Rural Businesses look out, Digital Skills training is on its way!

4th March 2019

Airedale enterprise Services has been selected to deliver vital digital skills training right to the heart of rural communities. Research has shown that two thirds of small businesses save a full day a week through digital and the most digitally capable of these are twice as likely to have increasing turnovers.

We can help you get the most from social media, develop your on-line marketing skills and introduce you to online tools to help with budgeting and cash flow as well as introducing you to time saving internet banking.

If you would like to unlock your businesses potential, discover how to reach out to new customers, and learn the skills to allow you and your business to grow, we can help.

This tailor-made support is free and is aimed at start-ups or small businesses as well as the self-employed.

So call Sonia or Wendy now on 01535 607775 and get digital working for you!

AWWEsome Business Club Goes From Strength to Strength – Blog post

26th February 2019

By Andy Spencer

Partners Airedale Enterprise Services and the Federation of Small Businesses were pleased to report it was a full house at the recent networking event showcasing   ‘How to write effective Press Releases’ which attracted an additional 11 new businesses to the forum. Ros Dawson’s intriguing taster sent a clear message to the audience many of whom will be delegate’s on the 2 workshops running on the 13^th March and 3^rd April. Ros’s comprehensive approach teaches us what makes good media and why and identifies the stepping stones to engaging customers and increasing positive interest in your brand.

Quote From attendee Liz Farley from Gather for a party  

“Having heard Ros talk at our AWWEsome evening, she is clearly very experienced and I really want to tap into that. I also like the idea of being ‘locked’ in a room for a day to write a press release, it means I’ll get it done, and have the confidence to do it again and again.  I used to work in PR and Marketing 18 years ago, but there was no social media to speak of then and the world was a different place, so I’m really looking forward to being shown how to do it all again”

Call Sonia now on 01535 607775 to reserve your place on one of these thought-provoking workshops. ‘How to write effective Press Releases’

Making Tax Digital

6th February 2019

Presented by Dave Forrester from TaxAssist Accountants Thursday 7th March – 5.30pm – 7.00pm

Join us for an up to date insight on what “Making Tax Digital” is all about and how it could affect your business from 1st April 2019

What is Making Tax Digital?

Making Tax Digital is intended to bring the UK tax system into the 21st century by providing businesses with a modern, streamlined system to keep their tax records and provide information to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The first to be affected will be small businesses and individuals with a turnover above the VAT threshold of £85,000, who will be required to keep digital records for VAT purposes from April 2019.

Why is HMRC introducing it?

Making Tax Digital is intended to help you better keep track of how much tax you owe – or how much you are due back – throughout the financial year.

Accurate Tax Information
Replacing paper-based bookkeeping with digital tax accounts will let you check the information HMRC holds about you is 100% correct.

Reduced Errors
Making Tax Digital’s new reporting function will allow HMRC will to look at your tax information almost immediately, reducing human error from data input.

Easier to understand
HMRC anticipates taxpayers will better understand how much tax is owed within the digital tax account – much like online banking.

Easier contact with HMRC
Making Tax Digital will make it easier for you to contact HMRC online via webchats and secure messages.

The workshop will be held at Airedale Enterprise Services on Thursday 7th March 2019.

To book a free place please book via Eventbrite or call 01535 607775

KABA 2019 – How to write an award-winning submission

30th January 2019

If you need help with your application for the 2019 Keighley & Airedale Business Awards, join us for our workshop at Airedale Enterprise Services (presented by Emma Steele).

Tuesday 12th March 5.30pm-6.30pm

Please follow this link to book your place(s) BOOK NOW! 

Heatsource Direct

21st January 2019

Our Business

We provide a free consultation service to help companies identify how they can reduce their energy consumption, carbon footprint and in turn their energy bills. From this survey, we produce an energy saving report – detailing our recommendations and the savings that can be made. We support our customers in the planning, commissioning and installation of the products – some of which can be installed at no initial cost on our Shared Savings Scheme. 

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

We are based in Bradford, West Yorkshire. We provide our services to customers across the UK so being so close to the M1 and M62 is ideal. We are also seeing lots of companies are moving their offices and warehouses up North so there are lots of opportunities for us to work with customers who are looking at the best ways to make their new properties energy efficient.

How did you come up with the idea?

We began our business installing infrared heating systems for our customers but saw that there was a gap in the market for a range of energy saving measures. We have now diversified our product range – we now install voltage optimisation, power factor correction, destratification, LED lighting and solar panels. 

