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You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to Dorset Council's business and economy e-newsletter. View this e-mail in your browser.
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New round of grant funding set to launch next week
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Following the success of the first round of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants, round 2 is set to open soon.

Dorset Council received a total of 64 applications in the previous round. 33 awards totalling over £250,000 in business support grants and over £80,000 for community infrastructure grants were made, with each project supported and located within the Dorset Council area.

Round 2 will open on Monday 29 April and close on Sunday 30th June 2024. Once again…

  • Community groups and organisations can apply for grants between £1,000 and £15,000.
  • Local business grant awards are from £2,000 to £20,000 per business.

Dorset Council has been allocated just over £6 million via the UKSPF for use within the county, with funds available until completion in March 2025.
Find out more
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Wednesday 22 May 2024, 8am - 12pm. Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith Newburgh

Join us for the Innovate UK Marine and Maritime Launchpad Future Funding event, tailored specifically for Dorset's marine and maritime businesses. The event will delve into the latest funding opportunities and initiatives aimed at businesses involved in Clean Maritime, Digital Oceans and Marine Autonomy in Dorset.

This event is a must-attend for Dorset-based marine and maritime businesses looking to innovate and grow. Whether you're a seasoned industry player, a start-up or a support organisation looking to collaborate on projects, if your business involves Clean Maritime, Digital Oceans, and Marine Autonomy, this event is tailored just for you. Connect with like-minded peers, industry and academic experts plus funding specialists to explore the opportunities available.
Get tickets

Government opens fund to support farmers affected by flooding
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The government has opened the Farming Recovery Fund to support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their land due to flooding this winter.  

Under the scheme, eligible farmers can access grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.

Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by Rural Payments Agency (RPA) outlining the support available to them through the Farming Recovery Fund and how they can make a claim.
Read more

Dorset attractions announced as finalists for
 VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024
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Announced this week, Nothe Fort in Weymouth and The Acorn Inn at Evershot are finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards For Excellence 2024.

Competing in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award and Pub of the Year Award, they will be judged against other tourism businesses from English regions.

We wish them congratulations and best of luck in the finals! Winners will be announced at the national awards ceremony in Liverpool on 5 June.

(Photos: Nothe Fort and Susannah Fields Photography)
Read more

Agri-tech at the heart of sustainability and food security
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Agri-tech is essential for food security and sustainability, according to speakers at the recent South West AgriTech Showcase, which attracted over 140 attendees.

“A world where we will always be able to source food from around the world to meet our needs with Deliveroo or Just Eat has been shattered,” said Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership.

“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and Haiti; Donald Trump; Covid; the impact of climate change and adverse weather patterns; along with many other factors, are making our politicians wake up to the real world we’re now living in.”

And this is where agri-tech can present an opportunity. “Agri-tech, in its widest sense, is essential to help drive innovation and performance, both in agriculture and in the wider food supply chain,” said Mr Tucker.
Read more
Watch the highlights montage from the 2024 event

Sustainable Farming Incentive - Update
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DEFRA has recently announced the capping of six Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options. Under the changes, SFI applicants will only be able to put 25% of their land into six SFI actions that take land out of direct food production.

For applications submitted on or after 26 March 2024, these six SFI actions must only be done on a proportion of your farm:  
  • IPM2: Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips  
  • AHL1: Pollen and nectar flower mix (which should be growing in blocks or strips in a land parcel)  
  • AHL2: Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land (which should be growing in blocks or strips in a land parcel)  
  • AHL3: Grassy field corners or blocks  
  • IGL1: Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management  
  • IGL2: Winter bird food on improved grassland
Download the SFI Handbook

Boost for Dorset's Future Leaders
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Dorset Chamber's Future Leaders programme has received heavyweight backing as accountants & business advisors Mazars and law firm Frettens Solicitors step up to sponsor the initiative.

