Apr 10, 2024
The brilliantly successful Frome College Mock Interview event is running again this June and the careers team are reaching out to local employers to take part.
This process supports year 10 students and provides an insight to the world of work and the interview experience.
The college are looking to host interviewers that can work in pairs to interview the Year 10 cohort which are 14 and 15-year-olds.
The mock interviews will run on two days, Monday 17th June and Tuesday 18th June 2024, should you like to attend, in pairs you will interview the students for 30 minutes each.
You will be required to arrive at reception for 8:45am, for interviews to commence from 9:15am-3:15pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided, if any dietary requirements are required please contact the team at nextsteps@fromecollege.org. If you are able to take part or would like more information please get in touch with Louise at Frome College, LCamacho@fromecollege.org.
Feb 14, 2024
The finalists have been announced for this year’s prestigious Somerset Business Awards 2024. The awards are run annually by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and the 2024 finalists come from all corners of the county. The grand final will be hosted by Global broadcast journalist Cormac MacMahon at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare, on March 22, 2024. Huge congratulations to Frome Chamber members Netitude who are finalists in two categories: Medium Business of the Year and Employer of the Year!
Feb 10, 2024
The committee are busily planning a programme of events to bring together local businesses in 2024 including networking breakfasts, events specifically for sole traders and training. We kick started with a brilliant Mastermind event.
A Mastermind is a group session giving an opportunity for one person (normally) to share a problem and receive the benefit of guidance from the group. The session is facilitated, as there is a formal process that should be followed to get best value. Often some or all the people in the group have the same issue as the focus person, so the value of the shared clarification and ideas benefits all members of the group.
On 8 February we ran our first Mastermind evening, kindly hosted by Dan Jeffrey at Howden and expertly facilitated by Peter Quintana of hgkc. On what was a rather wet and wild night we were thrilled to see a packed room of local business people come together to share and discuss current business challenges. Thank you to those who participated, we hope you enjoyed the evening and we look forward to running the next one later in the spring.
Nov 30, 2023
Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “We are pleased the Chancellor has listened to our calls to help businesses deal with the current economic challenges. Our Chamber network called on Jeremy Hunt to offer ‘much needed solutions to Britain’s investment problem’.
“Today’s statement provided some welcome remedies at a time when businesses of all sizes need certainty and security from the Government in the difficult months ahead.
“The decision to make full expensing permanent will be a boost to companies wanting to invest. Our research shows that 34% of businesses have already benefited from the policy, rising to 47% for manufacturers.
“We have long called for the electricity grid to be upgraded to help companies transition to net-zero. In our recent net-zero survey, more than a third (37%) of businesses told us they were not getting what they needed from the grid, in terms of energy supply and connectivity. If we can we reduce grid connection times it will make a big difference.
“We welcome the planning reforms and investment announced by the Chancellor today to help tackle this huge infrastructure problem. Businesses trying to invest in a low carbon future will now be looking for a speedier path to grid connection.
“Smaller firms will be relieved to see a package of measures that alleviate the cashflow problems they face, such as continued business rates relief for hospitality, retail and leisure, and new rules to help them get paid on time.
“The Government’s plans to support people back into work have the potential to help grow the economy. There are just under a million unfilled vacancies in the UK and three quarters of businesses tell us they cannot get the staff they need. Plans to support people suffering ill health could make a real difference, but there must be a focus on getting them into work that matches their capabilities and potential.
“Business investment is the lifeblood of local economies, creating jobs and supporting public services. The Chancellor has today taken a step in the right direction, but nothing can be taken for granted and we must all continue to focus on encouraging companies to grow.”
Oct 6, 2023
The ‘Go Green Scheme’ and a Somerset Green Business Grant Scheme are being introduced by Somerset Council this October. ‘Go Green’ will help eligible Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to understand their energy consumption and show how it can be reduced.
The scheme offers free energy audits and support to develop individual, costed and prioritised sustainability plans. For SMEs with sustainability plans in place, the Somerset Green Business Grant Scheme may provide financial assistance.
Grants can be capital and/or revenue and fund up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with the remainder funded by the applicant. The grant scheme is now open for applications for activity and expenditure which must be completed by end of March 2024. The deadline for submission is 31 October. Somerset Green Business Grants
Does the size of my business make a difference?
Somerset Green Business Grants are available to support Somerset micro and SME businesses – up to 250 employees – to take forward measures to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
How much funding is available?
Grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are available. The grant can fund up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs, with the remainder funded by the applicant. Grants can be capital or revenue. This grant scheme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
What are the key milestone dates?
