Funding options available for non-profit businesses

If you are considering running a non-profit business, you know that funding your business can be challenging. Below are some funding options that are available to you. Government Grants is the funding source that may jump to the forefront of your mind when you think of grants, but they are oversubscribed. There are multitudes of applications for any one of their grants, meaning only a few get considered. It’s worth applying, though. Foundation grants are similar to Government grants. They award grants to companies that meet set criteria based upon their foundation’s mission.  Single major donor funding is a great way to get a non-profit organisation up and running, but they are hard to come by. You need to also consider who you speak to as a major donor as... Read More »

How the Future Office Could Change Due to Covid

With many offices completely closed and transitioned to home working, due to the pandemic, there could be a future return to office either part of full time, as has happened in many countries, such as China. If this were to happen in the UK, there may be changes that get put into place to help protect workers. • Screens or dividers put into place to separate desk spaces • Movement toward a ‘closed plan’ office as opposed to the popular open plan offices • Integration of more contactless technology • Office rebuilds or renovations to accommodate socially-distanced desk set-ups • Better ventilation and filtration systems put into place • Different types of greetings, less handshakes or hugs • Additional cleaning, cleaning stations, more hand sanitizer • Possible body temperature testing... Read More »

Ten In-Person Networking Event Venues in Northampton

When it comes to networking and rapport building, it is very difficult to get the same kind of results when meeting virtually, as when you can actually see someone in person. That is why it is very exciting that soon, people will be able to meet indoors again, from May 17th. Fortunately, people can meet outside currently, but when scheduling a meeting outdoors, you are subject to the weather. If you are hoping to have an in-person networking event soon in Northampton, here are a few venues that would be great for your event. 1. Holiday Inn Northampton2. Hellidon Lakes3. Holiday Inn Rugby Northampton4. Mercure Daventry Court Hotel and Spa5. Harben House Conference Centre6. Park Inn Northampton7. Kettering Park Hotel and Spa Northamptonshire8. Northamptonshire County Cricket Club9. Northampton Marriott Hotel10.... Read More »

Building Your Business Network

Business networking and the way you grow your business contacts has changed drastically in the last twenty years. Unsolicited phone calls, email and post have quickly become over used. Many people become so inundated with these things that they often choose to not pay attention to them and simply throw away, delete or terminate the call as quickly as possible. The best way to grow your network and improve your business development is through creating and building trusting relationships with people. Those relationships become the foundation for your business and help to grow your future prospects. You need to strategically and mindfully use those business relationships in five ways: Five Ways to Build Your Network 1. Always Request Referrals- encourage your customers to refer your product or service to others... Read More »

Planning Tips for a Socially Distanced Event

In future, once the UK is able to conduct events where people from multiple households can come together, these events will probably still need to be socially distanced for a time, until the COVID-19 vaccination situation is further along. It has been tough not getting meet with groups in person to celebrate, support or build relationships. When things do improve, here are a few tips for planning a socially-distanced event. Tips • Outside is still considered safer than indoor meeting• Figure out how many people you can safely seat at the location• Consider calling those you wish to invite instead of text so that you can better explain the set-up and number of guests• Keep hands clean by providing hand sanitiser upon entering and ensure it is accessible during the... Read More »