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Business Support

Business Support

New or growing business in Leicestershire? Speak to an expert team and access advice, support and a programme of workshops to help you navigate the next steps for your business.


Leicestershire Business Advice Service is a free to access business support service designed to make high quality growth support accessible to those business owners with the greatest need. Businesses across the North West Leicestershire district now have access to a new funded business support programme, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service. The free to access support will include start-up workshops, accelerator programmes, one-to-one advice and more to help businesses at all stages of their journey. Whether you have a business idea, have just started out, are an established organisation looking to accelerate your growth or just need a bit of advice to help with your business planning, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service will be able to support you.


North West Leicestershire District businesses will be able to access face-to-face appointments with advisors at the North West Leicestershire Customer Service Centre in Coalville, as well as a range of training workshops across Leicestershire.


To find out more or get in touch, visit Leicestershire Business Advice Service (exemplas.com)


The service will be provided by Exemplas who are experienced in delivering business support programmes that helps SMEs develop, communities thrive and local economies grow. It is funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), through the district councils of Blaby, Harborough, Hinckley & Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby & Wigston.


Find out more and see if you’re eligible at: https://web.exemplas.com/lbas

Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP)   


Research shows that businesses that access support grow faster. Our network of delivery partners is experienced in helping businesses gain investment and training from a wide range of local and national development programmes. We also make it simpler for busy SMEs to win investment, access training and become more productive.


Contact the Business Gateway if you need help with starting or growing your business and subscribe for our regular business support news and events. Complete an enquiry form today.


W: www.bizgateway.org.uk

E: growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk 

T: 0116 454 2917

Business Rates, Premises and Licensing

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Getting started with Business Rates

If you have recently taken on business premises in Ashby it is important that you register for business rates as soon as possible. You may be eligible for business rates relief which would mean that you have a reduced bill or don’t have to pay anything. Being registered will help the Council to keep accurate records of local businesses, ensure you are billed correctly and will avoid any unexpected costs later down the line. It will also ensure that you are able to access any government support as quickly as possible.

NWLDC→
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Your levy bill is based on your Rateable Value.

The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is responsible for giving each business premises a rateable value (RV). If you feel that your RV is incorrect you can complete a check, challenge or appeal directly with the VOA. Click the link below to check an RV for any property – just put in the postcode of the property you are interested in.

Check your valuation→
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Moving Premises

When moving your business premises it's crucial to inform key parties, including customers, clients, suppliers, employees, utility providers, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, insurance providers, your landlord or property management, the local post office, and ensure client confidentiality. Clear and timely communication with these stakeholders is essential for a smooth transition. Find out details about moving in North West Leicestershire below...

Moving Premises→ Moving Form→
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Building Regulations

If you need support with regulations for your business there is a lot of help available. For example:  food safety, pollution, licensing or workplace health and safety. The link below gives you further information and useful telephone numbers to get the help you need. 

Regulations→
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Licensing

NWLDC are responsible for issuing and regulating a wide range of licences, permits and registrations relating to taxis, premises under the Licensing Act 2003 and Gambling Act 2005 along with various occupations and activities. If you need help or just more information follow the link below.

Licensing→ Premises License→

Funding Opportunities Operated by Ashby BID

Does your project or event fit in with our business plan?


Funding requests must meet these BID objectives...

  • Marketing, Promotion & Events

    To promote the town’s heritage and historical character, with marketing, digital and social media campaigns. 


    Further support the town’s existing events programme through marketing  inclusive of developing key new events. 


    Develop and expand place marketing.

  • Welcoming & Safe

    Improving the physical appearance and ambience of the town centre.


    Further support of Purple Flag Accreditation and enhancement of the night time economy.

  • Getting Around

    Park and Ride initiatives.


    ideas that support and/or develop seasonal/event based free/ discounted car parking initiatives. Hopper Bus initiatives.

  • Business Support

    Initiatives to support businesses, with economical Trade Waste Recycling Schemes, 


    Centralised Procurement, 


    Provision of Training & Networking opportunities.

Can you add vibrancy, safety or support to Ashby?

Apply for funding >

Networking

Ashby Connect

Ashby Connect is a networking group in Ashby-de-la-Zouch and surrounding areas.

The group is aimed at connecting all businesses and professionals in a relaxed setting over a free lunch.
The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 12pm-2pm at The Beeches in Ashby.

FSB (Federation of Small Businesses)

The FSB is the UK’s largest campaigning pressure group promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and businesses.

Other Agencies

Business Link

Whether you are already running a business or just starting out, Business Link is the place to go. All their support is independent and impartial, and many services are provided free of charge.  Tel: 0845 600 9006.

Job Centre Plus

For assistance with recruiting staff locally, contact Job Centre Plus for details about recruitment, apprenticeships, work experience and to advertise any vacancies click on 'more details' button. Tel: 0800 169 0190.

The Princes Trust

Helps young people (18-30) through training, skill building, business loans, grants and personal development East of England Office.

Start Up Britain

‘Start Up Britain’ is designed to make it easier for new companies and innovations to flourish and encourage people who aspire to start new businesses to work for themselves. info@startupbritain.org

Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

An organisation providing personal loans for new business ideas, businesses needing investment and for the study of postgraduate education. All loans are personal loans which are interest free for 9 years, repayable by equal instalments after 3 years, and are available to people aged over 18 and under 45.

