Pensions Advice for you & your employees

31st March 2022

Airedale Enterprise has teamed up with one of the largest pension providers in the country to offer you and your employees a Free introductory session on how you can restructure your pension to save money for you the employer & your employees.

Our pension experts work with 25,000 employers and over 2,500 accountants across the country, reviewing existing company pension schemes and look at things like salary sacrifice schemes which can reduce the national insurance contributions for the company and employees.

No matter what size your business is, we all want to save money and be more efficient therefore by reviewing your current pension obligations could be an easy way of reducing your spend and reducing the amount of tax your employees have to pay.

** Sign up today and let locally based financial experts help you grow your business **

* one to one confidential advice on pensions
* keep your employees engaged
* happier staff = better productivity
* take away the pension headache by getting the right financial advice

Financial experts will work with employers to provide employee benefits, pension and investment planning with no initial upfront fees. This is a fantastic benefit to provide to employees as it allows them access to financial advice without any financial barriers. Methods such as cash flow modelling allows employees to plan for their future whilst removing any of the usual stress that comes with financial planning.

Cash flow modelling visually indicates how much will be needed for an employee to retire when they want to whilst also ensuring that what they have in place is working towards this objective.

Get in touch by email to book a free (no obligation) introductory session led by one of our locally based financial advisers.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain no matter the size of your business or where you are based.

Please email wendyspencer@airedaleenterprise.org.uk and one of our experts will get in touch with you.

MHFA England Mental Health Awareness Online Training Course.

7th October 2020

A great way to support you and/or your people in the current climate could be investing in education about our mental health and wellbeing. This course is usually valued at £125 but to make it accessible to more people when they need it right now we are running this course for just £68! As the course is online delegates can complete from the comfort of their own home if home working is being undertaken. It also makes it accessible for any employees who are still furloughed.

During this 4 hour online course you will become Mental Health Aware. Delegates will receive a course manual, workbook and certificate. Learn about mental health and the factors that influence. Understand stress and how it impacts our mental health. Explore the topic of stigma. Learn how to start that all important first conversation. And pick up tips to support your own wellbeing. Next online workshop is scheduled for Wednesday 28th October from 8am – 12 noon. Cost is just £68 per delegate and the course is delivered by our associate Jennifer Rawlinson. To Book contact 01535 607775 or email wendyspencer@airedaleenterprise.org.uk

Covid 19 Job Retention Scheme

7th October 2020

Changes to the HMRC Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from 1st October mean that employers will need to fund 20% of furloughed employees’ usual wages for the hours they do not work and continue to pay their National Insurance and pension contributions.

The scheme closes on 31st October and you will need to make any final claims on or before 30th November.

Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live webinar:

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 

We’ll provide an overview of the scheme, including flexible furloughing, examples of how to work out the amount you can claim and the changes for October.

We’ll also share the latest information on the Job Retention Bonus, including how to check if your employees are eligible, when you can claim and what you need to do now to prepare.

Register here

If you haven’t been able to join our popular webinar about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, there are still some places available. Get the latest information on:

• who can claim
• who you can claim for
• how to make a claim
• what you may be entitled to, and more.

Register here

You can ask questions during all our live webinars using the on-screen text box.

HMRC webinars are constantly updated to provide the latest government guidance on changes as they develop.

We’re making room for you!

10th August 2020

Due to increasing demand, we have re-organised our office spacing to help the business community meet the changed demands on their organisations.

Our lovingly restored cotton mill is centrally located with ample on street parking and close to bus and rail links putting you within easy reach of Leeds, Bradford, Halifax and the surrounding areas.

With prices starting from just £75 weekly our re-designed secure individual offices comply with Covid-19 spacing guideline’s and offer a fresh and inviting environment for individuals or companies looking to re-locate.

We currently have available 3 different office sizes to suit 1 to 2, 4 to 5 and 5 people.

Office Redwood
Comfortably accommodates up to 5 people, lovely space with lots of windows. Cost is just £130 per week.

Office Maple
Can accommodate 1 – 2 people starting at £75 per week for 1 person. £10 per week for each additional person.

Office Chestnut
Nice fresh space, a delightful room benefiting from plenty of natural light will easily accommodate between 4 & 5 people. Cost is £130 per week.

