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Tue,09Mar2021

March Business Forum

Bus Forum March21

Arise Harlow The ecosystem for entrepreneurs

Here in Harlow 

Arise (aru.ac.uk)

Arise Harlow

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The ecosystem for entrepreneurs

Supported by a community of scientific minds, connect with fellow entrepreneurs and innovative businesses at Arise Innovation Hub, on the newly built Harlow Science Park. 

The pioneering town of Harlow, located at the heart of the UK Innovation Corridor, is perfectly positioned for those wishing to be part of a growing health, performance and wellbeing community that is well connected to research clusters in both London and Cambridge. 

CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE

News from The Chamber and its Partner - Rainbow Services

Rainbow Services Annual Service Review
Voluntary Sector Forum
Covid-19 Vaccine Information
Vaccine Call-up Policy
Job Vacancies
Smartadvice Plus
Small Charities Coalition
Weston Communicating Centre
Carers First
YCT
Dementia Friendly Coffee Morning
Dementia Friends
Family Mentor Volunteers
Project in a Box
Funding
Contacts at Rainbow Services
Please complete our annual service review survey, link below.  The survey allows us to obtain information from you on the challenges faced over the past year and for you to share ideas on how Rainbow Services can support you in the future.
More Info
If you would like to become an affiliated member of Rainbow Services this year please complete the form, link below, and return it to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Membership is free of charge.
More Info
The next virtual Voluntary Sector Forum meeting is on the 3rd March at 10am.  Please book using the link below.This meeting will be an opportunity to hear from Well North Enterprises who will be discussing the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town project and to learn about Groundworks Green Doctor service.
Book
NHS doctors, nurses and other frontline staff have come forward to help reassure communities that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and have been independently tested to the highest standards.
Clinicians have recorded messages in some of the most commonly spoken languages – apart from English –  to help ensure messages about the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine reach a wider audience.
More Info
All people aged 70+ who do not yet have an appointment to receive their first COVID-19 vaccination are now encouraged to book online or over the phone, even if they have not received a letter.  The aim of encouraging eligible patients to arrange a vaccination proactively is to help ensure that everyone aged 70 and over is offered the vaccine in a timely way.
More Info
St Clare Hospice are recruiting to a number of roles.  Please use the link below to view further information and to apply.
More Info
Healthwatch Essex are recruiting an Information and Guidance Officer, more information is available below.
More Info
Mind in West Essex are recruiting a Service Co-ordinator to join their Futures in Mind project.  More information is available below.
More Info
SMARTADVICE PLUS is a Lottery Funded Project that offers financial advice to Harlow Residents. Please follow the link for a reminder video of what they can offer.
More Info
Small Charities Coalition (SCC) will soon deliver training sessions on charity management in multiple community languages. My UK Charity, is aimed at breaking down inequality in the delivery and design of infrastructure support which disadvantages those who either do not speak English, or in some cases for those for whom English is an additional language. 
Use the link below to book a place on the Building and Managing Your Charity in the UK for French Speakers. course on Monday 15 February 12.00-2pm
More Info
A new six-month free skills programme for small-medium climate and environmental organisations which is being supported by the Garfield Weston Foundation. 
 
This programme will support 30 UK-based organisations to extend the power and reach of their communications work, through structured strategic communications training, mentoring by media and communications experts, peer networking and media interview training. 
 
Applications for Weston Communicating Climate are open and will close on Tuesday 16 February
More Info
Carers First are holding 2 seminars 18 February and 22 March 2021 to invite Employers to watch a short presentation and to talk about being Carer Friendly Employers.
 