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

We had been operating for 18 months when we looked into the Start Up Loan. It was becoming clear that, despite wanting to make improvements in energy efficiency, some companies felt they were not in a strong enough financial position to spend  money on energy saving equipment. We began offering our customers the products on the Shared Savings Scheme – where they can have the equipment installed free of charge. The savings that are made are split between ourselves and the customer so that they can benefit from the financial savings and the reduction in their carbon output without outlaying for the equipment.

How have you used it to grow your business?

The Start Up Loan has meant that we were able to invest in more energy saving equipment, ensuring that we were able to offer the Shared Savings Scheme to more of our customers. With the income generated each month, we are able to purchase more equipment, and this can again be offered to customers.

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp loan?

Our mentor is Phil Harrison at Airedale Enterprise Services. Phil has experience in the industry so the expert advice he offered us (not just with the loan application) has been excellent. Phil and the rest of the team at Airedale Enterprise Services were always on hand to answer any questions we had about the application and are still providing us with support now that we have secured the Start Up Loan.

Biggest Achievement so far?

We were recently approached by one of the largest energy consultant firms in the UK to be their recognised installer and are now partnered with them. This opens a whole new market for us and will allow us to continue our growth.

What’s next for your business?

To build upon our current marketing strategy and hopefully employ an expert to manage this.

Founder(s) name: Tom Thurling & Chris Thurling

Loan funds received: £20,000 – £25,000

Based in: Bradford, West Yorkshire

Website: www.heatsourcedirect.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatsourcedirectlimited

Twitter: @Heatsource_1

Airedale Enterprise Services wins two National Awards!

18th January 2019

The winners of the 2018 National Enterprise Network Awards were announced on Friday 16th November. Host Nick Pandolfi named winners in five categories at the Awards ceremony, part of the day-long National Enterprise Network Annual Conference, sponsored by Barclays and held at Barclays Head Office in Canary Wharf, London.

Established in 2007, the awards recognise excellence in the delivery of enterprise support, encouraging the exchange of good practice and the development of improved services and organisations. This year’s categories were: Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year, Enterprise Engagement Award, Unsung Hero of the Year Award and Enterprise Team of the Year Award. Outgoing NEN Chairman, Graham Marley also presented an additional Chairman’s Award, in recognition of the exceptional work of one of its members.

The penultimate category of the programme – Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year Award – was split into two sub categories to reflect differing turnover. This category sought to recognise organisations with enterprise support at their very hearts. In the under £750k turnover sub category, the Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year was awarded to Airedale Enterprise Services. Within their local area, Airedale Enterprise Service has a strong and trusted reputation. During its 35 year history, the organisation has shown a great deal of adaptability and diversification in order to keep offering enterprise support services to start-ups for free. The team works hard to offer an ever-evolving selection of business clubs, networking meetings, presentations and topical events for the local businesses within their region. The judges felt that this is an organisation which provides outstanding enterprise support services to a community in which it is firmly embedded.

The Unsung Hero category asked members to nominate someone from their team whose contribution is crucial in meeting the needs of the business and its clients. Sonia Patel from Yorkshire-based Airedale Enterprise Services, was announced as the winner in this category. Sonia was described by her team as “an absolute star and great asset”. Since joining the organisation 5 years ago on a graduate programme, Sonia has made a huge impact and impression on everyone in the organisation. She has flourished and used her creativity and customer service skills to create a new role for herself as a Digital Marketing specialist, enabling Airedale Enterprise Services to offer this out as a new service to clients. It was clear that Sonia’s colleagues felt lucky and proud to have her as part of their team, and that she is an inspiration to those around her.

Airedale Enterprise Services – Shortlisted for a National Award

14th November 2018

We are very proud to have been shortlisted for a national award at this year’s national conference and awards in London at Barclays HQ in Canary Wharf. We have been shortlisted for “Enterprise Support Organisation of the Year” find out on 16th November if we have been successful. Sonia Patel our lovely bubbly social media expert is also up for an award “Unsung Hero of the Year” award we can’t wait.

The Creation Station

8th November 2018

My Business

At the Creation Station, we offer award winning classes, parties and events that will spark children’s imaginations and nurture their creativity. We offer creative activities and classes to enjoy with for babies and pre-school aged children. Family fun creative classes at weekends and in the holidays for ages 2-11 years, crafty fun for grown-ups and creative well-being classes in the care sector. Also, with the squeeze on creativity in the education system, we are proud to support children, parents, teachers and governors with fun and educational after-school Create Clubs, and there is a growing demand for holiday provisions that offer arts and craft activities. People of all ages love to get involved with hands on activities and there is growing evidence to support the huge benefits that art and craft activities have for vulnerable groups such as dementia sufferers, those with learning disabilities and the elderly. We work closely with these groups to ensure that their arts and crafts experience is tailored specifically to their needs and what we offer is absolutely perfect! The great thing about our classes is children and adults enjoying themselves and exploring and celebrating their creativity. 

