News
The Business Gateway growth hub connects businesses to many different providers of business support services. Below is a selection of case studies for business that we have supported with our business support partners.
News
£46 Million in Grants to Help Farmers Boost Productivity and Profitability
29 May 2025The government is providing £46.7 million in grants through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025, designed specifically to help small and medium-sized farming businesses invest in modern equipment and technology. This fund supports farmers in upgrading machinery and...
UK–India Trade Deal: What SMEs Need to Know
27 May 2025India is fast becoming a priority market for UK trade—and that’s great news for Leicester SMEs. With deep cultural and commercial ties to India, our region is well-placed to take advantage of upcoming tariff cuts and service sector cooperation....
UK–US Trade Deal: What SMEs Need to Know
25 May 2025For SMEs across Leicester and Leicestershire, the latest UK–US trade agreement—though not a full free trade deal—offers fresh opportunities. With modest tariff reductions and stronger cooperation in key industries, SMEs in engineering, professional services, and manufacturing can expect smoother...
UK-EU Trade Deal: What SMEs Need to Know
23 May 2025The UK–EU ‘reset’ agreement is a relief for many Leicester SMEs exporting to Europe. After years of post-Brexit complexity, this new deal promises simpler customs procedures and fewer delays, especially crucial for firms in food, drink, and logistics. Key...
Help Shape a Healthier, More Inclusive Workplace – Share Your Insights Today
15 May 2025As a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), your experience is vital to improving how we support employees with health conditions and disabilities in the workplace. The Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield for the UK Government,...
May is National Walking Month — Here’s Why Every Business Owner Should Step Outside
9 May 2025Running a small business means constantly multitasking and facing an endless list of responsibilities. But there’s one simple habit that can make a surprising difference in your day-to-day performance: taking a walk. Here’s why lacing up your shoes might...
Cybersecurity for SMEs: Why Now Is the Time to Act
7 May 2025High-profile cyberattacks across the UK have once again highlighted a serious issue: many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are leaving themselves exposed. Despite growing digital threats, cybersecurity is often overlooked by businesses with limited resources or in-house expertise. Yet...
Inclusive Hiring: Better for People, Better for Business
2 May 2025A Free Event Supporting Inclusive Recruitment Thursday 29 May | 8:45am – 12:15pm | City Hall, 115 Charles St. Looking to build a stronger, more diverse workforce? Join us for a morning of insight, connection, and opportunity at INCLUSIVE...
Unlocking the Potential of Veterans and Reservists: Join a Free SME-Focused Workshop
28 April 2025The University of Leicester School of Business invites small and medium-sized enterprises across the East Midlands to a free workshop on Veterans’ and Reservists’ Employment, taking place on 7 May, 11:00–15:00. 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e2yGdcbn Whether or not your...
Why Health & Safety Matters—Especially for New Staff
21 April 2025For small and medium-sized businesses, workplace safety can sometimes slip down the priority list—but it shouldn’t. New and young workers are particularly at risk, often due to lack of experience, confidence, or understanding of risks. The First Few Weeks...
Preventing Shoplifting: Practical Tips for SMEs
17 April 2025Shoplifting is a persistent challenge for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), directly impacting profitability and staff morale. Fortunately, there are simple, effective steps you can take to deter crime and protect your business. 1. Make Your Premises Less...
New Growth Guarantee Scheme: A Boost for SMEs in an Evolving Economy
14 April 2025The UK government has launched the Growth Guarantee Scheme to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigating an uncertain economic landscape. Replacing the Recovery Loan Scheme, this initiative is designed to unlock vital funding for growth, innovation, and resilience....
Simplified Recycling Rules for Workplaces: What SMEs Need to Know
9 April 2025New rules on how workplaces in England sort their recycling and waste have now come into force, ending confusion over what goes where and enabling consistent, more streamlined collections. From Monday 31 March, workplaces with 10 or more employees...
Tackle Workplace Stress: Five Steps in Five Weeks for SMEs
8 April 2025April marks Stress Awareness Month — a perfect time for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to prioritise employee wellbeing. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a helpful “Five Steps in Five Weeks” campaign, giving businesses simple,...
Leicestershire SMEs: Share Your Views on US Tariffs
7 April 2025The UK Government is asking businesses across Leicester and Leicestershire, especially SMEs, to share their experiences of US tariffs on British exports. Local industries such as textiles, food and drink, plastics, and engineering could all be affected. The Department...
Supporting Parents in Your SME: Navigating Neonatal Care Leave and Pay
3 April 2025As a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) business owner, understanding and implementing neonatal care leave and pay policies is an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to supporting your employees during challenging times. With the new UK legislation effective from...
