This event is only available and is free for small businesses, small charities, sole traders and residents based in South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

Are you struggling to see results from your social media marketing?

Unsure what to post about or what would work for your business and various platforms?

Join Holly Bell, our social media marketing expert, for an in-person workshop designed for busy small business owners, sole traders, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

What will I learn?

• Create content that connects: Learn how to make posts your audience will enjoy and respond to. This includes an introduction to Instagram Reels!
• Manage social media with less stress: Get tips to stay on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
• Save time: Find out how to make content quickly and efficiently.
• Figure out what works: Understand which posts get results and why.
• Feel more confident: Know what to post and how to keep things running smoothly.

Who should attend?

This workshop is perfect for small business owners, sole traders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are new to social media or want to improve their results. Whether you’re just getting started or have been posting for a while without seeing success, this session will help you build confidence and create content that works for your business.

A bit about your presenter:

This workshop is presented by Holly Bell, owner of Your Marketing Sidekick. Holly has been working in Marketing, Advertising and Media for over 17 years and have a huge passion for helping small business owners like you. She specialises in managing social media campaigns for small businesses helping them to gain new customers and engage with their current ones by keeping one step ahead of the latest trends and techniques. She helps small businesses to grow their customer bases and brand awareness through specific marketing and social media strategies.

Essential information:

Your booking for this workshop is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post How to Create Great Social Media Marketing Content appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Connect, Collaborate & Grow – Midsomer Norton Business Networking

Join us for a free morning of networking, conversation and connection with other businesses from Midsomer Norton and the surrounding area.

Whether you’re looking to make new contacts, share ideas, talk through some of the challenges facing your business or explore opportunities to work with others, this is a relaxed and informal opportunity to connect with your local business community.

Expect friendly networking, useful conversations, new connections and plenty of refreshments.

The event is free to attend, but places are limited, so please book your place.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Small Business Networking Event – Midsomer Norton and Radstock appeared first on Cool Ventures.

This event is only available and is free for small businesses, small charities, sole traders and residents based in South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset

No doubt about it; Instagram’s short-form video, Reels, are how to win. As a business owner, it’s time to get confident, to capitalise, and to up-level your visibility.

Embarrassing dance moves and cheesy lip syncs NOT mandatory! This workshop is perfect for introvert small business owners, or if creating social media videos fills you with fear, or if Instagram’s message of increased focus on video leaves you wondering how your brand can compete. This ‘how to’ class, packed with confidence boosts, is what you need.

100% beginner-friendly action steps to get started on creating Reels – in less time & with less hassle! You’ll be all set to get more new eyeballs on your business, thanks to the incredible algorithm reach of Reels vs other social media post types.

What will I learn?

We’ll be covering…

• What Reels are and the functionalities in-app (no extra app know-how needed)
• Understanding how the algorithm works to promote Reels above all else. AND leverage it with ideas that are right for you
• How to actually create these videos… find suitable audio, to record, edit, do transitions – ready to attract customers… all in ways that will be do-able within your schedule and comfort levels.

Who should attend?

Small business owners and solo-entrepreneurs, in both service-based and product-based businesses will benefit from this workshop. There is no better way to attract more views on your social media content (not just on Instagram, on ANY platform!) so this will be ideal if you want to step up your brand awareness and visibility, ready for conversion.

This webinar is fully tailored – whether you’re a total beginner, or maybe if you’ve dabbled with Reels before but haven’t seen the benefits (yet!).

A bit about your presenter:

Ruth Southorn is a trainer and coach on social media marketing for small businesses, at Swallowtail Social. Her group workshops and bespoke 1:1 trainings support small business owners who don’t have resources to outsource marketing. All so that they can spend their time online more productively.

Having seen the power of Reels for her own account, doubling her followers from one 6second clip… she’s ready to share her secrets.

Watch the below video to find out why choose our fully funded business support & advice:

Essential information:

Please note, this workshop will be held on Zoom.

