Businesses in North Devon are being invited to a free event next week to find out about exciting free business support, training and grants available, as well as hearing about the council's financial plans for the year ahead.

The business support and rates event will take place at NODE cowork in Barnstaple between 6-7pm on Wednesday 16 February. There will be information on a number of business support programmes, training and grants available on the night, with local and national agencies, such as North Devon Plus, Petroc and YTKO, on hand to discuss individual businesses' needs and how they may help. Those attending will also receive an update on the council’s 2022/23 budget and be able to find out just how their business rates are spent. 

Attendees to the event are also encouraged to use the opportunity to have a look around Node; a space for collaborative working, which enables users to start and grow their business by sharing knowledge, experiences and learning from others.

Head of Place, Property and Regeneration at North Devon Council, Sarah-Jane Mackenzie-Shapland says: “This is a great opportunity for businesses to access the support available to them and chat with organisations that specialise in offering business support. Attendees may wish to use the opportunity to have a look around Node, which is a really exciting place that gives businesses the opportunity to connect with others and to develop and grow.

"We are also keen to share our financial plans for the coming year and listen to the views of our local businesses too. We look forward to engaging with as many local business owners as possible at this free event.”

Attendees do not need to book their place. This is a free event for all businesses, but especially those with a rated business premise.