 Save the date – Mayor’s Climate Action Event.
Bedford Borough Council is hosting an event on 25th and 26th March 2022 to encourage businesses and residents to become greener. There will be a range of green businesses with a commitment to net zero, suppliers, installers and other organisations holding stalls on both days relevant to the businesses and residents of Bedford Borough. There will be speeches, organisations offering advice, support and promotional material to do with all things green.
There will be a business morning on Friday 25th March 8am to 12pm and an exhibition day on Saturday 26th March between 9am and 4pm for residents.
More details about the event will be released nearer the time.
Any questions, please contact: climatechangefund@bedford.gov. |
 One Off Business Grant Applications Open for Hospitality and Leisure Businesses
In addition to the recently announced Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, the Council has now announced details of its discretionary Omicron grant scheme.
This grant scheme is for Bedford Borough hospitality and leisure businesses that did not receive funding under the main Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme, which are in the following sectors:
– Hospitality and Leisure including cafes, bars, pubs, hairdressers, bingo halls and others – Indoor facilities including businesses that normally provide group activities such as arts workshops, gyms, dance studios, escape rooms and others – Travel agents, tour operators and bridal shops
This funding is provided by the Government, with the amount of grant determined by the number of applications. It is anticipated to be around £650 per business.
Please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/bsg a |
 Bedford Intensive Business Support
If your Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within Bedford has been impacted by the pandemic, you could receive in-depth support over a six-month period to aid your recovery and have access to some specialist expertise.
This programme is being delivered by SEMLEP’s Growth Hub on behalf of Bedford Borough Council, and funded by the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grants (ARG) scheme.
SMEs who join the programme will receive three in-depth sessions with a SEMLEP’s Growth Hub business adviser; one at the beginning of the programme, one as a mid point review and one at the end of the programme.
Please note that funding and places on the programme are limited, and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information and to speak to a business adviser, see the link: |
 Green Finance and Investment Webinar
23 February 2022 from 14.00 to 15.15 online
Do you know where your pension fund is invested? Do you have shares in fossil fuel companies? Do you actually know where your money or your company’s money is invested? You can now find out.
Green Business Networks, February webinar is looking at sustainable investment. You can benefit from a basic guide to how to invest sustainably, what to look out for and how to prevent having the wool pulled over your eyes.
How will you benefit? Less investment in polluting industries and those with high carbon emissions will benefit you by:
– Improving your business, your health, your family’s health and that of the planet – Attracting more staff – Future proofing your investments – Bringing greater returns
Why is it important? You should be aware of where you have invested your own and your staff’s money if you claim to be a socially responsible business. Many companies and institutions, such as local authorities, universities, businesses and national governments have chosen to divest themselves of planet-harming, carbon emitting investments.
Looking at greener finance options, such as investing in green technology, as part or all of your investment portfolio nowadays is far less risky than investing in fossil fuel companies whose business models are starting to fail under pressure.
Expert Speaker – Rob Harris, Chief Exec of Your Financial Friend
Free to GBN members, others pay £15.00
Book here: GBN event/green finance & investment |