• The closing date for full applications is 31 October 2023.
• Decisions and funding agreements are expected to be in place by the end of November 2023.
• Projects will need to be completed within the financial year, by 31 March 2024.
The grant application process is in 2 stages, an initial Eligibility Check followed by a Full Application with supporting evidence, including an externally endorsed Plan that should include a carbon and energy baseline and actions to reduce carbon emissions.
What will the grant money be able to cover?
The grant scheme provides funding to businesses to:
• increase energy efficiencies and reduce energy costs
• decarbonise business practice, process and supply chains
• the ‘greening’ of work practices and staff behavioural and cultural change.
Examples of eligible activity include, but are not limited to:
• LED lighting and lighting controls
• Boilers, heating plant, equipment and batteries (power generation)
• Heating and cooling controls
• Specialist energy efficient equipment (for example, manufacturing tools)
• Increased energy efficient equipment (for example, refrigeration)
• Heat recovery systems
• Solar installations, wind turbine, heat pumps
• Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure, that is, charging points, batteries, forklifts, lifting machinery
• Smart Energy Monitoring Systems
• Associated upskilling and greenskilling of new or existing staff.
Staff costs and EV’s are not eligible under this funding scheme.
If you would like to discuss a potential project, please email: greenbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk
Sep 19, 2023
The Somerset Business Mentoring Programme launched in March 2023 and to date has over 40 mentors who have been matched with over 50 mentees…they are now in a position to recruit more mentees so if you feel this could be useful to you, read on…
‘If I had any doubts about the impact this programme could have, it was dispelled yesterday when I met an ambitious, talented, exceptional young woman at the start of her career, in a situation where she could have significant influence on the success of the business.
We mentors volunteer our time and knowledge and I came away from the session with a sense of excitement and optimism for the impact this initiative can have on Somerset businesses. Thank you for inviting me to participate.’
David Holmes, Mentor.
What’s the scheme all about?
Somerset Council has launched this new ambitious mentoring programme to match executive and senior management level business leaders and successful entrepreneurs with local businesses needing support. They understand the challenges with running and growing a business and the value of an impartial sounding board. They can offer sector experience or a specialism in growth strategy, finance, marketing, HR, e-commerce, bid writing, acquisition, exit strategy, and much more!
What sort of backgrounds do the mentors have?
Our mentors have been selected from executive and senior management level business leaders or successful entrepreneurs. For example, our mentors include a former CEO of a top NASDAQ quoted company, a Somerset coffee roaster who now supplies 200 outlets, a soft drinks manufacturer who supplies major retailers at home and abroad, a senior transformation executive who has worked with UK and US quoted businesses, a multi-million-pound NHS equipment supplier and a senior commercial lawyer, to name just a few!
How long does the programme last for?
The scheme offer businesses over 1 year old, up to 6 hrs of free mentoring over a 6-month period although this can easily be extended by mutual agreement if a mentor/mentee relationship is flourishing.
How can I find out more information?
Please email somersetbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk for more information and to apply.
Download mentee flyer here.
Jul 22, 2023
According to new research from the British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) Insight Unit, the vast majority (76%) of businesses surveyed say they offer flexible working to their employees. The research has been released by the BCC ahead of the Lords’ third reading of the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill on Friday 14 July.
While three quarters of firms offer flexible working to their staff members in some form (remote working, flexed hours, job sharing etc.), it would appear significant disparities exist between sectors in the extent to which it is offered. For example, firms in the business-to- business service sector (e.g. legal, finance, marketing, media) are far more likely to offer flexible working than those in manufacturing and consumer-facing sector (e.g. retail and hospitality).
86% of business-to-business firms offer flexible working in some form, with that figure dropping to 73% for manufacturing businesses and 74% for business-to-consumer firms.
Within the 76% of respondents that offer flexible working, almost a quarter (23%) of firms offer flexible working as standard in all contracts. Looking at different business sizes, this is highest in micro firms with under 10 employees (37%) and lowest among firms with 10-49 employees (13%).
Conversely informal (non-contractual) flexible working is offered by 32% of businesses overall and highest in firms with 10-49 employees (38%).
There is a larger segment of micro firms not offering any form of flexible working (19%) compared with larger firms with more than 250 employees (6%).
Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said: “With three quarters of businesses saying they offer flexible working, it’s clear that it has become part and parcel of everyday workplace practices. Wherever possible, employers are willing to support their employees to balance work and other commitments so they can continue in their jobs and advance in their careers.