Town Groups and Associations

Ashby & Coalville Lions

Ashby de la Zouch & Coalville Lions is a group of men and women serving the local North West Leicestershire community since 1976 by fundraising and giving help when and where it is required.

Ashby Pubwatch

The licensed trades meet monthly to discuss any issues within the town centre, discuss any potential bans, promotion of Purple Flag status and work together on initiates and events.

Ashby Street Pastors

Ashby street Pastors launched in January 2010. They are out in Ashby Town centre on Market Street and surrounding streets, they are also around Hood Park Leisure centre and Bath grounds. They go out in either a team of 4 or 3 between 9.30pm and 3am on Friday and Saturday nights. During the summer months they are out between 6.30pm – 11pm on Fridays.

Rotary

The Rotary Clubs of Ashby de la Zouch are part of an international organisation of 1.2 Million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide.


Ashby is fortunate in having 3 Active Rotary Clubs. Ashby Rotary Club, was the first to be founded, in 1947, and meets at The Beeches on Burton Road Ashby at 12 noon each Thursday. Ashby Hastings formed in 1981, meets at the Bull & Lion at Packington on Thursdays for dinner at 7:15 pm. Ashby Castle formed in 1995, meets for breakfast at The Beaches, Ashby on Tuesdays at 7:15am.

Ashby Civic Society

Ashby Civic Society come together to protect the past and present developments of the town. They provide a collective voice to influence changes to our town. They engage with developers and Councillors advising your preferred options. They help to preserve the heritage and historic buildings of Ashby. They provide a voluntary and crucially non-political voice.

Ashby Arts Festival

Ashby Arts Festival is a voluntary organisation that promotes all art forms in and around Ashby de la Zouch for the benefit of the town, district, arts professionals, amateur groups and individuals through organising an annual festival and other cultural events throughout the year.

Venture Theatre

The Venture Theatre is owned and run by Ashby Dramatic Society (ADS). The auditorium has tiered seating for 112 people or 90 when seated cabaret style. There is a full event list with plays and Jazz night happening throughout the year. They are always looking for people to join the Theatre! If you are looking for a friendly group to get involved with please go and see the theatre.

Energy and Water

Main Electricity and Gas Providers for Businesses

N Power Gas www.npower.com Tel: 0845 166 3360
N Power Electricity www.npower.com Tel: 0845 166 3320

British Gas www.britishgas.co.uk/business
E.ON www.eon-uk.com Tel: 0333 202 4586

Who is my Electricity Supplier?

EDF Supplier Network Supply Identifier 0845 601 5467


Who is my Gas supplier?

British Gas Contact 0870 608 1524 ď»ż

Main Water Providers for Businesses

Water Plus

https://www.water-plus.co.uk/

0345 072 6072

Please note businesses are able to change supplier

Pollution and Environmental

  • What should I do about Health and Safety in my property?

    The Health and Safety Team at NWLDC aims to ensure that work premises in the district are safe for both employees and visitors. Contact them for more information:

    https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/environmental_health_for_businesses

  • Do I need to register my food business?

    If you are going to open a food business, even if you’re just serving coffee etc., then you must register it. Please follow this link for guidance: 

    https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/registration_food_businesses


  • How do I deal with my business rubbish and waste and recycling?

    NWLDC offers a competitively priced trade recycling and refuse collection service to businesses in North West Leicestershire.

    Their service aims to make recycling easy, reduce waste to landfill and provide value for money for your company.


    They provide both recycling and refuse collections, and are happy to help with any queries you have about responsibly disposing of waste from your business.


    To discuss your requirements and request a quote, please call 01530 454 554.


  • Fly Tipping

    To report an incident of Fly Tipping go to the NWLDC website: https://www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/refuse_flytipping or call 01530 454545.

  • Environment Agency

    For information on the risk of flooding and managing water resources: www.environment-agency.gov.uk or email: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Call: 03708 506 506.

VAT and Insurance

  • National Insurance

    Information Including advice on PAYE, National Insurance Contributions, Statutory Sick Pay, Maternity and Paternity Pay www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni 

  • Businesses and Corporations VAT

    Go to: www.hmrc.gov.uk/businesses/index.shtml

    and www.hmrc.gov.uk/vat/index.htm

  • Trading Standards

    Ring their business advice line: 0116 454 3200 


    Email: business-regulation@leicester.gov.uk 


    Write to: Leicester City Council, Trading Standards Service, Local Enforcement Services, Phoenix House, 1 King Street, Leicester, LE1 6RN.


    Please note that this building is not accessible to the public. Trading standards service does not directly provide consumer advice. You would need to get in touch with Citizens Advice, contact information can be found on their consumer helpline webpage.

  • Office of Fair Trading

    Understanding the laws that affect you is an important part of running a successful business and the website is a quick guide to the main rules covering how you sell, how you treat your customers, how you compete and how you can protect your business from scams. 


    Contact: Office of Fair Trading - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  enquiries@oft.gsi.gov.uk  

    08454 04 05 06.

  • Data Protection Act

    Do I need to register under the Data Protection Act? If you keep records and details of your clients, suppliers and staff in any format, paper or electronic, you may be required to register. https://ico.org.uk/ 

  • Employers or Public Liability Insurance

    Do I need to have Employers or Public Liability Insurance? If you employ anyone, or are leasing or renting a property, you must obtain both Employees and Public Liability Insurance. Contact your insurance company for more details. Don't have one yet? Check out the local directory listing on this website to get a quote from someone in our area.