The quarterly digital magazine from Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA).
Sector: Construction
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Bonfire Night, rugby and e-scooters: the latest in Trading Standards Business News
The autumn 2023 edition of Trading Standards Business News (TSBN) is available online.
Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has published this digital magazine.
CEnTSA is a collaboration between fourteen trading standards services within local authorities across the West Midlands – including Sandwell. Together they aim to maximise the impact that individual services have, supporting businesses in our region to trade legally and fairly while promoting economic growth.
TSBN is full of advice to help you and your business thrive while staying on the right side of the law. Each edition covers a wide range of business sectors and signposts you to further information.
The magazine includes articles for retailers, SMEs, food businesses, international traders and entertainment venues. It also has information on seasonal safety and avoiding fraud.
So what’s inside the autumn 2023 edition of TSBN?
You can read the latest TSBN in a browser on your computer or download the TSBN app for Apple and Android devices. The digital magazine content is interactive – so clicking on the web links will take you to the relevant page or website.
The autumn 2023 edition of TSBN contains tips and guidance on Halloween and Bonfire Night safety, general business fire safety advice, plus a focus on health and safety in pubs and bars during the men’s Rugby World Cup.
There is information on cyber security, and the sale of age-restricted items such as knives, fireworks and alcohol. For anyone involved in the food industry, you’ll find guidance on use-by dates and pest control – plus the latest on avian influenza.
Editor Frances Darling said: “Autumn brings with it Halloween and Bonfire Night, both of which have significant safety implications for many businesses, so we have provided relevant product safety guidance to help you stay legal and protect your customers.
“The safety theme continues with articles covering fire safety and regulatory requirements relating to e-bikes and e-scooters; the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries in these products is currently a very urgent topic.”
This edition also looks at the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and gives an update on the work being done to improve compliance levels amongst letting agents.
Where you can read Trading Standards Business News
Read the autumn 2023 edition of TSBN.
Read past editions of TSBN here.
Get Connected in Sandwell: breakfast networking
Come and join the Sandwell Business Growth Team, Sandwell College and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce for a breakfast networking event in Oldbury on Thursday 21 September.
We’re hosting the event at Jack Judge House (Halesowen Street, Oldbury B69 2AJ) which is soon to become home to the Sandwell Start-Up Hub.
The event is free to attend. It’s a great opportunity to network with other businesspeople and learn about funded courses and grants/business support for your Sandwell business. You can have breakfast for free too: bacon, sausage or a vegetarian option.
Find out more and sign up at Eventbrite.
Sandwell Start-Up Hub launch event
Come to our Sandwell Start-Up Hub launch on Tuesday 26 September at Jack Judge House in Oldbury.
Our new hub offers desks, resources, collaborative spaces, free WiFi and networking opportunities.
Free desk space in Oldbury
The Sandwell Start-Up Hub has open-plan office space within a hot-desking environment, equipped with 60 desks and free WiFi. There, you can work alongside entrepreneurs and new businesses, and access meeting rooms.
We understand the importance of having a productive workspace so we’re excited to provide it to local businesses at no cost for the first year (until September 2024).
Location and layout of the Sandwell Start-Up Hub
The hub is on the top floor of Jack Judge House in Oldbury (B69 2AJ). This is the former Oldbury library building, opposite Sandwell Council House (where the library is now housed).
It has three areas:
Collaboration Zone
Where entrepreneurs can engage in meaningful networking and spark collaborations.
Quiet Zone
For focused work, allowing you to immerse yourself in your tasks without distraction – for maximum productivity.
Event Zone
Where we will host business support organisations to deliver informative sessions on a variety of topics.
Grow together at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub
We’ve designed the Sandwell Start-Up Hub to be more than a physical space. Together we will build a community of like-minded individuals, supporting one another’s growth.
Whether your established business is looking to collaborate, or you’re a new entrepreneur seeking resources, we want this hub to be your gateway to success.
To find out more or register for the Sandwell Start-Up Hub, contact the Sandwell Business Growth Team at Sandwell_StartupHub@sandwell.gov.uk. We will send you a registration form to complete. Eventually, you will be able to book your desk through the MySandwell app.
