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Halton is Top Future Business Growth Hotspot in the North West, says Experian

Credit ratings agency Experian has named Halton as the best area in the North West for potential business growth

In a study conducted by the agency and commissioned by the BBC, it was revealed that Halton has 4,128 companies, of which 540 have ‘good prospects for the future.'

Out of 324 council areas in England and Wales, Halton ranked 13th. The study also said that the area has “eager entrepreneurs, international exports and a strong business network; qualities that are essential for fast-growing, small, young firms.”

The report also highlighted Halton’s high export-potential and diverse manufacturing industries.

Read the full report at the BBC New website

£20billion Loan Scheme Launched for SME’s

Under the National Loan Guarantee Scheme (NLGS), businesses can borrow at 1% lower than other loans outside the scheme.
Banks that have already signed up include Barclays, the Bank of Scotland, Lloyds TSB, Natwest, RBS, and Santander.

The loan is being offered to SME’s in the UK with an annual turnover below £50 million and not in financial difficulty. Minimum and maximum amounts of loans are determined by individual participating banks.

For more information, visit the website: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/nlgs.htm

Dewar Court Offers New Rental Incentives in Runcorn

Halton Borough Council has initiated a new incentive scheme to encourage “start up” businesses at Dewar Court in the Astmoor Industrial Area of Runcorn. The high quality premises will allow businesses the flexibility to expand and develop, alongside numerous national and local businesses already based on the estate. The new scheme will run from September 1st 2011 to March 31st 2012, and “start up” businesses will be offered a flexible lease - 12 months with an opt-out option after six months; a 50% rent reduction for the first six months, and a 25% reduction for a further three months; Fixed insurance and service charge for the first year, and Business Rates Relief.

To qualify, businesses must prove that they are a start-up by providing a letter of introduction from their bank confirming that this is a new business venture and / or this is the first commercial premises that are being taken. Rent and fixed insurance / service charge can be paid by direct debit only, and two references must be provided also – one from a bank. Further details can be obtained from Russell Cain.

Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus becomes Enterprise Zone

Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus (DSIC) has become the 3rd Enterprise Zone in the North West region.

The Enterprise Zones were announced by the Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday, who also said, “We are determined to do everything we can to make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business.”

“Enterprise Zones are a major step towards delivering this – cutting business taxes, easing planning restrictions and giving business the tools they need to invest and expand.”

Mersey Waters and Manchester Airport were the first two zones to be announced in the North West region.

Economic zones offer many benefits, and the Daresbury Science & Innovation Campus will offer exemption from paying business rates for five years, as well as other benefits, such as quicker planning rules, superfast broadband and tax incentives.

Cameron added, “These new Enterprise Zones will be trailblazers for growth, jobs and prosperity throughout the country.”

Halton Borough Council made the successful bid on behalf of DSIC, with the support of Liverpool and Greater Manchester LEPs.

Anthony Nolan Charity Zip Slide 650 feet from the Silver Jubilee Bridge

Anthony Nolan Charity Zip Slide 650 feet from the Silver Jubilee Bridge

Sunday 18 September 2011

If you like your fundraising served with a shot of pure adrenaline, then the zip slide is for you. Experience the heady feeling as you climb the stairs to the top of the tower and are harnessed to the steel wire. Then feel the rush as you swoop down 650 feet of slide, gathering speed as you hurtle towards the ground. The thrilling flight is over within 30 seconds – but you’ll get a lasting buzz from knowing that you’ve helped save someone’s life.

The Silver Jubilee Bridge was opened in 1961 and at the time was the 3rd longest span steel arch bridge in the world. It is about 2/3 of the size of Sydney Harbour Bridge and is now a Grade II listed building. In 1977 it was widened and now carries over 80,000 vehicles every day.

You don’t need any experience to try the zip slide, and with our team of highly skilled instructors you can rest assured you’re in safe hands. Get ready to fly.

'It was certainly one of the most exhilarating things I have ever experienced and all for a wonderful cause. It must be a winning formula.' Steve, Anthony Nolan Zip Slide participant

Your £10 per person entry fee secures your place and is non-refundable. This will ensure that more of the sponsor money you raise will support our lifesaving work.

Anyone 13 years old or over and weighing under 17 stone can take part in the zip slide. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event. If you have any injuries or pre-existing medical conditions which may affect your ability to complete the zip slide safely, please check with your GP. Unfortunately we are unable to let you participate if you are pregnant. People with disabilities are welcome and may be able to take part but should contact us in advance.

To take part we ask each participant to raise as much money as possible and to aim to raise a minimum of £100.

For more information, and to register, visit the website

1stuesday is back at the Heath Business at Technical Park

1stuesday is back at the Heath Business at Technical Park on Tuesday 5th July 8:00 am - 9:30 am

Topic - Effectic Marketing - Where Do I Start? (Part II)

After a fantastic 'Part One' (don't worry if you missed it!) at last month's ToolBox Talk, Neil is back to impart more gems of knowledge to vastly improve your company's profile.

Google Places
Google Maps
Checking the Effectiveness of your Website versus Competitors - FREE OF CHARGE!!
PR on a budget

To book your place, contact Nicola on 01928 516142 or email direct at nicolah@haltonchamber.co.uk

New retail park planning application for Widnes

Vector Investments has submitted an outline planning application to Halton Borough Council for a new retail park on an 8.2 acre site on the fringe of Widnes town centre.

The site is at Tanhouse Yard, which currently comprises a mixture of warehouse buildings and open yard areas. The site is adjacent to Watkinson Way (A568) and is opposite Morrison's supermarket and Widnes Shopping Park.

The application seeks permission for a total of 12 retail warehouses ranging in size from two small units to larger units of between 13,000 sq ft (1,207 sq m) and 35,000 sq ft (3,251 sq m).

For more details of the proposals, visit www.tanhouseyard.co.uk

The Heath offers the best conference rates in Cheshire

From Friday 1st July through to 31st August, the Heath Conference Centre is offering clients day delegate rates from £22 per delegate.

This day delegate rate includes:

Mini breakfast on arrival for all delegates – breakfast rolls with pastries, fruit juice, tea and coffee
Mid morning tea, coffee and biscuits
Cold buffet lunch or 2 course lunch in Restaurant
Ice-creams for mid- afternoon surprise!
Dedicated conference and IT support from making the enquiry to completing your event
Meeting room hire
Water & stationery
LCD Projector, screen and flipchart

The Heath Conference Centre can offer a range of meeting rooms to suit your requirements; from a boardroom to hold up to 12, to a seminar room to hold 100 theatre style

For details or to check availability, or simply with any question, please do not hesitate to give the conference office a call. They are always more than happy to help. Telephone 01928 513365 for more details.

Billion Pound Business Growth Fund

The Department for Business Innovation & Skills has announced that the £2.5 billion Growth Fund for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is seeking to make its first investments.

This new fund which was launched in May 2011 is backed by five of the UK's main banking groups; Barclays; HSBC; Lloyds; RBS; and Standard Chartered, all working in collaboration with the British Bankers' Association.

The aim of the fund is to recognise and invest in UK companies that have real potential to succeed. Companies must turnover £10 million to £100 million per annum and have been operating successfully for two or more years. Investments will be of between £2 million to £10 million for an equity stake in the business and a seat on the Board, and contribute business guidance as well as capital growth. Investments will be over long term, five or more years.

The Fund will consider investment opportunities across all sectors apart from financial services and real estate. For further information click on the link below

For more information, visit www.businessgrowthfund.co.uk