Business West

❓ Do you work in the health and care sector? Join us at the Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton for an insightful and collaborative event around future Technologies for enabling health and care. We'll be joined by Professor Richard Luxton from the University of the West of England who will talk about latest innovations and discuss new assistive digital technologies, including some of the latest work with the primary care lab. There will also be updates from Skills for Care and Business West, plus plenty of time to network and connect with your industry colleagues over lunch. It promises to be a valuable experience for any organisation working in the Health & Care sector. ▶️ Book your space here: https://lnkd.in/es9_CdRw This event is funded by the Somerset Innovation Network

The BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, the Chartered Institute for IT, have shared their highlights from the Digital Skills Network event panel ‘What are the local and regional skills needs in England?’ Our own Head of Skills Planning, Matt Tudge, took part in the panel to provide important insights. 🎉 Watch the video below! 👇 #BusinessWest #LocalSkillsImprovementPlan #IT #Skills

☘️ Don’t leave your temporary exports to luck—use an ATA Carnet! ☘️ If your business is heading to Ireland with exhibition stands, professional equipment, or samples this St. Patrick's Day, don’t leave temporary goods customs clearance to chance. Since Brexit, moving goods across borders can be confusing, but an ATA Carnet makes the process easier, helping you avoid delays, unexpected fees, and delays at customs. From ferry routes to paperwork, our latest blog covers everything you need to know about taking goods temporarily from the UK to Ireland. ➡️ Read it here: https://bit.ly/4hurtVb Catherine Stephens MIEx Grad Hilary Rossborough Faith Batten Megan Childs Bethan Rice Nathan Hoyle James Monk Fiona Parsons

Today, Business West will be joining Swindon Borough Council to launch the vision for the 'Heart of Swindon' at the UK House of Lords. Our Chair, Colin Skellett, spoke earlier today on BBC Radio Wiltshire to discuss the vision, which involves the public and private sector working together to drive sustainable economic growth. Read about the Vision here: https://lnkd.in/g7chT6G9   Hear Colin Skellett, in conversation here (7:05am): https://lnkd.in/eKJ4BWTA “Swindon has an enormous amount going for it… look at the connectivity of Swindon; this is absolutely key to the vision; the link to Oxford, to Bath, to Bristol, to London. It has good political leadership, with MPs that want to drive sustainable economic growth. It already has a strong private sector and a great workforce; highly skilled, highly productive. It also has space. It is a tremendous opportunity.” #ShowcasingSwindon

Yesterday we held our Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Update for Swindon & Wiltshire at the STEAM (MUSEUM OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY) LIMITED. It was a fantastic event hosting important discussions around the future of skills in the local area. Our LSIP team shared updates on the LSIP and what is next, including the exciting news of a six-month extension on our current plan and the government's commitment to the second national iteration of LSIPs.    We also talked more about our reports into green skills and EDI, before continuing the session with an incredible panel of women discussing the skills system. A big thank you to our panellists Jo Grenfell, Deputy Principal – Curriculum & Quality from Wiltshire College & University Centre, Laura Arlott, Skills Advisor from Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit, Sally Burnett, Head of Skills and Education Partnerships from Swindon Borough Council, Katie Cross, Partnerships and Business Development Manager from Wiltshire Council and Jaime Williamson, Strategic Careers Hub Lead from Swindon & Wiltshire Careers Hub. We had some great discussions around making the skills system more accessible, different ways to deliver work experience, how parents are influencers and more. Thank you to everyone who joined us, our panellists and a big shout out to the LSIP team for delivering three insightful and useful update sessions in the past few weeks, across Swindon & Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England. #LocalSkillsImprovementPlan #BusinessWest #Skills

Are you looking to expand your business internationally? Business West offers invaluable support to help you navigate global markets successfully. From expert advice to practical resources, here are five key ways we can assist: 🌐 Market Research: Gain insights into potential markets and understand the competitive landscape. 🌐 Export Documentation: Ensure your paperwork is in order with our comprehensive export documentation services. 🌐 Global Programmes: Scale globally in a specific technology area with support from Innovate UK. 🌐 Training & Workshops: Our online export training workshops provide SMEs with the essential skills needed to understand the exporting and importing process. 🌐 International Trade Consultancy: Let us address your international trade queries and customise a solution to meet your specific needs. Unlock your business's potential and explore new horizons with Business West 🌍 Read more about how we can help: https://lnkd.in/eqEUp69H #GlobalMarkets #BusinessGrowth #Export #Networking #InternationalTrade #BusinessWest

Have you submitted your nominations for the BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT & Digital Apprenticeship 2025 awards yet? This year's categories include: ✨Digital Degree Large Employer Apprentice of the Year ✨Digital Degree SME Employer Apprentice of the Year ✨Digital Community Manager Apprentice of the Year ✨Digital Business Services ✨Design & Development Apprentice of the Year ✨Digital Product Manager Apprentice of the Year ✨and more Nominations are welcome from employers, training providers, apprentices, and students. Submit your entries by 21st March 2025: https://bit.ly/3DfDuzX #ITandDigitalAwards #TLevels #DigitalApprenticeships

Have you attended one of our Tech for Growth workshops yet? We've had great feedback from our variety of sessions. Our next online workshop is on 18th March and explores creating website messaging that captures attention and drives meaningful action and sales. Led by Tom from Vanilla Killer, attendees will Learn how to: ✅ Identify and understand your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) ✅ Develop a compelling value proposition that speaks directly to your audience's needs ✅ Structure messaging for maximum impact across website, landing pages and marketing materials ✅ Plus much more ▶️ Book your place here: https://lnkd.in/ehkvz5jm Eligibility rules apply. Tech for Growth is a West of England Mayoral Combined Authority initiative, delivered in partnership with Business West and techSPARK uk to help SMEs in the region improve their digital skills in order for them to grow.

As part of Social Economy West, one of our partners BANES 3rd Sector Group (3SG) is hosting an in person event on Storytelling and Branding. This workshop, led by Robin Worall, Creative Director of Rednine, explores how VCSE organisations can leverage storytelling and branding to communicate their mission, engage stakeholders, and build long-term sustainability. Through interactive discussions, practical exercises, and real-world examples, participants will gain the tools needed to craft an authentic and powerful narrative that drives lasting change. Sign up to: ✅ Understand the role of storytelling and branding in sustaining impact. ✅Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that resonates with stakeholders. ✅Explore branding strategies that reinforce mission and values. ▶️ Book your space here: https://lnkd.in/efkdejXQ A West of England Combined Authority initiative, delivered in partnership with Business West and expert partners to support the social economy across the region.

As part of the Social Economy West programme, one of our partners BANES 3rd Sector Group (3SG) is hosting an in person event on 19th March in Bath. This interactive workshop is designed to equip Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations with the essential tools and strategies to develop a robust and sustainable business plan. Sign up to: ✅ Understand the key components of an effective business plan. ✅Learn how to define their mission, vision, and strategic goals. ✅Explore revenue generation and funding strategies for sustainability. ✅Gain insights into financial forecasting and risk management. Book your place here: https://lnkd.in/e74BYJVS A West of England Combined Authority initiative, delivered in partnership with Business West and expert partners to support the social economy across the region.