BUSINESS NEWS
Desk celebrates 1st birthday with 2nd site
Just a year after launching Swindon ’ s first coworking space , Desk Cowork is expanding with the launch of a second space in Newbury . Coworking offers individuals and small enterprises the ability set up in an environment that encourages innovation , networking , and flexibility .
Prices are similar to that of a gym membership , with tiered offerings depending on how often members want to use the space .
“ Building on our success in Swindon , we ’ re taking our philosophy , of challenging the traditional barrier between life and work , to Newbury ” said founder Matt Greenwood .
“ We want people to enjoy working and being in a ‘ work ’ environment . Our sites are more playful , more creative , more human and more collaborative than a traditional work setting , but just as important is expanding the Desk Cowork community , which is packed full of entrepreneurs and business owners !” Desk Cowork currently has 40 members in Swindon and aspires to reach the same figure in Newbury . Current Swindon members include web developers , PR firms , online retailers and designers .
Those who have signed up to membership will be able to take advantage of both locations , with access to meeting rooms and a virtual business address . Prices start from £ 35 per month , giving access to Desk Cowork ’ s virtual community and a series of member events .
Based in Mill House , Hambridge Lane , Newbury the new site is in partnership with local tech consultancy Ntegra and is ideally located along the M4 corridor .” For more info : www . deskcowork . co . uk
@ deskcowork
Swindon 01793 614025 Newbury 01635 800722
New growth funding for SMEs in Swindon and Wiltshire
Twelve hours of free business support is now available to companies in Swindon and Wiltshire . The SME Growth Project , delivered by Oxford Innovation Services is aligned with the Government ’ s agenda to encourage small businesses to thrive and prosper .
With over 30 years ’ experience , Oxford Innovation is a leading business support company working across the UK . They have helped over 5,000 businesses grow and develop , opening doors to over £ 100m of external funding to support their plans .
Theda Gray , business coach and strategist said : “ Our approach comprises of a unique blend of training , mentoring and coaching that provides individuals with high levels of personal development which translates into tangible impact . Our experienced and qualified team prides itself on working closely with each client to achieve measurable improvements in business performance . The advisers guide businesses through the best ways for them to grow , ensuring they are ready for the challenges ahead .”
For more info : www . oxfordinnovationservices . co . uk / swindonandwiltshire-sme-growth
How your business can benefit from the SME Growth Project :
• Guide you through the development of a business plan with impact .
• Understand your funding options .
• How to make the best financial decisions .
• Take calculated risks when identifying new markets and new business opportunities .
• Ensure thinking and decision making is strategic and leads to sustainable achievements .
• Improve systems and processes to drive efficiency .
• Learn how to unlock the potential of your people and focus their efforts .
• Help you to identify change and help your staff through a change process .
The support can be delivered on a one-to-one basis , or through intensive business workshops . The work will include a diagnostic of the company to identify opportunities for improvement , leading to a tailored plan of support .
BREXIT HUB LAUNCHES
Weenie Business Solutions , the Swindonbased business consultancy that helps small to medium size enterprises ( SMEs ) grow , has launched BREXIT HUB , a package of services for clients looking to make the most of the UK ’ s exit from the EU . Gary Campkin , director of policy and strategy at TheCityUK , said recently : “ The Prime Minister has signalled her commitment to striking the best trade deals around the world post-Brexit .”
To help small businesses take full advantage of the opportunities these deals will present , BREXIT HUB comprises a free general BREXIT e-newsletter and range of services tailored to market sectors and individual client needs . BREXIT HUB sits seamlessly alongside Weenie Business Solutions ’ Business MOT , which helps clients stay competitive , cost efficient and ahead of the competition . SMEs that have taken the Business MOT have been able to :
• measure their business against best practice
• see where their business is most effective
• discover where and how to improve their business performance
Amelie Bishop , founder of Weenie Business Solutions , said : “ As the deadline for triggering the UK ’ s exit from the EU gets closer , more and more business owners are seeking expert , professional advice about Brexit . We launched BREXIT HUB because these people need advice and support that ’ s wide-ranging ,
yet tailored to their business ’ s needs . They need an adviser with the inside track on what the government is doing and how decisions made by our politicians across the globe will affect their organisations . We recognise this . We understand too , that anyone advising businesses about Brexit needs a thorough knowledge of HR , employment law , contract law and accountancy practices . They also need to be able to understand every client ’ s products and services , the markets they sell to and their suppliers and outsourcing providers . At Weenie Business Solutions , we have all these competencies , and we ’ re proud to be one of the first consultancies to launch a Brexit-specific service to SMEs .”
As well as BREXIT HUB and the Business MOT , Weenie Business Solutions are Sage 1 and Sage 50 business partners . This means they can help sole traders , freelance individuals and limited companies with their accounts , VAT , payroll , pensions , self-assessments and full end of year accounts . The company also provides a fully or partially outsourced accounts and / or bookkeeping function .
For more info : www . weeniebusiness . co . uk
4 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017