NewsSUPERFAST Broadband UPDATE03 February 2012 1 Key Briefing: Superfast Broadband February 2012 Keep up to speed: latest news from the Connecting Devon and Somerset Broadband Programme Background Our project is one of 3 national pilots chosen to roll out superfast broadband to the ‘hard to reach’ areas that will not attract private sector investment. With the help of funding from the Government and both County Councils, as well as support from partner authorities Plymouth, Torbay and North Somerset, we have £50m to invest, but this isn’t enough on its own. We have to attract investment from broadband suppliers too. We are running a campaign (from 6th February) to ask the communities and businesses of Devon and Somerset to show thatthey want superfast broadband. We need as many people as possible to take part in a short survey which will be influential in deciding how, where and when the infrastructure will be rolled out. This is our one big opportunity to shape the future of our digital services, so it’s vital everyone gets involved to help us get connected and up to speed. ‘Connecting Devon and Somerset’ This is a project led by Somerset County Council and Devon County Councils in partnership with Plymouth, Torbay and North Somerset Councils, to roll out broadband to those parts of our counties not covered (or likely to be covered) by the private sector. The project aims to deliver: • Improved broadband (>2mbps) to every business and community across Devon and Somerset by 2015 • Superfast broadband (>24mbps) to at least 85% of the area by 2015, with 100% by 2020 With commitment from both County Councils and support from a range of stakeholders including MPs, Heart of the South West LEP, the emergency services and many business organisations, the partnership secured circa £31m of funding from Government (BDUK). This is being matched by £20m from the two County Councils to buy the best broadband solutions for our communities. To get the best deal from the private sector, we need to show that there is real demand for superfast and improved broadband services. A short, dynamic campaign, ‘Keep up to Speed: Get Connected’, is running from 6th -29th February to encourage residents, businesses and communities to register their interest. We need to evidence good market demand when negotiating with potential suppliers. Why is this important? £50m of public sector support will not be sufficient to achieve our aims. We need additional investment by the private sector, and to make this an attractive proposition, they will want to see a good potential return on their investment. Through the campaign, residents, businesses and communities will be asked to register their broadband speed, the types of activity limited by current speeds and what improved connectivity might mean. The findings will be used during our negotiations with broadband suppliers. They will also be a factor, along with the potential for economic growth, social need and current speed influencing the eventual broadband roll out programme. It is a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for communities and businesses to have a say in the services needed for their area. 2 What will happen? Briefings for key stakeholders are taking place now beginning with a direct mail campaign across the area. From 6th February, information leaflets will be sent to 26,000 business and residential addresses in 10 sample areas across Somerset and Devon. People at these addresses will then be asked to respond to a survey through a follow up phone call. There will also be features in local newspapers, radio and TV programmes, to reach people who are not in one of the sample areas. They can register their interest online at www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk or by calling our dedicated hotline on 0844 463887. The findings from this survey will be analysed in March to show demand for broadband before we commence the next phase of procurement in April to achieve the most effective solution. As many may not be aware of the difference the improved service could make, we will also provide information on the benefits to ensure that our communities are included, our businesses can benefit and residents are not disenfranchised by lack of access. There will be a dedicated phone line and mailbox and further information on the Connecting Devon and Somerset website: www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk. People may respond through their place of work as well as their home set up. Timetable Campaign activity 6- 29 February National Broadband Suppliers framework established May 2012 Award of Devon and Somerset broadband partner contract September 2012 Launch of business and community demand campaign June 2012 Launch of business and community skills campaign September 2012 Deployment and roll out schedule announcement Jan / February 2013 What do we need? We need as many responses as possible! We are briefing stakeholders, asking community groups, businesses, employer representative organisations and many others to prime their colleagues, members and friends to be ready to respond. Their input is vital to ensuring effective roll out of services and it is unlikely there will ever be another similar opportunity. Superfast broadband has the capacity to change lives and we want to ensure Devon and Somerset are at the forefront of the digital revolution. 