Future Leaders, which is free to join for people aged up to 30, was formed in 2022 after discussions between Dorset Chamber and Mazars, who wanted to develop a business network for its younger employees and support their personal and professional development.
Find out more

Employment & HR Annual Update:
Free in-person event & webinar
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The Lester Aldridge Employment & HR Team is hosting their annual Employment Law Update on Wednesday 24 April 2024 at 9.30am in their Bournemouth office and online.

This seminar will inform you about recent developments in legislation and case law, and provide you with guidance on what these mean in practical terms for your business and the steps you can take to avoid costly mistakes and pitfalls.

The seminar will cover these issues with:

  • a round-up on recent and forthcoming changes, including holiday, family friendly and discrimination matters
  • a look at immigration issues and flexible working
  • how to address capability and performance issues
  • what to consider when buying or selling a business from an employment point of view
  • a review of employment statistics
Book your place here

South West companies recognised for world-leading marine and maritime innovation
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A dozen innovative companies have been offered a share of almost £1.85m funding from the Innovate UK Launchpad for the Great South West. 

The Innovate UK Launchpad provides innovation support and funding tailored to the local area's strengths in marine and maritime. 

It supports clusters of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and helps the most innovative businesses to progress their projects towards commercialisation, contributing to local economic growth.

The Great South West Launchpad has been developed jointly between national innovation agency Innovate UK, the Ocean Futures consortia, and the Great South West Local Enterprise Partnerships of Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Heart of the South West and Dorset. 
Find out more

Dorset businesses can apply for AI training
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The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a £7.4 million pilot scheme to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

Through this pilot programme, eligible business can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training from now and until March 2025.

Funding is for training that supports employees to develop technical skills and understanding of AI and also for courses that help them develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.
Find out more

Masters Degree in Engineering funded by the Apprenticeship Levy
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Wed 15 May 2024, 9:30am - 11:30am, Christchurch, Dorset.

Curtiss-Wright have agreed to host a meeting between Bournemouth University and the Engineering/Manufacturing sector locally.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss:

  • Existing provision - a brief overview of what Bournemouth University and Bournemouth and Poole College offer.
  • What does industry need, now and in the future.
  • A discussion on: How could Bournemouth university help to meet current and future needs of business? What needs to happen to make it even better? Hint – industry and Education need to support each other. More collaboration, but what does this look like?
  • Shaping the future of the Higher Education landscape and talent of our region.
Join the guestlist

Learn to market your business globally with free training in the Isle of Wight
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Join a free one-day Taking England To The World classroom session taking place in the Isle of Wight on 14 May to help you learn how to boost your international bookings.

Don’t miss this opportunity to access advice, guidance and resources to help you reach valuable international visitors and take your business to the next level.
Read more

Protecting Physical Assets from UAS Attack
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The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is pleased to launch a new Themed Competition called Protecting Physical Assets from UAS Attack. This competition is jointly funded by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), the UK Home Office and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

They are seeking proposals that can provide a defensive solution for physical assets as a countermeasure to an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) kinetic attack. The current Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology market focuses on targeting the UAS in flight. This competition aims to move away from conventional C-UAS methods and instead explores the most effective ways to provide physical protection to various assets from hostile UAS. This includes options for hardening the asset, providing blanket last-ditch defence, and deploying automated alerts for incoming hostile UAS.
Read more
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Horizon Scanning Service
Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, horizon scanning service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects to identify government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation. The funding landscape is vast and can be difficult to navigate. Dorset LEP’s horizon scanning service will assist business owners and senior leaders in identifying suitable funding competitions for their businesses to bid into. Your business can also take advantage of the fully funded bid writing support service once a suitable funding competition has been identified.

