• Funding proportion:• Provides loans of up to £250,000, equity investment of up to yp p


• Amount: Provides loans of up to £250,000, equity investment of up to £2,000,000

• Expiry date: Tuesday 31st March 2015S

p , , q y p£2,000,000 (two-thirds public supplemented by a minimum one third private investment) and mezzanine arrangements across the spectrum.

• Timeframe:• Depends on the VC and loan funds that the NWDA are

continuing and will transfer over to CfEL. NWDA currently hold • Summary:

• Summary• The provision of debt, equity and mezzanine support to SME’s

unable to raise finance on the commercial market but having viable business plans.

g yaccess channel details for the c. £450,000,000 of venture capital and loans funds that they support. The oversight management will transfer to CfEL as the NWDA closes.

• Funding: Provides loans of up to £250,000, equity investment of up to £2,000,000

• Type of Funding: Loan• Loan support is only available where interest rates are

charged above commercial rates (in line with State Aid rules and reflecting the higher risk which commercial lenders are unwilling to meet), where the borrower has been unable to raise finance from commercial lenders despite appropriate signposting and awareness raising (such as finance and i t t di t) d h th i i bl

yp g• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st March 2015• Eligibility: Funding is available to businesses with less than

250 employees and a turn-over of up to €50,000,000 or a balance sheet of up to €43,000,000(EU definition of a medium sized company)

• Useful Website:investment readiness support) and where there is a viable business plan.

• Funding is available to businesses with less than 250 employees and a turn-over of up to €50,000,000 or a balance sheet of up to €43,000,000 (EU definition of a medium sized company)

Useful Website: • http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/

• Capital for Enterprise Ltd. 1 Broadfield Close, Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 0XN Tel: 0114 206 2131

TeenBiz

• TeenBiz• Finance Type: Capital Investment, New Business Start Up,

• TeenBiz is open to all students, of all academic levels – from 13 to 18-years-old, all over the UK.yp p , p,

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: • Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:T

• Opening in November to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week, the scheme is launching in a climate of high teenage unemployment and social disengagement, as demonstrated by the summer riots which took places in cities across England.

• The scheme aims to provide teenage entrepreneurs with the tools needed to start their own businesses. It is designed to ignite an entrepreneurial interest among students who want to take their ideas to the next step and require assistance to make this happen. The objective is to help 100 young people who have fresh ideas, hunger and drive, to commence business operations over the next three years

• Applications open 1 November 2011 for awards to start from 1 January 2012.

• Please visit the website below to request more information or to apply on or after 1st Novemberbusiness operations over the next three years.

• Every month one student will receive up to £500 of funding. The money can be used towards a range of start-up costs, primarily equipment required in the early stages of setting up a new business. Additionally, successful applicants will receive a mentor and a ‘Business in a Box’ start up pack including a

to apply on or after 1st November.

• Call Us: 01924 277343Email: [email protected]

mentor and a Business in a Box start-up pack – including a virtual PA service, business cards and the loan of office space. Sponsors of the scheme have also donated vouchers for stationery and a website.

Leadership and Management Grant 2011p g

• Leadership and Management Grant 2011• Finance Type: Mentoring• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• A government grant of up to £1,000 for use on management and leadership development activity, such as any training

• Amount: Up to £1,000The government has set up a new Leadership and Management Advisory Service (LMAS) to help eligible employers identify and fund development opportunities for their senior leaders.

• The aim of the service is to foster the leadership and management skills of senior staff so they can make full use of their orkforce and accelerate the gro th of their b siness

agreed with the skills adviser• The eligible business will be required to ‘match fund’ the grant

– i.e. to receive a grant of £500 the business will have to contribute £500 of its own money or for a grant of £1000 the business must match with £1000.

• Additional Infotheir workforce and accelerate the growth of their business.

• Eligibility• To be eligible, the business must be in England and:-• • Have between 2 – 249 full-time equivalent employees, and

the potential for high or fast growth. (The business must project growth of 20% year on year for 3 years. Start ups

• The funding must be used for obvious Leadership & Management Development for example one-to-one mentoring or coaching, or attendance at leadership programmes. It cannot be used for anything that might be considered technical or a statutory requirement i.e. training towards ISO or the environment award, tendering writing, IT, website construction,

i l di h lth & f t CPD(Trading less than 12 months) must be projecting turnover to reach £500K in 3 years time, and social enterprises are required to project growth of 10% each year for 3 years).

• • In organisations under 50 employees, the applicant must be the CEO, MD or Owner

• • In organisations of 50 employees + the applicant can be i h f b l h di l i b

social media, health & safety, CPD.• When the development activity is complete, the skills adviser

will discuss the impact with the business and see if there are opportunities for further assistance.

• How to Applyeither one of above or a role that reports directly into above roles

• Eligible businesses will receive:• • A free skills diagnostic from a skills adviser to identify the

leadership and management development required by the nominated leader

• The project is being managed by the Business & Enterprise Group located at Seaham in County Durham. You need to apply for the grant direct yourself by contacting the Admin Dept. at Business & Enterprise Group on 0845 112 0527, or emailing [email protected]

Innovation & Product Development

Blurb about Innovation & Product Development

Lancashire Innovation Network

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Finance Type: New Product Development, Renewable

• implementation support. Hardware and proprietary software are excluded.yp p ,

Technologies, Technology, • Summary• Delivered by the Business Support and Innovation Team at

Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, the Lancashire Innovation Network is partly funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support SMEs

• The advisors also work with companies to identify options for achieving their growth potential; arrange a free review of manufacturing facilities and engage with the Manufacturing Advisory Service to help deliver areas for improvement and source additional expertise from private sector specialists or other network partners, including local Universities and C ll

p ( ) ppacrossLancashire. A team of experienced, independent advisers provide free impartial advice, guidance and financial assistance for technology and innovation type projects. The project aims to improve business competitiveness and growth by supporting increased innovation and the effective exploitation of technology, including:

Colleges.• Funding: Upto £5,000• Type of Funding: Grant• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st December

2013• Eligibility: ERDF rules apply

• Web developments – e-commerce, customer engagement or integration with other systems; Product development - patent searches, intellectual property, product testing (using local universities) and bringing new products to market;

• Process Innovation – new business systems including process improvements e.g. Client Relationship Management, Sales O d P i E t i R Pl i (E R P )

g y pp y• Useful Website(s)/Links:

http://www.regeneratepl.co.uk/regenerate/lancashire-innovation-network/not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at theOrder Processing, Enterprise Resource Planning (E.R.P.) system integration and web integration, feasibility studies, bespoke software, system integration,

Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is

Coaching For Growth

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Mentoring,

• develop strategies to commercially exploit IP and innovation yp p , g,

New Business Start Up, • Coaching for Growth is aimed at both established

SMEs with the potential to increase employment or turnover by 20 per cent or more each year for three years; and new start ups with the potential to achieve turnover of £1m within three years of starting to trade or have at least 10 employees

• Fast track access to trusted sources of specialist advice and support such as the Technology Strategy Board and UKTI

• Access to business and knowledge networks • Funding:• There is no funding available.starting to trade or have at least 10 employees

within three years.• Coaching for Growth offers:• Coaching of senior management teams to develop

and implement growth strategies and develop leadership and management skills

• Tailored specialist help to develop a successful

g• Timeframe: • Business Coaching for Growth, to be launched in

January 2012, is a new programme to help up to 10,000 high growth businesses a year to address barriers to growth and grow more rapidly.

• The Procurement process for Business Coaching • Tailored, specialist help to develop a successful investment pitch

• Facilitated introductions to potential investors • Access to high quality facilities by partnering with

leading business incubators, science parks and Technology Innovation Centres Ad ice on ho to identif and protect intellect al

e ocu e e p ocess o us ess Coac gfor Growth has started, and BIS are currently engaging with short-listed bidders on the most effective means of delivering the service.

• Funding: • Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Advice on how to identify and protect intellectual

property and copyright andProject Timeframe Expiry Date: n/a

• Eligibility: ERDF eligibility rules apply• Useful Website(s):

http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/economic-development/leps/lep-toolbox/helping-smes/coaching

Collaborative Research & Developmentp

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Finance Type: New Product Development,

• Funding• Projects range in value from £10,000 to over yp p ,

Research and Development,

• Summary• Collaborative Research and Development (R&D) is

designed to assist the industrial and research communities to work together on R&D projects from

j g ,£100,000,000 and typically the Grant provides 50% of the project costs. The remaining project costs will need to be covered by the applicant, but cannot include other forms of UK Government funding.

• Funding of Collaborative R&D projects is allocated on the basis of regular competitions. Open competitions can be found by selecting the Readg p j

which successful new products, processes and services can emerge. The competitions allow business and HEI’s to undertake collaborative pre-competitive research and development of enabling technologies and large-scale demonstrator projects for innovative products, processes or services.

competitions can be found by selecting the Read More button.

