Blog Archives | the hive

Starting Business in the UK Workshops

the hive delivers new workshops in Cantonese, Ukrainian and Farsi Dari dialect.

As part of the UKSPF Levelling Up Fund, North Somerset Council are fully funding a series of Starting a Business in the UK workshops.

21st March 2024
at the Folk Hall, Portishead
• 09:30 -11:30 Ukrainian – book via Eventbrite
• 12:15 – 14:15 Cantonese – book via Eventbrite

26th March 2024
at The other Place, Meadow St, Weston-super-Mare
• 12:30 – 14:30 Farsi Dari dialect – book via Eventbrite

There will be free help and guidance from experienced business advisors supported by translators.

These workshops will cover essential topics for starting a business, including:

Choosing a business structure – This involves deciding whether to be a sole trader, limited company, or another type of business. Each structure has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one.
Obtaining funding -The workshops will cover different options for obtaining funding, such as loans and grants.
Setting up a bank account – To help manage your business finances, the workshops will help you understand the process of setting up a business bank account.
Licensing and permissions – Depending on the business type, there may be a need to obtain licenses or permits to operate legally.
Other questions – The workshops will also provide an opportunity to ask any other questions about starting a business in the UK.
Networking with other entrepreneurs – Meeting and learning from the experiences of other attendees is a valuable skill and helps build sustainable business relationships.

Google Analytics Workshop

Demystify Your Data with a FREE Google Analytics workshop – delivered at the hive by Jack Easterbrook of JAE Digital.

Workshop dates:

31 January 3pm-5pm @ the hive
13 March 9am-11am @ the hive
15 May 3pm-5pm @ the hive

Confused by website data? Feeling lost in a sea of numbers? This intimate workshop, capped at 3 participants at a time, will turn Google Analytics from a data dragon into your own business insights machine!

You will:

Navigate the Google Analytics jungle: Get comfortable with the platform’s layout and key features.
Understand the language of data: Demystify metrics like sessions, engagement rates, and conversions.
Uncover your visitor secrets: Discover where your traffic comes from, what they do on your site, and why they leave.
Identify your top performers: See which pages work best and which need your TLC.
Make data-driven decisions: Learn how to leverage insights to optimise your website and marketing efforts.

This workshop is perfect for:

Small business owners who want to understand their website visitors.
Entrepreneurs seeking actionable data to improve their online presence.

What’s the benefits of joining this workshop?

Small group advantage: Get personalised attention.
No jargon guaranteed: We explain everything, no obscure tech language.
Actionable takeaways: Leave with a clear plan and the tools to get started right away.

Sign up today and join this hive exclusive workshop for 3 small business owners. Limited spots available, so don’t wait!

To book your place contact Hazel on 01934 418118 or use our contact form.

Social Media and 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: Citizens Advice, The Sovereign, Weston-super-Mare; 0930 – 1200
Tues 15th August: Portishead Library; 1400 – 1630
Thurs 17th August: The Campus Library; 1400 – 1630
Weds 30th August: 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.

the hive team member Annie, stood inside Weston-super-Mare Library for North Somerset Business Advice session

Business Support Unlocked

We are pleased to be delivering the Business Support Unlocked programme for North Somerset Council. The programme has funding 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.

Starting Business in the UK Workshops

Google Analytics Workshop

Social Media and Digital Marketing Support

North Somerset Business Advice

Business Support Unlocked

Sign up for our newsletter below

Quick links