Out and about - Fairtrade for Bassetlaw spreads the word

www.bassetlaw.gov.uk 19Leading theway witha leaderprogrammeThe leader programme launched bythe EU to help small rural businesseslearn more about diversifying offersgrants to support different aspects of ruralbusiness development.Jim Burley project manager for the Council’sLEADER programme deals with applicationsfrom within Bassetlaw for financial assistanceunder the LEADER scheme. To date, fromthe applications received. grants have beenawarded to a Bed and Breakfast businessfor refurbishment, an equestrian business forimprovements and a garden stone sculptorfor expansion of the business.To obtain these grants these businesseshad to prove to Local Action Groups, whoare made up of public and private partners,exactly what the money would be spenton and why. They also have to prove thatthe money the receive from the grants willbenefit the rural economy.For more information please contact JimBurley on 01909 533 230 Email: jim.burley@bassetlaw.gov.ukWorksop businesses working togetherBassetlaw still streets aheadin new business start upsOfficial Business Link start up figures for new businessstartups in the 2009/10 financial year show morenew businesses started in Bassetlaw than in anyother district in Nottingham, other than the City itself.Its total for the year of 97 is five more than the 92 for2008/2009. Broxtowe was the next best district with a total forthe year of 71 with Rushcliffe close behind with 69 and Newarkand Sherwood with 65. The City of Nottingham had 226 for theyear. Gedling was bottom of the log with 46.Commenting on the figures, Robert Wilkinson, the Council’seconomic development manager said, “The new businesseschoosing Bassetlaw in spite of continuing economic difficultiessays a lot about the confidence people have about the futureof the region. Between them these new startups have created198 jobs in the district compared with 160 last year. AcrossNottinghamshire there has been an increase in new jobs createdfrom 999 in 2008/09 to 1 299 in 1009/10.“At the same time it must be acknowledged that more than 8,500businesses received some form of advice and assistance from theNottingham Business Ventures and Business Link partnership –nearly double the 4 651 who benefited in 2008/09.“Unemployment in the last quarter of the 2009/10 financialyear seems to be remarkably consistent, as these figures showingJobseekers allowance claimants, released by Job Centre Plus show:District January 2010 February 2010 March 2010Bassetlaw 3.7 3.7 3.6Ashfield 4.7 4.8 4.6Broxtowe 3.4 3.4 3.3Gedling 3.7 3.7 3.6Mansfield 4.7 4.7 4.6Newark/Sherwood 3.0 3.1 3.0Nottingham City 6.2 6.3 6.2Rushcliffe 2.2 2.3 2.2These figures follow the national trend - 12 months ago the figures for Bassetlaw were 3.8%Backing Bassetlawlatest newsBassetlaw News spoke to Fiona Humpagefor the latest news on Backing Bassetlaw.Bassetlaw News: What are businessescurrently doing to Back Bassetlaw?Fiona Humpage: There are currently over 90businesses participating in the loyalty card schemethat has been in operation since September 2009. Insigning up to the scheme they are offering either adiscount or in-store promotion to entice shoppers intotheir stores. This is to encourage more footfall withinthe town centres.BLN: How can businesses get involved inBacking Bassetlaw?FH: Businesses can go to the website at www.backingbassetlaw.co.uk to apply on line or they cancontact me and I will go out and visit them.BLN: Why would businesses want toget involved?FH: To promote their businesses and encouragepeople to shop in their stores. This will create a morevibrant and thriving town centre.BLN: How do businesses benefit frombacking Bassetlaw?FH: Along with attracting more people to the townand more visits to their shops and businesses. Theyalso get media exposure through Bassetlaw News i.e.two free adverts and access to cardholders details topromote themselves directlyBLN: Where can businesses find out more?FH: By logging onto www.backingbassetlaw.co.ukor Email: fiona.humpage@bassetlaw.gov.uk or01909 533498.Businesses in Worksop will nowbe able to work closely togetherto help bring more business intothe town centre, through the Worksoptown centre business forum.Working alongside Bassetlaw DistrictCouncil monthly local traders lead thediscussions at meetings with the help ofFiona Humpage the Council’s EconomicPromotions Manager and Richard BlaggTown Centre Operations Manager.So far Worksop business owners havetaken part in a participatory budgetexercise in which £10,000 was allocatedto spend within the town centre. Proposalsthat have gone forward include payingfor 2 hours parking with the 3rd hourfree, which will now be costed to ensurethat it is viable and will apply to everyonethat has signed up as a loyalty schemecardholder. A small group has alsobeen formed to help Richard and Fionacoordinate Christmas 2010 activities.For further information contact FionaHumpage on 01909 533498 or Email:Fiona.humpage@bassetlaw.gov.ukBiz Ex event a great successOn May 27th the free Biz Ex event,at the National Fluid Power Centre inWorksop, attracted interest from peoplewho wanted to start a new businessthrough to those wishing to develop anexisting established business.People from across Bassetlaw andbeyond were able to network withcustomers and prospects to build strongand lasting business relationships.Buyer, seller and products all in thesame place at the same time.Business Link advisers were able to offervaluable advice throughout the dayduring 20 minute one to one sessions.Many businesses took the opportunityto showcase their products and servicesand there was a very interestingseminar on ‘What’s new withsearch engines?’The meet the buyer event provedpopular with an opportunity forattendees to have a one to one 10minute meeting with a maximumof 2 buyers, bringing buyers andsuppliers together to find out how localauthorities buy their goods and services.In the next edition of Bassetlaw Newswe’ll bring you pictures from the eventand feedback from attendees.For further information contact FionaHumpage on 01909 533498 or Email:Fiona.humpage@bassetlaw.gov.uk