• Funding: Projects range in value from £10,000 to over £100,000,000

• Type of Funding: Grant• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a

Eli ibili• Eligibility: • Useful Website(s)/Links:

http://www.innovateuk.org/competitions.ashx

• http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1075065254&type=RESOURCESyp


Keeping Connected

Business Challenge• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Funding: A share of £495,000 to turn your idea into

reality along with 100% ownership of the intellectual t i ht t id

• Finance Type: New Product Development, Research and Development, Technology,

• Innovative services ideas for older adults

• Do you recognise the commercial opportunity of an

property rights to your idea. • Type of Funding: Grant• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Thursday 20th

October 2011• Eligibility: We’re looking for collaborative teams of

businesses/organisations and designers. Within t h ld h th bilit t d i• Do you recognise the commercial opportunity of an

older consumer market? Are you in the business of developing innovative services that connect people? Would you like funding to develop your ideas? Then the Keeping Connected Business Challenge may be for you!

your team you should have the ability to design a great service with commercial potential, to involve users in a meaningful way, and to translate your ideas into a workable and viable reality. Businesses/organisations and design firms can be of any size and from any sector but must be registered in the UK. Academic institutions are not

• About the Challenge• The Keeping Connected Business Challenge is a

national challenge run by the Technology Strategy Board and the Design Council with £495,000 in funds to stimulate the development of innovative services for older adults. The aim is to develop

eg s e ed e U cade c s u o s a e oeligible to apply, but spin off businesses from academic institutions are.

• Useful Website(s): www.keepingconnected.co.ukhttps://connect.innovateuk.orghttp://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-

ork/challenges/schools/ne s/keepingp

innovative services that create, improve and sustain connectedness for older adults to friends, family, the community and younger generations. The challenge is open to businesses and designers of any size and from any sector.

work/challenges/schools/news/keeping-connected-business-challenge/

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy ofCouncil is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

Designing Demand

• Designing Demand• Finance Type: Mentoring• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• The Design Council is looking for manufacturing businesses with ambition to grow but who recognise the need for some external, objective advice and support to help achieve that. Manufacturing businesses from all sectors are eligible and applications from those with some advanced manufacturing

• About this Finance item:• The Design Council is running a national business

development mentoring service to SME manufacturers to unlock growth through design.

• The Design Council has an established team of Design Associates, a national network of design management

applications from those with some advanced manufacturing capability are particularly welcome. ‘Business to consumer’ as well as ‘business to business’ enterprises (including OEMs) are all eligible.

• If you are a business interested in innovation and growth then you will be eligible for 50% government support towards the cost of the mentoring service. Acceptance onto Designing , g g

specialists, whose own professional experience is across businesses of all sizes including some of the most recognised brands and businesses in the UK and internationally. It is the Design Associates, once assigned to a business, that provide the hands-on support and mentoring.

• Using the Design Council’s unique design opportunities

g p g gDemand requires companies to resource the design project that results from participation. Each design project is different, but many businesses have seen substantial returns on design investments that cost between £5,000 and £15,000.

• Projects last between 6-10 months. Getting the full benefit means having the senior team available to join Design

framework they begin by leading the senior team through an intensive workshop to identify the company’s biggest challenges, exploring how design can help overcome them. Here the link between business planning and effective, change-making design projects is made. The mentoring also supports the team to identify the right design project to implement the approach that has been developed The Design

Associates in identifying design opportunities and making them happen.

• The mentoring is designed to help and guide the company to improve its product design and market presence.

• Useful Links: implement the approach that has been developed. The Design Associates do not undertake the design project. They will provide guidance to develop a robust brief, procure the right design agency and ensure that the right projects get to market.

http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/designingdemand


• The Business Angel Co Investment FundFi T B i E i C it l

• http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/portfolio• Finance Type: Business Expansion Capital

Investment• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Amount: The CoFund will look to provide

funding of between £50 000 and £1 000 000

io

• Capital for Enterprise Ltd. 1 Broadfield Close, Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, South Yorkshire S8 0XNfunding of between £50,000 and £1,000,000

in investment rounds ranging from £200,000 upwards into eligible SMEs.

• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013Summary:

South Yorkshire, S8 0XN

• Tel: 0114 206 2131

Summary: • The fund will make £50,000,000 available to

invest alongside Business Angel networks or syndicates into eligible SMEs. The fund will operate by investing alongside and on the same terms as Syndicates. The fund will not be open to approaches from individual businesses. Businesses seeking investment should first look for an investment SyndicateSyndicate.

UCLan’s Innovation Voucher SchemeScheme


• Finance Type: New Product Development, Research and Development, Technology,

• Summary• UCLan has introduced an Innovation Voucher Scheme following

• The UCLan innovation voucher scheme will broadly follow the same pattern as the NWDA administered scheme, with application, and assessment of likely bids being quick and simple, allowing the successful businesses to quickly access expertise from the university’s knowledge base. The UCLan innovation vouchers scheme will be marketed internally within the university not directly to businesses. Academics will be responsible for identifying suitable businesses to benefit from the scheme. These may include previous recipients of the NWDA innovation voucher scheme businesses already engaged with the• UCLan has introduced an Innovation Voucher Scheme following

the closure of the successful NWDA programme to ensure businesses access the knowledge base of the university and to enable greater continued knowledge transfer engagement with the local SME business community. The scheme is not sector specific; however, priority will be given to proposals that have a likelihood of leading to further costed work or bids that may lead to further knowledge transfer activity, such as Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) etc

NWDA innovation voucher scheme, businesses already engaged with the university or business the university seeks to establish a relationship with.The application process requires the lead academic to complete a short proposal (max 150 words using the attached form) outlining the work with an endorsement by a senior representative of the business (letter or email) and sign off by their Head of School.

• The proposal should address the following points:• What the project involves • Project outcomes • How long the work will take (all work should be completed by the end of JunePartnerships (KTP) etc.

• Funding:• UCLan will fund approximately 30 vouchers, each to the value of

£5,000. The type of activity the voucher could support includes:• Company/business strategic review • Development of ‘proof of concept’ proposal • Placement student to work on a particular business problem

Skill /T i i di f i i ff

• How long the work will take (all work should be completed by the end of June 2011)

• How the proposal represents value for money • The likelihood of this project leading to further work • Proposals will be assessed by a panel of senior UCLan staff on a weekly basis

(each Friday), starting 25 February 2011, enabling a quick decision (either positive or negative) and leading to either the early start of the project, or, signposting to other services from UCLan that may be better suited to the business.

• Upon satisfactory sign off of the work by the client and a short evaluation• Skills/Training audit of existing staff • Environmental audit of the business • 5-10 days worth of academic consultancy around a particular work

place issue • Product testing and analysis • Any other academic related service up to the value of £5,000 • Process:

• Upon satisfactory sign off of the work by the client, and a short evaluation report from the lead academic, the participating schools will reimbursed for the value of the voucher- up to £5,000.

• Funding: Upto £5,000• Type of Funding: Grant• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Sunday 31st March 2013• Eligibility: Details Provided on Enquiry• Usefull Websites/Links:

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/adp/adp_innovation_vouchers.php• http://www.nwda.co.uk/working-with-us/supplying-nwda/current-

contracts/innovation-voucher-knowledge-p.aspx• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing.

This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information.

Import/ExportImport/Export

International Trade

Targeting Research and Development for Export

• Targeting Research and Development for Export• Engage with third parties to develop commercial opportunities

• Targeting Research and Development for Export• Finance Type: Business Expansion, Exporting, New Product g g p p pp

with third parties (for example specialist consultants, professional practices, universities, research establishments and manufacturers. Explore new markets for the business’ products and services based on existing and/or future R&D investments. Develop and implement a commercialisation and internationalisation strategy.

yp p , p g,Development,

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre• Amount: Up to £3,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013• About this Finance item:

E l k t f th b i ’ d t d i• Funding Proportion:• Each participating company will receive up to 18 hours of

specialist advice free of charge, and access to £3,000 matched funding to be used in the delivery of the agreed action plan.

• Timeframe:

• Explore new markets for the business’ products and services based on existing and/or future R&D investments. Develop and implement a commercialisation and internationalisation strategy.

•

• Run until March 2013• Eligibility:• Open to North West businesses which claim, or are eligible to

claim, HM Revenue & Customs R&D Tax Credits.• Funding: Up to £3,000• Type of Funding: Grant• Type of Funding: Grant• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Sunday 31st March 2013• Eligibility: Open to North West businesses which claim, or

are eligible to claim, HM Revenue & Customs R&D Tax Credits.

Export Enterprise Finance GuaranteeExport Enterprise Finance Guarantee

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, , Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Exporting,

S

• An ExEFG accredited lender may not necessarily offer certain types of facilities, or for certain purposes, if to do so would be incompatible with their normal export lending practices.

