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20 May 2021
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Kickstart Scheme for Employers – what is it and how to apply

Are you a small business in the UK looking for funded staff, then this article is just what you need!

The Kickstart scheme was launched by the government to help small businesses access funded staff by providing work placements for young people.

The Kickstart scheme provides funding for employers; all of the employment costs are paid for by the government so SMEs can employ staff. 

In this article, we will explain how SME businesses can apply to be part of the Kickstart job scheme and offer our tips on making a successful application!

What is the Kickstart Scheme?

The Kickstart Scheme grant has been set up by the UK Government to create new jobs for 16-24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.

The scheme is a part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, by helping keep young people in employment by enhancing their employability skills.

The scheme will create hundreds of thousands jobs for young people.

https://youtu.be/Ir8OkmPy9YA

What’s in it for me?

What can I use Kickstart scheme funding for?

Training and employability support (provided by the employer, Kickstart gateway or another provider)

  • IT equipment and software
  • Uniform or Personal Protective Equipment
  • DWP may ask the employer for their records to show that they’ve spent the funding on setup costs and supporting the young person’s employability.

How to make a successful Kickstart application

When applying for the Kickstart Scheme you need to adhere to a specific job criteria to be eligible; the job criteria is stated below.

The jobs created under the Kickstart Scheme must be new positions. 

They cannot:

  • replace existing or planned vacancies
  • cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose work or reduce their working hours

The jobs must:

For each job you must support the young person in becoming more employable. This could include:

  • looking for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
  • support with curriculum vitae (CV) and interview preparations
  • developing their skills in the workplace

The young person may be able to move to another employment scheme when they’ve finished their 6-month Kickstart Scheme job.

If the criteria is met and an employer’s application is approved, they will then receive a grant agreement in a letter.

Useful Kickstart application tips for employers

Employers should be aware that funding will only be available for candidates that are introduced to the employer through this scheme.

However, DWP may contact either the young person or the employer to check that employability support has been offered during the placement.

Employers should therefore ensure that they have the resources to offer such support.

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Find out more about the Kickstart scheme for employers

It all begins with the registration process, during which you will be asked if you would like to meet with an advisor,  simply select ‘Yes’ from the dropdown and complete your registration.

How to book a needs assessment for your business

One you have completed your registration you can book your free needs assessment with an advisor. 

To book your advisor meeting, select the duration (we recommend you select the 1 hour option) then choose your preferred date and time, enter your details and we’ll send you a calendar invite.   

Click here to register your business today.

This is your opportunity to get a needs assessment to find out how government support can help you grow your business.

To find out more about the Kickstart Scheme once registered on our website you can book a needs assessment.

Follow our socials to stay up-to-date with future government business support developments or explore some of the recent blogs we’ve published for in-depth government support information.


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Kickstart Scheme

13 May 2021
by

Business support that solves growth challenges in 2021

Growth

Are you looking to find new ways of implementing growth into your business? 

The ALPHAS project is a channel for Knowledge Exchange between Universities and SMEs in order to solve business problems. 

By creating space within the business for further employment while supporting the regional aim to retain graduate talent within the local area.

This will be achieved by connecting Business Owners with Specialist Support and Training from Business Growth Experts.

How does it work?

If you are interested in plugging skills gaps by upskilling or developing a new venture, then the ALPHAS project is for you.

Not many people know about the ALPHAS project, but it’s a game changer for small businesses. 

The business support provided by universities is free of charge and accessible to those who are eligible.

Businesses who join the ALPHAS project will have access to free of charge workshops from associated universities. 

These workshops are delivered in the form of webinar sessions that help you learn new skills and fine tune existing ones!

There’s also the opportunity to get discounts on business equipment and academic support for your SME business.

Our expert advisors will guide you through the process in your free needs assessment, and point you and your business in the right direction.

So what’s in it for me?

  • Grants of 30% towards the cost of equipment or academic expertise.
  • The chance to upskill current staff through a free 12-hour workshop programme on leadership & management, digital technology, staffing for the future and financing your own growth.
  • Academic expertise from the University of Bedfordshire, University of Northampton or The Open University.
  • Funding to cover 60% of salary costs for graduates for 3-6 months – including free academic consultancy to set your plans in motion.

Who is eligible?

The ALPHAS Project is designed for:

  • Limited companies, charities or CIC’s with 5-250 employees.
  • Businesses registered in the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) area.
  • Businesses that are looking to expand their knowledge base and grow their company.

ALPHAS Project Case Studies

MHF Creative

Matt and Ciara sought help from the ALPHAS programme, funded by the European Union’s regional development fund.

The programme was administered in Luton by the University of Bedfordshire.

Through ALPHAS, Matt and Ciara completed virtual training workshops on a variety of topics – including digital tools, leadership and strategic planning. 

They used this knowledge to successfully bid for a grant in order to launch a new website to tackle the problems their business experienced during the pandemic.

