The University of Nottingham's Energy Innovation and Collaboration team can deliver funded support to businesses in Leicestershire, Derbyshire, or Nottinghamshire.

This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and offers:

• Specialist consultancy from world-class academics
• Events and workshops
• Student placements and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
• A capital grant for business growth
• Access to outstanding facilities and expertise

The capital grant is available to apply for now for projects that improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions or who are implementing sustainable energy technologies.

Project requirements

• The minimum cost of the project must be no less than £2,500
• The maximum cost of the project must be no more than £24,999
• Businesses must be classified as an SME in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire or Leicestershire
• Closing date for applications; Friday 25 November 2022

Monday 31 October to Friday 4 November 2022 is International Trade Week, showcasing a brand-new series of events designed to help businesses of all shapes and sizes maximise their global potential.

Take a look and find informative events including: 

• Export Academy LIVE!
• Green Trade and Investment Expo
• Growing your Agri-Tech Business – Does your business have what it takes to take flight?
• DIT Education Day
• DHL Global Trade Webinar on trading with Canada
• The Export Shed: Leveraging the benefits of the Japan Free Trade Agreement
• Exporting - hassle or high income?

The Leicester Business Festival is back from 7-18 November 2022 with over 80 free events in the programme. They range across different sectors and vary in type, size and themes.

Check out the full calendar of events here and the Harborough District event below. 

Innovation Masterclass - Helping your business grow, profit and be sustainable
Is your business looking to grow through innovation and development of products and services? Don't miss this free Innovation Masterclass on Thursday 17 November, 10am - 1pm at Harborough Innovation Centre to gain insights into the following areas through a masterclass which will be utlising engaging content, case studies and ongoing one-to-one support*:

• Business model dynamics
• Sustainable business
• Sales and forecasting
• Utilising Earth observation data

*This is for qualifying businesses

This event will provide businesses with the opportunity to bring in resources from the expertise within the University of Leicester's School of Business and Innovation Hub teams. This will enable your business to develop new and existing products, services and processes reaching new markets, doing this profitably and sustainably. We will be showcasing funding opportunities to support projects that are developing innovative ideas, research and development including skills and knowledge that helps your business respond to the market and remain competitive.

Members of the School’s Business Team and University’s Career Development Team will be on hand to discuss additional opportunities such as Help to Grow, internships and placements.

There will be an opportunity during lunch and refreshments to network and discuss new ideas (whilst keeping information confidential where relevant).

Whether you have an amazing idea, have spotted a gap in the market or have taken a break from your business and are now ready to re-start trading with some fresh ideas, NBV can help you get things off the ground.

The Starting in Business Programme gives you everything you need to know to get your business up and running. Our training course is aimed at people who would benefit from in-depth knowledge on how to become self-employed or start their own small business. This course covers all the skills that you’ll need to start and manage a successful small business.

The three day course is coming to the Harborough District on Monday 31 October, Tuesday 1 November and Monday 7 November, (9am - 3:30pm each day) at the Harborough Innovation Centre.

Over the course of the programme, we will cover:

• Knowledge, skills, and characteristics needed by business owners.
• Creating and developing a sustainable business.
• Marketing your business
• Your legal responsibilities as a business owner
• Overview of all types of business taxes and how they will affect you
• Understanding how the tax system in the UK works.
• Record keeping and business banking requirements.
• How to price your product or service.
• Importance of cash flow forecasting in any business.
• The dos and don'ts for putting any plan together

Following the successful return of comedy in 2022, the BIG weekend is set to offer laughs, fun and lots of comedy acts at different venues across the district. The Council is calling on venues, individuals, community groups, businesses, schools, and budding comedians to get in touch so a programme of events can be created for all comedic tastes. Support, advice and marketing will be provided for anyone who has not been involved before.

Whilst the overall Leicester Comedy Festival takes place throughout February, the Harborough BIG Weekend will run from Thursday 16 February to Monday 20 February 2023.

Anyone wishing to get involved, or requiring further information, should contact Gail Bates, Market and Events Manager by emailing harboroughmarket@harborough.gov.uk

The closing date for responses is Monday 31 October 2022.

Midlands Connect have launched a survey regarding reconnecting the Coventry to Leicester and Nottingham rail line. The aim of the survey is to make the case for funding.

There is currently no direct train available between Coventry and Leicester or Nottingham. This rail improvement would connect the three cities, significantly reducing journey times, and allowing for a more frequent service.

The VASL Community Champions project works with lonely older people who live alone in Harborough District and they are looking for volunteers who will make contact each week. Most people visit at home, but some meet in cafes or make regular phone calls. It is an opportunity to get to know someone and to encourage them to re-engage with the local community if that is possible.

People really appreciate having someone that they can talk to about their anxieties without bothering the family, particularly if they live at a distance.

Training is provided when you start and the staff team will match you with someone that you share interests with and provide any support that you need. Some volunteers visit in their lunch hour or after work - they can work around your commitments. It is a very simple thing to do, to sit down with somebody and listen to them for an hour but it really makes a difference. Could your business support staff members to do this as part of your Corporate Social Responsibility and commitment to your local community?

You can find out more below or via email: champions@vasl.org.uk or calling 01858 439262.