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

I am based in Skipton, Grassington, Riddlesden and surrounding areas which have captive markets for creative arts due to an abundance of existing creative communities with a diverse range of people.

How did you come up with the idea?

I came across The Creation Station a few years ago when hunting for a career that filled my creative urges and offered flexible working hours. I was impressed with the company’s philosophies and vision for facilitating creativity for all ages and the diverse range of income streams they have developed to enable this. However at the time I didn’t feel ready for the commitment and instead trained as a teacher, but the seed had been sown and earlier this year I decided to trust my instincts and just went for it!

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

When I applied for the loan I had just finished my training week at Head Office. I had written the business plan and worked out the financial forecast with assistance from Fran at Head Office so was just starting out.

How have you used it to grow your business?

The loan I received has been used for a number of items, from premium products to ‘wow’ the children, to venue hire costs so I have the perfect place to inspire imaginations from.

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp loan?

Phil from Airedale Enterprise Services who was fantastic support throughout the full application process. He guided me through the fine tooth-comb aspects of the application and, in short, ensured no stone was left unturned.

Biggest Achievement so far?

Slime workshops during half term! They were all great successes and even led to bookings for Slime workshops for Beavers and Rainbows which is fantastic.

What’s next for your business?

In the next 12 months I plan to be the go to person for Creative classes, parties & events in Skipton, Grassington, Riddlesden & Surrounding areas – running an exciting and profitable business that will enable me to grow year on year and offer the North West the absolute best in creativity.

Local Creation Station: Owned and run by Melanie Dekker

Loan funds received: £15,000 – £20,000

Based in: West Yorkshire

Website: www.thecreationstation.co.uk

Facebook: @thecreationstation

£2,000 grant for West Yorkshire and York businesses to recruit an apprentice

23rd August 2018

Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has today launched a new Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE) to boost apprenticeships across its key priority sectors of manufacturing and engineering technologies, information and communication technology including digital and construction, planning and the built environment.

Businesses in West Yorkshire and York are set to benefit from this new grant to help recruit their first apprentice aged 19-24, launched today by the LEP. Companies with less than 50 employers based in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York can now apply for a grant of up to £2000.

The LEP, working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is driving plans to increase the number of apprenticeships for people of all ages, available across Leeds City Region – offering people the opportunities to succeed and accelerating economic growth.

This new programme is part of a wider package of support available to businesses in the region through the LEP Growth Service, a single point of contact for businesses in the region that want to grow.

For more information please visit http://www.the-lep.com/news-and-blog/news/£2,000-grant-to-support-west-yorkshire-and-york-bu/

Connectivity Vouchers

9th August 2018

The Connectivity Vouchers are worth between £500 and £1,000 and can be used to help cover the cost of upgrading to faster broadband (over 30mbps). Aimed at businesses that are looking to upgrade their digital connectivity/broadband

Cost you can claim for include: Connections, Hardware: routers, cabling, firewalls and network solutions

Find out more and apply for your Connectivity Voucher today by visiting: www.digitalenterprise.co.uk/vouchers/connectivity-vouchers/

There are only 250 vouchers available for qualifying businesses in the Leeds City Region – So don’t delay

For any enquiries email enquiries.DE@Leeds.gov.uk

Keighley businesses to get a free taste of customer service training!

7th August 2018

Businesses in Keighley and surrounding areas are being given the opportunity to get a free sample of the WorldHost® customer service training programme, which has been used to train over 200,000 people in the UK, at a local event on Wednesday 26^th September 2018. The free taster session is being hosted by Airedale Enterprise Services and Shipley College. Local businesses will be able to experience some of the training exercises from the programme and find out how they can use WorldHost to benefit their organisations.

WorldHost training covers the key principles of customer service, plus additional modules on dealing with customers with disabilities, providing services to visitors from different cultures, increasing sales through service and developing support staff and volunteers into ambassadors for your local area. Additional programmes are also available to train managers to lead their teams to deliver excellent service.

Linda O’Donnell from Shipley College says: “Customer service is becoming increasingly important for businesses,. Research found that 61% of those businesses think customer service will be the most important skills need for their staff over the next five years.

