Please see below events, updates & support available
AD:VENTURE Founder to Founder offer.
Beanstalk HR are offering all members a free, no obligation, HR essentials check. The questionnaire takes just four minutes to complete, and founder Yvette will provide you with advice and suggestions to strengthen your people processes. Find out if you are: protecting your business from the rising risks of tribunals; equipping your managers to be most effective; and setting up your people to perform and grow.
Available AD:VENTURE Courses.
April
8th April – AI Foundations for Small Businesses (online)
15th April – Practical AI Workflows for Small Businesses
16th April – Strategic Content for Website Visibility
29th April – Email Marketing Mastery: From Cold Contacts to Loyal Customers
May
7th May – Public Relations & Storytelling for Business Success (online)
14th May – Embedding AI into Business Operations
20th May – Planning and Launching a Website You’re Proud Of
21st May – Using KPI’s to Manage Your Business
Upcoming Employment Rights Act Changes: What Employers Need to Know
From 1st April the new updates to the Employment Rights Act came into force. Donna Blezzard and the amazing team at Stafflex have provided a fantastic and very informative overview, please check it out and what it means for employers
https://www.stafflex.co.uk/resources/news/upcoming-employment-rights-act-changes-what-empl/1204
How to Build a Greener Brand
Northern Media & Theodore Communications (Leeds PR agency) are running a free online workshop on the 2nd of June, 9am-10.30am, where we’ll explore how to:
- Define your purpose and values so they align with what you stand for – and how you operate
- Set ESG-driven goals that feel achievable and authentic to your business
- Measure your footprint and social impact to turn data into meaningful action
- Understand what your customers, investors, and community expect from a responsible brand
- Audit every area of your business that shapes your ethical and environmental reputation
- Integrate ESG principles into your brand story, messaging, and differentiation
- Build transparency and trust through your website and social channels
- Tell stories that connect – about people, progress, and impact
- Attract and empower a team who share your values
Feel free to book on the workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/build-a-greener-brand-without-greenwashing-tickets-1986200222332?aff=oddtdtcreator
Construction Trade Show
Wednesday April 22nd 2026 10:30-13:30
Kirklees College are inviting construction employers, contractors and suppliers to our Construction Trade Show. Meet our students, showcase your business, discuss apprenticeships and industry placements, and network with other Local Companies. There will also be trade discounts, freebies and a free BBQ.
Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK – 2026 Round Open
Sponsored by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and administered by Leonard Cheshire Disability, this initiative celebrates business ability by recognising disabled entrepreneurs who have set up their own company.
The programme is open to disabled entrepreneurs in the UK who own at least 50% of a UK registered for-profit business with an annual turnover of £200,000.
This year, prize money totalling £300,000 will be distributed as follows:
• £150,000 to one overall winner.
• £100,000 to the second place winner.
• £50,000 to the third place winner.
The money is to be invested in the winners’ businesses.
The 2026 Awards are now open to applications, and the overall winner will receive their grand prize at an online event held via Zoom on 26 May 2026.
The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026 https://www.leonardcheshire.org/get-support/employment-support/stelios-awards-disabled-entrepreneurs
European Food Accelerator Network Opens Applications for Agrifood Startups
The EIT Food Accelerator Network has opened applications for its latest cohort supporting agrifood and food technology startups across Europe. The initiative provides structured acceleration support aimed at helping companies validate technology, refine market strategy and progress towards commercial readiness.
Participants will receive mentoring, expert coaching, access to industry and investor networks and use of research and validation facilities. The network operates across six thematic hubs located in Munich, Helsinki, Paris, Warsaw, Catania and Wageningen, each focused on specific food system challenges including supply chains, circular solutions and digital farming.
The top three startups within each hub will be awarded subgrants to support Technology Validation Projects in 2027. First place recipients will receive €50,000, second place €30,000 and third place €20,000. These grants are intended to support collaboration with research partners and further technology development.
Eligible applicants must be registered companies established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe associated country, including the UK. Businesses must have been incorporated in or after 2016, operate at Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 8 and be at pre-Series A stage with revenue up to €1 million and teams of up to 20 people.
The deadline for applications is 8 April 2026 https://www.eitfood.eu/open-calls/eit-food-accelerator-network-fan-call-for-startups-2026
Cash Awards for Young UK Business Founders
The National Entrepreneur of the Year Competition is accepting applications from young people across the UK seeking financial support to develop or expand business ventures. The annual awards are organised by the Peter Jones Foundation and supported by FRP Advisory.
The competition provides cash awards to individuals aged 16 to 21 who are either running a revenue-generating small business or have a developed concept, including a prototype or minimum viable product. Entrants are required to demonstrate the viability of their idea or enterprise as part of the application process.
Successful applicants progress through stages that may include pitching their business proposals, with finalists given the opportunity to present to Peter Jones CBE. Financial awards include £10,000 for the overall winner, £5,000 for the runner up and £1,000 for finalists.
