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Preparing for a Business Advice Appointment with a Business Adviser at the hive: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the world of business can be complex and challenging, but with the right guidance, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re an established business owner or a budding entrepreneur, meeting with a Business Adviser at the hive can provide you with invaluable insights and support. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your appointment.

Accessibility
First and foremost, it’s important to know that hive appointments are fully accessible via Zoom, in-person, or telephone. This flexibility ensures that you can choose the option that best suits your needs and circumstances. Additionally, these appointments are confidential and unbiased, providing a safe space to discuss your business needs. You can self-refer using the link provided below.

Book now – Business Advice Appointments – the hive

Preparation
Preparation is key to making the most out of your meeting. Come prepared with specific questions or issues you want to discuss. Write them down in advance to ensure you cover everything important. This not only helps you stay focused during the appointment but also ensures that you don’t forget any crucial points.

Organisation
Our advisers are here to support everyone, from those who are just thinking about self-employment to established businesses looking to grow. If you have any relevant documents, such as accounts, business plans, or marketing materials, bring them along. However, don’t worry if you don’t have these documents yet; our advisers can still provide valuable guidance based on your ideas and goals. Remember, the more information you provide, the better equipped your adviser will be to help you.

Time Planning
It’s essential to manage your time effectively for the appointment. Allocate sufficient time not only for the meeting itself but also for pre-appointment preparation and post-appointment reflection. Arriving a few minutes early can ensure that you are settled and ready to begin the discussion without any rush. After the appointment, take some time to review the notes and the summary report provided by your adviser. This reflection period is crucial for absorbing the advice and planning your next steps.

Open-mindedness
It’s essential to keep an open mind during your appointment. While it’s important to address your specific queries, be open to suggestions beyond your initial questions. An adviser can offer valuable insights and perspectives you might not have considered. Embrace the opportunity to gain new ideas and approaches that could benefit your business.

Know What You’re Getting
It’s important to understand that the hive‘s advisers are not accountants or solicitors. If you require specific legal or financial advice, your adviser will inform you and direct you to the appropriate professionals. Choose an adviser you trust and understand the services they offer. This clarity ensures that your expectations are aligned with the support they can provide.

Follow-up Appointments
Business advice is not a one-time event; it’s a journey. Schedule follow-up appointments to continue receiving guidance and support. Regular check-ins with your hive adviser can help you stay on track, address new challenges, and make continuous improvements to your business.

Appointment Summary
Finally, after each session, your adviser will email you an appointment summary report. This document will recap the key points discussed and any action items you need to follow up on. This summary is a valuable resource that ensures you stay organised and can refer back to the advice provided during the meeting.

Meeting with a business adviser from the hive can be a turning point for your business. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most out of your appointment and leverage the expertise of your adviser to drive your business forward. Remember, preparation, organisation and an open mind are your best allies in this journey.

Ready to book your appointment? Use the self-refer link below to get started.

Book now – Business Advice Appointments – 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.

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.

Jack Easterbrook portrait

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

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NSEA Property Services Limited trading as the hive
Company Reg No. 06992807 Registered in England
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Registered office: 6 Beaufighter Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8EE
North Somerset Enterprise Agency Limited trading as the hive
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Registered office: 6 Beaufighter Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS24 8EE