Having access to impartial help and support is vital for businesses which are facing potential growth 鈥渞oadblocks鈥 like skills shortages, the energy crisis and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. After all, a vibrant economy is no less than Bath - which has world-leading research facilities and cutting edge products and services - deserves.
And providing that support to companies - from the smallest start-up to the medium-sized company with expansion plans, to the biggest employer - is right at the heart of everything does.
The business and skills team is trained to engage with companies and provide easy-to-access information that companies taking their next steps require. Its website, , has a raft of support on hand to help inspire and support new entrepreneurs, and to help business managers take a fresh, objective look at their business.
Keep up to date with new support available for businesses - including new grant funding schemes from both Government and other providers by signing up to its and by checking out its . The team also supports residents who are looking to move into work, or progress in their careers, with a range of packages including dedicated careers coaching.
鈥淲e want businesses to know we are here to support them and almost all of our services are completely free,鈥 said business and skills team principal enterprise officer, Rob Dawson. 鈥淲e see ourselves as the voice of business within the authority. We supported businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring people got the grants and help they needed. Now we are starting to push out cost of living crisis support. We will run workshops to help businesses with issues like cash flow management, and are promoting the grants and other support schemes that are available but, perhaps, not all businesses are aware of."
Achieve in B&NES
Ensuring the region鈥檚 workforce has the skills required by employers is a key part of the team鈥檚 mission. provides a job and course search service for anybody wishing to enter the workplace or progress their career. There are several free and funded courses from local providers on offer, too.
The future's Bright
Funded by the West of England Combined Authority, the team works hand-in-glove with, which offers free careers coaching, training and support to help residents move forwards with their careers.
Participants are assigned a coach, who works with them on issues that may be hindering their growth, from confidence to practicalities.
鈥淚f they haven鈥檛 got what they need to make that next step in their career, the coach will work with them,鈥 said Rob. 鈥淭hey will either look at how they can progress in their current career or if they want to change career or move to self employment. It can have a real transformative effect.鈥
The scheme also includes a small budget per participant, which can, for example, be used towards a season ticket for work etc.
Rob said: 鈥淭he coach will either look at how they can progress in their current career or if they want to change career or move to self employment. It can have a really transformative effect on these people.鈥
One person who has seen the benefits of the scheme is Dan. He said: "I have received support that is unique to my situation. to help me flourish in the way I know I can."
- To find out more Bath and North East Somerset Council鈥檚 business
BathLive Business Awards 2022
Bath and North East Somerset Council is a proud sponsor of this year鈥檚 , which celebrate the achievements and resilience of the local business community.
The event, which was not held in recent years due to Covid-19, is set to take place on Thursday, September 29, at Bath Pavilion.
Rob said: 鈥淚t is fantastic to celebrate success and, especially at these times, it is important for us to have the business community come together, network and build new contacts. We are really proud to be supporting the awards, and celebrating the successes of our local businesses.鈥