• Summary• The Export Enterprise Finance Guarantee (ExEFG) facilitates the

provision of commercial export finance facilities to viable small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which lack the security necessary to obtain such facilities. ExEFG is a self-financing scheme through which the lender is provided with a guarantee (of 60%) for which the borrower pays a premium (3% up front fee). All decisions on the use or otherwise of ExEFG rest with the participating lenders.

• There are a variety of types of loan facilities available:

p g p• Process:• Businesses seeking export finance that believe they may fit the

ExEFG eligibility criteria should approach one or more of the participating lenders. The following lenders have agreed to participate in the scheme initially: Barclays; HSBC; Lloyds TSB & Bank of Scotland; Royal Bank ofScotlandand NatWest; Santander.

• The lender will typically assess the business against their normal commercial lending criteria for instance with regard to the viability of h b i h bili i h f ili d h il bili f• There are a variety of types of loan facilities available:

• Trade Loans (including Letters of Credit, Export Collections, pre-export finance / import credit facilities, export invoice finance, investment term loans)

• Export Bonds, Guarantees & Indemnities • Other Contingent Liabilities (including FX hedging) • Any combination of the above via Trade Multi-Option Facility. • The purposes for which that finance may be utilised include:

the business, the ability to service the facility, and the availability of existing security, in order to determine whether they wish to lend.

• There is no automatic entitlement to receive a guaranteed loan and nor is there any pre-qualification process for it. Decision-making on individual facilities is fully delegated to participating lenders and integrated with the commercial decision to lend. BIS plays no role in the application or decision making process.

• Available from 28 April 2011. ExEFG will initially operate on a pilot basis and will be reviewed after six months ExEFG backed facilities• Working capital to fund the purchase of materials etc in order to

manufacture goods for sale internationally • Depositing of performance bonds and similar instruments in order to

satisfy requirements of an overseas customer • Exporting of overseas sourced good produced to the design /

specification of the business, even if those goods are shipped directly to a third country and do not originate from the UK or touch UK shores I ti f d f b t t f ll i l dd d

basis and will be reviewed after six months. ExEFG backed facilities are available for periods of less than two years, in increments of three months.

• Funding: ExEFG supports lending to viable SMEs, with an annual turnover of up to £25 million, seeking export finance facilities of between £25,001 and £1 million.

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Eligibility: It is available to businesses in all sectors ExEFG is used• Importing of goods for subsequent re-export following value added

activity by the business in the UK • Promotional and related activities focused on increasing exports,

such as an advertising campaign outside the UK, the establishment of a representative office outside the UK, or the appointment of an overseas agent; or the setting up of a distribution network overseas

• Eligibility: It is available to businesses in all sectors. ExEFG is used by lenders when addressing the export finance requirements of viable businesses which although they do not have sufficient security, can demonstrate to the lender that they have capacity to service and ultimately repay the facility in full.

• Useful Website(s): • Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of

publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough q p gCouncil is not responsible for the accuracy of external information

International TradeInternational Trade• Helping your Business Grow Internationally • Funding proportion:

• Much help is free. There are charges (at a • Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Exporting, • Summary• The product is designed to provide structured help

to prepare companies to start exporting, to improve company’s exporting capabilities and to help them

p g (subsidised rate) for some forms of help, notably from UKTI staff overseas.

• SMEs, inexperienced in trading internationally may be eligible for grant towards market research, overseas visits, participation in trade fairs etc.

company s exporting capabilities and to help them to enter new export markets.

• Help is tailored to individual company needs, provided by an experienced International Trade Adviser, and may include:

• Gaining the skills needed to trade internationally; • Learning how to conduct market research;

• http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/contactus.html

• Contact: 020 7215 8000• Minicom: 020 7215 2471• Helpline is open from 09:00to 17:00 Mon Fri• Learning how to conduct market research;

• Travelling to new markets and participate in trade fairs;

• Learning how to overcome cultural barriers to exporting;

• Receiving information, contacts and on the spot assistance to help companies win business in new

• Helpline is open from 09:00to 17:00, Mon-Fri• Where to find us• UKTI’s London HQ• 1 Victoria Street• London• SW1H 0EHassistance to help companies win business in new

overseas markets. SW1H 0EH

















• Tel: 0800 085 6088

Helping your Business Grow Internationally

• Helping your Business Grow Internationally• Finance Type: Business Expansion Exporting

• Funding proportion:• Much help is free. There are charges (at a subsidised rate) for yp p p g


• Amount: Much help is free. There are charges (at a subsidised rate) for some forms of help, notably from UKTI staff overseas.

p g ( )some forms of help, notably from UKTI staff overseas.

• SMEs, inexperienced in trading internationally may be eligible for grant towards market research, overseas visits, participation in trade fairs etc.

• Funding: Much help is free. There are charges (at a subsidised rate) for some forms of help, notably from UKTI

• Expiry date: Tuesday 31st March 2015

• Summary• The product is designed to provide structured help to prepare

) p, ystaff overseas.

• Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st March 2015

p g p p p pcompanies to start exporting, to improve company’s exporting capabilities and to help them to enter new export markets.

• Help is tailored to individual company needs, provided by an experienced International Trade Adviser, and may include:

• Gaining the skills needed to trade internationally;• Learning how to conduct market research;Learning how to conduct market research;• Travelling to new markets and participate in trade fairs;• Learning how to overcome cultural barriers to exporting;• Receiving information, contacts and on the spot assistance to

help companies win business in new overseas markets.

Business Growth Fund• Finance Type: Exporting• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: Investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013

S


• The BGF currently have offices in London Birmingham and• Summary• The Business Growth fund plc (BGF) is a new equity

investment company set up between the banks and the government. The purpose of the organisation is to make substantial equity investments into ambitious mid-cap British companies who are set to create the business success stories of the coming years



applications:of the coming years.• The aim of the BGF is to recognise businesses that have real

potential and the desire to succeed. Their ambition is to create the household business names and listed companies of tomorrow; businesses that are successful not only in the UK, but around the world.

• BGF’s mission: to help build the next generation of world



• Offer investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000 in return for an equity stake in the business and a seat on the Board• BGF s mission: to help build the next generation of world

class UK companies.• BGF will support talented management teams and business

leaders achieve their full potential by offering 3 ingredients for success: Substantial capital, Superb contacts; and Sound counsel.

• The BGF are interested in sectors of the economy that have



from financial services and real estate.The BGF are interested in sectors of the economy that have long-term and significant potential for growth, particularly: high-tech manufacturing, software and electronics, leisure and tourism, renewable energy and cleantech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial and business services, outsourcing, and digital businesses. However, they will support businesses with strong credentials in other sectors. Each company will be

• Useful Website: http://www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk/

• www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk+44 (0)845 266 [email protected] Growth Fund plc21 Palmer Street


LondonSW1H 0AD

HSBC £4 billion International SME Fund

• HSBC £4 billion International SME Fund• Finance Type: Exportingyp p g• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• Amount: • Expiry date: Monday 31st December 2012• About this Finance item:• HSBC have launched a £4 billion International SME Fund to

support customers and fuel overseas trade.• To find out how you can access the funding you’ll need to

speak to a HSBC Commercial Manager, who’ll discuss finance and borrowing options to help your business trade overseas. Support may include:

• Loans

• Working Capital

• Trade Finance• Trade Finance

• International Receivables Finance

• Call 0800 085 6088 or click here for more information.

Growing your business

Rosebud Business Development

• Rosebud Business Development• Finance Type: Business Expansion

• http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/lcdl/finance/business-development/yp p

• Coverage: Fylde & Wyre• Amount: • Expiry date: Tuesday 31st December 2013• About this Finance item:• Lancashire County Council’s Economic Development

C L hi C t D l t Ltd ff

• Click to read more...

• Useful Contact: 01772 536652 • e-mail us.

Company, Lancashire County Development Ltd offers a new package of business support and development services to facilitate business growth. Rosebud can invest in any good business idea but are particularly interested in applications from the following high growth business sectors.

• Aerospace;Ad d M f t i• Advanced Manufacturing;

• Creative and digital;• Low carbon and environmental;• Financial and professional.• A range of options are offered, providing help with:• Assisted chamber membership;Assisted chamber membership;• Appointment of Non Executive Directors and Mentors;• Specialist professional skills (e.g. finance, legal, marketing);• Introduction of New systems and processes to improve

performance.







































• Tel: 0800 085 6088

Enterprise Finance Guarantee

• Coverage: Blackpool Fylde & Wyre• Finance Type: Business Expansion

• The lender will typically assess the business against their normal commercial lending criteria for instance with regard to the viability of the business the ability to service the loan and

• Summary:• The aim of the scheme is to facilitate additional commercial

lending to viable UK based SMEs with no or insufficient security to obtain a normal commercial loan facility.

