Recent initiatives have been launched to bolster local businesses across the UK, focusing on providing essential resources, funding opportunities, and support systems. These efforts aim to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and address social issues affecting employees, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse.
Key takeaways
- Free resources for businesses to support staff facing domestic abuse.
- Grants available for Swansea businesses to foster growth and innovation.
- A free online toolkit launched to assist aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Over 3,000 businesses support the Better Business Act for sustainable practices.
Support for employees facing domestic abuse
Soundproof Box, an education and training company, is offering free access to resources designed to help businesses support employees experiencing domestic abuse. With a significant portion of the workforce affected by relationship abuse, these resources aim to educate organisations on how to identify signs of distress and provide appropriate support.
Lise Kay-Bell, CEO of Soundproof Box, emphasised the importance of addressing this sensitive issue within the workplace. The resources include practical advice on:
- Recognising early signs of domestic violence.
- Approaching the topic sensitively with affected employees.
- Implementing support measures within the organisation.
This initiative not only aims to improve employee wellbeing but also seeks to enhance overall productivity by addressing the hidden costs of domestic abuse in the workplace.
Funding opportunities for Swansea businesses
Swansea Council has reopened applications for various grants aimed at supporting local businesses. These grants, funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, include:
- Pre-start grants: Up to £10,000 for equipment, training, and marketing.
- Business growth grants: Up to £50,000 to introduce new products or services.
- Innovation grants: Up to £10,000 for developing innovative processes.
- Carbon reduction grants: Up to £25,000 to reduce energy consumption.
Councillor Robert Francis-Davies highlighted the importance of these grants in helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality and create jobs within the community.
Free online toolkit for aspiring entrepreneurs
Business Gateway Inverclyde has launched a free online toolkit called "Planning to Start" to assist new business owners. This service provides tailored guidance based on individual goals and connects users with local Start Up Advisers for one-on-one support.
The toolkit aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Gain confidence in their business ideas.
- Clarify their goals and next steps.
- Access valuable resources to facilitate the start-up process.
Growing support for the Better Business Act
The Better Business Act has gained significant traction, with over 3,000 businesses now backing the initiative. This coalition aims to amend UK company law to prioritise long-term responsibility over short-term profit, aligning the interests of shareholders with those of employees, customers, and the environment.
The campaign reflects a growing demand for businesses to operate sustainably and ethically, with public support indicating that 76% of people believe companies should have a legal responsibility to consider social and environmental impacts alongside profit.
As businesses increasingly recognise the importance of purpose-driven practices, the Better Business Act represents a pivotal moment for corporate governance in the UK, encouraging a shift towards a more sustainable and resilient economy.
Sources
- Businesses offered free access to new resource which supports staff experiencing domestic abuse, AngusWorld.
- 3,000 businesses back the Better Business Act, HR News.
- Grants worth up to £50,000 available for Swansea businesses, Wales 247.
- Free online toolkit launched by Business Gateway Inverclyde, Greenock Telegraph.