3 APPENDIX: the current picture 20% of our 6,000 survey respondents (2011) (businesses and individuals) only receive 1Mbps.The private sector is currently only committed to delivering superfast broadband access to 38% of premises, and this is predicted to rise to 62% by 2015. This leaves 26,000 businesses with a turnover of £9 billion and 700,000 people with no certainty of improved connectivity Devon County Average sync speed (Mbit/s): 6.4 Percentage getting less than 2Mbit/s: 17.2% Superfast broadband availability: 17% Broadband take up: 69% Somerset County Average sync speed (Mbit/s): 6 Percentage getting less than 2Mbit/s: 17.7% Superfast broadband availability: 4% Broadband take up: 70% (Ofcom) Faster broadband will: • Be the 21st century infrastructure that enables our businesses to compete on a level footing regardless of location • Make Devon and Somerset a more attractive proposition for business relocations and start-ups – including the creation of new, high-tech jobs • Enable the transformation of public services through initiatives such as: telehealth, improving patient care in their homes; community safety through greater and more efficient use of CCTV; law enforcement through improving remote working and communications, and distance learning • Enable improved business efficiency and flexibility, for example through speedier communication, better access to new markets and greater homeworking • Facilitate improved skills levels through access to online learning • Tackle digital exclusion, ensuring rural communities have the same access to services as urban communities Opportunities for involvement Our partners and stakeholders are key to the success of this campaign. We welcome your involvement through: • Promoting, publicising and championing the campaign and survey • Participating in events • Identifying opportunities for further briefings, events and media coverage • Communicating the project through your own networks and social media channels • Letting us know how best to keep you in touch with project progress. • Identifying who we need to talk to in your communities or what would enable you to talk to other people about the campaign For general enquiries please contact Phil Nicholls: 01392 38222 Email: For media enquiries please contact Coast Communications:
01752 847135 Email: info@coastmarcoms.co.uk
Special offer from BHBA member Unusual Risks03 February 2012 ‘Introducer Scheme’
Dear Blackdown Business Association Members (BHBA),
I’m writing following recent e-mail correspondence with Val Baker and enclose details of our proposal to offer BHBA members an introducer scheme.
We first offered an introducer scheme to our existing clients called ‘The Friends & Family Scheme’ nearly 10 years ago as a way of showing our gratitude for their support and of course generating new business.
Initially we offered 1000 existing clients the opportunity of earning £25.00 of gift vouchers for every successful referral they made to us, which proved to be very popular and the scheme quickly became a big success.
We have since changed the scheme and now offer enhanced incentives for introducers of up to £50 of gift vouchers for each referral they make to us.
Due to the positive response we have received from BHBA members during our first year of membership, we have decided for the first time to offer an introducer scheme outside of our existing clients to fellow members of BHBA.
We hope that this will encourage BHBA members to think of each other when making referrals for business and also create goodwill amongst members.
We are currently offering for Mortgage, Life Assurance, Critical Illness Cover and Income Protection referrals £25 of Marks & Spencer’s Vouchers for cases generating £500 or more of gross income and £50 of Marks & Spencer’s vouchers for cases generating £1000 or more of gross income.
Also, if any BHBA member feels they would prefer that their voucher reward amount be donated to any registered charity (such as Air Ambulance), then we would be very happy to do this on their behalf instead.
We have decided to offer this scheme for an initial period through to the 30thJune 2012 to gauge response and would be happy to answer any questions BHBA members may have about the scheme.
Kindest Regards,
Chris Morgan Practice Manager Unsual Risks Mortgage & Insurance Services 01404 45397
BBC Countryfile Sun, 5 Feb Blackdown Hills Feature03 February 2012
The Blackdown Hills is featured in this weeks Countryfile, which is aired this Sunday on BBC One - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01bzt32#programme-broadcasts Val Baker BHBA
LEP Business Plan Invite03 February 2012 Dear Colleague On behalf of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, I would like to invite you to one of the 4 events we are holding across Devon and Somerset to introduce you to the work of the LEP. The events are to be held as follows: 8th February, Breakfast event, 8-10 am, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset 8th February, Early evening event, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset 9th February, Breakfast Event 8-10 am, The Legacy, Plymouth International Hotel, Plymouth 9th February, Early Evening event, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, The Thistle Rougemont Hotel, Exeter The Partnership will be examining their priority areas of Productivity - Enterprise R&D and ICT; Infrastructure - Rail Road and Broadband; Skills - Vocational, Higher and Further; Exporting and Inward Investment. Heart of the South West are committed to business engagement and it will be an opportunity for you to look at the Business Plan, find out how the LEP will operate and express your views and opinions. I would be much obliged if you could indicate your attendance at which event to lep@coastmarcoms.co.uk with contact details. Teas, coffees and light refreshments will be provided at each event. Yours sincerely Tim Jones Chair Heart of the South West LEP
PRESS RELEASE Heart of the South West Partnership For immediate issue 17 January 2012
Have a say in the LEP – Partnership sessions across Devon & Somerset The Local Enterprise Partnership for Devon and Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay – Heart of the South West is inviting contributions and comment on its business plan in a series of sessions running on 8th and 9th of February.
