Happy New Year


We're back with a Zoom discussion event on Wednesday the 13th of January 2021, 10.00 - 11.00.

Tell us some of the plus points you found during 2020 - new opportunities, new ways of working, new contacts, saving time and money etc. 
There is plenty to learn from last year and let's not forget about Brexit!
Keeley & Millie (NYCC) will tell us about the "Kickstart Scheme" and we'll have some useful insight into how to operate after Brexit.
We can take this forward into 2021!

To book your place click HERE

Could your business use a bit of R&R?

 
If you've exhausted Plan A and Plan B in your business this year and you're ready to move on to plan C, D and E (and beyond!)  then you're in the right place. 
 
Business R&R helps you develop a more resilient mindset and helps you feel more confident in the business decisions you're making. 
 
Digital Hype helps you to build a powerful online sales and marketing funnel for your business to help you generate more sales. 
 
These courses are fully funded for eligible businesses in Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. Read full details about the courses below, eligibility criteria for a funded palace and how to register your interest in the training.

For more information please contact: Kathryn Clarke <kathryn.clarke@enterprisemadesimple.co.uk> 
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We run an online networking event twice a month, it's free to attend with an optional donation to charity. You'd be very welcome to join us, you'll find more info on the event page HERE.

Course dates as of 03 Jan 21  
1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work 11 Jan 21 Richmond
1 Day Health and Safety in construction (CSCS) 18 Jan 21 Richmond
3 Day First Aid at Work Mon’s 25 Jan 1 & 8 Feb 21 Richmond Feb
1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work 17 Feb 21 Richmond
1 Day Health and Safety in construction (CSCS) 24 Feb 21 Richmond March
2 day Paediatric First Aid (Ofsted recs Covered) Mon’s 15 & 22 March 21 Richmond
2 Day First Aid at Work Requal 31 March & 1 April 21 Richmond April
1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work 5 April 21 Richmond
1 Day Emergency First Aid at Work 7 April 21 Ferryhill
1 Day H&S in construction (CSCS) 8 April 21 Ferryhill
2 day Paediatric First Aid (Ofsted recommendations Covered) 12 & 19 April 21 Richmond May
3 Day First Aid at Work & Paeds Combined Mon’s 10, 17 & 24 May 21 Richmond
3 Day First Aid at Work & Paeds Combined Mon’s 12, 13 & 14 May 21 Scarborough
 

PURPLE CREATIVE STUDIO NEWS
We just wanted to drop you a message to let you know we're back in the office and normal opening hours apply as of Monday the 4th of January.
If you need a hand with giving your website a refresh for this shiny New Year now upon us, or you want 2021 to be the year your business stands out on social media then we'd love to help. We have lots planned for this year and we'd love you to be a part of it!

Typically, we find businesses get frustrated by the lack of customer feedback they receive, concerned when a good enquiry fails to convert into business, or feel anxious when they read the online reviews.  
As a valued contact, I want to make you aware of our quick and easy survey system to track customer feedback, throughout the customer journey. It will: 

• Create instant customer and team feedback
• Boost your online reviews
• Benchmark against your competitors, to gain an advantage
• Provide local support from your Customer Experience Specialist

The feedback system is personalised to your own firm and works through email notifications and QR codes.

If you would like to know more, further information can be found via our video animation and dedicated webpage.
VIDEO - CLICK HERE

We will change your online review ratings and generate new business

We are offering a trial of instant insight for £50 a month for 3 months.

There is no commitment to keeping the system, but I would expect you to become addicted to it and continue to use it beyond the trial period. 

What happens next? 

If this is of interest to you, or an important contact you may know, I would be delighted to arrange a date and time to answer any questions and provide a virtual demo. 

 

Best wishes and stay safe,

 4, Trinity Church Square, Richmond DL10 4HY

Click the logo for website & online orders

Kickstart – Funding gateway now open!
Richmondshire District Council are now an intermediary for The Kickstart scheme. If your business is looking to fill a vacancy then please complete the expression of interest form. The Kickstart scheme is for those aged 16-24, claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Funding is available for each six month job placement and will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus the associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. For more information visit our Kickstart scheme page. 

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Free training extended for businesses in Richmondshire to boost skills
 
Following the successful upskilling of employees at hundreds of businesses in York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, the Skills Support for the Workforce (SSW) programme has secured a further £1.2m of funding to support employers to empower their staff and turn their business growth plans into reality.
 
The 50% increase in the contract means businesses and their employees in Richmondshire can take advantage of free skills training until 2023. Read more....
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Please find below details of a number of support programmes the Department for International Trade have announced. 