£100,000 of Business Prosperity Grant Fund Launched for 2025/26
24 March 2025Hinckley and Bosworth Council have launched the Business Prosperity Grant scheme worth £100,000 of capital funding. The scheme is open to all eligible businesses throughout Hinckley and Bosworth including the urban areas Hinckley and Burbage. There are a range...
Rural England Prosperity Fund launched for 2025/26
21 March 2025Rural businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for capital only grants to help them boost productivity, improve community buildings, improve accessibility to tourist attractions and green open spaces that support our local communities and businesses. The scheme...
Why Neurodiversity Matters for Small Businesses
17 March 2025Embracing Neurodiversity: How Small Businesses Can Foster Inclusive Workplaces Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 17–23, 2025) is a global initiative that highlights the strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals. For small businesses, embracing neurodiversity isn’t just about inclusion—it’s about unlocking...
Improved guidance for self-employed workers
17 March 2025The Health and Safety Executive has redesigned its webpages for self-employed workers to make it easier for them to understand when health and safety law applies and to find the guidance they need. If you are self-employed, health and...
Why SMEs Must Share Their Voice on Access to Finance
14 March 2025Access to finance remains a critical challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK. The UK Government has launched a Call for Evidence to better understand these challenges and improve financial access for small businesses. This is...
Free webinar training-Grow your business with the UK Export Academy
5 March 2025The UK Export Academy are pleased to announce a brand new-series of webinars called Fuel your Business Growth, which are devoted to helping UK businesses get the knowledge and advice they need to supercharge their business’ growth. This series...
What Businesses Need to Know About Employment Allowance
4 March 2025What is Employment Allowance? Employment Allowance (EA) is a government scheme that enables eligible businesses to reduce their annual Employer’s National Insurance (NI) bill by up to £5,000. This relief is designed to ease employment costs, particularly for small...
Registrations open for Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2025
28 February 2025The week-long festival launches at the National Space Centre on Monday 31 March. A number of events will then take place, both online and in person, at venues across Leicester and Leicestershire. Phoebe Dawson, Director of Business and Skills,...
Government Invests £120M to Support Businesses Transitioning to Electric Vehicles
27 February 2025The UK government has announced a £120 million investment to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) among businesses, logistics providers, and taxi operators. This funding extension is part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions, lower operational costs,...
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Business intelligence survey 2025
25 February 2025Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is keen to hear from local businesses to gather valuable feedback and enhance its support. Your input will help the council understand local business conditions ‘on the ground’ and assess how best to provide...
Free Mental Health Support for Businesses across Leicestershire
11 February 2025In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on mental health support in the workplace. A happier workforce is generally more productive, but it’s important to recognise that employees do not exist in isolation. They have families, including...
Data Protection Day: Protecting Your Business and Your Customers
24 January 202528th of January marks Data Protection Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about the importance of data privacy and security. For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), navigating the complex landscape of data protection regulations can seem daunting. However,...
VOA to Provide greater transparency on business rates valuations
3 January 2025The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has announced plans to enhance transparency in business rates valuations, aiming to assist small business owners in understanding their property assessments. Key Updates: By 2026: will have access to more tailored information about their...
UK Government Launches Consultation on Copyright Laws for Creative Industries and AI Developers
18 December 2024The UK government has launched a public consultation to clarify copyright laws in response to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on creative industries. This initiative aims to ensure a balanced approach, protecting the rights...
The New Fair Payment Code: Supporting Small Businesses
4 December 2024Late payments are a major obstacle for small businesses, with 15% of SMEs citing cash flow challenges due to delayed payments in 2023. To tackle this, the UK government has introduced the Fair Payment Code, a transformative initiative aimed...
Beware of Scams as the Self-Assessment Deadline Approaches
27 November 2024With the self-assessment tax deadline on 31 January fast approaching, businesses and self-employed individuals must remain vigilant against a rising wave of scams targeting taxpayers. Fraudsters often take advantage of the urgency and stress of tax filing season, posing...
New Funding To Transform Cyber Training In The East Midlands
18 November 2024A ground breaking project to close the cyber skills gap and create a resilient workforce to protect businesses and communities against online threats has won Government funding. CyberSprint: Fast Track to the Future, will redefine how cyber security training...
Winter-Proof Your Small Business: A Practical Guide for UK Entrepreneurs
18 November 2024As winter approaches, UK small businesses face unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to shifts in consumer behaviour. Preparing your business for the colder months ensures smooth operations and continued success. Here’s how you can winter-proof your business: 1. Review...