Businesses, individuals and representatives of organisations from across the two counties are welcome to attend the short seminars, which are designed to showcase the proposals for the partnership and encourage discussion around the aims and objectives for the business plan.
Chair of Heart of the South West, Tim Jones said: “ It is vital that the business voice is heard and that a partnership approach is adopted to generate growth and productivity for our area. Local Enterprise Partnerships are designed to be private sector led and driven by business. Any views will be welcomed that ensure we can develop a successful and sustainable future economy. These will be included within our Business and Action plans.
“We want our partnership to be unique and distinctive, with real drive and ability to make changes for good. To do that we need the backing and support of our communities, so I’d encourage people to make the time to attend and comment on our plans.
“These proposals have been developed by talking to a wide range of businesses from all our key sectors and industries, the economy and local business leaders, but we have to ensure that they will meet our needs. We have great ambition to deliver results and we hope that these proposals will enable us to work with others to generate a better quality of life for everyone through growth in our economy.”
At each of the sessions, the Partnership will be examining their priority areas of Productivity - Enterprise R&D and ICT; Infrastructure - Rail Road and Broadband; Skills - Vocational, Higher and Further; Exporting and Inward Investment, as well as exploring how the partnership will run its day to day operations.
Sessions are free to attend, but as numbers are limited, places are first come first served. Attendance should be confirmed to HotSW@coastmarcoms.co.uk.
8th February, 8-10 am, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset 8th February, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset 9th February, 8-10 am, The Legacy, Plymouth International Hotel, Plymouth 9th February, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, The Thistle Rougemont Hotel, Exeter
More information is available on the website www.heartofswlep.co.uk
Ends
Notes to Eds: For more information, contact Liz Waugh or Julie Everett at Coast Communications on 01752 847135 / 07966 388921 Heart of the South West The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been formed under the leadership of the private sector supported by the local authorities from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay and the area’s District Councils. It is one of 32 partnerships created since the Government’s Local Growth White Paper published in October 2010. More information about the work of the LEP is available from the website www.heartofswlep.co.uk. Growing Places Fund The Growing Places Fund can be used to establish revolving funds to take forward a range of projects that can help facilitate economic growth and jobs in the local area, providing returns which can be re-invested locally. Through this, local enterprise partnerships will be able to offer secure funding to developers in their area, making it quicker for projects to get off the ground but also securing a return on that investment for the local area.
Superfast Broadband PLEASE ACT NOW!06 April 2011 Devon County Council and Somerset County Council have joined forces to make a compelling bid to win vital Government funding for superfast broadband for the two counties. Support is required to help the bid and is requested through the completion of a survey to tell the bid committee, the government and suppliers why we need faster broadband. Please see the following link if you’d like to complete a survey to help with the bid:www.connectingdevonandsomerset.co.uk. As many entries as possible need to be submitted before Monday for the best effect.
New FRIENDS of AEDCC06 April 2011 We are delighted to announce that following numerous requests from organisations and businesses we are now able to invite local businesses and organisations to support what we do by becoming a Friend of AEDCC. If you would like to know more about how to become a friend please contact us at info@eastdevonchambers.org.uk.
Workhub in Axminster06 January 2011 Potential for delivery of a workhub in Axminster If you are in business or thinking of starting a business this event is for you! The www.devonworkhubs.co.uk site is now up and running. It contains links to the online survey and comments pages for each town, including Axminster. The details of the business animation events and jellies in the town are as follows:
- 6th Jan
Nigel
Nigel Tremlett
M: 07854 371771 For more information about Transform Research and how it can help with research and consultancy support please visit: www.transformresearch.co.uk
2012 Olympics - Opportunities for Business11 October 2010 Dear Association of East Devon Chambers supporter and member, I would suggest that you take a look at the 2012 website, there is a lot of useful information for businesses to help you to take advantage of the 2012 Olympics. Weymouth, Dorset will be hosting the sailing competitions for the games which could result in visitors extending their stay in the area. Though don't forget it is not just tourism related businesses that will benefit from the Olympics. Please click here for details of opportunities. Regards, Val Baker
Minutes of the last meeting of the AEDCC11 October 2010
Local Rewards/Incentives Card update
Sainsbury’s at Ottery St Mary It was hoped that the introduction of a rewards card could help to create a more level playing field for independent businesses in the area by encouraging shoppers to buy from them rather than from their local supermarket.
