The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 12: Summer 2019 | Page 20

FINANCE Purple Lime and its new ‘Zest for Xero’ training service The team at one of the region’s most innovative tech firms has launched a new training service for users of Xero’s world-renowned ‘beautiful accountancy software’. or to a group of people who work in a similar sector. Over time, they will be running open workshops. “We have already been supporting business people with this type of training,” Angela said. “It’s the level of interest which has prompted us to formalise this service which people can access and pay us by the hour for training and any ad hoc ongoing support they might require.” To date the team has supported businesses in these sectors: • • • • • • • Retail Hospitality Professional Services Commercial Property Industry Manufacturing Arts and Recreation Services • • • • Construction and Trades Charities Health and Social Care Education and Training • Support for those who wish to do remote refresher sessions or one-to-one sessions if a particular need arises A training session will cover the following areas and can be adapted to suit the knowledge level of the attendees: • An initial consultation of Xero and demo if needed • Set up of Xero and data transfer (from any existing systems) • Training tailored to the needs of your team or sector • Advice on what you should be doing regularly to ensure you have accurate and up to date financial information on hand • Apps marketplace – a discussion on which apps might help streamline a particular business Purple Lime’s success in placing tech at the centre of its business has attracted significant interest and the team is growing, with new clients joining every month. It is this growth which has led to the launch of Purple Lime Training. To find out more give the team a call on: 01225 904898 A finalist in the Driven By Data category of the recent influential Wiltshire Techie Awards, Purple Lime, has launched the service across the South West including Bristol, Bath and Swindon to share tips and tricks to make the most of Xero. Angela Ashworth, Co-Founder of Purple Lime, said, “We recognised some time ago there is a real need and desire for business owners and their teams to make more use of the Xero platform. “While it’s fantastic to have online resources to guide you, many people want face-to-face support. Every business is unique and will have its own specific questions around Xero and how it can be used to suit the quirky ways of an individual business or team.” Initially Purple Lime will offer one-to- one or team training within a business £2M ECARGO BIKE GRANT FUND AVAILABLE The Energy Saving Trust is encouraging applications for a new £2 million fund set up by the Department of Transport to help companies invest in electric cargo bikes to fulfil last mile deliveries. The eCargo Bike Grant Fund is now live and available to limited companies, sole traders, partnerships, charities and not-for-profit organisations operating across England. It comes as there is increasing interest in electric bikes to facilitate short-distance deliveries, with supermarkets among those already embracing the technology. The funding available is conditional on recipients signing up to a robust code of practice developed in association with the UK Cycle Logistics Federation and the Bicycle Association and includes cycle safety best practice. “Funding to support the adoption of eCargo bikes by businesses in England and enable low carbon Last Mile Delivery across the country is a positive step in improving local air quality, tackling road traffic congestion, and reducing transport operating costs. Applicants can benefit from grant funding for up to 20% of the cost of a new eCargo bike up to the value of £1,000 per bike,” said 20 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 Matthew Eastwood, Head of Transport at Energy Saving Trust. Department for Transport’s Cycling and Walking Minister Jesse Norman said, “This new fund for eCargo bikes will help to cut congestion, improve air quality and encourage companies to play their part in creating a cleaner, greener future. “Supporting more sustainable deliveries is just one of the positive steps this government is taking towards a zero emission world.” Applications for funding will be assessed on a first come, first served basis and businesses are invited to submit their applications for consideration. For more information regarding the fund, contact: [email protected] or call 0808 108 9414. Picture: Bosch eBike Systems “Applicants can benefit from grant funding for up to 20% of the cost of a new eCargo bike” For more info: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk @EnergySvgTrust