18 February https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/133209526279     
22 March https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/133210138109
 
YCT is running a 6-week online anxiety group for young Harlow residents aged 13-19. This group will help young people understand their anxiety by learning about what anxiety does to our bodies and minds. Those attending the group will also be able to explore when anxiety is a normal response but also when it is becoming too much and how to manage this. The group will be delivered via zoom but will be interactive with materials sent out before the course starts. Each group will have a maximum of 6 people and there will be ongoing support available for anyone would like to access our other services. Call 01279 414090 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Monday Mornings 11am, Starting Monday 22nd February For those with dementia and their carers Zoom – Click here or Meeting ID: 819 0033 9083 Password 392791C
Would you like to become a Dementia Friend? Join a free interactive information session to learn how dementia affects a person and what you can do to make a difference.
More Info
The Essex Family Support Service are still looking for volunteer mentors to support families as we continue to receive referrals county wide.
More Info
Project in a Box is an innovative project that supports local communities through Community Payback; working with people to repay the communities that they live in when they have committed an offence.  The donations that we receive for products made in Project in a Box are used to support organisations in need and victims of crime. When you purchase these products what you receiving is someone’s repayment to society, and they have been required to complete this work conscientiously, and with care.
More Info
Applications are now open for a new match funding campaign from the Big Give, the Green Match Fund. 
More Info
A grant of up to £500 to help with youth club reopening costs related to Covid-19 (Open Now! Until February 22nd 2021
More Info

Harlow Business Forum February 2021

Bus Forum Feb21

How To Be More Profitable and Increase Cashflow in 2021

 
 
The f:Entrepreneur campaign is extending an invite to their upcoming free webinar to Small Business Saturday followers.
 
It will be hosted by #ialso100Kay Daniels, where she will give help and advice to a small business audience and will share how they can be more profitable and increase cashflow.
 
Kay works with business owners to successfully transform their finances, profits and cashflow and during this webinar will share her insight, expertise and tips to help you enjoy more rewards within your business.
 
If you would like to join please click on the button below to register.
 
 

The Small Awards applications close on 28th February

 
Applications for The Small Awards are still open!
 
Do you or someone you know run an inspirational small business that fits the bill for #TheSmallAwards? Don't hesitate and apply before 28th February!
 
Here is what you need to know...
 
There are multiple different categories and judging will be done based on a number of criteria relevant to the specific award, whilst also looking for strong performance as an on-going business. The judges will be looking for evidences of strong community engagement from small businesses.
 
Categories include...
 
  • Do you know a brilliant small business that uses multiple channels with innovation and skill to develop their business? Tell them about the Bricks & Clicks award!
 
  • Are you a High Street Hero? This award celebrates small businesses that are active members of their community and work to drive footfall to their business and neighbouring businesses. 
 
  • Is your small business driven by its mission over and above financial performance, benefiting a group, a community or the wider society? Apply now for the Mission Possible award!
 
  • Does your business have a strong history of customer engagement, relationship development and contribution to local small business eco-system? You could be crowned the next Supply Chain Champion winner!
 
To check out all the categories and how to apply, visit the website HERE
 
The awards will take place on 20th May 2021 with small businesses, experts and luminaries from all industries across the UK celebrating all things smallbiz.
 
Entries close at midnight on February 28th 2021, so don't delay and apply today!

News from The Chamber and its Partners

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New Princess Alexandra Hospital
Job Vacancies
vHelp
HIV Testing Week
DWP Opening Hours
Lockdown Support Fund
Funding
AGM Info
Energy Workshops
Youth Sector
Covid-19 Guidance
BAME Support Group
New Princess Alexandra Hospital
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Have you signed up to PAH’s new hospital email newsletter? Be the first to find out all the latest news on your new Princess Alexandra Hospital
 
More Info
Job Vacancies
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Integration Support Services are recruiting to the post of CEO/Operations Manager.  More info available on the link below.
More Info
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Mind in West Essex are looking to recruit a part time Volunteering Administrator.
More Info
vHelp
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Volunteering payment start-up vHelp is adding a new feature to its app that will allow charities to claim Gift Aid on expenses claims donated back by volunteers.
 
More Info
HIV Testing Week
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Monday 1st February to Sunday 7th February is National HIV Testing Week, a great opportunity to raise awareness and help to stop the transmission of HIV. Testing has never been easier and you can now order a free finger prick test kit to complete at home that arrives in a discrete package. Testing is the only way to know your status, and HIV is now a manageable condition.
More Info
DWP Opening Hours
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From Monday 18 January, DWP are temporarily reducing jobcentre opening hours to 10am to 2pm daily for those customers who cannot access our services in any other way. The rest of the time customers will be served online or on the phone. Staff will be working the usual core hours (locally 9-5pm)
 
Harlow UC email address if needed for anyone is  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lockdown Support Fund
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Essex County Council are committed to continue supporting communities most in need and that have been adversely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis and following on from the summer, half term and Christmas fund they are providing additional funding so that foodbanks, food pantries, community organisations and voluntary groups can provide food support through the current lockdown.
 