5. Membership of the AEDCC Board.
7. AEDCC events & services
Business Advice at Bicton College with the FSB Thurs, 21 October 6 – 8.30pm FREE Val reported that she had been sending out e-news bulletins to Chambers of Commerce in East Devon informing them of news and opportunities. Val reported that she would be organising an evening business event for March 2011 – the date and venue would be confirmed as soon as this had been arranged. ACTION: Val.
8. Any other business
Axminster Chamber of Commerce
AEDCC mission statement (draft)
The following wording was suggested:
Benefits of membership of AEDCC It was agreed that Chambers of Commerce would be invited to contribute to this list. ACTION: Val. Val reported that she had received details of 16 workshops that were being run over the coming weeks for East Devon businesses. These workshops ranged from improving your search engine optimization through to getting the most from your team. Please visit the AEDCC website at www.eastdevonchambers.org.uk website for details. Workshops cost £10 each. Attendance at these workshops is highly recommended. Val reported that Kate Tobin is the new East Devon Making it Local officer. For more information on this grant and how to apply, please visit www.makingitlocal.org.
9. Date of next meeting – 4 November 2010.
HMRC NEW NICs holiday help for new business07 September 2010 FAO South West Chambers of Commerce Good afternoon all NICs holiday scheme for new South West businesses launched A new National Insurance Contributions (NICs) holiday scheme to encourage new business start-ups in key UK regions, including the South West, was launched today. The ‘Regional Employer NICs Holiday for New Businesses’ offers substantial reductions in employer NICs for new businesses in those parts of the UK most reliant on public sector employment. Every year, around 22,330 new businesses start-up in the South West, including: Under the three-year scheme, eligible businesses will be able to take a ‘holiday’ for each of the first 10 employees they hire in their first year of business. Each holiday will last for the first 52 weeks the employee is in post (providing these weeks fall within the three-year holiday period). New businesses who take advantage of the scheme will be able to save up to £50,000 in employer NICs – £5,000 per employee, up to a maximum of 10 new employees. Within the UK, the regions and countries that will benefit are the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the South West, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The scheme is open to new businesses set up on or after 22 June 2010, and will run until 5 September 2013. Launching the scheme, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, said: “We need to rebalance our economy, which has become over reliant on public spending and jobs provided by the public sector. “The NICs holiday for new businesses, in addition to cuts in corporation tax, will help provide a valuable boost to start up businesses, and help foster the private sector led recovery that will drive growth in the UK over the coming years.” To find out if they are eligible for the holiday, and for further information on the scheme, new businesses should visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/nicsholiday and read the guidance. Eligible businesses should then make their application as outlined in the guidance. Notes for editors 1. Every year, around 22,330 new businesses start-up in the South West, including: Dorset – 3,372 Gloucestershire – 3,699 Somerset – 3,953 Wiltshire – 2,853 Data is compiled from the five-year average of new business start ups between 2004/05 and 2008/09. 2. The Regional Employer NICs Holiday for New Businesses was announced by the Chancellor at the June 2010 Budget. 3. Employers will be able to make holiday deductions each time they are due to make monthly or quarterly payments to HMRC. 4. Most kinds of new business will be eligible for the holiday, provided they employ staff and meet certain criteria, which are set out in the guidance to be found by visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/nicsholiday.. Most employees will be within the scope of the proposed scheme, with some limited exceptions e.g. employees engaged through Managed Service Companies. 5 6. There are a small number of businesses who will be required to apply using a paper application form – full details are set out in the guidance. 7. Businesslink.gov.uk is the official government website for businesses of all sizes. It provides people with easy access to authoritative information, transactions and support to help them conduct their dealings with government and to find the information they need. Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office Kind Lisa Lisa Billard | Press Officer - South & South West England | HM Revenue & Customs | Tel - 023 8079 7587 | Mobile - 07808 571819 |
