Over the next two weeks, for Fiver Fest, we will be focusing on showing how spending just £5 can have huge economic benefits as well as supporting local businesses.

We will be sharing the 'Fiver' offers of our independent businesses and giving some great ideas. Like why not try grabbing a coffee and a cake from one of our independent cafes 

If you would like to take part in Fiver Fest and would like to access free materials to share on social media and in your shop windows get in touch with us via our email: business@harborough.gov.uk

Leicestershire Innovation Week is just around the corner! From Monday 21 - Friday 25 June register for a number events exploring various aspects of innovation big and small. This week will be a collaboration between education, business partners and local authorities, so do not miss out!

Then on Wednesday 23 June, join us and "Meet the Innovators" for our event run by Harborough Innovation Centre. The business people who have adapted, been dynamic in their field, created solutions in how they do business and realised innovative visions.

The culture of Harborough Innovation Centre is to take ambitious small businesses with great ideas and vision and encourage them to grow, innovate and expand within the vibrant business scope in Harborough District. You can find out more about how you can be apart of this business community here

Come along and be inspired to incorporate innovation into your business strategy and understand how it can impact on your business' growth.

Take a look below at some of the businesses that will be joining us...

The Business Gateway Growth Hub is giving 100 local companies the chance to use a brand-new digital platform, called Zellar, to monitor and reduce their carbon emissions in a pioneering green initiative.

Zellar enables a business to identify its carbon impact and then provides a plan to reduce it, such as finding more sustainable energy providers.

Business Gateway Growth Hub is looking for companies with a commitment to carbon reduction, from all sectors across Leicester and Leicestershire, to take part in the Zellar pilot. This will be completely free of charge.

Click the link below for more information on the initiative and how to apply.

Phase 2 of the Green BELLE Growth Grant is now open. Green BELLE gives grants of up to £10,000 to support SMEs in Leicester and Leicestershire to install low carbon measures and increase energy efficiency. Green BELLE is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  

Find out more about eligibility and how you can take steps towards a more energy efficient business via the link below.

This scheme will enable businesses who have started repaying their Bounce Back Loans to:

• request an extension of their loan term to 10 years from 6 years, at the same fixed interest rate of 2.5% 
• reduce their monthly repayments for six months by paying interest only. This option is available up to 3 times during the term of the Bounce Back Loan
• take a repayment holiday for up to six months. This option is available once during the term of their Bounce Back Loan

Borrowers can use these options individually or in combination with each other.

You can find out more about the scheme and also view case studies via the link below

Hospitality businesses across Harborough district are re-opening to welcome back customers indoors at their venues, but are required to follow stringent Government rules to ensure they are Covid-19 secure.

Businesses of all sizes have adapted to re-open safely, taking on-board advice from the Council's Environmental Health team, in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
During the coronavirus pandemic, unannounced spot-checks have been undertaken to review that all types of businesses are adhering to Government policies to keep both staff, and customers safe. These include measures such as adapting premises for social distancing, the wearing of face coverings, additional hand sanitiser stations, NHS Trace and Track QR codes and adequate ventilation.

The compliance rates for businesses across Harborough district are very encouraging.
Nearly 1,000 premises in Harborough district have received spot checks, or some contact from the Council's environmental health team in relation to Covid. The majority of business owners having already completed due diligence to meet the Government guidelines. Where some venues were asked by council officers to make small changes, the responses were largely positive and understanding. Just 6% of venues have required follow up visit from an enforcement officer which shows just how hard businesses are working to keep us all safe.
 
Danny Gill, owner of Karter's Café in Lutterworth said "It's been a challenging period for hospitality and we are delighted to be able to let our community inside again. We have had to adapt to survive and it's been reassuring to have the help and support of the EHO (Environmental Health Officers) team. We've had to re-configure our Café on many occasions as the pandemic progressed in and out of lockdown. The EHO team have always been accessible and even visited us to find solutions. The guidance has always been clear, concise and prompt. This partnership has been a great example of us working in tandem to ultimately keep our customers safe. We've been able to trade safely and legally with confidence!"