Your booking for this webinar is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

Once enrolled, you will receive the Zoom webinar link and password to join the call. Do ensure you join the webinar at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support. This equates to a maximum of 4 events per participant.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Instagram Reels for Business – a ‘get started’ masterclass appeared first on Cool Ventures.

This event is only available and is free for small businesses, sole traders and residents based in Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Are you unsure how to calculate your annual business profit?

Wondering what you can claim as expenses?

Does the thought of doing your tax return, make you overwhelmed or anxious?

This workshop aims to help you feel more confident about how to declare your business earnings on a tax return.

What will I learn?

• What needs doing, by when
• How to calculate your annual business profit for tax purposes
• What expenses can validly be offset against sales
• What other information you may need to find for your tax return
• The different methods you can use to submit a tax return

Please note: this is a group business education class about how to manage your business reporting for tax purposes, to either assist you to be able to do your own tax return or else help you get your business figures ready to give to a third party / accountant so that they can do it for you. You will not receive individual accountancy advice; this is also not a tax return completion service. Whilst we will do our best to help you in the time available, after the course, you will remain responsible for completing your own tax return by the deadline and for the accuracy of your own figures submitted to HMRC.

Who should attend:

This course is primarily aimed at those currently registered as self employed with HMRC, and who need to complete their 25-26 tax return. The very newly self employed who will be due to complete their 26-27 tax return from April 2027 onwards would also benefit.

The workshop will be particularly suitable for people on lower incomes who may be unable to afford to hire an accountant and so need to manage their own tax reporting. Even if you believe no income tax will be due as you are on a very low income, for people on means tested benefits, the level of profit declared can affect the amount of benefits you receive, so it is still important to know how to work out your figures accurately.

A bit about your presenter:

This webinar will be run by our business start-up expert Emma Smith who runs a number of businesses and has been advising individuals on how to start and run a successful business and obtain funding for over a decade.

Watch the video below to find out why choose Cool Ventures:

Essential information:

Your booking for this webinar is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support. This equates to a maximum of 4 events per participant.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Preparing for Self-Assessment – Guidance for Sole Traders appeared first on Cool Ventures.

This event is only available and is free for small businesses, sole traders and residents based in Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Are you unsure how to calculate your annual business profit?

Wondering what you can claim as expenses?

Does the thought of doing your tax return, make you overwhelmed or anxious?

This workshop aims to help you feel more confident about how to declare your business earnings on a tax return.

What will I learn?

• What needs doing, by when
• How to calculate your annual business profit for tax purposes
• What expenses can validly be offset against sales
• What other information you may need to find for your tax return
• The different methods you can use to submit a tax return

Please note: this is a group business education class about how to manage your business reporting for tax purposes, to either assist you to be able to do your own tax return or else help you get your business figures ready to give to a third party / accountant so that they can do it for you. You will not receive individual accountancy advice; this is also not a tax return completion service. Whilst we will do our best to help you in the time available, after the course, you will remain responsible for completing your own tax return by the deadline and for the accuracy of your own figures submitted to HMRC.

Who should attend:

This course is primarily aimed at those currently registered as self employed with HMRC, and who need to complete their 25-26 tax return. The very newly self employed who will be due to complete their 26-27 tax return from April 2027 onwards would also benefit.

The workshop will be particularly suitable for people on lower incomes who may be unable to afford to hire an accountant and so need to manage their own tax reporting. Even if you believe no income tax will be due as you are on a very low income, for people on means tested benefits, the level of profit declared can affect the amount of benefits you receive, so it is still important to know how to work out your figures accurately.

A bit about your presenter:

This webinar will be run by our business start-up expert Emma Smith who runs a number of businesses and has been advising individuals on how to start and run a successful business and obtain funding for over a decade.

Access support: The studio is on the lower ground floor and can be accessed via the main entrance, which is step-free and all on one level. Accessible and gender-neutral toilet facilities are available, and a lift provides access to other floors if required.

There is also a quiet seating area available if you need a calm space, a break, or some time away from the main activity. If you have any access requirements or would like to discuss how we can support your visit, please contact emerge@bathspa.ac.uk.