We can provide desks, chairs and filing cabinets if required.

As well as making room for you, we look after you, competitively priced with complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi and business advice together with a monthly rolling contract with easy in/out terms make this an unbeatable offer.

If you have any questions, or would like to take a look at the offices please email our team or call us on 01535 607775.

New Normal, New Office Solutions…New Opportunities!

22nd May 2020

New Normal, New Office Solutions……. New Opportunities!

You could be considering a new and innovative approach to satisfying your office needs. If you want a flexible and affordable solution which offers a friendly and professional environment in which to work, AES can help.

· We have two coveted offices available for rent.

These Covid proof space’s are fresh and comfortable and are ideal for up to 2 people and we provide:

– Your own private, secure office with 24 hour access 7 days a week.

– Inclusive WIFI heat, lights and rates.

– Reception service and one to one business support with 4 hrs monthly use of meeting rooms.

– Town Centre Location

– Complimentary refreshments.

– Easy in/out terms

And all for a weekly charge of only £75 for 1 person + £10 plus per additional person.

· Partitioned Desk space.

Covid proof and private, ideal for those who require a premium office environment in a setting which allows you to maintain a safe social connection with other business users

– Inclusive WIFI heat, lights.

– Town Centre Location

– Complimentary refreshments.

Economically priced at £12 per half day/£20 full day

Call us now on 01535 607775 and secure your new office!

Covid-19 statement

20th May 2020

At Airedale Enterprise we know how unsettling & frustrating it is for businesses and individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic and we will do our very best to ensure that all staff, tenants and visitors to our business premises are in a safe & secure environment.

We know how difficult and recognise how lonely it can be for some people to work from home, therefore we have made some changes to our premises so that if you want to use our Business centre to run your business from you can be sure of a safe but welcoming environment. We have lockable individual offices (light & airy space with windows) rolling contract so no lease to sign and available from just £75 per week for 1 person.

Hotdesking is available for no more than 3 people at a time – social distancing is in place however social connection is available so you will always have someone to talk to at a distance so you do not need to be alone. All units will be thoroughly cleaned after every use and we would encourage you to bring your own laptops and equipment together with your own cup for that all-important cup of tea – refreshments will be provided. Hotdesking is from £12 half day to £20 full day –support packages will be available.

We have strict health and safety measures in place, we will limit the number of users & visitors in our centre and have implemented 2m social distancing markers on the floors and operate a one-way system.

Hand sanitizers & gloves will be available for all visitors & service users. We expect all service users to wash hands on a regular basis for at least 20 seconds as recommended by government guidance.

Our lovely training room has also undergone a few changes, we can accommodate up to 9 people with desks plus the tutor or 16 using chairs an ideal space for those all-important training sessions or team meetings for when you just have to meet face to face. The room has been spaced out in accordance with the 2-metre rule.

We can also provide you with a private space for those important Zoom meetings or conference calls when you need peace and quiet away from the home, the space will give you that most important professional image.

We cannot wait to welcome you back soon!

Take care & stay safe

Wendy Spencer – CEO Airedale Enterprise

COVID-19 support package for business announced

19th March 2020

The Chancellor has announced a £330 billion package of support measures to ensure the impact of COVID-19 on business is minimised. The measures are in addition to those announced in the Budget and include:

UK-wide

• A local authority cash grant of £10,000 for businesses that are currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief, to help meet their ongoing business costs.
• Grants of £25,000 to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000.
• Employers will be refunded by the Government for the cost of providing 14 days’ statutory sick pay for employees who need to self-isolate.
• A Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan scheme that will provide loans of up to £5 million to support and protect small businesses. The first 6 months of the loan will be interest-free. The scheme will temporarily replace the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG) scheme.
• A dedicated HMRC COVID-19 helpline to allow businesses and self-employed people who are in financial distress and have outstanding tax liabilities to receive support with their tax affairs.

Guidance for businesses during the Brexit transition period

28th February 2020

The transition period

There is now a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements.

The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period.

New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021.

Follow https://www.gov.uk/transition for more information.

Keighley wins slice of £33m social fund

24th February 2020

KEIGHLEY will receive a share of a £33 million investment programme aimed at tackling social inequality.

Bradford district is one of six places across the UK to win funds from Local Access, a partnership between Access – The Foundation for Social Investment and Big Society Capital.