Sign UP Westpoint Business2Business 14 & 15 Oct19 August 2010 Dear Val,
HMRC telephone scam warning18 August 2010
HMRC issues phone call scam warning to Devon taxpayers HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is warning taxpayers in Devon to be vigilant following reports that thieves are making phone calls pretending to be the taxman. The fraudsters inform taxpayers they are due a tax rebate, and ask for their bank card details over the phone. They then attempt to take money from the account using the details provided. Victims risk having their bank accounts emptied and their personal details sold on to other organised criminal gangs. The warning comes amid a recent surge in the number of tax scam “phishing” emails reported to HMRC. In the last three months, HMRC has shut down over 180 websites that were responsible for sending out the fake tax rebate emails. Chris Hopson, Director of Customer Contact at HMRC said: “We only ever contact customers who are due a tax refund in writing by post. We never use telephone calls, emails or external companies in these circumstances. We strongly urge anyone receiving such a phone call not to give any information to the caller, but report it to the police straightaway. “If customers receive an email claiming to be from HMRC, we recommend they send it to us for investigation before deleting it permanently.” HMRC thoroughly investigates phishing attacks and works with other law enforcement agencies in the UK and overseas. In the last 18 months, scam networks have been shut down in a number of countries, including Austria, Mexico, the UK, South Korea, the USA, Thailand and Japan. HMRC strongly advises customers to: If Notes 1. The scam email often begins with a sentence such as ‘we have reviewed your tax return and our calculations of your last year’s accounts show a tax refund of XXXX is due.’ Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
WANTED! Craft stalls for Seaton Festival18 June 2010 Seaton Festival of Cycling Seaton is gearing up for another great weekend on 3rd and 4th July. Seaton is hosting the inaugural start of The Great Tour, organised by the Tour of Britain. On Friday 2nd July to kick off the celebrations there will be a candle lit procession at 9pm, from the Town Hall, Fore Street. Candles can be purchased and the procession will lead right down to the beach. On Saturday 3rd The Great Tour leaves Seaton at 10.30am. Lympstone Royal Marine Band will be playing them off, from then on the Festival starts, with cycle based events and races, activities for children, stalls, street entertainers and musicians all over town. 01297 625671
Grants for business 30 June UPLYME Village Hall18 June 2010 WILD ABOUT EAST DEVON: You are invited to the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s Seventh Annual Forum. Our guest speaker Doug Hulyer (Natural England Board Member) will talk alittle more about the International Year of Biodiversity and how “the cliffs and rockpools of East Devon changed his life!”.
Working our woodlands19 May 2010 Are you a Woodland Owner or Contractor? • By linking woodland owners with contractors to create a sustainable long term supply of local wood fuel & other wood products • By working with small and large woodland owners to maximize the management of their resource with advice on grants, felling licences, etc • By compiling a directory of quality assured contractors within the area • By “grouping” smaller woodlands to help reduce management costs and create an income for owners
Email parkfarm@tinyonline.co.uk
Wanted! news & opportunities19 May 2010 Award winning stories
Exmouth at the Devon County Show19 May 2010 We look forward to seeing you at the Devon County Show at Westpoint on 20th, 21st and 22nd May. Please click here for more details.
Seaton Festival of Cycling & Great Cycle Tour19 May 2010 Please click here for details of the Seaton Festival of Cycling and The Great Tour. http://www.seaton-chamber.org.uk/news_article.asp?Article_ID=12
Making it Local FREE Funding Workshop19 May 2010 Making It Local – free funding workshops
Remarkable Websites workshop well received in Sidmouth01 December 2009 Kate Doodson's (of Magellan Projects) workshop entitled 'Remarkable Websites' has been well received in Sidmouth. This two part workshop offered businesses an insight into what was needed to keep their websites fresh visible. Kate Doodson has run two similar courses in the Blackdown Hills through the Blackdown Hills Business Association at Uffculme School attracting over 200 bookings for places!
SEE new Workshop & Grants page01 January 1970 Click on the 'Workshop and Grants' page for some excellent workshops in East Devon area - cost only £10! Great value - superb quality!
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Association of East Devon Chambers of Commerce
promoting business in East Devon