“WorldHost training has been used by leading brands across the UK including Monarch, Chelsea Football Club, Bourne Leisure and Merlin Entertainments, and it can help your business attract and retain customers too. This is a great opportunity to find out more about WorldHost at no cost and ‘try before you buy’.  It’s also a chance to network with other local firms.”

Businesses that train 50% of their front line staff using any of the WorldHost programmes can apply to become a WorldHost Recognised Business – a national badge of excellence that allows them to display the WorldHost logo on their website and marketing materials, and receive a plaque to display in their business.

Towns, cities and tourist resorts that train 25% of businesses to WorldHost Recognised Business standards can also apply to become WorldHost Recognised Destinations and build their profile as a tourist destination.

The taster session will take place at Airedale Enterprise Services from 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday 26^th September. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis Businesses that are interested in attending the session can find out more and book their place by contacting Lynne Henry on 01535 607775.

WorldHost customer service training has been used to train over 200,000 people in the UK, including tens of thousands of volunteers and staff at major events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics.

Originally developed in Canada – widely recognised as the leading global destination for visitor welcome – and adapted for the UK market by performance and talent management expert,  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 and are regularly tested to ensure they continue to deliver world-class customer service training.

WorldHost® is a registered trademark of go2 Tourism HR Society. Used under license.

To book your place(s) please follow this link BOOK NOW

The Clubhouse Coffee & Cycles

31st July 2018

My Business

The Clubhouse Coffee & Cycles does exactly what it say on the tin! It’s great coffee and light bites using high quality, locally sourced products and ingredients, coupled with great bikes produced by  Factor. Our aim is to create an inclusive atmosphere, where everyone can enjoy themselves. We pride ourselves on delivering the sort of quality that can satisfy the hardcore coffee or bike enthusiast but be inclusive enough that anyone can come in and feel at home.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

We are proud to be located in Skipton, North Yorkshire. It’s a fantastic town on the edge of the Dales, It’s cycling mad with an up and coming coffee scene. People travel from all over the world to come to Skipton and cyclists often use Skipton as a way point when visiting the Dales so it’s perfect for us.

How did you come up with the idea?

I have a real passion for coffee and cycling and luckily a lot of cyclists share my passion for coffee. Yorkshire is a hot bed of cycling and speciality coffee is growing in popularity. My wife and I spent February to May this year travelling through Australia, New Zealand and Asia, we saw so many amazing coffee houses and different methods that I made the decision to go for it. We have set up The Clubhouse in Yorkshire (The heart of cycling in the UK) but we have brought back all the influences from around the world to bring it to life.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

We had an idea, the makings of a business plan and financial assumptions and an agreement in principle on a lease in Skipton subject to planning permission and agreeing the loan. So it would be safe to say we were in the early stages!

How have you used it to grow your business?

The loan has helped us get off the ground. Renovate and convert the property, purchase stock and then market the proposition. Without the loan this would have been an idea only, the loan has enabled us to execute the idea which is the most crucial part.

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp loan?

Phil from Airedale Enterprise Services and the whole team were brilliant and Phil in particular. He was great as we built the financials asking the questions that I hadn’t thought of and meant I had a far more holistic plan to execute when the time came. His wealth of experience in the business world also helped me.

Biggest Achievement so far?

It has to be the opening of the business, there are so many challenges and hurdles to face to get a business to the point of serving its first customer that I think everyone who can get a business open should class that a great achievement.

What’s next for your business?

One thing we recognised during our time travelling was the different social hubs that are available. We want to create a chilled out evening culture, with “bring your own records” night, Coffee, Wine & Gin tasting, talks, readings and other events bringing a further dimension to The Clubhouse.

Founder(s) name: Kane Pulford-Roberts

Loan funds received: £10,000 – £25,000

Based in: West Yorkshire

Website: www.theclubhousecc.co.uk

Facebook: @theclubhousecc

Instagram: @theclubhousecoffee

Keighley CLLD Launch Event June 7th

8th June 2018

Keighley Community Led Local Development

Launch Event

We had a great turn out for our Launch event on June 7th, which was primarily for Organisations or Groups interested in potentially delivering one or more of the individual CLLD projects in Keighley.

The session provided details of the CLLD activities, how to access the activity Specifications, and the support available for the Application Process.

Local residents and business owners interested in learning more about the CLLD programme and how it might be able to support their needs were welcome to attend and they, with any other local interested parties, are urged to consider coming to see us at the scheduled local Drop in events which are specifically designed for that purpose.