The funding can be used to support business growth, product development or operational costs associated with early-stage enterprises. The competition aims to support young entrepreneurs at different stages of development, from concept to established small businesses.
Applicants must be based in the UK and meet the age criteria at the time of application.
The deadline for applications is 15 May 2026 https://www.peterjonesfoundation.org/neoy
Grants for Depot Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
The Depot Charging Scheme will provide government support for installing charging infrastructure at fleet depots to support the adoption of zero emission heavy goods vehicles, vans and coaches. The scheme is designed to reduce carbon emissions from road freight and coach operations by supporting depot-based charging where costs may not be commercially viable.
The programme has a total value of £170 million running from April 2026 to 2030. In 2026, £66 million will be made available across two application windows, with £28 million allocated for 2026/27 and £38 million for 2027/28. Individual organisations can apply for up to £1 million, with the government contributing up to 70% of eligible costs, including chargepoints and related civil engineering work.
The scheme is open to UK-registered fleet operators across the public, private and non-profit sectors, including local authorities. Applicants must have operated for at least one year, own or lease at least one battery-electric vehicle and own the depot sites included in the application.
Funding supports the installation of chargepoints primarily for commercial vehicles, although sharing with other operators is permitted under certain conditions. Each organisation may submit one application covering multiple depot sites, subject to eligibility requirements and planning approvals.
The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026 https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/depot-charging-scheme-1
National Housing Delivery Fund Opens to Public and Private Sector Partners Across England
The National Housing Delivery Fund (NHDF), administered by the National Housing Bank (NHB), provides capital funding to support the delivery of new homes in England. The fund contributes to the government’s target of 1.5 million homes between 2026 and 2030. A total of £5 billion is allocated for capital grant support, alongside loans, equity and guarantees provided by the NHB.
The programme is open to a range of partners, including SME housebuilders, medium and large-scale developers, institutional investors and public sector organisations. Eligible applicants must be bodies corporate registered in the UK, partnerships including limited liability partnerships, English local authorities or other public sector entities.
Projects must demonstrate value for money, align with the fund’s strategic aims, and show that development would not proceed without support.
Funding can be used for housing-led developments, including infrastructure, land assembly and site remediation. Eligible costs may include measures to increase affordable housing, enable early delivery, support innovation, facilitate development on brownfield sites and address areas of acute housing need.
Some funding will be administered by Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities, with support also available in the form of advice and brokerage.
Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis as projects are ready https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-housing-delivery-fund
Global Sustainability Fund Supports Long Term Software Maintenance Projects
The Free and Open Source Software Sustainability Fund is offering financial support to projects that contribute to the internet freedom technology ecosystem. The funding is designed to strengthen maintenance, interoperability, reproducibility and resilience across established free and open source software.
Support is available for both individuals and organisations, including for-profit and non-profit entities worldwide. Applicants must demonstrate that their software has been actively developed and updated within the past two years. Projects should either serve as a core dependency for internet freedom technologies or have a significant user base in restrictive environments.
Funding levels vary depending on project scale. Smaller, single-maintainer projects may receive around $7,000 per month for a period of six to 24 months. Larger initiatives involving multiple technologies can apply for up to $400,000 for a maximum duration of 24 months. Successful applicants may also access in-kind coaching and support through OTF Resource Labs.
The funding can be used for activities including software maintenance, development and security improvements. It may also support efforts to enhance community engagement, technical capacity and the long-term sustainability of essential tools.
The deadline for applications is 7 May 2026 https://www.opentech.fund/funds/free-and-open-source-software-sustainability-fund/
National Housing Bank Offers Loans to Boost Social and Affordable Housing in England
The National Housing Bank, established by Homes England, is providing low-interest loans to support the delivery of new social and affordable housing across England. The programme forms part of a wider initiative to increase housing supply and support regeneration.
A total of £2.5 billion in loan funding is available, with £1 billion administered by the National Housing Bank and £1.5 billion managed by the Greater London Authority. Loans are offered at 0.1% interest over a 25-year term, with a single bullet repayment at the end of the term. Funding is unsecured, subordinated and provided at corporate level.
Private Registered Providers, including for-profit organisations, operating in England are eligible to apply. Funding supports the delivery of new homes in line with the Social and Affordable Homes Programme priorities. Up to 10% of the total funding may be used to acquire Section 106 affordable housing from developers.
Loans will be allocated through a competitive bidding process following initial grant allocations under the Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026 to 2036. Successful applicants can draw down funding over a four-year period from 2026 to 2029, with minimum and maximum loan amounts set for each organisation.
Support is available at any time. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-housing-bank-support-for-registered-providers-of-affordable-housing
Government Provides Support for Interim Fire Alarm Installations in England
The Interim Measures Alarm Fund has been introduced to provide government support for the installation of interim fire alarm systems in residential buildings across England. The measure seeks to reduce reliance on waking watch arrangements used to manage fire safety risks.