Bid Writing Support
Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, specialist bid writing support service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects access government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation.   
Apply for Horizon Scanning Service or Bid Writing Support
Dorset Growth Hub - Latest events
Innovate UK KTN - Latest Funding opportunities
Latest Innovate UK KTN Events
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You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to Dorset Council's business and economy e-newsletter. View this e-mail in your browser
.
** New round of grant funding set to launch next week
------------------------------------------------------------
Following the success of the first round of Dorset Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants, round 2 is set to open soon.
Dorset Council received a total of 64 applications in the previous round. 33 awards totalling over £250,000 in business support grants and over £80,000 for community infrastructure grants were made, with each project supported and located within the Dorset Council area.
Round 2 will open on Monday 29 April and close on Sunday 30th June 2024. Once again…
* Community groups and organisations can apply for grants between £1,000 and £15,000.
* Local business grant awards are from £2,000 to £20,000 per business.
Dorset Council has been allocated just over £6 million via the UKSPF for use within the county, with funds available until completion in March 2025.
Find out more
Wednesday 22 May 2024, 8am - 12pm. Dorset Innovation Park, Winfrith Newburgh
Join us for the Innovate UK Marine and Maritime Launchpad Future Funding event, tailored specifically for Dorset's marine and maritime businesses. The event will delve into the latest funding opportunities and initiatives aimed at businesses involved in Clean Maritime, Digital Oceans and Marine Autonomy in Dorset.
This event is a must-attend for Dorset-based marine and maritime businesses looking to innovate and grow. Whether you're a seasoned industry player, a start-up or a support organisation looking to collaborate on projects, if your business involves Clean Maritime, Digital Oceans, and Marine Autonomy, this event is tailored just for you. Connect with like-minded peers, industry and academic experts plus funding specialists to explore the opportunities available.
Get tickets
** Government opens fund to support farmers affected by flooding
------------------------------------------------------------
The government has opened the Farming Recovery Fund to support farmers who suffered uninsurable damage to their land due to flooding this winter.
Under the scheme, eligible farmers can access grants of between £500 and £25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk.
Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by Rural Payments Agency (RPA) outlining the support available to them through the Farming Recovery Fund and how they can make a claim.
Read more
** Dorset attractions announced as finalists for
VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024
------------------------------------------------------------
Announced this week, Nothe Fort in Weymouth and The Acorn Inn at Evershot are finalists in the national VisitEngland Awards For Excellence 2024
.
Competing in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award and Pub of the Year Award, they will be judged against other tourism businesses from English regions.
We wish them congratulations and best of luck in the finals! Winners will be announced at the national awards ceremony in Liverpool on 5 June.
(Photos: Nothe Fort and Susannah Fields Photography)
Read more
** Agri-tech at the heart of sustainability and food security
------------------------------------------------------------
Agri-tech is essential for food security and sustainability, according to speakers at the recent South West AgriTech Showcase
, which attracted over 140 attendees.
“A world where we will always be able to source food from around the world to meet our needs with Deliveroo or Just Eat has been shattered,” said Karl Tucker, chair of the Great South West Partnership.
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and Haiti; Donald Trump; Covid; the impact of climate change and adverse weather patterns; along with many other factors, are making our politicians wake up to the real world we’re now living in.”
And this is where agri-tech can present an opportunity. “Agri-tech, in its widest sense, is essential to help drive innovation and performance, both in agriculture and in the wider food supply chain,” said Mr Tucker.
Read more
Watch the highlights montage from the 2024 event
** Sustainable Farming Incentive - Update
------------------------------------------------------------
DEFRA has recently announced the capping of six Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
options. Under the changes, SFI applicants will only be able to put 25% of their land into six SFI actions that take land out of direct food production.
For applications submitted on or after 26 March 2024, these six SFI actions must only be done on a proportion of your farm:
* IPM2: Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips
* AHL1: Pollen and nectar flower mix (which should be growing in blocks or strips in a land parcel)
* AHL2: Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land (which should be growing in blocks or strips in a land parcel)
* AHL3: Grassy field corners or blocks
* IGL1: Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management
* IGL2: Winter bird food on improved grassland
Download the SFI Handbook
** Boost for Dorset's Future Leaders
------------------------------------------------------------
Dorset Chamber's Future Leaders
step up to sponsor the initiative.
Future Leaders, which is free to join for people aged up to 30, was formed in 2022 after discussions between Dorset Chamber and Mazars
