Self Assessment Customers to Benefit from Enhanced Payment Plans
October 2, 2020
Self Assessment customers can apply online for additional support to help spread the cost of their tax bill into monthly payments from today (1 October), without the need to call HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The online payment plan service can already be used to set up instalment arrangements for paying tax liabilities up to…
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Steady State at Sedgemoor District Council
October 1, 2020
At a meeting of the Executive today (30th September), members heard that Sedgemoor is in good, strong financial shape, despite the past challenges of Covid 19 and its longer-term impacts on the economy and is in a positive position to face future challenges. Within the Interim Medium Term Financial Plan, it was noted that due…
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Somerset firm helps to create trade deal with China to support SW innovators
September 29, 2020
A WESTCOUNTRY company has signed a trade deal with China boosting the South West’s links with the country and helping Westcountry/UK innovators create, develop and sell their products worldwide (September 2020). Aspen Waite China UK (AWCUK) plus two other South West UK partners recently agreed a strategic partnership with Academe Enterprise from China to provide…
Read MoreSupport Service for Northern Ireland Trade goes Live
September 29, 2020
Businesses urged to sign up to new Trader Support Service with fewer than 100 days until end of Transition periodThe free end-to-end service will support traders by submitting declarations on their behalfProvides advice on steps traders need to take to prepare for upcoming changes to trade, as set out in the NI Protocol The new…
Read MoreBridgwater’s Northgate Cinema and Leisure Scheme To Benefit From Extra Cash
September 28, 2020
An immediate cash injection of £750,000 from the Government is set to boost Sedgemoor District Council’s Northgate Leisure Scheme and help support the town’s recovery from the effects of Covid-19 and its restrictions. Following last year’s announcement that Bridgwater was one of the places selected to bid for up to £25m from the Towns Fund…
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New T Level qualification brings an opportunity for employers
September 28, 2020
Both students and staff at Bridgwater & Taunton College (BTC) were eager to get back to learning and start the new T Level qualification launched this September. T Levels provide students with an alternative to A Levels and have been developed with the support of businesses and employers. During these two-year technical courses, students spend 80…
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Access the Kickstart Scheme with the support of Weston College
September 18, 2020
The Kickstart Scheme is underway, and businesses can now apply to access funding for the scheme, with the support of Weston College. The Kickstart Scheme aims to create opportunities for young people aged 16-24, who are currently receiving Universal Credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. This consists of a 6-month placement, with the…
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Stronger Somerset is approved as the best choice to build the future we deserve
September 16, 2020
A fresh start for Somerset has moved a step closer as every Somerset district council overwhelmingly backed a bold new plan - Stronger Somerset - which promises real change in the way that services are provided for residents and businesses. At Full Council meetings at Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset…
Read MoreStepping Up Employment Support
September 16, 2020
A co-ordinated network of employment and skills support is being rolled out across Somerset to boost existing provision in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative, involving Somerset County Council, the four district councils and partners, is designed to support young people just starting out as well as those who may have lost their…
Read MoreRemain vigilant after Somerset Coronavirus cases increase
September 15, 2020
Somerset’s Director of Public Health urges everyone to remain vigilant and continue following government guidance after Somerset sees an increase in Coronavirus cases. This comes after the Government announced earlier this week new rules around the number of people meeting in England as cases rise nationally. From Monday 14 September, there will be a ban…
Read MoreSupporting your employees into the new ‘norm’ – are you prepared?
September 11, 2020
There is no doubt that Covid-19 has (and continues), to have a huge impact on businesses and their employees. Government, business leaders, institutions and employees alike, recognise that the true extent of this impact is unlikely to be understood for some time, as the UK enters a period of adjustment and easing back into the…
Read MoreSedgemoor Launches Innovative Programme to Help Men Find Work
September 11, 2020
A new programme to help the men of Sedgemoor reskill, retrain or find help and advice about finding jobs or advice about employment has been launched in Sedgemoor. It follows the highly effective model – 100 Women First - which is run by Sedgemoor District Council’s learning and skills team. Badged as ‘Sedgemoor4Men’, the programme…
Read MoreEat Out to Help Out: More than 6.7 million meals claimed for in the South West
September 7, 2020
6,771 outlets in the South West were signed up to use the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme as of 27 August 2020. This only relates to businesses that have less than 26 outlets. The actual figure (that includes larger restaurant chains in the region) is higher. So far, a total of 6,778,000 (6.7 million)…
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BTC recognised as an ECFA Accredited College again
September 2, 2020
Bridgwater and Taunton College are delighted to have been re-accredited as an ECFA College for the 2020 and 21 season. The aim of the funding is to support BTC to further develop our football provision and, as an accredited college, BTC will have access to a range of services to support the development of football…
Read MoreApprenticeships – a way forward
September 2, 2020
Blog: Dr Paul Phillips CBE It is no secret that 2020 has been a difficult period for young people looking to enter the world of work, but opportunities are out there in the form of apprenticeships; they are a great platform for our young people to launch their careers, and for businesses to discover, develop,…
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ERDF Grant Scheme
September 2, 2020
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSW LEP) has launched a new £900,000 grant scheme for foreign-owned companies investing in the area to create jobs in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay. The scheme is open to any business in the HotSW that meets the criteria below: Open to SMEs only. SMEs employ…
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