Bradford’s bid was led by nine district-wide organisations, collectively the Bradford Social Innovation Partnership, representing public, private, community and social economy support organisations. Partnership members include Keighley-based business support organisation Airedale Enterprise Services.

The amount granted to Bradford has yet to be announced, but the partnership says it will be “significant”. The money will support charities and social enterprises in growing the district’s social economy.

Wendy Spencer, from Airedale Enterprise Services (AES), said: “We are proud to have been part of the successful bid for investment from Local Access.

“The investment programme will support locally based charities and social enterprises in Keighley and the wider Bradford district to grow the social economy and to tackle local issues.

“The funding is a wonderful opportunity to put Bradford and district on the map as the social innovation hub, creating new, and supporting existing, charities and social enterprises.”

Bradford’s team, who also include Bradford Council, Inspired Neighbourhoods Group, 30 Chapel Street, Access, Key Fund and Locality, will begin a co-design process with Access and Big Society Capital.

Bradford Council chief executive Kersten England the fund would be used to support and encourage growth in the local social enterprise sector.

She added: “This will include further developing and maturing our infrastructure support and improving the offer of financial support for this sector.”

Kamran Rashid, chief executive of Little Germany-based social enterprise and innovation support organisation 30 Chapel Street, said: “Building on the results of our work elsewhere, we were determined to craft an inclusive, diverse, collaboratively designed process that brought everyone’s views together into a collective effort.

“The city’s success is a breakthrough for the social innovation economy in Bradford and positions the city to be the natural home for such work.”

Nasim Qureshi, chief executive of Inspired Neighbourhoods, said: “This is an amazing investment opportunity for Bradford’s social economy, kick-starting a journey towards establishing our city as a social innovation hub.”

Seb Elsworth, chief executive of Access, which helps social enterprises be more financially self-reliant, said: “We know charities and social enterprises do good work but the sector’s power as an economic force, one which can re-shape local economies and tackle entrenched inequality, is often overlooked.

“We’re delighted to be working with Bradford to help them realise this potential.”

Cliff Prior, chief executive of Big Society Capital, said: “Where you were born should not affect your opportunity to live a happy, fulfilling life.

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.

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

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

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:

• ISO 45001 Health & Safety Management System – 6th February, 10am – 4.30pm
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management System – 12th February, 10am – 4.30pm
• ISO 19011:2018 Management System Auditing – 18th March, 10am – 4.30pm

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

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 13^th 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 23^rd and 30^th 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.

Article Keighley News – Read More

Wendy Spencer

9th December 2019

Wendy is the longest serving member of the team, having started working here in 1997 (formerly Keighley Local Enterprise Agency). Wendy manages the day-to-day running of the organisation and her main role is to ensure the company’s growth by looking for, and bidding into funding opportunities. Wendy is also an ICT tutor and teaches classes in OCR Clait and European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Wendy also delivers digital skills training helping individuals to get on line.

Wendy loves her holidays, she really enjoys boarding the cruise ships which gives her the opportunity to visit lots of different places during her vacation. She also likes to visit Europe touring around spending a few days at a time in France, Italy, Switzerland etc drinking in the different cultures and enjoys tasting the different wines!

Wendy is also a keen walker and most weekends she will be walking in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with her husband and her sprocker spaniel Jasper. Wendy also loves spending time with her family, getting them all together at home for food and lots of socialising!

Five top Q&A’s for Essential HR for Leaders

17th September 2019

By Sarah Seastron, Clockwork HR Ltd

When does an employee need a contract of employment?

Currently an employee should have a contract of employment within 8 weeks of their start date. However, next year this is changing to day one of employment.

What is a protected characteristic?

Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sex orientation.

What is a disciplinary procedure?

In line with the ACAS code the main stages are: investigation, disciplinary hearing, appeal.

How do you deal with someone who has intermittent absence?

First stage is to speak to the employee and find out if there are any specific reasons for the intermittent absence. Explain the impact on their absence and look to take a more formal route such as disciplinary action if it continues.

What is the current statutory holiday entitlement?

28 days for a full time member of staff or 5.6 weeks. This statutory amount can include bank holidays of which there are 8 in the UK.

Next course will take place on 24th September – please click here for the course outline