“The ALPHAS project has enabled us to better understand the problems we were facing as a business and helped us focus on the best solution to resolve this.”

“We have since engaged with a local marketing agency who is specifically working on improving our SEO presence, our digital footprint and our website.”

“The funding provided by the project has also enabled us to work with a company specialising in lead generation, helping us get in front of our target customers to increase awareness of our services.”

Watch this video recommendation provided by MHF Creative.

The ALPHAS project’s goal

The goal of the ALPHAS project is to support local SMEs in improving their leadership team, thus making the business more profitable.

Offer your business an advantage by getting involved with the ALPHAS project today!

What if I am outside the SEMLEP region?

Digital Future First is funded by the European Social Fund to provide access to Government support for SMEs located in the SEMLEP region.

If your SME business is located outside of the SEMLEP region you can find out more about the available support in your area by visiting the LEP network website. 

Once on the LEP site simply select your region’s Growth Hub from the menu and follow the link to your local Growth Hub website. 

Here, you can register your interest to talk to a growth advisor who will help you access Government support.

How do I get started?

The University of Bedfordshire, in partnership with The Open University and The University of Northamptonshire, is running a series of eight webinars. 

Focusing on Leadership, Digital, Finance and Staffing for the future with their business experts.

For more information about upcoming webinars, register and a team member will contact you with further details.

The value of these sessions is usually £1,000. But if you are part of an eligible business they will be completely free.

Register your business

It all begins with the registration process, you will be asked if you would like to meet with an advisor. 

This is your opportunity to get a free needs assessment to find out how government support can help you grow your business.

Click here to register your business today.

To find out more about the ALPHAS project once registered on our website you can book a free needs assessment.

Follow our socials to stay up-to-date with future government business support developments or explore some of the recent blogs we’ve published for in-depth government support information.


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Growth

6 May 2021
by

How to get funded, tailored training for your business in 2021

Funded training

Looking for funded training courses for businesses?

Well, the Skills Support for the Workforce Scheme is a government scheme designed to do just that and specifically for businesses like yours.

With this scheme, business owners can get funded tailored training that will help them grow their company and make more money!

Put simply the government is offering funded training courses for businesses.

In fact, there’s a wide range of funded training courses on offer; everything from social media to Leadership and Management qualifications.

“SSW is all about helping small-to-medium-sized employers turn their business growth plans into reality“, Steve Hayward, Project Lead Digital Future First.

Steve went on to say, this is achieved by upskilling their existing workforce, with recognised accredited qualifications and bespoke training courses to enhance skills.

The Skills Support for the Workforce programme is co-financed by the Education & Skills Funding Agency and the European Social Fund.

So how does it work?

It is a tailored service designed to meet your business needs and offers a wide range of skills training, qualifications and networking opportunities to support workplace success, including;

  • A training needs analysis for your business,
  • Flexible training/On-the-job vocational training,
  • Access to Vocational Qualifications,
  • Learning pathways for your employees,
  • Access to a range of recognised accredited qualifications.

Why’s this important to me?

  • Businesses can get funded tailored training that will help them grow their company and make more money!
  • This scheme was designed specifically for businesses like yours in mind.
  • The Skills Support the Workforce Scheme has helped thousands of businesses across England so far.

How can Digital Future First help?

Our advisors will work with you to identify skills gaps in your workforce, recommend bespoke funded training plans that will provide the skills you and your team need.

We only work with approved local training providers to design a customized training plan for you.

Whatever your business goals, the importance of training can’t be understated.

You can access bespoke funded training courses, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Read on for more details on eligibility.

Am I eligible for funded training?

The following eligibility criteria apply for anyone accessing support through Skills Support for the Workforce:

  • The workplace must be a safe learning environment
  • The learner has to be employed by the organisation (or self-employed)
  • The learner has to be eligible to work in the UK – evidence will be required
  • The learner must be aged 16+ (no upper age restriction)
  • The training has to be delivered within the LEP region and by one of the contracted SSW Training Providers

We’ll then work with you to find the right funded training courses for you and your team.

To access support from Digital Future First, your business must be located in the SEMLEP region.

What if I am outside the SEMLEP region?

All of the funded training courses for businesses are available nationally, so it’s not all bad news.

To find out more about the available support in your region visit your local Growth Hub once on the site simply, select your region’s Growth Hub from the menu and follow the link to your local Growth Hub website where you can register your interest to talk to a Growth Advisor, who will help you access the funded courses.

How do I get started?

It all begins with the registration process you will be asked if you would like to meet with an advisor, this is your opportunity to get a free needs assessment to find out how government support can help you grow your business.

Click here to register your business today!

Follow our socials to stay up-to-date with future government business support developments or explore some of the recent blogs we’ve published for in-depth government support information.


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Education & Skills Funding Agency

16 February 2021
by

Receive a £500 eBay fee credit when you take part in the kickstart scheme via FSB

Kickstart Scheme

The Kickstart Scheme was announced in July 2020 as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs. The scheme aims to create thousands of high-quality six-month work placements for young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment.

