Businesses get chance to quiz the experts
Renfrewshire firms can pick up some business-boosting tips at a series of free meet-the-expert events during October.
The special sessions will allow businesses of all kind to find out more about subjects including how to access business-growth funding, and bid for council contracts.
They will be hosted at Renfrewshire Council’s recently-opened business hub in Lawn Street, Paisley throughout October.
Other topics set to be covered include consumer protection, planning and building standards, business licensing, recruitment, and funding for the third sector.
Each of the ten sessions will be staffed by an expert from the council or elsewhere, who will be able to answer questions and offer advice on their subject.
They are open to any local businessperson, although visitors will need to book a timeslot in advance. Book by emailing kathryn.ingram@renfrewshire.gov.uk or call 0141 618 4872.
A full list of sessions is as follows. All are timed from 9am to 1pm apart from Business Gateway, which is on from 10am to 1pm.
Business Gateway (Wed 2 Oct, Wed 9 Oct, Wed 16 Oct, Wed 23 Oct, Wed 30 Oct)
Meet an advisor from Business Gateway, who can offer advice and support on all aspects of how to run your business. Please note, these sessions should be booked by calling 0141 585 6353.
Grant and loan funding (Thurs 3 Oct)
Find out how you can access the funding available to business through Invest in Renfrewshire, including business growth grants of up to £10,000, wage subsidies to hire new staff, loans of up to £50,000 and much more.
Procurement and economic development (Fri 4 Oct, Fri 11 Oct, Fri 25 Oct)
Is your firm interested in bidding for council contracts? This is your chance to speak to one of our procurements experts, who will advise on how the tendering system works. Staff will also be there to advise on any council support which could help businesses equip themselves to take on bigger jobs.
Planning and building control (Tues 8 Oct)
Would you like to know more about how the planning process works? Our staff will be on hand to talk about everything a business needs to know if applying for planning permission, and on all aspects of building standards and regulation.
Consumer protection (Thurs 10 Oct)
It is crucial for businesses to know their way around consumer law. This session will cover consumer safety, pricing, complaint resolution and the council’s Trusted Trader scheme. An environmental health officer will also be on hand to talk about food hygiene and safety at work.
Funding for the Third Sector (Tues 22 Oct)
Charities and voluntary groups have a variety of places they can go to apply for funding but it isn’t always easy to know where to go. Our expert will be able to direct you through the maze.
Business licensing (Thurs 24 Oct and Tues 29)
The council is responsible for a wide range of business-related licensing. These include alcohol sales, taxis and private hires, betting, street trading and public entertainment. Staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Recruitment (Thurs 31 Oct)
Looking to hire new staff but need help to find the best recruits? An advisor from the JobCentre Plus will be on hand to talk you through the process, while staff from Invest in Renfrewshire will tell you how a council wage subsidy could help you expand your workforce.