A total of £62.7 million is available through the programme. Funding will cover reasonable capital costs linked to installing common fire alarm systems designed to meet BS 5839-1 Category L5 standards. These systems are intended to provide a temporary solution while longer-term remediation works are undertaken.
Support may be used for equipment, wiring, detectors, control panels, labour, commissioning and testing. In some cases, funding may also include irrecoverable VAT and systems that can be upgraded to meet BS 8629 standards.
Applications are open to private and social sector organisations responsible for residential buildings or student accommodation in England. Applicants must be the Responsible Entity or Responsible Person, or an authorised representative acting on their behalf. Leaseholders and residents are not eligible to apply.
Eligible buildings must currently rely on a waking watch or simultaneous evacuation supported by fire and rescue services. Applications must include technical evidence demonstrating the need for an interim alarm system.
The installation of alarms does not remove the requirement to address underlying fire safety risks.
There is no set deadline for applications https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/interim-measures-alarm-fund-imaf-information
Support for Digital Skills Development Among UK Adult Learners
A £2.85 million programme delivered by Ufi VocTech Trust is set to support the use of digital technology in adult education and skills development across the UK. VocTech Together focuses on addressing barriers faced by underserved learners and aims to improve access to employment pathways.
The programme includes several elements, such as support for smaller organisations adopting vocational technology, a grant fund to embed digital tools into practice and workforce development, and partnerships designed to scale solutions across sectors and regions. It also includes activity to gather evidence and inform policy and practice.
In 2027, the grant fund will provide awards ranging from £20,000 to £40,000. This funding is intended to help organisations integrate technology into learning delivery and workforce training, as well as to test and expand approaches that can be applied more widely.
Eligible applicants include training providers, colleges, charities, public bodies, employers and employer groups, along with collaborative partnerships. Priority is given to those working with adult learners and communities facing barriers to skills development.
Applicants should complete a short form on the programme website to receive further information and opportunities to get involved. https://ufi.co.uk/how-we-work/challenge-programmes/voctech-together/
New Funding for England’s Smaller Housebuilders
The National Housing Bank has launched a programme offering development finance and advisory support to smaller housebuilders. The scheme aims to assist with site delivery and business growth, combining funding with technical expertise and local market insight.
Loans are available for residential schemes of at least five homes, with amounts ranging from £250,000 to £200 million. Funding is usually provided over a three-year term, although longer terms may be considered depending on project requirements. The programme includes standard site finance, an accelerator loan for first-time sites, and in some cases viability gap funding.
Applicants are generally required to provide around 20% equity, which may be reduced to 10% for strategic schemes. Contributions can include planning gain where applicable. The maximum loan to cost is up to 90%, with typical lending levels around 80%. Finance is available through senior and mezzanine lending structures, enabling developers to align borrowing with project scale.
The programme is open to smaller registered housebuilders with professional capability to progress and complete residential schemes in England. Eligible applicants must be able to contribute equity and demonstrate the capacity to deliver projects within agreed timescales.
Applications may be submitted at any time. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-housing-bank-support-for-smaller-housebuilders
Virgin StartUp Allocates £20 Million to Support UK Entrepreneurs
Virgin StartUp has announced a £20 million allocation to support founders across the United Kingdom during the 2026-27 financial year through the government-backed Start Up Loans programme. This marks the organisation’s largest annual allocation since becoming a national partner of the British Business Bank in 2013.
The programme offers loans ranging from £500 to £25,000, with the average loan expected to be around £7,200. The finance is intended to support early-stage entrepreneurs, including individuals starting a business, developing a side venture or growing an enterprise that has been trading for up to five years.
Eligible applicants must be aged 18 or over and based in the UK. New or expanding businesses that are less than one year old can also apply.
Funding can be used for a range of business purposes, including start-up costs, purchasing equipment, marketing activities and managing cashflow. In addition to financial support, successful applicants may receive mentoring and guidance and further resources provided by programme partners.
Virgin StartUp reported that it has now distributed more than £100 million, supporting over 6,500 founders across multiple sectors.
Applications may be submitted at any time. https://www.virginstartup.org/
The Kirkwood
The Kirkwood (Kirkwood Hospice), has been caring for local people across Kirklees, with a life limiting illness diagnosis, for nearly four decades.
Their flagship, fundraising event of the year https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events/the-kirkwood-starlight-walk
Is taking place on Saturday 4th July 26.
There are several ways businesses can support, through volunteering at the event, through to low cost sponsorship opportunities, such as water stations sponsors.
If you would like to know more, get in touch with Beverley.shaw@thekirkwood.org.uk
Yorkshire & Humber Tender Opportunities
https://yortender.eu-supply.com/ctm/supplier/publictenders?B=YORTENDER
Many thanks and have a great Easter weekend
Chris Mitchell – Business Manager
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