• The Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) facilitates additional bank lending to viable Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which lack the security to secure a normal commercial

the viability of the business, the ability to service the loan, and the availability of existing security, in order to determine whether they wish to lend. Where a lender determines that use of EFG likely to be appropriate, they confirm eligibility and record details of the borrower and their facility via a secure web portal through. However, there is no automatic entitlement to receive a guaranteed loan and nor is there any pre-qualification process for it. Decision-making on individual loans is fully delegated to participating lenders and integrated with(SMEs) which lack the security to secure a normal commercial

loan. The Government provides the lender with a guarantee for which the borrower pays a premium. Accredited lenders administer EFG and make all decisions on lending.

• There are a variety of types of loan facilities available:• - New term loans (unsecured)• - New term loans (partially secured)• Refinancing of existing term loans

is fully delegated to participating lenders and integrated with the commercial decision to lend. BIS plays no role in the application or decision making process.

• Funding: Loans available from £1,000 to £1 million for companies with a turnover of up to £25m.

• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st March 2015• Eligibility: Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which• - Refinancing of existing term loans

• - Conversion of part of all of an existing utilised overdraft• - Invoice Finance Guarantee (Available for terms up to 3

years)• - Overdraft Guarantee (Available for terms up to 2 years)• An EFG accredited lender may not necessarily offer all the

eligible types of facilities if to do so would be incompatible with their normal commercial lending practices

Eligibility: Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) which lack the security to secure a normal commercial loan.

• Useful Website(s): http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/enterprise-and-business-support/access-to-finance/enterprise-finance-guarantee

• www.berr.gov.uk/.../enterprise/enterprisesmes/...finance/.../page37607.html

• http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/gsdDetail?ittheir normal commercial lending practices.• The turnover of the company must be up to £25 million per

annum• Process:

p g g gemId=1081834978


Finance for Business

• Finance for Business• Finance Type: Capital Investment

• Funding proportion:• Provides loans of up to £250,000, equity investment of up to yp p


• Amount: Provides loans of up to £250,000, equity investment of up to £2,000,000

• Expiry date: Tuesday 31st March 2015S

p , , q y p£2,000,000 (two-thirds public supplemented by a minimum one third private investment) and mezzanine arrangements across the spectrum.

• Timeframe:• Depends on the VC and loan funds that the NWDA are

continuing and will transfer over to CfEL. NWDA currently hold • Summary:

• Summary• The provision of debt, equity and mezzanine support to SME’s

unable to raise finance on the commercial market but having viable business plans.

g yaccess channel details for the c. £450,000,000 of venture capital and loans funds that they support. The oversight management will transfer to CfEL as the NWDA closes.

• Funding: Provides loans of up to £250,000, equity investment of up to £2,000,000

• Type of Funding: Loan• Loan support is only available where interest rates are

charged above commercial rates (in line with State Aid rules and reflecting the higher risk which commercial lenders are unwilling to meet), where the borrower has been unable to raise finance from commercial lenders despite appropriate signposting and awareness raising (such as finance and i t t di t) d h th i i bl

yp g• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st March 2015• Eligibility: Funding is available to businesses with less than

250 employees and a turn-over of up to €50,000,000 or a balance sheet of up to €43,000,000(EU definition of a medium sized company)

• Useful Website:investment readiness support) and where there is a viable business plan.

• Funding is available to businesses with less than 250 employees and a turn-over of up to €50,000,000 or a balance sheet of up to €43,000,000 (EU definition of a medium sized company)

Useful Website: • http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/

• Capital for Enterprise Ltd. 1 Broadfield Close, Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S8 0XN Tel: 0114 206 2131


• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion
















• Useful Website(s): http://www.cdfa.org.uk/

Business Growth Fund• Finance Type: Exporting• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: Investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013

S


• The BGF currently have offices in London Birmingham and• Summary• The Business Growth fund plc (BGF) is a new equity

investment company set up between the banks and the government. The purpose of the organisation is to make substantial equity investments into ambitious mid-cap British companies who are set to create the business success stories of the coming years



applications:of the coming years.• The aim of the BGF is to recognise businesses that have real

potential and the desire to succeed. Their ambition is to create the household business names and listed companies of tomorrow; businesses that are successful not only in the UK, but around the world.

• BGF’s mission: to help build the next generation of world



• Offer investments of between £2,000,000 to £10,000,000 in return for an equity stake in the business and a seat on the Board• BGF s mission: to help build the next generation of world

class UK companies.• BGF will support talented management teams and business

leaders achieve their full potential by offering 3 ingredients for success: Substantial capital, Superb contacts; and Sound counsel.

• The BGF are interested in sectors of the economy that have



from financial services and real estate.The BGF are interested in sectors of the economy that have long-term and significant potential for growth, particularly: high-tech manufacturing, software and electronics, leisure and tourism, renewable energy and cleantech, healthcare and life sciences, industrial and business services, outsourcing, and digital businesses. However, they will support businesses with strong credentials in other sectors. Each company will be

• Useful Website: http://www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk/

• www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk+44 (0)845 266 [email protected] Growth Fund plc21 Palmer Street


LondonSW1H 0AD


• The Business Angel Co Investment FundFi T B i E i C it l

• http://www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk/portfolio• Finance Type: Business Expansion Capital

Investment• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Amount: The CoFund will look to provide

funding of between £50 000 and £1 000 000

io

• Capital for Enterprise Ltd. 1 Broadfield Close, Broadfield Business Park Sheffield, South Yorkshire S8 0XNfunding of between £50,000 and £1,000,000

in investment rounds ranging from £200,000 upwards into eligible SMEs.

• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013Summary:

South Yorkshire, S8 0XN

• Tel: 0114 206 2131

Summary: • The fund will make £50,000,000 available to

invest alongside Business Angel networks or syndicates into eligible SMEs. The fund will operate by investing alongside and on the same terms as Syndicates. The fund will not be open to approaches from individual businesses. Businesses seeking investment should first look for an investment SyndicateSyndicate.

Manufacturing Advisory Service(MAS)(MAS)

• Coverage: Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, P dl P i L hi P t Ribbl

• Funding Proportion:• Information and basic advice; events and training

Pendle, Pennine Lancashire, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre,

• Finance Type: Business Expansion, Mentoring, New Product Development, Technology

• MAS give structured support to manufacturing companies to increase productivity and

; gprogrammes; problem analysis in the form of a ‘Manufacturing Review’ are generally free. Access to longer term assistance is offered to manufacturers at a very competitive market rate. SMEs can receive support at a discounted rate.

• Funding: T f F di S icompanies to increase productivity and

competitiveness. MAS offer a range of productivity improvement activities including:

• Lane thinking • Value stream and process mapping • 5 S and 6 Sigma

T b ildi

• Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st

March 2015• Eligibility: Details Provided on Enquiry• Useful Website(s): http://www.mas.bis.gov.uk

• Team building • Improving layouts and space utilisation • Reducing WIP • Improving quality and delivery • Materials and production innovation. • MA’s offers a range of events and training

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of • MA s offers a range of events and training

programmes; problem analysis and access longer term assistance in the form of a specific improvement project support.

p yexternal information

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with Lancaster University

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with Lancaster University

• KTPs help businesses to:• • access highly qualified people to spearhead new projects

• Finance Type: Business Expansion Technology Training and Development

• Coverage: Blackpool Fylde& Wyre• KTPs are a UK-wide programme to encourage business / knowledge

base (University) collaborations, helping businesses and organisations to improve their competitiveness and / or productivity through the use of the knowledge, technology and skills that reside

• • access experts who can help take your business forward• • develop innovative solutions to help your business grow• • develop your company for today’s market• • increase your competitive advantage• • improve your performance / business operations• • increase profitability• Key criteria: The Technology Strategy Board wishes to focus its funding t oug t e use o t e o edge, tec o ogy a d s s t at es de

within academic institutions, and at the same time, increasing the business relevance of knowledge base research and teaching. KTPs are 12-36 months in duration.

• KTPs are funded by Government organisations led by the Technology Strategy Board. KTPs form a 3-way partnership between a company (‘company partner’), an academic (‘knowledge base partner’), and a graduate (‘associate’). They enable collaborative

primarily on supporting SMEs and third sector organisations across theUK, and particularly those which show high growth potential. Participation in KTP by large companies (and organisations) will be conditional upon them demonstrating how they propose to draw in and facilitate the involvement of supply chain companies and SMEs.

• Eligible expenditure: The application process is a two-part process. Firstly an outline proposal is written; this process is managed by Research and Enterprise Services with input required from both the academic and partner ), and a graduate ( associate ). They enable collaborative

activity with innovative businesses that require access to skills and expertise to help their companies to develop, often by improving their competitive position and benefit theUKeconomy.

