Economic recovery information for residents

Recession help for residents

Economic recovery Information for Business in North Dorset

For details of a wide range of organisations that provide business advice, support and guidance, much of it free of charge, see the Business Support page.

The Business Events page provides an extensive list of training, support and networking events for business people in the South-West. Many of the events are free of charge.

For the analysis of the Economic Downturn Questionnaire for North Dorset based businesses, click here.

If you would like to let us know the experiences of your business during the economic downturn, please complete the economic downturn questionnaire.  We will be happy to send you the analysed data if sufficient responses are received.

April 2009 Legislation update - Outlines a range of changes in business regulation, such as minimum paid leave entitlements, income tax and NIC rates for the current year, tax, returns and pay roll changes etc. The information is compiled by Business Link.

Free public procurement course for businesses - Launched today an on-line public procurement course “Winning the Contract”.  This is a free resource to help businesses learn about public procurement and how to bid for public sector contracts.  The course is available via the Business Link webpage at: www.businesslink.gov.uk/procurement

For Businesses – please visit the Business Rates – Non Domestic Rates Reliefs section of the website where details can be found about the criteria under which you may be able to claim a Relief.  There are mandatory and discretionary schemes.  There is also a hardship relief scheme for people needing temporary support through difficult times.  Awards under this scheme are decided by a Panel and details will be required about your business, your finances, and your business plans your have put in place for your long term objectives.  You need to submit application forms for the relief – please contact us and we will assist you with guidance and forms.

In these difficult economic times it can feel lonely and worrying, but

FREE business advice, or support is available, speak direct to the following:

Assess your eligibility for government guaranteed lending schemes:  There are a number of government guaranteed financial schemes available to help viable businesses with temporary cashflow problems.  This tool can help you by providing an assessment of your eligibility for these types of finance schemes.

Business Advice:  Need specific business advice – contact Matthew Butcher at Business Link South West on www.businesslink.gov.uk/southwest

Business Clubs:  If you feel that you would like to meet other small businesses and talk through ideas or issues – you could join one of the North Dorset Business clubs – contact Val Pothecary at www.ruraldorsetbusinessclubs.co.uk

Business Debtline: – a national business helpline offering free independent advice on www.bdl.org.uk

Business Mentoring:  Need a business sounding board to provide guidance – contact Vivian Dunn at Dormen on www.dormen.org.uk

Choose the right type of flexible working:  As an alternative to redundancies, flexible working can be an option for your business and your employees.

Use this tool to identify which flexible working schemes would best fit your business' circumstances www.businesslink.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau and the TUC:  www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ have produced Coping with the Economic Downturn.  A practical guide for working people and their families

Community Legal Services Direct: – provides free information, help and advice on a range of common legal issues on www.clsdirect.org.uk

Dorset Business Directory:  You can register with Dorset Business Directory free of charge.  The directory lists over 8,000 businesses located in Dorset.  Potential customers can access the site in order to search for providers of goods and services.

Downsizing or recruiting:  Want advice or support for your staff or yourself – contact Stuart Dickie at Job Centre Plus – on www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

General support and advice:  Personal or individual support or advice may be available from North Dorset Citizens Advice Bureau – contact Bev Higgs on advice@northdorset.cabnet.org.uk or www.citizensadvice.org.uk

New Loan Fund for South West businesses:  £5 million worth of loans through the South West Regional Development Agency is available in the South West (outside of Cornwall) for growth-oriented business with viable business plans.

Private Sector Leasing – residential property: -  Are you looking to generate an income from a long term empty dwelling, second home or perhaps considering relocating but wish to retain your current home in North Dorset?  Grants may be available to assist you to bring a redundant property back into use.  We can give you guaranteed rental income and no tenant management responsibility or administrative fees.  Terms and conditions apply.  For more information call Jo Rickman, Housing Enabling Officer on 01258 484377 or e-mail JRickman@north-dorset.gov.uk.

Property:  Wanting to dispose of or acquire a commercial property, www.investindorset.co.uk/property-search or contact the Property Pilot Coordinator, Jo Rufus 01305 224 797

Real Help Now:  www.realhelpnow.gov.uk/ is a government website detailing sources of help for businesses and people during the economic downturn, including specific information for South West England.

Reduce the cost of travelling to work by sharing a car:  You can also reduce the environmental impact of your travel.  You can register free with CarshareDorset www.carsharedorset.com and LiftShare www.liftshare.com/uk/ to share your car or share someone else’s car to and from work.

Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI): provides support for farmers, farm managers, farm workers and dependents who are facing economic hardship.  Further information can be found in this flyer.

South West Regional Development Agency:-  www.southwestrda.org.uk/.  South West Regional Development are offering real help with fianance, visit www.southwestrda.org.uk/sectors/economic-downturn/real-help.shtm

Supply2.gov.uk – www.supply2.gov.uk.  Is the only official Government lower-value (typically below £100,000) contract opportunity portal, created by the Government to provide small businesses with access to lower-value public sector contracts – a huge potential market expected to exceed £175 Billion* this year within the UK alone.  The site unites buyers and suppliers together for the first time and businesses can register free.

Support for Village Shops - up to £500 available to Village Shops to improve services or help establish new services.  See the Village Shops Help Fund Press Release for full details.

Training and Skills Advice:  Learning and Skills Council

Please refer to the Business Support Page for a range of business support services that may not be included on the Economic Downturn page.

Or speak to our Regeneration Team at North Dorset District Council for further information on 01258 454111