This funding is for the provision of food for families with children and individuals from across Essex County Council local authority areas who are most in need and adversely impacted by covid-19.  Applications will be accepted for up to £2000.  The application will open on Thursday 14th January  at noon and remain open until 12noon on Friday 5th February 2021.
 
The funding will be managed by  Essex Association of Local Councils and you will find the application and further guidance on their website.
More Info
Funding
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Grassroots children’s/ youth clubs in Essex have been closed due to the pandemic, and many are hoping to re-open soon. Support is available to help re-mobilise these clubs.
More Info
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The Local Connections Fund is a new £4 million fund to help charities and community groups in England that are working to reduce loneliness by helping them build connections across their communities.
More Info
AGM Info
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Coronavirus continues to have a major impact on charity events and trustees need to consider how and if they can hold meetings. Charitable companies and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) can hold AGMs and other members’ meetings online - this has been made possible by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 and applies until 30 March 2021.For other types of meetings, or for any other type of charity, trustees need to check if their charity’s governing document allows them to hold meetings online or by telephone. Where it does not, an alternative may be to amend it to allow meetings to be held in this way.

We recognise that for some charities virtual meetings are not a viable solution, nor are socially distanced face-to-face meetings. In such instances trustees may consider they have no choice but to cancel or postpone their AGMs and other critical meetings.

If you do consider such a decision is necessary, you should follow any rules in your charity’s governing document that allow for postponement,
Energy Workshops
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Could you be paying less for your heating? You could benefit from a free online workshop. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Youth Sector
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According to the recent lockdown restrictions announced the youth sector can remain partially active within strict adherence to National Youth Agency's guidance for the RED readiness level.
 
This paper outlines what is permitted across the youth sector under Red Readiness level.
 
However they recommend that you read their version 4.2 guidance in full as this fact sheet works in tandem with that. You can read both here.
 
Covid-19 Guidance
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Protective measures for holiday and after-school clubs, and other out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
More Info
BAME Support Group
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Mind in West Essex are creating an online BAME Support Group open to any member of an ethnic minority residing in West Essex, interested in a safe space to discuss matters relating to mental health including anxiety, isolation and racism. The support group will be held via Zoom on a Monday lunchtime.
Any interested individuals should please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information and joining details. Participants are invited to attend any of the sessions – it does not have to be a weekly commitment. The list of topics covered in each session is below:
 
Monday 1st February 12.30pm – 1.30pm Anxiety
Monday 8th February 12.30pm – 1.30pm Depression
Monday 15th February 12.30pm – 1.30pm Environment
Monday 22nd February 12.30pm – 1.30pm Isolation
Monday 1st March 12.30pm – 1.30pm Racism
Monday 8th March 12.30pm – 1.30pm Co-produced with support group participants
 
The support group will be facilitated by Mind in West Essex staff from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences in mental health and aims to open up further dialogue with members of our community who are often under-represented when it comes to accessing mental health services.

Back to Business

Back to Business Essex

Our new business support service is tailored to help Essex businesses survive and thrive

during COVID-19 and beyond.

 

To help Essex based SMEs address the changes brought about as a result of the UK leaving the EU on 31st December Let’s Do Business are running practical workshops to assist companies in preparing for the changes required from 1st January under the Back to Business Essex programme which is fully funded by Essex County Council. This Brexit workshop and has been produced to incorporate the latest position and information available, enabling Essex …

This service is fully-funded by Essex County Council.

