NEWS from Deloitte.


A golden opportunity O


ver two-thirds of the West Country’s small and medium sized businesses expect no disruption to their operations as a result of this year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games, according to a new report


Entrepreneurship UK surveyed owners of private businesses and found that 70% of respondents in the South West believed the Games, which start on 25 July, will have no impact on their business operations. This compared to an average figure of 59% for the country as a whole and even in London the figure was 55%. Sarah Sturt, partner at Deloitte in the South West, said: “The level of awareness of the impact of London 2012 among small firms appears to be low. With less than a year to go to the Games, the clock is ticking and planning needs to start now. There will be three million additional journeys on the busiest days of the Games, so for small businesses, supplies, transport, travel, and staff availability will be critical considerations.” Sam Hart, Deloitte’s entrepreneurial business leader in the South West, said: “We know from Sydney, Beijing and Vancouver that businesses tend to underestimate the breadth and scale of the impact of the Olympic and Paralympic Games across the country. This survey suggests it could happen again in London. Companies large and small should be planning now to take advantage of increased demand and new customers.”


• The Olympic torch will pass through Bath and its surrounding communities on 22 May as part of a 70-day relay around the UK, ahead of the Games’ official opening on 27 July.


It will continue on its route, arriving in Bristol in the evening, where city council chiefs are planning a party by the city’s historic harbourside. Cllr Simon Cook, deputy Leader and cabinet member with responsibility for sport and culture, said: “Everyone is very excited about the Olympic Torch being carried through the streets of Bristol. I’m sure residents will want to welcome the torch relay, cheer the torchbearers and celebrate the coming of the 2012 Olympics.” Following an overnight stay in Bristol, the torch will then be carried to Cheltenham via Swindon on 23 May.


For further details, visit www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap


Businesses urged to apply for £1,000 training grants


Employers are being urged to take up to £1,000 of funding that is available to help local companies get the skills they need for successful growth. The grant, which is aimed at businesses with fewer than 250 employees, can be used for a variety of training and development opportunities.


‘Up to £1,000 of matched funding is available for owners and senior managers of businesses and social enterprises’


The initiative is being promoted through the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, which is committed to helping create 95,000 new jobs across the area by 2030. Up to £1,000 of matched funding is available for owners and senior managers of businesses and social enterprises who want to undertake management and leadership training that will help fuel ambitious plans for growth.


Grants of 50% of the cost of training (up to a maximum of £1,000) can be used for a variety of options such as part time courses, workshops, online training,


coaching/mentoring or higher education qualifications.


Chairman of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, Colin Skellett said: “This funding is great news as it offers a real opportunity to support the growth of local businesses. It is specifically aimed at ambitious and proactive leaders who understand the importance of having the right skills and knowledge to drive their business forward.” To qualify, the training must focus on leadership development and can cover a range of courses in areas such as: Leading and Managing People, Strategic Management, Coaching and Mentoring, Human Resource Practice, Performance Management and Recruitment & Selection. The grant can also be accessed for certain bespoke courses tailored to meet a company’s individual needs.


For further details and eligibility criteria visit www.embltd.co.uk/lmas


Business West Update JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 5


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