A Community of Makers
How The Yard supports small enterprises It’s a fair bet that a many Hastings’ residents don’t know of The Yard’s existence – despite passing the entrance when visiting Morrisons. Turn right instead of left on Waterworks Road and you’re among…
Light enough to travel
Boat building in a town with no harbour A boat so light it can be towed behind a bicycle. A boat that can be lifted with one hand. A boat designed and built in Hastings. Already creating an admiring buzz…
New Creative Ventures
Damien Pestell, owner and founder of Be Your Business, meets four people who have started new creative businesses in Hastings. Since I moved to Hastings I have been struck by two things: its abundance of creativity and the kindness of…
The Green, Green Shoots of Lockdown
Damien Pestell, owner and founder of ‘Be Your Business’ meets three local businesses which started up during the time of coronavirus. I read a wondrous story last week that warmed my heart. It was about a lady who started an…
Small business confidence rebounds as shops re-open across Sussex
Close to two thirds (58%) of small businesses expect their performance to improve this quarter, and fewer than one in three (31%) expect theirs will worsen, according to the latest Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) study of almost 1,700 UK…
SEISS Round 4
If you are self-employed, HMRC should be contacting you about round 4 of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This covers the period from 1 February to 30 April 2021. Claims will be possible from late April up until 1…
Support for women in business as Her Biz contract is confirmed for another year
It has been confirmed that business support organisation, Let’s Do Business Group will deliver Her Biz for another year. NatWest has agreed to continue supporting the programme following its success across East Sussex and Kent. The free women’s start-up programme…
Filing your tax return early
We have now reached the start of a new tax year, one unlike any other. Whilst taxpayers have until 31st January 2022 to file their 2020/21 tax return, there may be advantages to filing it ; Getting a refund back…
Broadband provider Lightning Fibre confirms Hastings rollout
Having announced a multi-million pound funding partnership with leading infrastructure and private equity investment manager, Foresight Group LLP, Lightning Fibre has confirmed full fibre installation across Hastings has started, eventually reaching over 45,000 homes and businesses. Lightning Fibre was founded…
Employment and Support Allowance (income related) and earnings
By Judy Scott One in four people in Hastings are relying on benefits. Many are in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because of health problems. If you get Employment and Support Allowance (income related,) you are allowed to…