About Emerge Studios: Emerge Studios is based at Bath Spa University’s Sion Hill Campus. It provides dedicated space and tailored professional development opportunities for graduates and community creatives through residencies and membership models.

The multidisciplinary studio supports connection, career development and economic sustainability within the creative industries, while contributing to Bath’s regional creative economy.

Watch the video below to find out why choose Cool Ventures:

Essential information:

Your booking for this webinar is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

Parking: There is parking onsite but spaces are not guaranteed, please email us in advance that you need a parking space so you can be issued with a permit. Email emerge@bathspa.ac.uk to be issued with a permit.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support. This equates to a maximum of 4 events per participant.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Preparing for Self-Assessment – Guidance for Sole Traders appeared first on Cool Ventures.

This event is only available and is FREE for Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire residents.

Join us for this practical lunchtime session, designed specifically for artists, where we’ll explore simple and accessible ways to manage your finances with confidence. You’ll learn how to track your income and expenses, understand where your money is coming from and going to, and build good financial habits that support your creative practice.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to become more organised, you’ll come away with practical tools you can start using straight away.

Location: Emerge Studios, Bath Spa University, Sion Hill, Bath, BA1 5SF

Finding us:

Please use the front entrance of the building. You’ll see a door buzzer on your left — press this and a member of the security team or Emerge team will let you in. Once inside, the studio is through the double doors on your right, before the stairs.

About Emerge Studios:

Emerge Studios is based at Bath Spa University’s Sion Hill Campus. It provides dedicated space and tailored professional development opportunities for graduates and community creatives through residencies and membership models.

The multidisciplinary studio supports connection, career development and economic sustainability within the creative industries, while contributing to Bath’s regional creative economy.

Follow Emerge Studios on Instagram: @emergeinbath

Lunch – sandwiches and fruit – will be provided.

Please let us know any dietary requirements by Monday 16th November.If you book on with less that a week to go we cannot cater for specific dietary requirements but please be reassured we will try and cater for all usual dietary requirements and will cover vegan and gluten free options as standard.

Access support:

The studio is on the lower ground floor and can be accessed via the main entrance, which is step-free and all on one level. Accessible and gender-neutral toilet facilities are available, and a lift provides access to other floors if required.

There is also a quiet seating area available if you need a calm space, a break, or some time away from the main activity.

If you have any access requirements or would like to discuss how we can support your visit, please contact emerge@bathspa.ac.uk.

Watch the video below to find out why aspiring entrepreneurs choose Cool Ventures free support:

Essential information:

Your booking for this webinar is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support. This equates to a maximum of 4 events per participant.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Lunch n Learn: Managing Your Income and Expenses as an Artist appeared first on Cool Ventures.

This event forms part of the B&NES and South Gloucestershire Business Support Services and is available free of charge for residents and businesses based in these areas only and who have enrolled for the Services.

Are you eager to boost and expand your business? Do you want a clear roadmap to guide your growth? Would you like to connect with fellow business owners like yourself?

Join us for an in-person workshop designed specifically to help you map out a plan for growing your business.

What will I learn?

No matter where you stand in your business journey, our Business Growth Roadmap workshop will assist you to:

✅ Create a simple yet effective plan for scaling your small business

✅ Gain clarity on your business direction.

✅ Focus on your personal goals, the values that shape your business identity, and how these contribute to your business’s worth.

✅ Plan ahead by future-proofing your business and seizing market opportunities.

✅ Achieve results by empowering your team and building a united leadership approach, so your business can thrive without solely relying on you.

Attendees will receive:

· Engaging workshop sessions.

· A structured workbook for recording crucial insights.

· A practical business planning tool to implement your strategies.

Who should attend?

This workshop is tailored for established small business owners and sole traders with an aspiration to grow.

A bit about your presenter:

Paul Neck, is an experienced and dedicated mentor, business coach and business strategy advisor specialising in assisting small businesses. With a wealth of expertise, Paul empowers entrepreneurs by providing tailored guidance, practical solutions, and invaluable insights to help businesses navigate challenges, deliver growth, and achieve their long-term objectives.