The presentation prepared for the Launch event is here :

CLLD Launch event presentation June 7th

Hamilton – The Gentleman’s Choice

5th June 2018

Our Business

Hamilton is a men’s grooming brand that delivers a range of men’s grooming products with one strategy in mind, to deliver a range of simple, no nonsense and effective products that become your go-to daily grooming essentials.

We started out developing a range of beard products and have since launched the first of our skincare line and are in the early stages of new product development to grow our offering based on what our market are looking for.

What matters to us:

• We focus on targeted solutions, products that deliver on functionality and results
• All of our products are SLS, Paraben and Microbead free
• Our products are not and will never be tested on animals
• Our products are British made and developed; we strive to support British businesses where possible as we continue to grow.

We continually strive to better ourselves, and we are currently working with our formulators, manufacturers and suppliers to source more sustainable raw materials and packaging to help towards saving our planet and oceans.

Where are you based and why is it a good location for your business?

We’re from Leeds, grew up here, went to uni here and are settled in Yorkshire we became friends after University and started talking about plans there and then it was a while before we actually put them in to action. Having said that we hope that as our business grows we will move with it.

How did you come up with the idea?

Hamilton was created out of a want to use grooming products with targeted solutions and that delivered on functionality and results. We’re constantly keeping up to date with current rends and always trying to stay one step ahead of them.

What stage was your business at when you applied for the start-up loan?

About 2 years in. We started a brand from scratch with nothing and it took so much time, nothing moved quickly at all it was all a very slow process. Our Virgin Loan gave us that push we needed to tidy up our image and get to work with NPD.

How have you used it to grow your business?

We partnered with a design agency that helped us to re-brand and we used the loan towards new product development. 

Who is your regional delivery partner and how did they help you get a Virgin StartUp loan?

Airedale Enterprise Services. Regarding support during the application process it was brilliant. Response time was brilliant and every questions we had, David was there to help us, nothing was too small! 

Biggest Achievement so far?

Events with Topman personal shopping, working with such a well-known, reputable and recognised brand name has helped us massively in terms of getting noticed both on social media but also other retailers.

What’s next for your business?

We hope to develop our online presence and grow strengthen our social media following. We are also currently developing new products to add to the range and working with all of our suppliers to source the most ethical and sustainable raw materials and packaging that we can.

Founder(s) name: Josh Stephenson & Chris Rogers

Loan funds received: £5000 – £10,000

Based in: Leeds, UK

Website: www.hamiltonsclub.co.uk

Instagram: @hamiltonsclub

Twitter: @hamiltonsclub 

CLLD Launch & Drop in Café Events

16th May 2018

Keighley Community Led Local Development (CLLD) has been successful in securing European Structural Investments funds of 2.4million to deliver a £4.8 Million programme in Keighley to stimulate economic growth and jobs.

We are now inviting interested parties to attend the Launch event on

Thursday 7th June

Central Hall, Alice Street, Keighley

9.30 – 12.30pm

The launch event is primarily for organisations and groups interested in potentially delivering one or more of the individual projects in Keighley.

To reserve a place at the launch event please email enquiries@keighleyclld.org.uk or call Lynne on 01535 607775

Visit www.keighleyclld.org.uk for more information

The event will provide details of CLLD activities, how to access the specifications and the support available during the application process.

Local residents and business owners interested in learning more about the CLLD programme and how it might be able to support their needs are welcome to attend the Launch but are urged to consider coming to see us at the local Drop in events instead which are specifically designed for that purpose.

So please come along to one of our Drop in Café events and find out what CLLD is all about and how the funding might benefit:

• YOU
• YOUR FAMILY
• YOUR FUTURE
• YOUR COMMUNITY

The Community Led Local Development area includes Keighley East, West and Central Wards, the map below shows where we will be holding our drop in café events.

1. Laycock Village Hall, Laycock Lane, Keighley on 13^th June, 1pm – 3pm
2. Foster Gardens Community Centre, Broster Ave, Keighley on 14^th June, 9.30am – 11.30am
3. Highfield Community Centre, 21 Drewry Road, Keighley on 19^th June, 1pm – 3pm
4. Sue Belcher Community Centre, Bracken Bank Ave, Keighley on 21^st June, 1pm – 3pm
5. Bangladeshi Centre, Surma Building, Kensington Street, Keighley on 27^th June, 1pm-3pm
6. Sangat Community Centre, Malborough Street, Keighley on 4^th July, 30am – 11.30am
7. Hainworth Wood Community Centre, Hainworth Wood Road, Keighley on 5^th July, 1pm-3pm

For more information or to register your interest in attending one of the Drop in Café events please email enquiries@keighleyclld.org.uk or contact Lynne Henry on 01535 607775