Green Skills Update, Leicester & Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership November 2024
14 November 2024LinkedIn data suggests that demand for green skills is set to double but there are significant skills gaps which could be viewed as impediments. The Green Skills Update, Leicester & Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership November 2024 is a...
International Fraud Awareness Week: A Call to Action for Businesses
14 November 2024International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23) highlights the hidden dangers of fraud, affecting businesses, individuals, and communities. Its goal is to raise awareness, promote prevention, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability. This week serves as a vital...
LLBSP Hosts Successful Industrial Strategy Consultation Event
7 November 2024LLBSP Hosts Successful Industrial Strategy Consultation Event at the 2024 Leicester Business Festival. On Tuesday, 5th November, the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP) hosted a interactive Industrial Strategy Consultation event at Leicester Space City, as part...
Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability and Environmental Management reopens in Leicestershire
4 November 2024The popular Skills Bootcamp designed to help people find rewarding jobs in the emerging green economy has reopened to individuals who live or work in Leicestershire. As well as supporting job seekers, the course assists those already in work...
Understanding Menopause: Embracing Menopause Awareness Day and Supporting Women in the Workplace
15 October 2024Menopause is a natural biological process that impacts half of the global population, yet it is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. In the UK alone, there are 3.5 million working women aged 50 and older, meaning it’s likely...
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide for Businesses on World Mental Health Day
3 October 2024Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day brings attention to the importance of mental health awareness and support. In today’s fast-paced work environment, the mental wellbeing of employees is more crucial than ever. Businesses that prioritise mental...
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month: Protect Your Business with Essential Tips
1 October 2024As we mark Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, it’s the perfect time to evaluate and strengthen your business’s online defences. Cyber threats continue to grow, and for small businesses, the risk of a data breach or attack can...
Office for Life Sciences R+I Workforce Survey
20 September 2024The Office for Life Sciences (OLS), a collaborative unit between the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is sharing its latest bulletin through our networks. Our contacts at the...
Forging connections between businesses and young people
17 September 2024As businesses evolve and new career opportunities emerge, it’s more important than ever to forge connections between businesses and the young people who will shape the future workforce. There are many ways for you or your employees to get...
Regional Skills Bootcamps Employer consultation now open
16 September 2024Do you have skills or recruitment gaps? The Skills Bootcamps programme is a crucial way to support Leicester and Leicestershire’s employers, economy, and labour market, offering flexible, free, or low-cost short, flexible courses in the skills employers need, giving people...
East Midlands Create Growth now open to businesses for Cohort 5
11 September 2024Applications are now open for the fifth and final cohort of the £1.2 million support programme for creative businesses in the East Midlands, set to begin on October 16th. Companies are invited to apply for the Create Growth programme,...
Free Strategic Business Advice for Farmers & Land Managers
6 September 2024Farmers and land managers in need of strategic business guidance can now benefit from a new initiative funded by the Defra Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF). DJM Consulting (DJMC) are offering up to two days of free, one-on-one strategic...
Investment Ready Workshop: Raising Funding for High-Growth SMEs
19 August 2024When and Where Date: 15 October 2024 Start & End Time: 9am – 1pm Location: Barclays Eagle Labs Address: The Innovation Centre, 49 Oxford Street, Leicester, LE1 5XY Register your interest here. Are you a startup or small business...
Business Networks Survey on behalf of the Local Resilience Forum
19 August 2024Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) are multi-agency partnerships made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, the Environment Agency and others. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic...
British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme
9 August 2024The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme announced it has passed a major milestone of £150 million worth of loans delivered in the Midlands region. Over 6,000 loans to entrepreneurs within the East Midlands have been provided. A...
Unlocking the Future: How the UK Government’s AI Upskilling Fund is Empowering the Workforce
8 August 2024In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping the job market, the UK government is taking decisive steps to ensure its workforce is prepared for challenges and opportunities ahead. One significant initiative in this...
43 new businesses created in first phase of Charnwood Incubator Programme
6 August 2024Hundreds of people have sought help from a Loughborough-based start up incubator – with more than 43 new businesses created as a result. The latest cohort of local entrepreneurs have now completed the fifth cycle of the programme, which...
High Street Businesses Provide Report Feedback
6 August 2024A new report has been released about what high streets need to survive and see continued growth, development and success. Linking into the future proofing of these assets to remain a vital part of communities and places. Aiding SMEs...
Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 Your Input Wanted
25 July 2024Following the re-election in May of Rupert Matthews for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. The new Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 is under development and a bespoke survey has been developed to help shape this. The toll...