Watch the video below to find out why business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs choose Cool Ventures fully funded training:

Essential information:

Your booking for this workshop is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

Once enrolled, you will receive the joining instructions.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Unlock Your Business Growth Potential appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Join us at The Studio in Bath, where we will be hosting a space perfect for getting work done, connecting with others small business owners and freelancers (and Mince Pies).

What will I learn?

Take advantage of peer-to-peer conversations and learning opportunities, and discover what fully funded business support is available to you. A business mentor from Cool Ventures will be available throughout the event for drop-in Business Mentoring sessions.

Who should attend?

This event is hosted for small businesses (including freelancers and sole traders) in Bath and North East Somerset.

A bit about your presenters:

Cool Ventures Business Mentor, Kat Dawe Schmeisser, will be available during the event for business support and mentoring.

Essential information:

Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!

Fully funded by the UK government for small business owners (including freelancers and sole traders) from Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Co-Working Club with Mince Pies appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Join us at Willow Farm in Tumsbury, where we will be hosting a space perfect for getting work done, connecting with others small business owners and freelancers.

What will I learn?

Take advantage of peer-to-peer conversations and learning opportunities, and discover what fully funded business support is available to you. A business mentor from Cool Ventures will be available throughout the event for drop-in Business Mentoring sessions.

Who should attend?

This event is hosted for small businesses (including freelancers and sole traders) in Bath and North East Somerset.

A bit about your presenter:

Cool Ventures Business Mentor, Kat Dawe Schmeisser, will be available during the event for business mentoring.

Essential information:

Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!

Fully funded by the UK government for small business owners (including freelancers and sole traders) from Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Cool Ventures Ltd is accountable for protecting your personal data. Please access our latest company Privacy Notice here.

The post Co-Working Club at Willow Farm appeared first on Cool Ventures.

This event is only available and is free for small businesses, small charities, sole traders and residents based in South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

Join us for this free session to learn about the recent Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, an overview of your UK GDPR responsibilities, including practical tips regarding what your organisation needs to do to comply with the requirements.

Trying to get an understanding of your responsibilities as a business owner or key person within a larger organisation, with regard to data privacy and UK GDPR can be daunting! Often seen as complex, confusing, mystifying, and quite frankly terrifying.

Did you know that all organisations have to practically implement seven data processing principles and be able to meet eight individual rights that data subjects (individuals) have?

What will I learn?

During this session you will learn why implementing an effective data privacy framework in your organisation and adopting a ‘privacy by design’ approach can be beneficial to your organisation in many different ways.

In addition we will look at the key UK GDPR requirements for data controllers, and how you can easily meet these requirements, through the implementation of effective data protection policies, practices, processes, and training.

Who should attend?

Business owners, directors, compliance managers, HR and marketing managers, start-up businesses and charitable/voluntary organisations that process personal data and see the benefits of effective data protection.

A bit about your presenter:

Chris Burn, MD of CSRB, is a certified Data Protection Officer (C-DPO), practitioner, and trainer. He continues to work with and support blue chip, SME, micro, charitable, and start-up organisations throughout the UK, Europe, and further afield.

Chris has specialist knowledge of both UK and EU GDPR, the Data Protection Act (2018), Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, and other relevant UK privacy legislation. He is used to balancing the commercial side of business with the compliance side and always researches the market sector specific requirements of professional bodies, in relation to data privacy and online security.

Essential information:

Please note, this workshop will be held on Zoom.

Your booking for this webinar is provisional until you have enrolled for the free Business Support Service. Enrolment is via a short online form – if you are not enrolled already, a link will be emailed directly to you.

Once enrolled, you will receive the Zoom webinar link and password to join the call. Do ensure you join the webinar at least 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.

If you are unable to attend this event, we require at least 2 working days notice for cancellations to enable us to offer your place to someone else. We reserve the right to cancel your place if you are not eligible for this service.

All participants of the service are eligible to receive up to 12 hours of free support. This equates to a maximum of 4 x 3 hour events per participant.

The post Data Privacy: UK GDPR and Your Data Controller Responsibilities appeared first on Cool Ventures.