• Typically a problem of strategic importance is defined by a company and following discussions with an academic with relevant expertise a project is defined for delivery from the academic’s department via a graduate (associate) This associate is based full time in the

p p qcompany. A Regional Adviser seeks approval to proceed and sponsorship from one of the main sponsors (TSB, EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, etc). If approved a full proposal document can be submitted for approval at a national meeting, leading to an offer letter or requests for amendments / clarifications. It should be expected that from application to approval the process will take three months before recruitment of the associate can begin.

• Application procedure: There is a standard amount of funding allocated to each KTP budget which covers the associate(s) employment costsgraduate (associate). This associate is based full time in the

company and receives supervision from both the academic and from a designated company supervisor. The academic supervisor should spend 0.5 days a week exclusively on the project (or 1 day / two weeks or 2 days / month).

•

each KTP budget, which covers the associate(s) employment costs, academic and secretarial support, training, travel and some equipment and consumables. The company contributes a percentage of the budget depending on its size (33% for SMEs (<250 Employees and <£25m TO PA) and 50% for larger organisations (>250 Employees or >£25m TO PA), with the balance coming from the Technology Strategy Board or Sponsors such as EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, DEFRA etc.

• Funding: The cost model below shows an example budget and annual costs for a KTP for both a Large Company and an SME using a Senior Academicfor a KTP for both a Large Company and an SME, using a Senior Academic as the Academic Supervisor. Click to read more...

•

Networking for Innovationg

• Networking for Innovation• Finance Type: Business Expansion, New Product

• https://connect.innovateuk.org/web/guest/homeyp p ,

Development, Research and Development, • Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Amount: • Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:

N t k f I ti b i t th l f• Networks for Innovation bring together people from businesses, universities, and research, finance and technology organisations to stimulate innovation through knowledge transfer.

• Click to read more...•

Coaching For Growth

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Mentoring,

• develop strategies to commercially exploit IP and innovation yp p , g,

New Business Start Up, • Coaching for Growth is aimed at both established

SMEs with the potential to increase employment or turnover by 20 per cent or more each year for three years; and new start ups with the potential to achieve turnover of £1m within three years of starting to trade or have at least 10 employees

• Fast track access to trusted sources of specialist advice and support such as the Technology Strategy Board and UKTI

• Access to business and knowledge networks • Funding:• There is no funding available.starting to trade or have at least 10 employees

within three years.• Coaching for Growth offers:• Coaching of senior management teams to develop

and implement growth strategies and develop leadership and management skills

• Tailored specialist help to develop a successful

g• Timeframe: • Business Coaching for Growth, to be launched in

January 2012, is a new programme to help up to 10,000 high growth businesses a year to address barriers to growth and grow more rapidly.

• The Procurement process for Business Coaching • Tailored, specialist help to develop a successful investment pitch

• Facilitated introductions to potential investors • Access to high quality facilities by partnering with

leading business incubators, science parks and Technology Innovation Centres Ad ice on ho to identif and protect intellect al

e ocu e e p ocess o us ess Coac gfor Growth has started, and BIS are currently engaging with short-listed bidders on the most effective means of delivering the service.

• Funding: • Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: n/a• Advice on how to identify and protect intellectual

property and copyright andProject Timeframe Expiry Date: n/a

• Eligibility: ERDF eligibility rules apply• Useful Website(s):

http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/economic-development/leps/lep-toolbox/helping-smes/coaching

Business Finance North West• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital


t h f l t fyp p , p















• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate p y• A range of loans are provided to suit all business



Job Centre Plus Partnership Working

• Job Centre Plus Partnership Working• Finance Type: Business Expansion

• You will be able to agree a tailored package which might include any of the following:yp p

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre• Amount: • Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:• Working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus means that your

b i ill t ff l d l h t t

• a number of Work Trial opportunities• joining forces with Jobcentre Plus and its partners to develop

pre-employment training and offer opportunities for people who complete it

• new ways to help people take up a job in your business, eg offering flexible working patterns

business will agree to offer unemployed people who want to work the opportunity to get a job and progress their career, subject to their performance. In return, Jobcentre Plus will link you to a pool of potential recruits who are eager to work and have the core skills you need.

• Your business will also benefit from better access to practical support to enable you to prepare your new recruits for their

g g p• giving your current employees the chance to represent your

business and mentor people who want to return to work• reviewing your recruitment processes to ensure that they don’t

unnecessarily exclude anyone• Once your business gives the go ahead, you will work with

your named contact to get the plan implemented You can thensupport to enable you to prepare your new recruits for their new role. Employers who work in partnership have found that they save both time and money.

• Once you have agreed to work in partnership with Jobcentre Plus, you will receive a named contact to work with you to gain a strong understanding of your business, recruitment and training needs

your named contact to get the plan implemented. You can then start to access the pool of candidates and build your workforce.

• To find out more about how the scheme operates in Pennine Lancashire, contact the Group Partnership Manager for the North West via [email protected]

training needs.• Tel: 07795 224 513.
















Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with Lancaster University

• Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with Lancaster University

• • access experts who can help take your business forward• • develop innovative solutions to help your business grow

• Finance Type: Business Expansion Technology Training and Development

• Coverage: Blackpool Fylde& Wyre• KTPs are a UK-wide programme to encourage business / knowledge

base (University) collaborations, helping businesses and organisations to improve their competitiveness and / or productivity through the use of the knowledge, technology and skills that reside

• • develop your company for today’s market• • increase your competitive advantage• • improve your performance / business operations• • increase profitability• Key criteria: The Technology Strategy Board wishes to focus its funding

primarily on supporting SMEs and third sector organisations across the UK, and particularly those which show high growth potential. Participation in KTP by large companies (and organisations) will be conditional upon themt oug t e use o t e o edge, tec o ogy a d s s t at es de

within academic institutions, and at the same time, increasing the business relevance of knowledge base research and teaching. KTPs are 12-36 months in duration.

• KTPs are funded by Government organisations led by the Technology Strategy Board. KTPs form a 3-way partnership between a company (‘company partner’), an academic (‘knowledge base partner’), and a graduate (‘associate’). They enable collaborative

by large companies (and organisations) will be conditional upon them demonstrating how they propose to draw in and facilitate the involvement of supply chain companies and SMEs.

• Eligible expenditure: The application process is a two-part process. Firstly an outline proposal is written; this process is managed by Research and Enterprise Services with input required from both the academic and company. A Regional Adviser seeks approval to proceed and sponsorship from one of the main sponsors (TSB, EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, etc). If

d f ll l d b b i d f lpartner ), and a graduate ( associate ). They enable collaborative activity with innovative businesses that require access to skills and expertise to help their companies to develop, often by improving their competitive position and benefit the UK economy.

• Typically a problem of strategic importance is defined by a company and following discussions with an academic with relevant expertise a project is defined for delivery from the academic’s department via a graduate (associate) This associate is based full time in the

approved a full proposal document can be submitted for approval at a national meeting, leading to an offer letter or requests for amendments / clarifications. It should be expected that from application to approval the process will take three months before recruitment of the associate can begin.

• Application procedure: There is a standard amount of funding allocated to each KTP budget, which covers the associate(s) employment costs, academic and secretarial support, training, travel and some equipment and consumables. The company contributes a percentage of the budget graduate (associate). This associate is based full time in the

company and receives supervision from both the academic and from a designated company supervisor. The academic supervisor should spend 0.5 days a week exclusively on the project (or 1 day / two weeks or 2 days / month).

• KTPs help businesses to:• • access highly qualified people to spearhead new projects

depending on its size (33% for SMEs (<250 Employees and <£25m TO PA) and 50% for larger organisations (>250 Employees or >£25m TO PA), with the balance coming from the Technology Strategy Board or Sponsors such as EPSRC, ESRC, AHRC, DEFRA etc.

• Funding: The cost model below shows an example budget and annual costs for a KTP for both a Large Company and an SME, using a Senior Academic as the Academic Supervisor. Click to read more: http://www unitewithbusiness co uk/http://www.unitewithbusiness.co.uk/

Think Food & Drink

Finance Type: Business Expansion Research and Development Training and Development

• Think Food & Drink will help North West food and drink manufacturers to:

• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre• Summary• A FREE business support programme for North West Food

and Drink manufacturers offered by Enterprise4all.• - Marketing for Ethnic and Indigenous Markets

- Marketing Utilising Social Media

• • Explore & identify opportunities in lucrative new markets• Market themselves more effectively for growth• Develop new skills & awareness• Identify & look to overcome commercial barriers• Examine technical challenges• Use the supply chain more effectively, and

U d t d th i t d t i k & t ti l dMarketing Utilising Social Media- Finance Tools and Finance Planning for your Growth- Managing Effective Credit Control- Accessing Supply Chains and Targeting Retailers- Understanding the Market Opportunities

• What is the Think Food & Drink programme?• • A free business support programme for North West Food and

• Understand the associated costs, risks & potential rewards

• For further information contact Rosemina Mohamed on 01254 693 999 A free business support programme for North West Food and

Drink manufacturers offered by Enterprise4all.• A must for any food and drink business looking to move into indigenous or ethnic markets and increase their market share.

