Hart for Businessinformation leaflet

This guide provides a snapshot of information for local businesses.

Over the last decade the District’s relative prosperity has continued to rise and businesses have performed very well.

Hart has some of the highest economic activity rates and qualification levels in the UK. The economy is one of the

Council’s three priorities, alongside the environment and communities, and we will continue to enhance our economic development offering to support local businesses.

The Council collects over £30m worth of business rates for HM Treasury in central government, however only 4.1% is returned back to Hart District Council.

How Hart District Council is fundedAlong with a proportion of business rates allocated back from central government to Hart, the Council also receives funding from a range of other taxes such as Council Tax, government grants (such as new homes bonus) and investments.

This diagram illustrates where the funding* comes from. With this funding the Council has put together a balanced budget without cutting services or relying on reserves.

*Figures correct as of 12 February 2019.

For more information about the range of services we provide please visit our website www.hart.gov.uk

You can stay up to date with projects and find out the latest news by visiting our social media channels listed below:

Stay up to date with Council news

@HartForBusiness

Whether you are starting up a business, developing your company or thinking of relocating to Hart, the Council’s ‘Hart for Business’ service provides a range of information to help you.

How can we help?

Business Support

Planning Advice

Start-up Advice

Hart Business Centre

Business Mentoring

Business Networking

Grants & Funding

Business & Training Events

Employment & Recruitment

Local support networks and organisationsYou can find a range of business networks and business support services on our website www.hart.gov.uk/businesses/help-advice

The Federation of Small Businesses offer their members a wide range of vital business services including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. Their mission is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. www.fsb.org.uk

The Enterprise M3 Growth Hub provide support and advice for businesses while enabling collaboration and connectivity. All businesses in the area are able to use the Growth Hub’s Resource Network such as the Helpline 0300 456 3565. www.enterprisem3growthhub.co.uk

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce comprises of local business organisations of all sectors and sizes. They provide events, training services, a host of membership benefits and offers, and links to a variety of groups and committees. www.hampshirechamber.co.uk

Hart for Business EventsHart District Council run free monthly business events in partnership with local businesses to provide support and guidance on a range of topics. Held on the first Thursday of each month at the Council offices in Fleet, the workshops start with informal networking held between 9am - 10am in the Hart Business Centre, followed by an interactive workshop starting at 10am.

Please see below for a list of dates and topics:• Thursday 4 April - How to market your new business • Thursday 2 May - Cyber Security and business• Thursday 6 June - TAX top tips • Thursday 4 July - Your accounts in safe hands • Thursday 1 August - Branding, what it means for your business

For a full list of events please visit www.hart.gov.uk/hart-business-events

Enterprise First help people whatever stage they are at in business, it doesn’t matter if you are pre start, a young business or a well established one. They have a variety of services to support you on your journey. www.enterprisefirst.co.uk

Economic Development activity overviewBelow is a breakdown of activities conducted by the Economic Development team from October 2017 to October 2018. For more information about the range of services provided by the team, please email economic.development@hart.gov.uk