“Employers understand that flexible working makes good business sense; helping them to attract and retain a skilled workforce. With three in four firms struggling to fill job vacancies, it can help tackle skills shortages by enabling people to stay in work when their circumstances change.
“Flexible working also means firms can attract candidates from a broader range of backgrounds and circumstances and achieve the benefits of a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace.
“The BCC welcomes changes to legislation, as set out in the Government’s Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, that can help employers and workers have better and earlier conversations around flexible working, balance the needs of the business and individuals, and help more people to contribute their skills to the workforce.
“Good communications, robust guidance and practical resources for employers will be essential as the legislation takes effect to help them understand and implement the changes effectively and understand the broadest range of flexible working options available. We look forward to working with Government and businesses to ensure flexible working works for both firms and employees.”
Jul 19, 2023
The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q2 2023 shows that less than half of firms plan to raise prices in the next three months as cost pressures ease. The data also reveals that the main factor for increasing costs is now coming from wages rather than utility bills or raw materials.
The research took place between 15 May and 9 June and before the Bank of England increased the base rate to 5%. Respondents were split into 27% manufacturing and 73% services industries, with 47% exporting. This latest survey also has also discovered business performance across different sectors varies considerably, with hospitality and retail firms suffering more widely with cashflow difficulties.
Growth in business activity remains weak, with no significant improvement to sales and cashflow data
The percentage of firms reporting increased domestic sales remained largely static, with 35% reporting a rise (broadly unchanged from 34% last quarter). Meanwhile 24% reported a decrease and 41% reported no change.
For cashflow, more businesses continue to report a decrease, rather than an increase and again the picture remains largely unchanged since Q1. Just over one in four (26%) businesses said their cash flow has increased over the last three months (25% in Q1), while 29% have seen it decrease (30% in Q1).
Pressures remain highest in the retail and hospitality sectors with 38% and 37% respectively reporting reduced cashflow, while PR and Marketing was the most positive sector with 33% reporting growth.
After business confidence showed signs of a rebound in Q1 2023, it has now stalled again
There was a small increase in the percentage of firms believing their business turnover will rise over the next 12 months, up to 54%, from 52% in Q1.
Profitability confidence also improved slightly to 44% from 42% in Q1, but it continues to remain weaker than turnover confidence.
This slightly improved outlook is not translating through to increased business investment
The number of respondents reporting an increase to investment in plant/equipment dropped to 23% from 25% in Q1. Over the last six years this measure has dropped as low as 9% of firms, at the start of the pandemic, but it has never gone higher than 28% (Q1 2018).
Inflationary pressures continue to ease, but still remain the top concern
The percentage of firms expecting their prices to rise fell below 50% for the first time since Q3 in 2021. It has fallen from 60% of firms in Q4 2022 to 45% in Q2 2023.
While inflation remains firms’ biggest concern, the level has dropped for the second quarter running, with 69% of firms now worried compared to 74% in Q1. However there has been a corresponding 5 percentage point rise in businesses worried about interest rates, increasing from 36% in Q1 to 41% in Q2.
Labour costs are now the number one cost pressure for businesses
With concern around utility costs dropping, 63% report these as an issue (74% in Q3 2022), the number of firms struggling with wage costs has risen to 68% (67% in Q1) and is now the lead cost pressure.
But there remain wide sectoral differences with 75% of manufacturers citing raw materials as the main factor driving price increases, while in hospitality, 85% of firms were most worried about utility costs. The retail sector was least worried about labour costs, with 56% citing it as an issue, against 64% flagging utilities and 67% raw materials.
David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Once again, data from the Quarterly Economic Survey sees no major improvement to key business indicators.
“Three years of economic shocks in the form of Covid-19 lockdowns, inflation, and new trade barriers with the EU have placed clear obstacles in the ability of firms to trade and grow.
Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, Shevaun Haviland, added: “With inflationary pressures weakening, but wage cost concerns remaining high, our research should give the Government and Bank of England pause for thought on their next steps.
“There is a fine balancing act to be struck here. Push too hard on interest rates and there is a real danger that the long-term outlook for economic growth and prosperity will be dented.
“The Bank of England has itself identified the tight labour market as a key factor in the UK’s stubbornly high inflation.
“Fierce competition for skills, wage demands and candidates’ expectations leave many businesses with job vacancies they can’t fill.
“The Government must redouble its efforts to get people back into work and create the right conditions for employers to invest in staff training and development. Where firms cannot recruit and train from their local or national labour market, a flexible, efficient and affordable immigration system is crucial.