, who wanted to develop a business network for its younger employees and support their personal and professional development.
Find out more
** Employment & HR Annual Update:
Free in-person event & webinar
------------------------------------------------------------
The Lester Aldridge Employment & HR Team
on Wednesday 24 April 2024 at 9.30am in their Bournemouth office and online.
This seminar will inform you about recent developments in legislation and case law, and provide you with guidance on what these mean in practical terms for your business and the steps you can take to avoid costly mistakes and pitfalls.
The seminar will cover these issues with:
* a round-up on recent and forthcoming changes, including holiday, family friendly and discrimination matters
* a look at immigration issues and flexible working
* how to address capability and performance issues
* what to consider when buying or selling a business from an employment point of view
* a review of employment statistics
Book your place here
** South West companies recognised for world-leading marine and maritime innovation
------------------------------------------------------------
A dozen innovative companies have been offered a share of almost £1.85m funding from the Innovate UK Launchpad for the Great South West.
The Innovate UK Launchpad provides innovation support and funding tailored to the local area's strengths in marine and maritime.
It supports clusters of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and helps the most innovative businesses to progress their projects towards commercialisation, contributing to local economic growth.
The Great South West Launchpad has been developed jointly between national innovation agency Innovate UK, the Ocean Futures consortia, and the Great South West Local Enterprise Partnerships of Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Heart of the South West and Dorset.
Find out more
** Dorset businesses can apply for AI training
------------------------------------------------------------
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a £7.4 million pilot scheme to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Through this pilot programme, eligible business can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training from now and until March 2025.
Funding is for training that supports employees to develop technical skills and understanding of AI and also for courses that help them develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.
Find out more
** Masters Degree in Engineering funded by the Apprenticeship Levy
------------------------------------------------------------
Wed 15 May 2024, 9:30am - 11:30am, Christchurch, Dorset.
Curtiss-Wright have agreed to host a meeting between Bournemouth University and the Engineering/Manufacturing sector locally.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss:
* Existing provision - a brief overview of what Bournemouth University and Bournemouth and Poole College offer.
* What does industry need, now and in the future.
* A discussion on: How could Bournemouth university help to meet current and future needs of business? What needs to happen to make it even better? Hint – industry and Education need to support each other. More collaboration, but what does this look like?
* Shaping the future of the Higher Education landscape and talent of our region.
Join the guestlist
** Learn to market your business globally with free training in the Isle of Wight
------------------------------------------------------------
Join a free one-day Taking England To The World classroom session taking place in the Isle of Wight on 14 May
to help you learn how to boost your international bookings.
Don’t miss this opportunity to access advice, guidance and resources to help you reach valuable international visitors and take your business to the next level.
Read more
** Protecting Physical Assets from UAS Attack
------------------------------------------------------------
The Defence and Security Accelerator .
They are seeking proposals that can provide a defensive solution for physical assets as a countermeasure to an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) kinetic attack. The current Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology market focuses on targeting the UAS in flight. This competition aims to move away from conventional C-UAS methods and instead explores the most effective ways to provide physical protection to various assets from hostile UAS. This includes options for hardening the asset, providing blanket last-ditch defence, and deploying automated alerts for incoming hostile UAS.
Read more
Horizon Scanning Service
Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, horizon scanning service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects to identify government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation. The funding landscape is vast and can be difficult to navigate. Dorset LEP’s horizon scanning service will assist business owners and senior leaders in identifying suitable funding competitions for their businesses to bid into. Your business can also take advantage of the fully funded bid writing support service once a suitable funding competition has been identified.
Bid Writing Support
Dorset LEP provides a fully funded, specialist bid writing support service to help more Dorset entrepreneurs, SME’s and projects access government funds to power their business growth, increase collaborations and drive innovation.
Apply for Horizon Scanning Service or Bid Writing Support
Dorset Growth Hub - Latest events
Innovate UK KTN - Latest Funding opportunities
Latest Innovate UK KTN Events
============================================================
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This email was sent to david.oliver@trustedcarcheck.co.uk
why did I get this?
Dorset Council . County Hall . Colliton Park . Dorchester, Dorset DT1 1XJ . United Kingdom
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