You can also join the launch event on Tuesday 26 September. We’re holding this from 9.30am to 11.30am at the hub. Find out more and sign up at Eventbrite.
Sandwell Start-Up Hub: welcome to your free, inspiring co-working space in Oldbury
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or do you have a growing business in Sandwell? Come and work in our supportive, innovative co-working environment at Jack Judge House in Oldbury.
Sandwell Start-Up Hub is our exciting initiative, launching on Tuesday 26 September 2023.
Designed to give local businesses the tools they need to flourish, our new hub offers desks, resources, collaborative spaces, free WiFi and networking opportunities.
Free hot-desking and meeting space in Oldbury
The Sandwell Start-Up Hub has open-plan office space within a hot-desking environment, equipped with 60 desks and free WiFi. There, you can work alongside entrepreneurs and new businesses, and access meeting rooms.
We understand the importance of having a productive workspace so we’re excited to provide it to local businesses at no cost for the first year (until September 2024).
Jack Judge House: location and layout of the Sandwell Start-Up Hub
The hub is on the top floor of Jack Judge House in Oldbury (B69 2AJ). This is the former Oldbury library building, opposite Sandwell Council House (where the library is now housed).
It has three areas:
Collaboration Zone
Where entrepreneurs can engage in meaningful networking and spark collaborations.
Quiet Zone
For focused work, allowing you to immerse yourself in your tasks without distraction – for maximum productivity.
Event Zone
Where we will host business support organisations to deliver informative sessions on a variety of topics.
Grow together at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub
We’ve designed the Sandwell Start-Up Hub to be more than a physical space. Together we will build a community of like-minded individuals, supporting one another’s growth.
Whether your small established business is looking to collaborate, or you’re a new entrepreneur seeking resources, we want this hub to be your gateway to success.
To find out more or register for the Sandwell Start-Up Hub, contact the Sandwell Business Growth Team at Sandwell_StartupHub@sandwell.gov.uk. We will send you a registration form to complete. Eventually, you will be able to book your desk through the MySandwell app.
You can also join the launch event on Tuesday 26 September. We’re holding this from 9.30am to 11.30am at the hub. Find out more and sign up at Eventbrite.
Black Country Chamber Business Awards 2023: submit your entries now
Don’t miss your chance to submit an entry for the Black Country Business Awards – celebrating ‘talent, tenacity and transformation’ in our region.
The annual Black Country Chamber Business Awards will this year announce winners in thirteen different categories. The awards are free to enter and the deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 11 September. For 2023, the theme is celebrating ‘talent, tenacity and transformation’ in our region.
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Thursday 9 November.
Dudley-based MET Recruitment won last year’s Excellence in Professional Services Award. The company’s commercial director Nella Share said: “Our experience has been so valuable. It has opened doors to new relationships and allowed us to demonstrate the high standards we offer on a regional stage.”
Lisa Cowley, CEO of the Beacon Centre (the 2021 winner of Large Business of the Year) echoed Nella’s words. Lisa said: “Both the event and the award have led to opening doors to new local connections and supporters, as well as providing a fantastic news story for us to share across all of our channels and giving a boost to employee morale. If you are considering entering your organisation, I would really recommend doing so.”
Celebrating social value at the Black Country Chamber Business Awards
James Cash is managing director of Superfast IT, which won Outstanding Support to the Armed Forces in 2022. He said: “I strongly encourage other companies to explore these opportunities and enter the awards. Winning isn’t just an honour, it reflects alignment with values that strengthen our community and drive progress across the region.”
Halesowen BID won the Business Commitment to the Community Award in 2022. BID manager Vicky Rogers said: “As an organisation dedicated to developing and providing local services and support, awards like this strengthen our commitment and motivate us to continue our work.”
This year, Sandwell Council is sponsoring the Business Commitment to the Community award. We believe that giving back and doing good are important cornerstones of any successful business. You can read how this plays a key role in our tendering and contracting process on our brand new CSR and social value page.
Will it be a starry night for our Sandwell business community?
At the 2022 Black Country Chamber Business Awards, at least one Sandwell organisation was represented as a finalist in each of the fourteen award categories. Five Sandwell businesses were overall winners, while four took ‘highly commended’ awards. We’d love to see you shine again this year!