Internationalisation Fund- Now Open!
The Department for International Trade’s Internationalisation Fund (funded by the European Regional Development Fund) is now available for eligible Yorkshire and the Humber businesses. More information here  DIT Internationalisation Fund | Enterprise Growth Solutions

Export Academy
There are nine workshops scheduled to take place in January/February 2021. Aimed at new-to-exporting businesses, the Export Academy is designed to increase confidence and knowledge in small businesses looking to develop their international sales for the first time. Businesses can register to attend up to nine workshops on a number of key exporting topics, including international market research, customs procedures, Incoterms and more. Register here 

Selling online Overseas Accelerator Programme
This is a five-week programme available to businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber, free of charge and an invaluable opportunity to learn from e-Commerce industry experts and receive real-time answers to your questions. Businesses can choose from up to 25 virtual sessions to attend, delivered by industry experts in the areas of website set up, internationalisation, marketplace listing, marketing and fulfilment. Register here 

Members can post items about their business and comment on the RBN FACEBOOK page - just click on the logo
On FACEBOOK, the username @RichmondBizNet has been created for Richmondshire Business Network.
It's now easier for you to find your RBN page in search. You can also visit your Page at fb.me/RichmondBizNet and send your Page messages at m.me/RichmondBizNet.

KICKSTART SCHEME

The Kickstart Scheme provides fully funded 6 month work placements (25hpw) to young people 16-24 year old in receipt of Universal Credit.  Businesses are being encouraged to support young people by hosting these placements.  Businesses with 30 or more placements can apply directly but if they can’t commit to this they can apply via a Kickstart Gateway organisation.
 
North Yorkshire County Council is applying to Kickstart as a Gateway organisation and we would be keen to support local businesses to apply via NYCC.  We have set up a dedicated information website and Expression of Interest Form, including Frequently Asked Questions, available http://www.nyresourcing.co.uk/northyorkshirekickstart/
 
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me, details below.  Equally if you have any forthcoming business network meetings with local businesses and would like me to attend to share further info I would be happy to do so.
 
Kind regards
Keeley Metcalfe
Resourcing Solutions Business Partner
Tel: 01609 532584
Mobile: 07980725053
 
Email: keeley.metcalfe@northyorks.gov.uk
Resourcing Solutions - Professional resourcing specialists with a track record of effectively sourcing talent using innovative approaches.
 
Resourcing Solutions
North Yorkshire County Council,
County Hall, Northallerton DL7 8AE
Email: ResourcingSolutions@northyorks.gov.uk
Web: www.nyresourcing.co.uk

 

A message from our friend David M. Brown, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at Northumbria University:

Interested in some free leadership training?

You have no doubt heard about the Small Business Leadership Programme, which is funded through the government via the Small Business Charter.

It aims to build managers’ and directors’ leadership skills so that their firms are more resilient and able to survive and thrive post-lockdown.

For more information please email David: david.m.brown@northumbria.ac.uk

The course is eight weeks in duration, it consists of a 90 minute group webinar and a 30 minute peer group Teams meeting per week, and a modicum of paperwork (feedback form).

Contents include Vision/Mission/Brand, Innovation, Employee Engagement, Leadership, etc.

Eligibility criteria:

• England-based SMEs;
• 5-249 employees;
• Trading at least 1yr;
• Delegate has some decision-making responsibility;
• Delegate has at least one line of management;
• One or two delegates allowed per organisation;
• Delegates must commit to the entire programme – may only miss one webinar.

Dr David M Brown
PhD, BA(Hons), PGCE, PG HEP, DipM, SFHEA, MAM
Senior Lecturer in Marketing
Leader of the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) Programme

Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Room 209, CCE1, New Bridge Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK

We have been asked to circulate this link which will have the most up to date Government information on for all business support.  
http://bit.ly/2TXegwO

RT@richmond_today

We print 10,000 copies which go to homes and businesses across Richmondshire. If any members who don’t already advertise are interested in finding out more, I’d love to have chat with them. All RBN members get a discount off advertising with us. My email is joe@richmondshiretoday.co.uk and phone number is 07535 474897.
 

Kind regards,
Joe

RICHMOND SCHOOL

Legacies to Dave Clark, a keen sportsman and lover of the great outdoors

Students and staff at Richmond School and Sixth Form College have honoured Dave Clark, their much loved and greatly missed Deputy Headteacher, with two legacies. A Scots pine tree has been planted in the grounds of the school, creating a sense of Mr Clark keeping a watchful eye over everyone, whilst also acknowledging his Scottish roots. In recognition of the enormous contribution that Mr Clark made to sport at Richmond School and in the community, the newly-built 3G sports pitch has been named the Dave Clark Arena.

Read more......

For details of some great promotional opportunties for RBN members contact John Harding at GYR (click on logo) or email info@rbnetwork.co.uk

New directory of RBN Members
Click on the logo to see a directory of the RBN members.

Membership bank details
To pay your membership fees by BACS use: Account number 06780726 & sort code 090129

This year’s Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association’s  (ORBTA) Loyalty Card promotion has attracted more entries than usual. The draw has now taken place to find the winners of the eighteen prizes, given by ORBTA member businesses and there are some very happy winners! Read more...


 

We are working closely with our friends in the ORBTA
Marcia McLuckie
Chair, Original Richmond Business and Tourism Association
www.originalrichmond.co.uk
01748 825525 / 07740 927 608