Business Link
Business Link provide the information, advice and support needed to start, run and grow a business. The service has evolved to become the primary route to support for businesses, through three main elements;
Business Link are also the main gateway to access publicly funded business support schemes through the Solutions for Business product portfolio.
For further information please visit the local Business Link website www.businesslinksw.co.uk or ring 0845 600 9966
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
The Federation of Small Businesses is the UK 's largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms. Non-profit making and non-party political the FSB was formed in 1974 and now has 215,000 members across 33 regions and 230 branches.
For further information please visit www.fsb.org.uk
At the local level the Stroud branch of the FSB is very active under the chairmanship of Dave Middlemiss and is promoting a series of events, held at Stroud College, to support local business. Email: dave@ppdsolutions.co.uk for further information.
Manufacturing Advisory Service for the South West (MAS-SW)
(MAS-SW) helps manufacturing businesses streamline processes, reduce waste, become more energy efficient, compete more effectively and generally improve their productivity.
Launched in 2002 the service nationally has worked with thousands of companies and now plays a vital role supporting UK manufacturers in an increasingly competitive economy.
A range of responsive services and programmes have been developed, focusing on, operational improvement, strategic support, leadership, product and process development and supply chain development.
Much of the support offered is either free or subsidised and combined with regional events, plus access to a manufacturing helpline, the MAS-SW has become an invaluable lifeline for manufacturers wanting to stay ahead of the game.
Hundreds of manufacturing companies across the South West, including a number of local companies have already benefited from the services of MAS-SW, taking advantage of the practical advice and hands on support offered.
For further information on MAS-SW please visit www.mas.bis.gov.uk/south-west
View a local case study of the support offered by MAS-SW
Businesses can also register for a monthly e-newsletter that captures issues and opportunities for manufacturers.
MAS-SW is part of the government’s, Solutions for Business portfolio.
Parklife
The Parklife service is designed to link together companies in the same geographical area, on business parks, industrial estates or in the same vicinity, to take advantage of networking, skills development, staff recruitment and business advice. In the Stroud District the Parklife service is focused on the parks in the Stonehouse area, primarily, Stroudwater, Oldends Lane , Bonds Mill and Upper Mills.
As well as offering opportunities for local businesses to network and collaborate the Parklife service also coordinates a number of programmes for businesses in the area, including the Redundancy Support Programme, Graduate Challenge, the Environmental Business Management Programme and the Business Development Programme.
For further information on Parklife please visit www.parklife.org.uk or contact Stuart Barnes, the Parklife advocate for the Stonehouse area, 07500 111 556, parklifestuart@glosfirst.co.uk
Train to Gain
Train to Gain offers independent, no cost skills advice, meeting the needs of employers of all sizes and in all sectors to improve the skills of their employees as a route to improving their business performance. Train to Gain offers skills advice on everything from basic skills through to leadership and management training
The advice comes from an independent adviser at Business Link working with each employer on a dedicated, one-to-one basis to organise a full training package tailored to your business. The business adviser helps to: identify the skills that will boost your business, find reliable local colleges and training providers, find funding to complement your investment if available and evaluate the training and support you receive to ensure real results.
For further information on Train to Gain please visit www.traintogain.gov.uk
Train to Gain is part of the government's, Solutions for Business portfolio.
National Apprenticeship Service The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) supports, funds and co-ordinates the delivery of apprenticeships throughout the UK . The NAS aims to drive forward the Government's ambition for apprenticeships, bringing about significant growth in the number of employers offering apprenticeships, increasing the number of apprenticeship opportunities. The service has been designed to provide a dedicated, responsive service for both employers and learners.
Apprenticeships bring considerable value to organisations, employers, individuals and the economy. Businesses across the country are now increasingly realising the enormous benefits that Apprenticeships create, not only in terms of a highly skilled workforce but also by boosting productivity and staff retention.
For further information on the business benefits of apprenticeships, the types of apprenticeships, funding available and employer case studies please visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk/
Chambers of Commerce/Business Clubs
Stroud District is also home to a number of Chambers of Trade/Commerce and Business Clubs representing businesses in different areas. A list of organisations and contact details can be found here.
Shop in Stroud
The aim of Shop in Stroud is to encourage everyone to visit the extensive range of traders and businesses operating in Stroud town centre. Managed by Stroud Chamber of Commerce and Trade and supported by Stroud District Council the initiative has seen the launch of www.shopinstroud.com The website highlights the exciting and diverse offer to shoppers in Stroud town centre together with details of trader offers and discounts.