• How does my business benefit?• • Diagnostics – determining your business needs.

• One-to-one support tailored to your business

Email: [email protected]• A total of 5 half day workshops are available to support Food &

Drink businesses in the North West: Marketing for Ethnic and Indigenous Markets, Marketing Utilising Social Media, Finance Tools and Finance Planning for your Growth, Managing Effective Credit Control, Accessing Supply Chains and One to one support tailored to your business.

• Skills development opportunities for key staff in your business.• Business workshops – covering a range of leading business topics.

• Think Food & Drink will help North West food and drink manufacturers to:

Targeting Retailers, Understanding the Market Opportunities.• Visit www.enterprise4all.co.uk/workshops.html

And the entire programme is absolutely FREE!

Rosebud Micro

• Rosebud Micro• Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital Investment, Plant

• Applicants must demonstrate an ambition to grow beyond a lifestyle business to increase their chances of securing a loan yp p , p ,

and Equipment, Property Improvement, • Coverage: Wyre• Amount: Up to £10,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013• About this Finance item: Managed by Lancashire County

Council’s Economic Development Company Lancashire

and those also supported by the banks will be considered favourably.

• Process:

• Applications can be completed online at www.lancashire.gov.uk/rosebudCouncil s Economic Development Company Lancashire

County Development Ltd, Rosebud micro offers loans from £2,000 to £10,000 to new or small businesses with growth potential operating in Lancashire.

• Funding:• Rosebud provides flexible loans which can be tailored to

business needs at very competitive rates and terms Loans

g

• or return the completed form to Sue Roberts at Lancashire County Development Ltd, County Hall, PO Box 78, PRESTON PR1 8XJ.

• http://www lancashire gov uk/corporate/lcdl/finance/micro/indebusiness needs at very competitive rates and terms. Loans arrangements will differ depending on the size of the loan and other factors, but typical terms are an interest rate of 4% above the Royal Bank of Scotland base rate, a set up fee of 2.5%, repayable over 5 years, with no penalty for early repayment and 100% of the funding requirements will be considered under certain circumstances. Credit issues must

• http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/lcdl/finance/micro/index.asp

• 0845 053 0000 • email: [email protected]

be disclosed otherwise applications will be rejected.

H&SH&S• Workplace health & safety• Standards explained on the British Standards p

Institution website - Opens in a new window• Health and safety made simple• What you need to do about health and safety• Write a health and safety policy for your

business• Decide who will help with your health and safetyDecide who will help with your health and safety

duties• Managing the risks in your business• Consult your employees on health and safety• Provide training and information• What workplace facilities do you need to

provide?provide?• First aid, accidents and ill health• Getting insurance• Specialised health and safety information• Protecting your business• Managing the welfare of peopleManaging the welfare of people• Safer ways of working• Workplace health & safety - site map

Health and SafetyE iExecutive

• This site is for employers and th h t b i • Popular topicsthose who want some basic information on what they must do to make sure their businesses comply with health and safety law.

• Popular topics• COSHH• Manual handling• PPE

• In general, the laws apply to all businesses, no matter how small. As an employer, or a self-employed person, you are

PPE• Workplace health and safety

complaints• Gas safetyy y

responsible for health and safety in your business. You need to take the right precautions to reduce the risks of workplace dangers and

• Enforcing health and safety• RIDDOR• Construction

Ri k tp g

provide a safe working environment.

• http://www.hse.gov.uk/

• Risk assessment

IT & E-CommerceIT & E Commerce

Energy EfficiencyEnergy Efficiency

Environment























Business Finance North West• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde, Wyre, • Finance Type: Energy Efficiency, Environmental


t h f l t fyp gy y,

• Summary• Business Finance Northwest is the finance arm




• As the loan is unsecured, there are no legal charges taken over business assets or property

• They specialise in providing finance for business start-ups and for growing businesses looking todevelop to the next level, or simply looking to stabilise their situation.



• Type of Funding: Loan• Project Timeframe Expiry Date: n/a• They offer a flexible approach to lending, although it

is a prerequisite when applying that you have been declined initially by your bank, or other primary source of finance, either in part or fully.

• A range of loans are provided to suit all business



• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate g ptypes and sectors, and for most purposes, including working capital, machinery purchase, marketing, cash flow etc.


Feed in Tariffs

• Feed in Tariffs• Finance Type: Energy Efficiency Environmental Renewable

• http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/• For free, independent and local energy-saving advice, call yp gy y

Technologies Technology• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre• Amount: Up to 41.3p/kWh in income can be obtained,

depending on the type and size of the system used to generate renewable energy. Plus a minimum of an additional 3p/kWh when you export any surplus back to the grid. Larger

, p gy g ,us on

• 0800 512 012• or email us using this form

E S i T t E l d 21 D t th St tp y p y p g g

systems (over 30kWp) may be of interest to energy companies wishing to 'buy' surplus electricity through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Through PPAs, prices nearer to market values are paid for exported electricity.

• Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:

• Energy Saving Trust England, 21 Dartmouth Street, London, SW1H 9BP

• Tel: 020 7222 0101• Fax: 020 7654 2444

• The tariffs are payments to anyone who owns a renewable electricity system, for every kilowatt hour they generate. They are applicable to households, businesses and, indeed, virtually any property owner.

• These tariffs should cover the initial capital cost of installation and, according to the Government, earn a return up to 8% p.a. , g , p pIn practice that means you should earn back the capital cost at least two to three times over the duration of the tariffs.

• Tariffs became payable in April 2010. All qualifying systems installed now are eligible. Tariffs are paid for 20 years, except solar systems which qualify for 25 years. Tariffs are index-linked to RPI.

Energy Efficiency Financing Scheme

• Energy Efficiency Financing Scheme• Finance Type: Energy Efficiency, Environmental

• A full list of eligible costs is provided below:

Building Technologies Industrial Process Technologiesyp gy y,• Coverage: Blackpool Fylde & Wyre• Amount: Min £1000 with no upper limits. Equipment that has

already been installed cannot be funded retrospectively.• Expiry date: Tuesday 1st April 2014• About this Finance item:

F di f UK b i t i t i t ff ti

• Building Technologies Industrial Process Technologies Heating and Cooling Motors & Compressed air fittings Heating controls Materials handling equipment Building insulation Power factor correction Heat recovery Process heating Lighting Process controls Pipe insulation Refrigeration Renewable Energy Systems Variable speed drives Installation can be covered, however this would be dependent on the

• Funding for UK businesses to invest in cost effective energy efficiency equipment and other low carbon technologies, such as new efficient lighting and biomass heating. The scheme is designed to provide flexible financing options to all types of organisations seeking to lower their energy costs and make their operations more efficient. Funding for UK businesses to invest in cost effective energy efficiency equipment and other

, pproportion of installation to equipment and the finance product:

• the installation is to be carried out by a third party organisation that has provided a written quotation for the work; and

• the estimated carbon savings resulting from the project exceedinvest in cost effective energy efficiency equipment and other low carbon technologies, such as new efficient lighting and biomass heating. The scheme is designed to provide flexible financing options to all types of organisations seeking to lower their energy costs and make their operations more efficient.

• Energy Efficiency Financing can fund a wide variety of costs. Projects that may qualify include building technologies, such

• the estimated carbon savings resulting from the project exceed the carbon-saving threshold associated with the total cost of the equipment plus installation.

• http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/Pages/Default.aspx• The Carbon Trust Customer Centre• The customer centre offers expert advice on saving

bl d th l b ij y q y g g ,

as pipe insulation and air conditioning, or industrial process technologies, including compressed air, refrigeration or specialist production equipment. The financing may also be used to fund combined projects, such as replacing heating and lighting.

energy, renewable energy and other low carbon issues.Telephone: 0800 085 2005 Email: Use our contact form to send us your comments and questions or email us.

• Opening hours: 8 30am-5 30pm Monday to FridayOpening hours: 8.30am 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Improving Your Resource Efficiency

• Improving Your Resource Efficiency• Finance Type: Energy Efficiency Environmental

• The scheme can support any SME but are particularly interested in supporting companies from the following yp gy y

• Coverage: Blackpool Fylde & Wyre• Amount: N/A• Expiry date: Saturday 31st March 2012• About this Finance item: ERDF Rules Apply• Groundwork Pennine Lancashire can advise on a range of key

i t l i ff ti b i i l di

business sectors:• Aerospace• Chemical• Textile• Haulage & Transport• Food & Drinkenvironmental issues affecting businesses, including

environmental management, climate change and resource efficiency.

