Boost business performance by improving your staff’s number skills with Multiply
Published 18 September 2024
Skills and workforce
If your workforce doesnโt feel confident with numbers it could be holding your business back without you even realising it.
Studies have shown that almost half of the UK working population lack confidence using numbers โ so itโs likely that this could apply to some of your own team. But upskilling your staff by improving their number skills can help reduce number-related errors, increase productivity, improve staff retention and even increase profits.
Multiply can help improve number skills
Multiply is a range of free, flexible courses that can help your workforce improve their number skills and build their number confidence. The courses are funded by government so theyโre completely free to learners. Thereโs also no charge to businesses that want to upskill staff by sending them on an existing course or arranging a bespoke course for their organisation.
Thereโs a huge range of Multiply courses available, from just a few hours online, to more in-depth and in-person courses taking place over a number of weeks. So thereโs something to suit everyone โ but if you canโt find one to suit your workforceโs needs, itโs possible to arrange a bespoke program through one of the official Multiply providers.
Whoโs eligible for Multiply?
Multiply is available to all Surrey residents aged 19 and over, who donโt already have a Maths GCSE (or equivalent). In some cases, people who already have a Maths GCSE, but continue to feel unconfident with numbers, may still be eligible for improving their number skills with Multiply if it will help them to advance at work. And businesses that are based in Surrey can benefit from Multiply too.
Courses are running now, and continue until the end of March 2025.
Find out more
You can see the full list of available courses on the Multiply website.
Introducing Work Wise employment support programme for jobseekers
Published 29 July 2024
Advice and support, Business news, Skills and workforce
Businesses are invited to get involved in Work Wise, a free employment support programme aimed at jobseekers aged over 16 who may struggle to get into work due to health issues or disability.
It has been designed to empower and bolster the local workforce, by providing support to jobseekers and improving their employment opportunities, and by supporting businesses to increase their workforce diversity and fill vacancies.
The programme is being delivered by Surrey County Council in partnership with Surrey Choices, Richmond Fellowship, Get Set UK, Surrey Welfare Rights Unit and Citizens Advice.
Employment support for individuals
Individuals who register on the scheme will be paired with a dedicated employment specialist. For scheme participants who are already employed, their dedicated specialist will support them to stay in work, and for jobseekers, the specialist will assist with their job search and applications, assisting with CV writing, interview preparation and benefits advice.
Work Wise support for businesses
Surrey County Council will work with suitable businesses and employers in the County to help deliver the Work Wise programme. The Council can support businesses by helping to identify suitable roles, matching jobseekers to skills gaps, and importantly, providing training and advice to develop inclusive employee support services which benefit both employee and employer.
Mark Nuti, Surrey County Councilโs Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Public Health said:
โMaking job opportunities accessible to everyone is very important to us. However, we know that people with disabilities or health challenges often face big challenges when trying to find work, so Iโm delighted we are launching this initiative, providing vital employment support for those who need it most. Work Wise marks a significant step forward in improving job opportunities and breaking down barriers, empowering residents whilst helping to reduce unemployment rates, and fostering successful futures in our communities across Surrey so that no one is left behind.โ
Businesses interested in taking part in Work Wise and other schemes to help fill vacancies and get support to become a more inclusive employer can get in touch via the business support form.
Looking for free support and advice for your Surrey business?
Business Surrey is a Surrey County Council service providing free and accessible support for all businesses in Surrey.
Find out more about what we do and how to access our many business support services by completing our Contact Us form.
Or you can browse our directory of business support in Surrey. The directory includes more than 120 local, regional and national schemes and initiatives providing support, guidance and help with funding.
Spelthorne Business Awards 2024
Published 22 July 2024
Business news, Events and awards
Applications are now open for the 2024 Spelthorne Business Awards. Organised by Spelthorne Borough Council, and sponsored by Business Surrey, the Awards are now in their sixth year, and are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the best and brightest businesses in Spelthorne.
There are 15 categories in total, catering for the whole range of Spelthorne-based businesses; large or small, online or bricks-and-mortar, new or well-established. One overall winner will be crowned Spelthorneโs Best Business 2024.
Entries are open now, and the closing date is midnight on Monday 16 September. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday 8 October, with winners announced at the black-tie Awards Ceremony to be held on Friday 1 November.
All businesses with a Spelthorne trading address are invited to enter, and there is no entry fee.
Award Categories
Donโt miss this opportunity to gain recognition for your businessโs achievements and stand out from the competition. The following categories are open to all businesses located in the district, no matter whether you are an established business or a budding start-up.
Best Business in Staines-upon-Thames and Laleham
Best Business in Sunbury and Halliford
Best Business in Ashford and Stanwell
Best Business in Shepperton and Charlton Village
Best New Start Up Award
Best Small Business Award
Best Restaurant, Bar or Pub Award
Business Innovation Award
Sustainability Award
Best Franchise Award
Overseas Trader of the Year Award
Retail Excellence Award
Best Hospitality and Leisure Business
Best Construction and Property Business
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Business Award
There are plenty of other opportunities for Surrey businesses to achieve recognition and celebrate their achievements. There are a range of other awards events taking place across Surrey this year, including the King’s Award for Enterprise, and the Tandridge Business Awards.
