Rob Hicks, Author at the hive

Digital Marketing Support

the hive expands its business support offering with expert social media and digital marketing advice with JAE Digital.

JAE Digital, headed by Jack Easterbrook, has begun working in partnership with the hive to offer free un-biased advice on social media & digital marketing for micro/small businesses & pre-starts in North Somerset.

Jack has a wealth of experience, and has worked with businesses big and small to navigate the digital business landscape.

Speaking about recently working within the hive Jack said:

the hive is a fantastic place for new & small businesses, the team are absolutely fabulous, and the atmosphere is an incredibly positive one, I am excited to be working with the team there to offer Digital support to businesses across North Somerset”.

Jack has already seen many businesses and start-ups at the hive and the feedback we have had has been outstanding, we are thrilled to have him as part of the team and be able to offer his Digital Marketing expertise to businesses operating within North Somerset.

The aspects of digital marketing Jack can advise on are:

Websites & how to get the best out of them.
Social media best practices.
Analytics and how to success online.
Search Engine optimisation & content creation.
How to use Paid media such as Google ads or Facebook Ads to best effect.

Should you wish to arrange a 1-2-1 appointment regarding how to use digital marketing to grow your business, send us a message or call 01934 418118.

North Somerset Business Advice

On various dates throughout August, one of our team will be available at locations around North Somerset for business advice. You will be able to discuss your business confidentially and ask any questions you may have.

The aim of the sessions are to create a tailor-made strategy of ongoing support for you as your business develops. Some examples of further support include:

Courses and workshops
Further 1-2-1 appointments
Our mentorship programme

No appointment is necessary to take advantage of our free North Somerset business advice drop-in sessions. Whether you are in the pre-start phase, have just started trading or want to grow your business – come along!

Will you be able to make it? So you can check your diary, we have the locations and dates for August listed below;

Mon 7th August 2023: Citizens Advice, The Sovereign, Weston-super-Mare; 0930 – 1200
Tues 15th August 2023: Portishead Library; 1400 – 1630
Thurs 17th August 2023: The Campus Library; 1400 – 1630
Weds 30th August 2023: Weston-super-Mare Town Hall Library; 1400 – 1630

Additionally, if none of these dates are suitable we are always happy for you to book an appointment to come and see us at the hive. If you cannot attend the hive in person, we also offer telephone and online appointments.

Business Support Unlocked

We are pleased to be delivering the Business Support Unlocked programme for North Somerset Council. Business Support Unlocked has received £100,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Business Support Unlocked is a free at the point of access, pre-start, early growth, and business resilience programme. It provides North Somerset businesses with a package of flexible and accessible support, helping overcome the challenges and issues that can affect your business.

We have a support programme that includes:

A Starting in Business Course that offers foundational insights into starting your own business. The course provides information and guidance to help deal with key issues for new businesses.

1-2-1 Advice Sessions – delivering support either in person, by phone or online. Face to face appointments happen at a variety of locations across the region. So keep an eye on our calendar for a session near you.

We are also holding a series of workshops that will focus on information on the key priorities for your business – again, to find the latest events, please visit our – events calendar.

Additionally, we have access to the latest market intelligence information through COBRA and CBI databases.

So, if you would like to find out more about the available services or upcoming workshops, or you would like to book a 1-2-1 session with an advisor, please contact us.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

Moving Offices – Nina’s Story

Moving offices tells Nina’s story, in her own words, of her successful time here at the hive. Nina started with us as our Customer Service apprentice from Weston College in 2022. During that time she became a valued member of the team and we wish her every success in the future!

My name is Nina, I first joined the hive in April 2022 as part of my placement for my Customer Service Apprenticeship.

The role

As an apprentice, my role was versatile. I had the opportunity to learn and contribute to various aspects of the business. From managing bookings and enquiries to coordinating events and ensuring smooth operations, each task helped me develop crucial professional skills.

Communication, organisation, and problem-solving became second nature, and the fast-paced environment fostered a sense of resilience and adaptability within me.

Fun times!

I had a lot of fun organising lots of different events whilst I was here! My favourite was hands down our Christmas get together for all our tenants. From designing the invitations and ordering the buffet to arranging a Christmas themed quiz – which ended up being very competitive!

Another opportunity I took was to run a 2-month campaign on our social media platforms. It celebrated Women in Business and how the hive participated in each of their journeys’ to success. It was really fun to do and also very rewarding!

Learning

I’ve attended several great training courses during my time here. One in particular, the 2-day Carbon Literacy training was very insightful. It’s made me determined to improve the way I work and the way I live my life outside of work.

I also attended a Carbon Literacy “Train the Trainer” course which has enabled me to acquire a qualification to train on the subject.

Reflecting

Reflecting on my time as an apprentice, I’m grateful for the invaluable learning and the incredible experiences gained both through the job and from the great team at the hive.

Moving on!

I’m also very happy to share that a new opportunity has risen for me, starting in a new position with one of our tenants. I’m moving offices just down the corridor as an Executive Sales Assistant. This next chapter is very exciting, but I will, for sure, be keeping in touch with the team at the hive.

Nina

Navigating the Path to Success: Business Support in North Somerset

Starting a business can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional looking to venture into new territory, having access to the right support and resources can significantly increase your chances of success. So, in this post we’ll explore self-employment business support in North Somerset and shed light on the various avenues available to help you kick-start your journey.

Situated in the southwest of England, North Somerset offers a vibrant and dynamic environment for businesses to thrive. With its proximity to major cities like Bristol and Bath, North Somerset provides a unique blend of opportunity and natural beauty. The region has witnessed significant economic growth and is home to a diverse range of industries, making it an ideal location to set up and grow your business.

the hive – business support in North Somerset

the hive is a valuable resource for self-employment business support. We offer a range of services, including expert advice, training, and mentoring, to guide you through the process of starting and scaling your business. We also provide; signposting on how to access funding opportunities, networking events, and workshops designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.

Did you know?
You can speak to one of our business advisors in venues across North Somerset. These include Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Nailsea and Portishead. But it’s not just the larger towns; we also cover the areas of Backwell, Banwell, Blagdon, Pill, Winford and Winscombe. In fact, if you need business support in North Somerset anywhere from Abbot’s Leigh to Yatton, we can help.

North Somerset Council

North Somerset Council is proactive in fostering business growth, you can check out their business support focussed website here. Amongst other things it provides information on licenses, permits, and regulations, as well as guidance on grants. Additionally, they collaborate with various organisations and initiatives to facilitate economic development, making North Somerset an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

Engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals is invaluable for personal and professional growth and support. North Somerset offers numerous networking events and business communities where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and collaborate. the hive Business Club, for instance, organises regular meetups and workshops. These create a supportive environment for networking and knowledge sharing.

Co-working and Office space

Finding the right space to nurture your business is essential. North Somerset boasts several co-working spaces in Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead. These environments foster innovation and provide opportunities to connect with potential clients, investors, and mentors.

view of the hive building. the hive provides business support in North Somerset

In conclusion, starting a business is an exciting journey. North Somerset offers an array of resources to support your entrepreneurial aspirations. From expert advice and funding opportunities to networking events and collaborative workspaces, the region is committed to nurturing business growth. So, seize the opportunity and business support, and embark on your path to starting a new business!