• Summary• Lancashire SMEs not part of a group can access free

• Food & Drink• Groundwork Pennine Lancashire can advise on a range of key

environmental issues affecting businesses, including environmental management, climate change and resource efficiency. They also provide:

• Resource efficiency tools, guides, case studies and adviceO it tenvironmental consultancy that aims to help organisations

identify cost savings and reduce their environmental impact. The Northwest Regional Development Agency is providing £6,400,000 – along with another £3,500,000 from the European Regional Development Fund – to extend the ENWORKS programme until December 2012.G d k P i L hi h b d d th

• On-site support;• Specialist advice on specific resource efficiency topics • Environmental Monitoring Services including:

Compressed air leak detection Environmental noise Thermal imaging• Groundwork Pennine Lancashire has been awarded the

contract to deliver free consultancy to businesses in the Lancashire area.

Thermal imaging Energy consumption monitoringhttp://www.enworks.com/General enquiries:Tel: 0161 237 4181Email: [email protected]

Green Infrastructures – ERDF Funded• Green Infrastructures – ERDF Funded• Finance Type: Energy Efficiency Environmental Renewable

Technologies Training and Development • Coverage: Blackpool Fylde & Wyre• Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:

• Meet the Buyer and Networking Events • As part of the ‘Northwest Sustainable Retrofit Network’ the

project will be running regular networking and meet the buyer style events, to ensure that the whole retrofit supply chain is joined up, ensuring that architects/ specifiers and installers are aware of the latest technologies being developed in the region About this Finance item:

• “Green Infrastructures” is a project supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), to provide dedicated business support to the Northwest’s SMEs within the Low Carbon Economic Goods and Services supply chain, specifically targeting those regional SMEs looking to develop, deploy and install latest retrofit technologies.

g g p gand technology developers are aware of the problems faced by home owners in making properties more energy efficient.

• How to get involved• If you satisfy the following criteria, you maybe eligible for

funding towards the support:• You have offices in the Northwest

• The project allows regional SMEs to access a range of services which includes:

• New Product Development• Testing of new and existing products• Product and materials Analyses• Product Visualisation

You have offices in the Northwest• You have been trading more than 12months• You employ less that 250 staff• No other companies own more than quarter of your

businesses• The company’s Balance Sheet is less than €43m (£27M)

• Product Visualisation• Access to Northwest Sustainable Retrofit Network• The project is able to offer a range of business support

opportunities to Northwest based SMEs including: -

• Product Visualisation and 3D Animations

• The Company’s Annual Turnover is less than €50m (£31.6M)• To find out more information or to discuss your specific

requirements, please view the contacts page.• Steve Waterworth – Energy Hub Manager• [email protected]• +44 (0)161 295 6347

• The team have significant experience in the development of 3D virtual models and animations to showcase latest products, solutions and technologies aimed at improving the energy efficiency of existing properties.

44 (0)161 295 6347• +44(0)7973 535 287• Richard Fitton – Energy House Manager• [email protected]• +44 (0)161 295 6804• Gary Bateman – Business Development Manager • [email protected]• +44 (0)161 295 4406

Groundwork Pennine Lancashire – Design, Build and Maintenance

• Groundwork Pennine Lancashire – Design, Build and Maintenance

• Footpaths and cycle routes• Walling

• Finance Type: Energy Efficiency, Environmental, • Coverage: Blackpool• Groundwork’s landscape team deliver a wide array of

services, from design to implementation and grounds maintenance, helping to improve local areas and the quality of life enjoyed by those who live and work in them.

g• Drainage• Signage / artwork• Fencing• Tree and shrub planting and maintenance• Seeding / turf laying / grass cuttingj y y

• The team can plan, design, build and manage landscapes and external spaces, and provide innovative and well-designed environments that are fit for purpose, attractive and sustainable. Groundwork can work with staff and the wider community to design new landscaping, incorporating new security measures or greening neglected and unsightly

• Herbicide application – including knotweed removal• Environmental Warden Services – patrolling and maintaining

neighbourhoods, rural areas and business parks

• http://www.gwpl.co.uk/• Groundwork Pennine Lancashire (headquarters)

grounds. They promote the use of recycled and reclaimed materials in our projects and seek to ensure our suppliers meet our environmental standards.

• Groundwork’s landscape maintenance work spans a variety of different areas including:

• General hard and soft landscaping

Groundwork Pennine Lancashire (headquarters)The Environment CentreNova Scotia Wharf193 Bolton RoadBlackburnLancashire BB2 3GE

• Tel: 01254 265163• Play equipment installation and associated landscaping Fax: 01254 692835

Available Land and PropertyAvailable Land and Property• Available Land and Property

A il bl L d & P (Li k ) /j /• Available Land & Property (Links page) agents/jenny/estates –contact numbers

• Relocation Support to Businesses• Business Parks (Metroploitan business Park/ Blackpool BusinessBusiness Parks (Metroploitan business Park/ Blackpool Business

Park/ Tecnology Business Park/ Clifton Rd/Cornforth Road/Brinwell Business Park - Maps -

• Blackpool Creative Centres – FYC/ 81 Central / Enterprise CentreE l ti• Evolutive

Employment Support for E lEmployers

Positive Steps into WorkPositive Steps into Work• Positive Steps into Work • LOGO required

• A free, bespoke recruitment service to help you match the right candidates to the right jobq

•• Coverage: Blackpool, Wyre, Fylde• Finance Type• Summary• Blackpool Council’s employment support team,

‘Positive Steps into Work’ is working in

• A free, pre-selection service to ensure that only suitable candidates are put forward for interview to save you time and money

• A free In Work Support service for employees to Positive Steps into Work is working in partnership with A4e to deliver the governments new Work Programme across the Fylde Coast. The new programme offers up to 2 years individualised support to help people move from benefits into paid employment. A key feature of the new programme is that support d ’ j i di id l k

pp p yhelp them stay on track at work

• A new Work Experience Programme where you can offer an unpaid work placement for up to 8 weeks to offer unemployed individuals the skills to get back to work and to support your business needs

doesn’t just stop once individuals access work; the support continues to ensure that people new to work can continue to access valuable support in the workplace.

• After working alongside local Blackpool businesses for the past four years offering a free bespoke recruitment service Positive Steps

• For further information click here to visit our Positive Steps page.

• Process:

• Funding: free bespoke recruitment service, Positive Steps are now expanding their range of services and are able to offer recruitment support to local employer’s right across the Fylde Coast.

• Support for employers includes:

g• Type of Funding: • Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: 2016??• Eligibility: • Useful Website(s):

Future Horizon Apprentice @ Your Business

• Future Horizon Apprentice @ Your Business• Finance Type: Recruitment and Employment, Training and yp p y , g

Development• Coverage: Fylde & Wyre• Amount: Up to £3,000• Expiry date: Sunday 31st March 2013• About this Finance item:

• Funded by Lancashire County Council’s economic Development Company, Future Horizons Apprentice @ Your Business provides support to small to medium enterprises (SME’s) or Social Enterprises within Lancashire in recruiting Apprentices.

Support for your business from Job Centre Plus

• Support for your business from Job Centre Plus• Finance Type: Recruitment and Employmentyp p y• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• Amount: Free• Expiry date: n/a• About this Finance item:

• Work Experience: lack of work experience can be a real barrier for young people.You could help by offering a young person the chance to gain valuable experience in a working environment. You don’t need to have a vacancy to be able to offer a placement between 2 and 8 weeks.

Free business training for young lemployees

• Coverage: Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, P dl P i L hi P t Ribbl

• not be taking part in any other government funded training or learning programme (e.g. apprentices, NVQ t d t t )Pendle, Pennine Lancashire, Preston, Ribble

Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre,

• Finance Type: Training and Development, • Summary:• Do you employ young people between 16 and

18 ? Ch b B i T i i h d

NVQ students etc). • Itinerary• Courses typically run from 09:00 to 17:00. Lunch

and refreshments will be provided and free car parking is available to all delegates.

• Funding: Free18 years? Chamber Business Training has secured a limited amount of funding to offer two days of FREE business training for young people who live or work in Lancashire.

• Delivered by professional training consultants these courses will significantly enhance young people’s skills Choose from a selection of courses including

• Type of Funding: Service• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: Tuesday 31st

March 2015• Eligibility: As above• Useful Website(s):

www.regeneratepl.co.uk/business.../free-skills. Choose from a selection of courses including CIPS Level 2 Certificate in Purchasing & Supply, Transform Your Junior Workforce, Introduction to Working/Business Etiquette. Presenting Masterclass, SIA License Training.

• Eligible candidates must;• be aged between 16-18 years;

ege e atep co u /bus ess / eebusiness-training-for-young-employees

• Disclaimer: The information above was accurate at the time of publishing. This is a constantly evolving directory and we will amend the detailsbe aged between 16 18 years;

• work at least 16 hours per week and have a contract of employment;

• live or work in Lancashire

evolving directory and we will amend the details as and when required. Blackpool Borough Council is not responsible for the accuracy of external information

•

National Insurance Contributions (NIC) Holiday

• National Insurance Contributions (NIC) Holiday• Finance Type: Recruitment and Employmentyp p y• Coverage: Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre

• Amount: Upto £5,000• Expiry date: Thursday 5th September 2013• About this Finance item:• New businesses may qualify for a deduction of up to £5,000

from the employer NICs that would normally be due – for each of the first ten employees they take on.