Under the scheme, the Government will cover 100 per cent of employment costs for 25 hours a week. This includes the employee’s salary at the appropriate minimum wage for their age, as well as National Insurance and pension contributions.

The Department for Work and Pensions have recently removed the 30-placement limit on direct applications, which FSB welcomes as it creates more choice for small employers looking to get involved.

Adecco working ventures scheme

Adecco Working ventures provide a comprehensive wrap-around service, both for you and the young person through the 6-month placement. Their comprehensive and supportive service takes the stress away from you, allowing you to focus on what’s important to your business as well as helping to kickstart a young person’s career.

Adecco Working Ventures uses the £1,500 Government grant to cover all aspects of set up and development for the young person.  As the salary, pension and employment costs like national insurance are covered, this means all you have to do is provide a brilliant placement for the young person you appoint.  We will be able to help, every step of the way.

Receive a £500 eBay fee credit for eligible business sellers taking part in the scheme

Now more than ever, it’s important for small businesses to find new ways of connecting with their customers. In offering opportunities for young people through the Kickstart scheme via FSB and Adecco Working Ventures, the first 1,000 businesses to be accepted to the scheme may also be eligible for a £500 fee credit courtesy of eBay.

Whether you are already established on eBay or want to take the leap, now is the ideal time to explore online selling and join the 300,000 UK businesses already selling on eBay.

Click the button down below to be taken to FSB’s application form, just add your eBay business seller account details. If you’re new to eBay, you can set up your business seller account here. You can find more detail about the scheme here with full terms and conditions of the promotion here. 


Apply Now

16 February 2021
by

The South East Midlands Start-up Programme

Free support for your business

The South East Midlands Start-up Programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, provides residents of Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Aylesbury Vale and Cherwell, Northampton, Corby, Daventry and Wellingborough with access to 12 hours of FREE support for small businesses and start-ups.

This support can be in the form of:
  • one-to-one business advice
  • webinars and workshops
  • access to business start-up services
  • business incubation workspace
  • specialist social enterprise support

SEMSUP offer

Wenta is working in partnership with the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, to bring our South East Midlands Start-up Programme (SEMSUP) clients an exclusive offer… 12 months FREE membership to the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce!

Here’s what you’ll be getting from the Chamber, in addition to Wenta’s SEMSUP benefits:
  • Networking events and other help to enable you to connect with fellow Chamber members
  • Access to an online Legal and HR package (700+ templates for HR, Health & Safety, Company legal documents, and other templates)
  • Access to the Chamber’s discounted company benefits including discounted AA Cover, debt recovery, healthcare and more
  • Regular updates on local business news, grants, funding and local business support

To apply click the button below to be taken to wentas site, to sign-up to their start-up programme by using their form and they’ll do the rest!

*Ts&Cs apply. Membership subject to eligibility.

Contact info@wenta.co.uk for more details.


Sign Up

2 February 2021
by

Apprenticeships: Our experience

National Apprenticeship Week 2021 will take place from 8 to 14 February 2021. The annual week-long celebration of apprenticeships shines a light on the amazing work being done by employers and apprenticeships across the country.

To show the value apprenticeships offer both individual and businesses, Tyrell Witton a Digital Marketing Specialist at Digital Future First shares his experience of the last two years of his apprenticeship.

Why I chose to do an apprenticeship #NAW2021

“When I was younger I wanted to be a footballer, as I grew up my interests changed and I found myself being more and more interested in technology. Growing up I was always told ‘you have to go to university to succeed’ which put me into a narrow path of what I wanted to do.

I remember having a meeting with a careers advisor who gave me more insight into what it actually means to be an apprentice. This opened my eyes to a new career path where I can get the experience on hand while working.

I started by going onto the GOV.UK website and looked up apprenticeships in my local area. And applied to the ones that appealed to me, after communicating through emails and two interviews I secured my account manager apprenticeship position at Supplyant.

Working with Supplyant really kickstarted my career in the right direction as the possibilities for growth were endless. And the flexibility they offered in terms of the role I was in and the guidance I needed to achieve the next steps forward helped me so much in understanding my career journey.

The Supplyant team supported me so much in my apprenticeship journey and without them I wouldn’t have made it. Once I finished my apprenticeship Supplyant Offered me a fulltime contract, and a year later I am working on a project part owned by Supplyant.

I have been able to be exposed to so much and my journey has just begun!

Did I make the right decision going for an apprenticeship? Of course I did! it was the best decision of my life as it allowed me to get the training and experience I needed the kickstart my working career. I wouldn’t change a thing.

I would recommend apprenticeships to anyone who wants to grow and learn while they earn.”

To find out more about apprenticeships visit our apprenticeships for businesses page

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    Digital Future First is part funded by the European Social Fund and led by Supplyant Limited, and co-developed in partnership with Database for Business Limited and the Learning and Skills Academy CIC

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