“Further upcoming changes on trade with the EU, such as new customs requirements and charges for imports, will also add upward pressure on prices. We need to think carefully about adding in further costs for businesses when they are already under strain.”
Jul 12, 2023
Could your business benefit from the Rural England Prosperity Fund?
Businesses and organisations in Somerset are being encouraged to find out if they are eligible for capital funding grants aimed at supporting businesses and community infrastructure in rural areas. The funding is available following Somerset Council’s successful £3.4 million submission into Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
How much funding is available?
This first call for applications is seeking to allocate a total of £850,000 to eligible capital infrastructure projects. Grants can be between £5,000 and £100,000 and applicants will need 50% match funding for their project.
Is there a time frame for when these projects need to take place?
These projects must be delivered, and grant funding spent by the end of March 2024.
Ok, how do I find out if my business is eligible to apply?
The REPF has very specific criteria set by Government. Therefore, Somerset Council’s Economic Development team is urging businesses and organisations to carefully check eligibility on their website.
Further Links and Information
Find out more about the Rural England Prosperity Fund here.
Further detail can be found in the Guidance document.
To discuss a potential project please email REPF@Somerset.gov.uk
Jul 6, 2023
What a fantastic morning we had at our joint business breakfast event with Somerset Chamber. Thank you to everyone for coming along, it was really positive and so wonderful to see so many local businesses connecting. Special thanks to Lucy at Solstice Legal Services for sponsoring the event and to the Somerset Chamber team and CEO Emma Rawlins for kicking off the event as our first speaker of the day.
Watch this space for further networking opportunities in September and November – more on this very soon!
Jul 1, 2023
Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to shout about your small business! Small Business Saturday is once again highlighting 100 incredible small businesses, one a day for 100 days leading up to #SmallBizSatUK on 2nd December! For more information and to apply click here.
Jun 26, 2023
The past couple of months has bought news of banks closing in Frome, causing great concern for many people in the community. At the chamber we too feel your frustration. For the general public and for the businesses locally who require that regular face to face interaction, those who operate with large amounts of cash and of course for new businesses starting out and wanting some advice from their bank business manager it is deeply frustrating.
Our Treasurer, Nigel recently spoke about the situation on BBC Radio Somerset and how we can explore a solution to work for Frome going forward. Listen here at around 2 hours 35 into the programme.
Finally, we wanted to share this questionnaire on Frome’s banking situation from a new CIC, Prosper Frome to help gather feedback on your challenges and needs as a business.
Jun 15, 2023
If you receive our newsletter you may have noticed our ‘Member Spotlight’ feature, a new feature this year. This is to shine a light on the great work local businesses are doing in Frome, enable our valued members to shout about their business and who knows you might just be in need of the services they provide and be able to work together! This months spotlight is established electricians Fairfield Electrical.
Fairfield Electrical are a family-based business with a dedicated team of qualified electricians you can trust. Helpful and reliable, they have been assisting home owners and businesses in the area for over 50 years.
Founded by Lawrence Fairfield in 1971, the business has remained in the family and is now managed by his son, Adam. The team take a personable approach, which is reflected by the number of long-term clients we serve, including some that have been with us since the very beginning over 50 years ago!
The skilled staff at Fairfield Electrical can deal with all your electrical requirements, covering a wide radius from Frome to Bath, Bradford-On-Avon, Devizes, Glastonbury, Shepton Mallet, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and locations further afield such as Bristol, Exeter, Salisbury and Swindon.
To discuss your next project or to request a quote call +44 (0) 1373 464577 / +44 (0) 800 7740102 or click here to visit the website.
Exclusive member offer!
10% discount to members on all electrical testing. This includes periodic testing such as Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR’s), Emergency Lighting, Smoke Alarms and Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
May 12, 2023
Could you benefit from fresh, experienced insight and a sounding board as you run and grow your business? Read about Somerset Councils new free mentoring scheme…
What’s the scheme all about?
Somerset Council has launched this new ambitious mentoring programme to match executive and senior management level business leaders and successful entrepreneurs with local businesses needing support. They understand the challenges with running and growing a business and the value of an impartial sounding board. They can offer sector experience or a specialism in growth strategy, finance, marketing, HR, e-commerce, bid writing, acquisition, exit strategy, and much more!
What sort of backgrounds do the mentors have?