News & Helpful Link from Rainbow Services

Community Family Learning
ACL Essex offer FREE interactive courses to help you negotiate these tricky times. If you are a parent, grandparent or caring for a child or young person living in Essex they have support for you.
More Info
The Gas Safe Charity
The Gas Safe Charity is offering a free, on line Zoom workshop aimed at front line staff and volunteers who visit or work in the homes of vulnerable people. The workshop lasts about an hour and explains the sources, signs and symptoms of high and low level carbon monoxide risks in the home and includes relevant scenarios to explain what steps to take if carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. To find out more and book one of the 15 workshops taking place before the end of March 2021 use the link below.
More Info
Plant Pots & Wellies
Plant Pots & Wellies have a number of items for sale, made by their gardeners.  For more information please view their Facebook page.
 
More Info
HeadsUp
HeadsUp provides support and advice to people in Essex, Southend and Thurrock with common mental health problems to help them get back into the workplace after a period of unemployment. They are still offering their services during the current Corona Virus situation, and have adapted their methods to keep staff and participants safe.
More Info
Healthwatch Essex
Healthwatch Essex is recruiting for volunteer ambassadors to attend crucial meetings and represent Healthwatch Essex and local people.Please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
Open Road
Open Road are launching the 30for30 campaign. They want to encourage as many people to get involved and support them with the challenge of raising £30,000 for the 30 years they have been providing the communities of Essex with specialist drug and alcohol support.
More Info
STEM Activities
Following a successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) workshop back in February 2020 Harlow Town Centre have made and pulled together a range of interesting and exciting virtual activities that children and families can try at home over the Christmas and winter period.
More Info
Changing Futures
Prospectus setting out the aims and core principles of the Changing Futures programme, and inviting local areas to submit an Expression of Interest.
More Info
Communication Access

Communication Access means supporting people with communication difficulties more effectively.

Once an organisation commits to the free training and standards to become Communication Accessible, they will be included in the national directory.
More Info
Funding
Grants of up to £10k are available from the Provide Foundation, which is managed by Essex Community Foundation (ECF). This is to help local charities and groups with links to health and social care to adapt their work during the pandemic and support the vulnerable, and socially isolated. These grants can support core and operating costs, project costs or capital items. Provide are particularly interested in projects that improves digital and technology for people to access projects and services. 
 
More Info
Each Probation region has been given funding which can be made available to Voluntary and Charity sector organisations who work with/ led by Black, Asian Minority Ethnic members of the community involved with the criminal justice system. The purpose of this funding (up to £10,000 per successful applicant) is intended to strengthen the capacity of those organisations who engage with BAME service users but may need some additional help to further develop their work.If you are interested in applying for this funding, please contact the Regional Equality Manager for your area. Bill Rossi- East of England region - covering Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex-  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
More Info

The transition period has ended and new rules are here. Act now to keep your business moving.

Image result for uk post brexit

 

The transition period has ended and the UK has left the EU customs union and single market and now enjoys a zero tariffs, zero quotas relationship with the EU as an independent trading nation.

Following the signing of the UK – EU Free Trade Agreement, there are new rules for businesses which came into force on 1 January 2021 which require immediate action. Your business needs to act now to comply with these new rules. If you do not take action, there is a risk your business operations will be interrupted.


There are new documents which cover actions that businesses must take to ensure they are compliant with the new rules which have come into force.


You should visit gov.uk/transition<http://www.gov.uk/transition> where you can use the checker tool to quickly identify the actions that your business needs to take. The checker tool will ask you questions about your business and provide all the information you need to be aware of such as new rules on:

 *   Importing and Exporting
 *   Moving goods to and from Northern Ireland including Trader Support Service
 *   Travelling abroad for work
 *   Hiring staff from the EU



You can help prepare your businesses for the new rules by using a number of support mechanisms provided by the Government:

 *   Sign up to receive the regular Business Readiness Transition Bulletin<http://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKDECC/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKDECC_155> – an email newsletter providing information on major announcements and recently published guidance
 *   BEIS Webinars across a range of topics will be available on gov.uk in January 2021. They will provide specific advice on how businesses can ensure they comply with the new rules.

We understand that this is a challenging time and encourage you to take action to avoid interruption to your business operations.

Visit your local Growth Hub website Brexit Transition information for businesses and employers - Essex County Council to find out more and speak to a business navigator. Nwes | Business advice across East Anglia




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