Growth Guarantee Scheme launched to help smaller businesses
Published 18 July 2024
Advice and support, Funding and grants
Smaller businesses in Surrey can now get access to finance to invest in and grow their company via the British Business Bankโs Growth Guarantee Scheme (GSS).
The new scheme is the successor to the Recovery Loan Scheme and has been designed to support UK smaller businesses to access the finance they need to invest and grow.
So far, there are 41 accredited lenders providing access to finance under the Scheme, with more expected to be accredited by the British Business Bank over the coming weeks.
The GGS will provide access to a range of different types of finance to suit the needs of smaller businesses, including term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending.
The Key Features of the Scheme
The key features of the GGS are broadly similar to those of its predecessor, The Recovery Loan Scheme, and include:
Finance available from ยฃ1,000 up to ยฃ2m per business group, depending on the type of finance product
Wide range of products including: term loans, overdrafts, asset finance, invoice finance and asset-based lending facilities
Term length:โฏTerm loans and asset finance facilities are available from three months up to six years, with overdrafts, invoice finance and asset-based lending available from three months up to three years
Access to multiple schemes:โฏBusinesses that took out a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) or a Recovery Loan Scheme (RLS) facility before 30 June 2024 may still access the Growth Guarantee Scheme
Pricing:โฏFees and interest rates charged by lenders will vary but will take into account the benefit to the lender of the Government guarantee
Personal Guarantees: Can be taken at the lenderโs discretion, in line with their normal commercial lending practices. (Principal Private Residences cannot be taken as security within the scheme)
Guarantee is to the lender:โฏThe scheme provides the lender with a 70% government-backed guarantee. Please note: the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt
Decision-making is at the lenderโs discretion:โฏfinance is provided at the discretion of the lender subject to their usual credit application checks.
How do I apply for the Growth Guarantee Scheme?
More information on the Growth Guarantee Scheme, including the list of accredited lenders, is available on the British Business Bank website.
What other support is available for smaller businesses in Surrey?
We offer a range of advice and support for Surrey businesses. Get in touch today to find out more via our business support form.
You can also search for information and support available near you via our Support Directory.
Students get early taste for cyber careers at special event
Published 15 July 2024
Innovation, Skills and workforce
Cyber-curious students from Ash Manor School have been inspired to consider future careers in the sector after taking part in a special one-day workshop.
The โDigital Detective Challengeโ was developed to harness the imagination of the students and encourage them to consider a future career in this exciting and fast-growing industry.
At the end of the day, almost all of the year 8 students taking part (28 out of 31) said they would now consider taking up a career in cyber โ a resounding success for the day.
Matt Furniss, Surrey County Councilโs Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: โCyber security is a growing, highly innovative sector of huge importance to our regional economy. Events like this are fantastic to really capture the interest of enquiring young minds โ the vital future leaders of this sector – and ensure cyber securityโs continued growth and success in Surrey. Iโm delighted the event was such a triumph for all participants.โ
Surrey is a world-leader in cyber security, as home to a large and growing number of security firms and consultancy agencies including BAE Systems, CGI and F5.
Two of the UKโs five Gold Standard Cyber Security Universities (Royal Holloway and University of Surrey) are also based in the county, helping to drive innovation in the sector.
Surrey County Council is further nurturing the sector and supporting growth through its involvement in the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster.
Feedback from the day
Mr S Coomber, Head of Computer Science at Ash Manor School, said:โEvents like this enable students to explore what itโs like to work in cyber security. By showcasing the breadth of opportunities available, we hope to empower students to make an informed decision about considering a career in the cyber sector.โ
Jane Sheridan from SATRO Education Charity, said: โTodayโs event was not just about solving puzzles; it was about igniting passion and curiosity for cyber careers among young minds. We wanted to provide students with a glimpse into the exciting world of cyber security while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.โ
Hani Momeninia, Director of the SCSC, highlighted the significance of nurturing future talent in the cyber field. He said: โAs the cyber landscape continues to evolve, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals capable of defending us against emerging threats. Initiatives like this play a crucial role in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of cyber leaders. Itโs been great to work with the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster and SATRO Education Charity to design and host an engaging event for our budding cyber professionals.โ
Inspiring careers in cyber
The event was one of a number of initiatives intended to inspire a range of audiences to consider a career in cyber by the Council’s Economy & Growth Team, in collaboration with the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster. Other events included a workshop for mums returning to work and a cyber careers fair at Brooklands Museum for secondary school students across the county.
Business Surrey, as the Councilโs new business initiative, is committed to supporting sectors, such as cyber security, with support to grow. If you are looking for support and advice with workforce needs please contact our team of experts for free support.
The Surrey Careers Hub also works to connect employers with schools and colleges to support young people to take their next best step. Find out how you can get involved here.
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