Our mentors have been selected from executive and senior management level business leaders or successful entrepreneurs. For example, our mentors include a former CEO of a top NASDAQ quoted company, a Somerset coffee roaster who now supplies 200 outlets, a soft drinks manufacturer who supplies major retailers at home and abroad, a senior transformation executive who has worked with UK and US quoted businesses, a multi-million-pound NHS equipment supplier and a senior commercial lawyer, to name just a few!
How long does the programme last for?
The scheme offer businesses over 1 year old, up to 6 hrs of free mentoring over a 6-month period although this can easily be extended by mutual agreement if a mentor/mentee relationship is flourishing.
How can I find out more information?
Please email somersetbusinesssupport@somerset.gov.uk for a mentee application form and more information or download here.
May 5, 2023
If you receive our newsletter you may have noticed our new ‘Member Spotlight’ feature. This is to shine a light on the great work local businesses are doing in Frome, enable our valued members to shout about their business and who knows you might just be in need of their services and be able to work together! Our first spotlight is on local solicitors Solstice Legal Services, founded by Lucy Milton- Downes.
Lucy is a Solicitor; with 15 years’ post qualified experience, she has a young family and is aware of the pressure that life can have on an individual. She positively leads her team and is empathetic to her employees so they feel empowered, respected and valued. She started Solstice Legal Services Limited in June 2021. She has a passion for fairness and equality. Lucy recognises that in order to achieve this standard, her team should always be supported and encouraged to use their strengths and embrace their arias of development.
Solstice Legal Services Limited are based in King Street, Frome. Described as a modern firm with traditional values and over 45 years’ experience in the legal profession. Their qualified solicitors, lawyers and legal executives specialise in a variety of practice areas, including litigation, family, wills and probate and residential and commercial sales and purchases. The wealth of expertise enables the team to deliver a high standard of service with a personal approach.
Why use Solstice Legal Services?
– Extensive post-qualified legal experience.
– Support and advice every step of the way.
– Access to professional advice when you need it.
– Local, with well-established professional connections, which includes estate agents, surveyors, developers, and other legal professionals.
Solstice Legal is keen to support local communities, businesses, sports teams and events and are proud sponsors of Shepton Mallet FC.
They also sponsored the Frome Art week in 2022, and are the main sponsor of our joint business event with Somerset Chamber of Commerce in July. Solstice Legal will also be sponsoring Frome Cheese Show later in the year.
For more information click here.
Exclusive Member Offer!
Simple wills for £180 plus VAT, Lasting Powers of Attorney £250.00 plus VAT for one and £400.00 plus VAT for two, and 10% discount on commercial leases.
Apr 19, 2023
The new financial year presents a great opportunity to get your finances in order, reassess your business strategy and revaluate your goals for the coming year and beyond. By supporting the Chamber, we hope we can be a small part of your journey and encourage you to come along to one of our networking events to engage with other local businesses, share best practice, educate each other and hopefully form lasting business relationships. We are really excited to have a couple of events in the calendar this summer, these are ticketed events with a limited number of places available so don’t wait too long to book.
Business Gathering at Mells
Together with Edventure, we invite you to Mells Walled Garden on Wednesday 10th May 6-7.30pm for an informal Business Gathering with wine and nibbles. Enjoy the ambience, network with fellow business owners and hear about our ideas as to what Frome can do ‘after the banks are gone’. Book now.
Breakfast with Frome Chamber
Join us on 6th July for a morning of networking and business development as Frome Chamber of Commerce and Somerset Chamber of Commerce come together for a joint networking breakfast, sponsored by Solstice Legal Services Limited. For more information about this event and to book a place, Click here.
Mar 30, 2023
The winners of the Somerset Business Awards 2023 have been announced at a black-tie dinner and presentation at the Winter Gardens Pavilion, in Weston-super-Mare. Nearly 400 business people from across Somerset attended the gala evening, which was organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and hosted by BBC broadcaster and journalist Claire Carter. Huge congratulations to Frome business and members, Busy Bees who won the Service Excellence Award!
Feb 13, 2023
Welcome to our first blog post of the year on what is a beautiful sunny day in Frome! We hope you have had a positive start to 2023, however we do appreciate the challenges small businesses are facing in the current climate and we want to remind you that we’re here to support where we can. With this in mind we are kicking off with a networking Business Breakfast morning at Edventure and we look forward to bringing as many of you together as possible at this and future events later this year.
Together with Edventure, we invite new and established small businesses and Start-ups, to join us at Fromes next Business Breakfast event on Weds 1st March. Discussing financial issues affecting small businesses with guest speaker, Business Manager of Natwest. Book here!
