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News &  New Initiatives

Rural Access to Opportunities Programme

The Rural Access to Opportunities Fund is to improve or maintain access to services by rural residents and businesses.  Projects and activities funded through this programme will deliver economic outputs and outcomes, set within the context of sustainable rural communities
More information about the Rural Access to Opportunities Fund programme can be found on www.ruralyorkshire.org.uk 

The Rural Access to Opportunities Fund is provided by Yorkshire Forward and delivered by Rural Action Yorkshire and North Yorkshire County Council to improve access to services in rural areas.

2012 Initiatives

Offshore & Onshore Wind Farm Opportunities

VEN Management (a subsidy of Yorkshire Forward) is creating a supplier database for regional companies that have an interest in the offshore wind turbine market.  This will be made available to wind farm developers and manufacturers when looking for operations and maintenance suppliers.  They are interested in a range of potential suppliers covering; operations, maintenance, electrical, infrastructure, ports services, support services, consultancy, legal, recruitment...  Please visit the Yorkshire and Humber Wind Website and complete the questionnaire.

Backing Young Britain

This is a national campaign through Jobcentre Plus to encourage all employers to do everything possible to give every young person help to find a job or training or work skills and experience.  There are various ways that businesses can do this including becoming a volunteer mentor for school and university leavers, to provide work experience places and to bid for one of the 100,00 jobs for young people through the Future Jobs Fund.   For further information on Backing Young Britain go to www.hmg.gov.uk/backingyoungbritain  and for further information on the Future Jobs Fund go to www.hmg.gov.uk/futurejobsfund

Shop Local Scheme

The Shop Local Scheme is a local customer loyalty reward scheme. The scheme is aimed at businesses in all of our market towns and the range of businesses enrolled is vast; from independent food retailers to restaurants and pubs; clothing shops to professional services. A full list is on the website and is being constantly updated – go to www.shoplocalny.co.uk and search the directory, or the ‘Where Can I Use My Card?’ page. To take full advantage of the scheme you need to purchase a loyalty card for a one off payment of £2.50 from one of the member businesses, or via the website. Then you can start shopping and start saving; wherever the Shop Local butterfly logo is displayed you will be able to take advantage of promotional offers and discounts that are otherwise unavailable. The scheme is an all round winner; you save money while supporting local businesses today and tomorrow.

And don’t forget the other added benefits that will fall into place automatically:  Using less fuel driving out-of-town, reducing your ‘food miles’, carbon emissions and helping to preserve our environment and economy. 

Events

Business Link have a range of business events taking place over the coming months for businesses.  Details for the events can be found at www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk

Go Global   Businesses are being invited to register to attend a ‘go global’ one day only event in one place where business people will be able to meet over 100 international buyers actively looking to do business with companies in Yorkshire & Humber.  This unique event also includes practical workshops and a ‘global village’ all designed to make a real difference to your business success.  Yorkshire Forward in association with UK Trade & Investment are behind the event that covers exporting, meet the buyer, networking and a packed programme of master classes designed to help your business succeed overseas.  Over 900 delegates from a wide range of industry sectors will be attracted along with over 100 international buyers plus experts presenting master classes and facilitating introductions.  Those present will have an opportunity to hear directly about procurement policies, buying cycles and relevance to businesses. The event takes place on Wednesday 17 March 2010 at the Events Centre, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8PW and is free for those who just want to attend the global village and master classes and a nominal fee of £50 + VAT for companies approved to participate in the Meet the Buyer meetings.  For more information or to register, visit the Trade Yorkshire www.tradeyorkshire.com/goingglobal10/index.htm 

Useful Contacts

Richmondshire has four business associations helping to promote and support businesses across the district.

Richmond Business & Tourism Association

Leyburn & Mid Wensleydale Business Association

The Business Association (Wensleydale)

Upper Swaledale & Arkengarthdale Business Association

Register for VAT

The HM Revenue & Customs website enables you to register for VAT online and gives information on what VAT is, how to register and when to register as well as updates on current VAT rates.  (needs a link to the site)

Business Rates

National Non-Domestic Rates (NNDR), or Business rates as they are sometimes known, are the way local businesses contribute to the cost of services which Richmondshire District Council provide.