Latest News and Info

New investment into Bradford to help grow the social economy and tackle inequality

31st January 2020

We’d like to share some wonderful news. For the last few months, 30 Chapel Street has led the development of a bid to secure investment into Bradford to tackle inequality and grow our social economy.

We’re very pleased to announce that along with our nine partners in the Bradford Social Innovation Lab (BSIL), the city has been successful in securing a significant share of a £33m investment programme from Local Access and Big Society Capital.

The Partnership included social entrepreneurs, public, private, community and social economy support organisations with deep expertise in place-based working: 30 Chapel Street; Airedale Enterprise Services Bradford City Council; Inspired Neighbourhoods; Key Fund; Locality; On Track Social; Participate; PwC.

These funds will help our city tackle inequalities by boosting social innovation and the social economy.

We’re really excited about the possibilities this opens for Bradford and hope to become the UK’s capital for social enterprise.

You can find out more by downloading our press release. Do get in touch if you’d like to talk to us about what happens next.

rates relief areas

Up to 3 years of rates relief for Businesses in Bradford District

29th January 2020

Up to 3 years of rates relief for businesses in Bradford District Keighley, Shipley, Bingley & Ilkley. The District Growth Scheme can award rates relief to help businesses locate into the District or support new/existing businesses to expand.

Priority will be given to:

  • Financial, legal, business and professional services
  • Leisure and retail firms
  • High growth sectors sich as small scale advanced manufacturing, green technology, creative or digital companies
There are 3 elements offered under the District Growth Scheme:
New investment relief – helps firms to develop new builds or expand their existing premises. This offers up to three years’ rate relief for businesses moving into new commercial developments commencing after 1 April 2018. The project must create a minimum of 20 FTE new jobs.
Heritage Building Relief – assists businesses develop heritage buildings. Firms which refurbish listed, historic or other significant buildings, which have been vacant for over 12 months, can receive sliding scale rate relief from 100% in the first year to 25% in year three
Town centre relief supports businesses to relocate or expand tp the town centres of Shipley, Ilkley, Bingley or Keighley. Businesses who move into vacant properties (three months for retail, six months for industrial or expand into unoccupied space, can receive 12 months rate relief. This must create new jobs within the Bradford District

Contact the Invest in Bradford team on 01274 437727 or follow https://www.investinbradford.com/su…/district-growth-scheme/ for more information

ISO

European Social Fund Update

23rd January 2020

Funding of 40% (European Social Fund) through *The Skills Service will end 31st March 2020!

Staff training and development remains one of the key elements in ensuring business success. Upskilling increases employee engagement and impacts the performance of the individual and the team as a whole.

You may be eligible to receive 40% OFF all our Upcoming ISO Training Courses below:

Funding End 31st March 2020 – Please call us on 01535 607775 to check eligibility or to book on to any of our courses above.

keighley made
Worldhost Recognition

Airedale Enterprise puts Customers First and is Awarded WorldHost® Recognised Business Status

2nd January 2020

Airedale Enterprise in Keighley has become the latest organisation in West Yorkshire to gain national recognition for its commitment to customer service, after being awarded WorldHost Recognised Business status.

WorldHost is a suite of world-class customer service training programmes that was introduced in the UK by People 1st International. Over 320,000 people, 5,000 businesses and 18 regions have benefited from WorldHost training – representing an industry investment of more than £30million in improving the quality of customer experience. During this time, WorldHost has played a key role in helping individuals, businesses, regions and major sporting and cultural events improve the consistency and quality of their customer service offer – with some reporting a boost in sales of up to 60%.

WorldHost Recognised Business status is awarded to businesses that have trained 50% or more of their front line staff using any of the WorldHost training programmes and signed a commitment to delivering excellent customer service. With over 70% of its staff trained to WorldHost standards, Airedale Enterprise has officially become a WorldHost Recognised Business.

On receiving the recognition, Wendy Spencer, CEO at Airedale Enterprise commented: “We are passionate about service standards and are incredibly proud to have achieved WorldHost Recognised Business status. When our customers see the WorldHost logo displayed in our business, they’ll know that we have made a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for them. Not only does this generate a positive buzz about the service we offer, but it helps to promote Keighley and surrounding areas as friendly and welcoming tourist destinations. ”

Airedale Enterprise working in partnership with Shipley College have delivered there 13th Worldhost course this year in Keighley, with over 165 individuals now Worldhost and City & Guilds Level 2 certified in Excellent Customer Service. Airedale Enterprise has now scheduled their 2020 course dates, the next 2 day fully funded course will take place on 23rd and 30th January at Airedale Enterprises’ premises on Sunderland Street, Keighley. Contact 01535 607775 for more information.

Jane Rexworthy, executive director at People 1st International, congratulated Airedale Enterprise on its achievement. She commented:  “Becoming a WorldHost Recognised Business is a fantastic achievement and it’s incredibly encouraging to see Airedale Enterprise willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

“This training means that the staff at Airedale Enterprise have the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver first-class customer service, giving their business the excellent reputation it deserves. I have no doubt WorldHost will have a positive impact on their business. Congratulations to all involved.”

The WorldHost Recognised Business certificate is valid for two years and is renewable on completion of a refresher course.

 

About WorldHost

Originally developed in Canada – widely recognised as the leading global destination for visitor welcome – and adapted for the UK market by skills and quality assurance expert, People 1st International (www.people1st.co.uk), the WorldHost programmes provide a gold standard in training for any business that relies on day-to-day interaction with customers for success. All WorldHost trainers are quality assured to ensure they deliver world-class customer service training.

For more information about the Worldhost Customer Service Courses please contact the team on 01535 607775.

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Business Support and Training | Airedale Enterprise Services