For more information, and to enter the awards, visit the Black Country Chamber Business Awards website.
Go green, save money: new UK Business Climate Hub
The government’s new UK Business Climate Hub gives you practical advice for reducing your business carbon footprint and saving on energy bills.
Through the hub, you can get advice on everything from paying less for electric vehicles and sourcing products from green suppliers, to installing solar panels and making money by selling green energy back to the grid.
The website includes a free carbon calculator and other tools to help your business measure, track and report on emissions.
Research shows that 90 per cent of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but don’t know how or where to start. Also, 85 per cent of customers are more likely to buy from businesses with a reputation for sustainability. So going greener makes good commercial sense.
Graham Stuart is Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. He said: “More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.”
‘A valuable tool for business leaders’
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group chief executive and co-chair of the Net Zero Council, said: “None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key. I hope the UK Business Climate Hub will be a valuable tool for business leaders looking for guidance and support in this vital endeavour.”
The Broadway Initiative is managing the UK Business Climate Hub. The collaboration developed it in partnership with associations such as the Federation of Small Business and the Institute of Directors. They had support from the British Business Bank, HSBC, NatWest, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid and National Grid. The hub is the UK partner of the international SME Climate Hub.
Find out more at the UK Business Climate Hub website.
Green Advantage: join the skills bootcamp in business sustainability
Green Advantage is a five-session course for managers who want to explore environmental challenges on their business.
Give yourself an informed approach to environmental issues and start your journey to sustainability. Through Green Advantage, you can have five interactive workshops, peer networking and one-to-one business coaching over twelve weeks. The course is designed to fit around full-time work.
The Department for Education via the West Midlands Combined Authority has funded Green Advantage, as part of the government’s Skills Bootcamps. Aston University is delivering it. The next cohort will start their sessions in September 2023.
Develop a road map to sustainability for your business
During the course, you will develop a bespoke sustainability roadmap for your enterprise. Maybe you will take practical actions to lower emissions and save energy. Or perhaps you will decide to overhaul your business model and values completely.
The cost of the Green Advantage course varies, according to your business size. SMEs must contribute £296.95 per learner, while for large businesses it’s £890 per learner. It is free for self-employed people. The next cohort starts in September 2023.
For more information visit the Aston University Centre for Growth page.
Join the launch of Business Growth West Midlands
West Midlands Combined Authority is launching Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) on Tuesday 12 September at Coventry Building Society Arena.
BGWM will provide comprehensive business support services to help your West Midlands business grow and succeed.
The launch event is for West Midlands business leaders, entrepreneurs and business support providers.
At the event, the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street will give the keynote address, showing his commitment to promoting business growth in the region. He will explain where this new service fits into the economic development of the West Midlands.
The aim of the event is to raise awareness about the support packages available through BGWM, fostering economic development and empowering local businesses (including WMCA business programmes, such as its decarbonisation programme).
You can gain valuable insights on navigating business growth, AI-driven digital transformation, financial management, funding options and building a skilled workforce.
The launch event will also offer networking opportunities to connect with business support providers, stakeholders, and fellow attendees, encouraging active engagement with BGWM’s support services.
Why attend the launch?
- Attendees at the event will be among the first to hear about the £100m of new support programmes and grants launching for West Midlands businesses.
- You can find out how the new fully funded service can help businesses navigate the wide range of support available across the region.
- There will be opportunities to network with business support professionals and fellow business leaders,
- You can access free business support opportunities in the exhibition area.
- There is a free lunch for all attendees.
Other inspirational and expert speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. You can follow @BizGrowthWM on Twitter or LinkedIn for speaker and programme updates.
When? Where? How do I register?
- When? Tuesday 12 September, 9.30am – 4.30pm (come along for all or part of the day)
- Where? Coventry Building Society Arena, Judds Lane, Longford, Coventry CV6 6AQ
- Register: Sign up here to attend.
Email businessgrowthevents@wmca.org.uk if you have questions. Or you can use the following links for more information about BGWM and the official launch event:
Learn more about Business Growth West Midlands.
Becoming a supplier – from National Highways
Information on accessing supplier opportunities with National Highways – the authority looking after England’s motorways and major roads.