Other Business Support A iAgencies

• Other Business Support AgenciesBl k l & F ld C ll• Blackpool & Fylde College

• Business Link• East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce• Groundwork Pennine Lancashire• Job Centre+• Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL)• Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS)• Sector Specific Business Support• Sector Specific Business Support• University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)• UK Trade & Investment• Blackpool Job Centre• Careers Information and Advice• Employment Training• Apprentices

Other Council DepartmentsOther Council Departments• Other Council Departments

B ildi C l• Building Control• Business Rates• Environmental Health• Licensing• Licensing• Planning• Trading Standards• TransportTransport• Estates• Neighbourhood Services

• Fylde Coast Creative (FYC) • Coverage: Blackpool • Finance Type:• Finance Type: • Summary: • Funding: • Type of Funding: Legi• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: 2011/12

• Coverage: Blackpool

S

• Type of Funding: Legi• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: 2011/12

Eli ibilit F t Vi it t l ti th t• Summary: • Wireless Blackpool network is currently a FREE service whilst

you are in selected areas within the town centre, courtesy of BlackpoolUnlimited.com

• If you have a WiFi device you can access any of the following local sites free of charge if you are in one of the selected hot spot zones in the town centre:

• Visit Blackpool Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool Live

• Eligibility: Free to Visitors at locations across the town Click here

• Useful Links/Websites: http://www.blackpool.gov.uk/wirelessnetwork/default.aspx

• Leaflet: http://www.blackpoolunlimited.com/getDocument.aspx?id=32071

• Visit Blackpool, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Live, Stay Blackpool, Blackpool BID and Blackpool Borough Council.

• In addition, there is a full internet service for anyone who has been given a Wireless Blackpool voucher. These vouchers are now available from a selection of town centre Click here to see which Blackpool businesses are currently offering the Wireless Blackpool service.

• This service will enable visitors to the town centre to access the Internet FREE of charge as they enjoy a meal or beverage. Watch out for businesses displaying the Wireless Blackpool logo.

• Wireless Blackpool will also be available at Various Blackpool conferences and events - simply look out for the marked WiFi area to collect your FREE voucher.

• Using a WiFi enabled laptop or mobile device simply connect• Using a WiFi enabled laptop or mobile device simply connect to Blackpool's Wireless network to gain instant access to many free sites such as VisitBlackpool and Blackpool Live.

• Summary: • Coverage: Blackpool

• Eligibility:

• Useful Links/Websites• Contact Number

• Summary: • Coverage: Blackpool Wyre, Fylde, Chorley, Leyland, Prestony ,

• Eligibility:• Useful Links/Websites• Useful Links/Websites

• Chamber of commerce• Coverage: Blackpool Wyre, Fylde,

Chorley Leyland PrestonChorley, Leyland, Preston

• Eligibility:• Useful Links/Websites

• Coverage: Blackpool • Finance Type: Town Heritage Initiative Grant• Summary:

• Several of the buildings and structures in the conservation area are listed as a result of their individual merit. The townscape character of much of the area is formed by the group value of • Summary:

• The purpose of the Blackpool Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) is to encourage the economic revitalisation of the historic centre of the town through a programme of conservation led regeneration projects. The scheme is jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Single Regeneration Budget and Blackpool Council and is administered by the Council. Funding has been agreed to support projects for a period of three years starting from April 2006.

y g p• the many smaller late nineteenth century properties which front the

streets to the eastern side of the Conservation Area. These blocks of two and three storey late nineteenth century properties, with shops at ground floor and the characteristic Blackpool box bay windows, form the character of Clifton Street, Talbot Road, Abingdon Street and Cedar Square.

•A significant length of the seafront, including North Pier, the War Memorial and the Grand Hotel Metropole is located within the Townsuppo t p ojects o a pe od o t ee yea s sta t g o p 006

•Grants will be available for schemes that preserve and enhance the character of the Town Centre Conservation Area through the repair and conservation of buildings, reinstatement of lost architectural features, bringing back into use vacant historic floor space and the enhancement of public spaces.

•The THI represents a key partnership initiative in the Council’s resort

ti t t Th t ib ti i i ti d th i

Memorial and the Grand Hotel Metropole is located within the Town Centre Conservation Area. Most of the historic buildings close to the seafront are architecturally imposing and include the Clifton Hotel, Yates’s Wine Lodge (the former Public Library) and Blackpool Town Hall. These buildings have been located to frame Talbot Square, once the Town’s most important civic space.

•Over the years, many small changes to individual buildings and a lack of private investment have led to the loss of much of this special

regeneration strategy. The contribution, imagination and enthusiasm of local businesses and property owners will be vital in maximising the potential of the THI to lift the areas trading potential. Together, the THI Partnership will enliven this historic area, making it more attractive for shoppers, businesses, visitors and residents alike.

•Talbot Square is the civic centre of Blackpool and includes many of the buildings necessary for the proper civic and commercial functioning of a town, including the Town Hall, the former Public

p pcharacter. The main retail area of the town has shifted further South to Bank Hey street and the Hounds Hill shopping area, leaving the traditional retail streets within the Conservation Area to smaller businesses, not always able to afford to repair and maintain traditional buildings.

•The Blackpool Town Centre Townscape Heritage Initiative seeks to restore some of this lost character through grant funding the repair and restoration of period properties The Heritage Lottery Fund hasg , g ,

Library, Market, main Post Office, former Theatre and Banks. It also includes once grand hotels and the Winter Gardens one of the largest Victorian entertainment centres in the UK. Talbot Square was declared a Conservation Area on 25th January 1984 in recognition of the character of the area and the important role it has played in the development of the town and the Conservation Area was renamed as the Town Centre Conservation area when it was extended in 2005/6.

•

and restoration of period properties. The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £1 million matched by a further £1 million from the Council and £300k from the Blackpool Challenge Partnership

• Funding: • Type of Funding: • Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: 2011/12• Eligibility:• Useful Links/Websites

Business Improvement District

• Business Improvement District• Coverage: Blackpool Town Centre

• Type of Funding: Rates Levy (Non Domestic)• Project Timeframe - Expiry Date: On-Goingg p

• Summary:

• The BID [Business Improvement District] is a partnership of all town centre businesses and organisations working for the improvement of

Project Timeframe Expiry Date: On Going 2015+

• Eligibility: Town Centre Businesses • Useful Links/Websites:

organisations working for the improvement of business and the environment for the benefit of all. There are currently over 500 businesses contributing to Blackpool’s BID.

The BID is funded in whole or in part by a levy additional to the non-domestic rates and the amount payable is a percentage of the rateable value of apayable is a percentage of the rateable value of a property in the rating list. In August 2010, the BID successfully re-balloted its members and received approval for another 5 year period. The percentage levy throughout the lifetime of this second BID will remain at 1%.

Eileen Ormand was appointed as the Town Centre and BID manager in March 2009. Her key priority being to work in partnership with Blackpool Council and all local organisations; playing a key role in the co-ordination of new and existing projects to deliver solutions that are right for Blackpool’s town centre businesses.businesses.

Glossary & Terms - Useful Links b Sby Sector

• USEFUL ORGANISATIONS & AGENCIES • FOR START UP BUSINESSES • Mentoring

• Grant Information

www.j4b.co.uk• Mentoring • Business Link Northwest

www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest• North West Business Access

www.businessaccess.ac.uk• North West Development Agency

j

• Accounting• Institute of Chartered Accountants

www.icaew.co.uk

www.nwda.co.uk• Business Ideas/ Copyright/Patents• Entrepreneurs• Entrepreneur Exchange

www.furnessenterprise.co.uk/exchange• Business Planning

F i Li it d C• Forming a Limited Company

www.companieshouse.gov.uk• Social Enterprises • Start Up

www.orvia.co.uk• Banking

Ll d TSB• Lloyds TSB • Hsbc Bank• Halifax• Yorkshire Bank• Santander Bank• Barclays Bank Plc • National Westminster

Useful LinksUseful Links• www.businesslink.gov.uk

Fylde Coast NetworksFylde Coast Networks

• BBLG • Insider• Wyred Up• North Fylde

• FMB (Fylde Means Business)y

Business Forum• ICT Cluster• FYC Creatives

Industry• Your Blackpool• Your Blackpool

Business Events

Key Sites?

• FYC

Key Sites?

FYC• 81 Central• B&F CollegeB&F College• Nautical college• UCLAN• UCLAN

Documents

Business Support Directory