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The 2021 Annual Conference & Expo The SWLEP annual Conference and Expo , held on 7th October had the theme ENGAGE , EVOLVE , GO ! The whole conference focused on the interaction , evolution and successes of the many brilliant SMEs from across our region and also provided inspiration , guidance and tools to assist attendees in how to move their organisations forward .
Chris Stevens , Growth Hub Manager said ,“ It was brilliant to see such a fantastic response to the event from our business community ; recognising the recent challenges but also looking ahead with determination and positivity ."
The Conference and Expo event was a celebration of SMEs , but also demonstrated the work that the SWLEP does for the region in promoting , facilitating and developing inward investment , business growth , skills and job opportunities within Swindon and Wiltshire .
In addition to the economic growth of the region , the SWLEP is also keen to enable and promote positive changes within the business community , particularly focussing on green initiatives as we all strive towards Net Zero . One of the driving factors for having the Conference and Expo as a digital event was that of focussing on the carbon savings .
Paddy Bradley , CEO of SWLEP said ,“ It would have been easy , and in fact there was an expectation that , as many events were starting to take place in person again , that the SWLEP would also return to doing what it had always done . The past couple of years have shown us all , however , that we can do things differently , and in many situations , even better than before .
" If you make the assumption that attendees would have travelled an average of 20 miles to get to and from any face-toface conference , it was estimated that they would have emitted 2.1 tonnes of CO2e ( the unit emissions are measured in ). That ’ s the equivalent of boiling a kettle for 140,000 cups of tea !"
Prioritising the Green Agenda The race to Net Zero is a key element for all businesses to focus on , and the
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appointment of a Business Navigator for the Green Agenda , dedicated to providing support and advice for businesses focussing on sustainability , was another positive in 202 . Hugh Williams is passionate about encouraging SMEs to ‘ go green ’ and offers specialised advice to companies looking to take the next step in their sustainability journey . Whether that is measuring your carbon footprint , building your carbon reduction plans , or accessing financial support to create your sustainability projects .
Working with other initiatives within our area seeking to lower the carbon emissions of local businesses , SWLEP wants to make being an environmentally sustainable business more achievable than ever before . Hugh , said ,“ A clear environmental sustainability strategy is no longer a ‘ niceto-have ’. It ’ s a key distinguishing factor for your potential customers , suppliers , and investors ." Businesses in Swindon and Wiltshire are realising this and looking for support in developing sustainability strategies Hugh ’ s expertise will be much needed as we all strive to meet the Net Zero deadlines .
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Business Cyber Centre
In addition to caring for the sustainability of our region , the SWLEP also considers the ongoing digital safety of businesses and organisations in our area . It was therefore delighted to be able to initiate and mobilise the UK ’ s first business-led Cyber Centre , due to open in Spring 2022 . The Business Cyber Centre will be dedicated to building a powerful community that can tackle any cyber challenge with confidence .
Tackling Skills Shortages - Kickstart Programme Over the past year the skills shortage has heightened and ensuring that the region has sufficient skills for the expansion of businesses within our area has always been a top priority . As well as expanding the Growth Hub Skills Adviser team during the
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year , the SWLEP also continued to act as a Kickstart Gateway in 2021 as part of the government ’ s scheme . We have supported over 100 employers to offer vacancies and have already placed 65 young people within businesses and organisations within our area , with more vacancies still available .
SWLEP provided four placements itself and is delighted that two out of the three young people who recently completed the scheme have already secured full time employment . Two further placements will be offered in the New Year as the scheme continues .
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are another excellent way to provide training , ensure that bespoke skills and work experience are provided which , in turn , help boost the local economy . The extension to the Government ’ s financial support given to employers when providing apprenticeship positions also means it is a great way to take on new talent in a business . Employers can currently claim £ 3,000 for any new apprentice . This is in addition to the existing £ 1,000 an employer will already get for taking on an apprentice who is either 16-18 years old and in certain other circumstances .
Laura Arlott , the new Skills Adviser who has a particular emphasis on apprenticeships advice said ,“ I ' m passionate about giving employers the information they need to provide the right environment for those wishing to take on an apprenticeship at any level . Anyone of any age can take an
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apprenticeship - from Level 2 to degree and masters level ."
The Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub The Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub provides the direct business support for the SWLEP . It is excited at the prospect of providing the SME community with even greater help in 2022 , in a myriad of ways . Rob Creer , Assistant Growth Hub Manager , said ,“ As we reach towards the tail end of 2021 , the Growth Hub team has been looking at what is next for businesses across Swindon and Wiltshire . We are focusing on reaching out to businesses to offer our support , especially those in the harder to reach communities and laying the foundations for taking our SME Competitiveness programme into its second full year .
“ We are delighted to be able to deliver quality one to one support to the business leaders within the Swindon and Wiltshire region . We have helped over 300 business leaders on an ongoing formal basis and many more through one-off conversations , webinars and grant discussions ."
The Growth Hub offers support in many ways to fit in with the differing needs of businesses . The website offers a wealth of information for those who prefer carrying out their own research , but the team of Business Navigators , Skills Advisers and other specialists are on hand to talk through any issues that business leaders may have . All advice , workshops and webinars are provided free of charge thanks to funding from both the European Regional Development Fund and the Department of Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy .
The SME Competitiveness Programme The SME Competitiveness Programme is a programme offering up to 12 hours of fully funded one to one business support from a team of professionals . For more information on the programme and to receive the support , tailored to your needs , contact hello @ swgrowthhub . co . uk or call 01249 477287 to talk with a Business Navigator to discuss the wealth of funded assistance available to your business .
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