How Enterprise Nation will work on your behalf in 2019

As we welcome the New Year, I wanted to share the key points on which Enterprise Nation will be focused in 2019, with the aim of helping you start, grow, and stay successful in business.

If you're interested in these topics, please sign up for the weekly newsletter so you can stay updated and be the first to hear of related opportunities.

Brexit

You won't be surprised this is top of the list! In July 2018 we asked government to consider following the lead of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland by introducing a Brexit Advice Service that would offer small amounts of funding for businesses to match with their own, to spend on advice to navigate Brexit. We'll be repeating that call, based on evidence from delivering such a service since September.

The High Street

We want to enable small businesses to test trade on the High Street, and deliver digital advice to existing retailers. This is with a view to building a model that can scale to towns across the UK and involve millions of small businesses in the revitalisation of their High Street. Be on the email list to be first to hear of the shops to be opened and locations of drop-in digital advice.

The next generation

Young people in their droves are looking to start businesses, and we want to offer them the practical skills required (through workshops delivered in 10 UK locations) as well as making matches with more experienced entrepreneurs who can act as mentors. This will be complemented by the Next Generation Awards, celebrating young entrepreneurial talent.

Productivity

This is a word that is common parlance in government. For founders, it essentially means finding simple ways to work at your best. We'll be running activity in four areas (London, Birmingham, Oxford and Lancashire) to test what works when it comes to small businesses adopting existing digital technologies, i.e. what's the perfect productivity model that allows a founder to free up time to do other things; be that work or play. We feel that getting this right will have a positive impact on mental health too.

Showing your worth

The self-employed population of the UK is a dynamic and positive force. You tend to spend more time and money in local communities, self-police daytime neighbourhoods and are not significant users of the NHS as the adrenaline of work keeps you away from the sick bed! We want to show HM Treasury that the self-employed may pay less tax but you also consume fewer public services. Your positive contribution to society and the economy should be recognised.

This work is in addition to what's currently on offer via our online support hub and lively programme of 250+ physical events.

If there are other areas you feel we should be addressing, I'd like to hear from you. Please suggest in the comments below.

Remember to sign up for weekly updates on how these campaigns and activities can benefit your business in the months to come.

Kick off your year in business at StartUp 2019, the biggest start-up show of the new year in London on 19 January. Book a ticket.