September launch for 46,000 sq ft workspaces in Space City
24 July 2024September launch for 46,000 sq ft workspaces in Space City. Leicestershire’s first net carbon zero workspace for high tech and innovative businesses. * Dock 3 – 5: 45 offices and 9 industrial units in net carbon zero development *...
Elevate your business: Get the digital support you need!
23 July 2024Why not take an opportunity to elevate your business. You could have a digital skills coach helping you with a set number of hours of training in a designated digital skill if you are a business paying business rates...
Leicestershire digital inclusion research report 2024 launched
22 July 2024Leicester and Leicestershire digital inclusion research report 2024 has now been launched. The updated report on digital poverty within this area is now available. With an ever-increasing growth in the use of basic digital skills in the workplace, along...
Employers further develop your graduate talent pipeline
22 July 2024Employers further develop your graduate talent pipeline through the Loughborough Universities’ flagship event of the year. The Autumn Careers Fair will be returning on Monday 14th October (14:00 – 19:00) and Tuesday 15th October 2024 (11:00 – 16:00). The...
Sport and Physical Activity Local Skills Plan Launched
12 July 2024Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland have launched a new local skills plan for Sport and Physical Activity. This is the first of its kind for the area. The plan identifies key skills improvements, workforce challenges and priorities for local sport and...
Building Awareness of Public Sector Procurement Support
11 July 2024The latest edition to the business support offer the Leicester and Leicestershire Growth Hub are promoting has its focus on building awareness of public sector procurement support. The updated page found here provides background on how procurement processes work...
Could Beans Bring Opportunities To Leicestershire Businesses?
10 July 2024Could beans bring opportunities, support local people and businesses to become greener, healthier and more prosperous? That was the question discussed at an event which drew attendees from business, academia, non-profit organisations and local government to Winstanley House in...
Expanding Business Horizons with great.gov.uk
8 July 2024In today’s global economy, exporting offers immense opportunities for growth and expansion. For UK businesses, navigating the complexities of international trade can be daunting. This is where Great.gov.uk comes into play. As the UK government’s dedicated platform for export...
About the Leicester Employment Hub
18 June 2024Leicester Employment Hub is a business support service for employers in Leicester, run by Leicester City Council. The project team is dedicated to bridging the gap between employers and local people seeking meaningful employment opportunities. The hub has run...
Charity to Deliver £100k Worth of Business Grants
18 June 2024The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity DOUBLES its grants budget to support businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Having provided interest-free loans to help support aspiring and existing business owners within Leicestershire and Rutland since 1542, The Sir Thomas...
Data Protection for Small Organisations: A Guide
13 June 2024Data protection is a critical issue for all organisations, regardless of size. It’s about protecting the personal information you hold about individuals, such as their name, address, and email address. Complying with data protection law is essential to avoid...
Sponsorship Opportunities 2024/2025 Leicestershire World of Work
13 June 2024Securing the right skills and fostering young talent is crucial to many employers across Leicester and Leicestershire – providing you with fresh insights and developing the workforce needed in the future. However, young people are not always aware of...
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act receives Royal Assent
12 June 2024The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC Act), which became law in May 2024, marks a significant shift in how the UK regulates digital markets. This act aims to create a fairer and more competitive landscape for both...
Melton United Event Connecting Businesses and Local Students
11 June 2024The Melton United networking event will provide local businesses opportunities to meet their local educational establishments and gain insight into: • Helping students gain employability skills • Influencing your future workforce • Inspiring young people • Learning about how...
16 firms kick off latest cohort of £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme
20 May 2024The latest group of creative businesses to register for the £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme have started their investment readiness journey. Cohort 2 of the regional programme kicked off in Lincoln with an in-person session led by delivery...
East Midlands Create Growth now open to businesses for Cohort 3
14 May 2024Businesses can now apply for Cohort 3 of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth Programme. Applications have opened for the third cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses. Companies are being encouraged to apply for...
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
10 May 2024Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities: A Closer Look at Manufacturing in the East Midlands. The manufacturing sector is facing a challenging road ahead, with forecasts indicating two years of sluggish growth across Britain. According to the latest insights from...
Business Benefits from a free workshop around inclusive recruitment
10 May 2024Businesses are invited to strengthen their links with education through an upcoming workshop. Organised by the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub and Business In The Community (BITC), the free event will offer insight to business benefits through the opportunity...
New free management course for small businesses
10 May 2024The Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new, free, bite-sized online course to help small businesses grow. Delivered by the Government in partnership with the Chartered Association of Business Schools, Help to Grow: Management Essentials covers...
