Last chance for North Somerset businesses to access free support

10:51am - 14 January 2025
Woman in apron smiling

This January is the last opportunity to sign up for North Somerset Council’s free business support through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The available support is for local businesses to access new technology, or for small high street businesses to receive one-on-one mentoring support. 

Riseley Consulting has helped hospitality and retail businesses with fewer than 50 employees to: 

  • recruit staff 
  • improve signage, window displays and merchandising  
  • consider additional services, such as workshops and events 
  • access new marketing channels 
  • create custom action plans, whether boosting profits, improving sales, or streamlining operations in areas like buying, marketing, cash flow, or financial control. 

Scott Perry at Bertie’s Pet store in Portishead said: “Overall the support has been a great help. We have had lots of advice and been able to work and focus on what we need to do next. Fran has been very helpful”. 

Apply here and find out more information. 

The Tech for Growth programme is available for businesses with at least three full-time employees but fewer than 250 employees and a minimum annual turnover of £100,000. Managed by Business West in partnership with techSPARK, Tech for Growth can help businesses improve digital presence and adopt new technologies to grow and succeed.  

So far, vital support has included: 

  • website audits, creating a digital marketing strategy, and providing social media management training 
  • digital media storage solutions for a growing company that needs to move from standalone digital storage options to a system that is secure, affordable, decentralised, and scalable 
  • identifying target markets, creating a marketing campaign including alignment of key growth factors for each target market down to exact client engagement rules, pricing and platforms.  

Apply here or initially enquire by emailing: business@n-somerset.gov.uk. 

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy, said: “North Somerset’s small businesses are at the heart of our community. This is an incredible opportunity to access the tools, technology, and tailored support needed to thrive in 2025. Whether you’re looking to boost your digital presence or streamline operations, these two free initiatives are here to help you achieve your goals.” 

For more information, visit UKSPF year 3 | In North Somerset