the hive

18/09/2026

Subject access requests? Privacy notices? Marketing rules?

Not sure where to start with data protection for your organisation?

The ICO has just launched Data Protection Essentials: a free, online training programme designed specifically for small businesses, charities and community organisations like yours.

Think couch-to-5K for data protection. No jargon. No experience needed. Just practical, step-by-step guidance to help you build confidence and get the essentials right.

Start today. You can do the training all in one go, or bit by bit at a pace that suits you.

Show your customers, suppliers, staff and volunteers that you're serious about protecting their personal information.

Get started here https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/training-and-resources/data-protection-essentials/?utm_source=The_Hive&utm_medium=Stakeholder_engagement&utm_campaign=dpe

17/09/2026

Start-Up Essentials 2-day workshop
17th and 18th November 2026

Starting up a business is one of the biggest adventures of your life! You’ve got an idea and you’ve decided that you’re going to give it a go. That’s just the beginning. Our free (to North Somerset residents and businesses) support could be just what you need.

There are all kinds of things to consider; registering with HMRC, whether to be a sole trader, partnership or limited company etc., market research, sourcing start-up funds, business and marketing plans and so much more.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help and our 2-day Start-Up Essentials course is a great place to start! Led by a professional business adviser this course will give you the skills and knowledge to confidently launch your new business. You will be provided with information and guidance to help deal with key issues that are fundamental to the performance, sustainability and success of your business.

Learn more or book your place by visiting https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston

16/09/2026

Selling Online and Getting Started - Wednesday 30 September 2026 at the hive

Selling online opens your business to more customers, more visibility, and sales that happen even when you’re closed. If you’re thinking about launching an online shop, this workshop will give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step.

This interactive workshop, delivered by Jack Easterbrook, introduces the core foundations of e‑commerce and helps you understand what’s involved in setting up and launching an online store.

We’ll cover the practical essentials of how to…

▪️Choose and set up an e-commerce platform (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
▪️Secure a domain name and connecting it to your store
▪️Navigate payments and shipping options
▪️Decide what key policies you will need (privacy, cookies, returns/refunds)
▪️Protect customer data with security best practices
▪️Promote your store through basic marketing channels
▪️Test your site before launch and connecting to marketplaces

Who This Workshop Is For

🔸Small business owners wanting to add an online shop
🔸Creatives and makers exploring e-commerce for the first time

This workshop is fully-funded for residents and businesses within the North Somerset area.

Book your place by visiting https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston

15/09/2026

Free Business Advice at Worle Campus - Thursday 8th October

Whether you are a start-up in the process of getting your new business off the group or an established business trying to figure out what the next step in your growth looks like, these free advice sessions can help you cut out the noise and focus on what is right and necessary for you and your business.

Even if you are still in the ideas stage of starting a business we can help you get clear on where and how to start so you can get the wheels in motion and it doesn't matter if you are a sole trader or manage a team.

We can help with a number of business related topics but questions are often around marketing, finances, websites, social media, HMRC, branding and even will my idea work as a business? No question is a silly one so whatever your challenge is right now, we can help.

To book your free appointment visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston

14/09/2026

Confident Cashflow & Bookkeeping Essentials for Small Businesses
Thursday 22nd October at the hive

Many small trading businesses excel at their craft but feel far less confident when it comes to understanding their numbers. If that sounds familiar, this workshop is designed specifically for you.

Hosted at the hive, this practical, supportive session is delivered by Albert Goodman Chartered Accountants, who work closely with businesses across the region. Recent insights show that many traders operate without a clear understanding of their financial position, cashflow patterns, or the support options available to them.

The session is ideal for business owners who want more confidence with their numbers - whether you’re already trading, running a small team, or just getting ready to launch. It’s also a valuable head start for pre‑start businesses looking to build strong financial habits from day one and avoid the common pitfalls that hold new ventures back.

For more information or to book your place visit the link in our bio.

11/09/2026

Walker & Ling is a family-run department store located on Weston-super-Mare High Street. Established in 1904, the store has been a staple in the community for over a century. The business was originally founded in Bath 133 years ago and has since been passed down through five generations of the Walker family.

The current owner, Sam Walker, continues the tradition of providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service.

In 2024, Walker & Ling received valuable support from the Town Occupancy Grant programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by North Somerset Council, Business West, and the hive. This programme was designed to help small businesses and social enterprises increase their viability in town centre locations.

Walker & Ling benefited from retail marketing guidance, net zero training, and assistance with grant applications.

Remarked Sam, “The support we received was invaluable in helping us modernise our store and attract more footfall”.

The grant enabled the installation of a high-quality, vivid LCD screen in the store front window and at the base of the store stairwell, showcasing high-quality images and videos about the store’s offerings and history.

We are pleased to still collaborate with Walker & Ling to help other business owners in North Somerset. On 1st October our Social Media Expert, Alex will be there giving free advice. Limited spots available so check out https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston if you want to get some expert advice about your business social media profiles!

To read more about how the hive support Walker & Ling and other North Somerset businesses visit https://hivebusinesssupport.org/case_studies

Walker & Ling

10/09/2026

Annie will be at Worle Campus Library on 8th October for her free business advice sessions.

These are for all North Somerset based businesses, no matter the size or stage. Annie can advise on a wide range of subjects and anything she can't help with on the day she will provide information for how you can get the answers you need.

the hive's Business Advisers, Mentors and Digital Advice Teams are experienced professionals with proven track records of helping businesses succeed. They are passionate about helping North Somerset businesses reach their goals, thus contributing to a healthy local community and economy. So whether you are just starting out or have been in business for a while, this is a great opportunity to get free advice and support.

Visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston to book your 30-minute appointment with Annie.

09/09/2026

Press release from gov.uk

“£10 Million Hospitality Grant Scheme launches in boost for independent pubs, restaurants and cafes

Village pubs, family-run restaurants, and cafés receive a boost as a new £10 million three-year Hospitality Grant Scheme has launched for application.”

Read in full here:

Village pubs, family-run restaurants, and cafés receive a boost as a new £10 million three-year Hospitality Grant Scheme has launched for applications.

08/09/2026

In August we had the pleasure of working closely with three brand new North Somerset based businesses who benefited from the free support at the hive and we are looking forward to seeing how their businesses grow. If you are in the process of launching a new business or looking to grow an already established one, whatever it may be, the team at the hive are here to help you get started.

We offer free business support to help you get your ideas off the ground and work towards sustainable growth. Visit http://hivebusinesssupport.org/ for more information about all the ways we can help you.

07/09/2026

Digital Learning - Cyber Security & AI: Safeguarding Your Business workshop

Thu 17 Sep 2026, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM via Zoom

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work, communicate, and grow - but with rapid innovation comes new risks.

Why Attend?

While AI dominates the headlines, cyber security often gets overlooked. Yet the threats are real - and growing. Whether you're a small business owner, freelancer or part of a larger team, this session will provide practical, actionable insights to help safeguard your digital presence.

What You’ll Learn

This webinar is led by Alistair Whiteley, founder of Alistair Whiteley Web Design Ltd. As a Cyber Essentials-certified specialist in web design and digital security, Alistair will guide participants through the seven essential factors every modern business should understand to stay secure in an AI-driven world:

▪️Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
▪️Software & Device Security
▪️Phishing & Social Engineering Attacks
▪️Data Privacy & App Permissions
▪️Secure Connections & VPNs
▪️Backup & Recovery Planning
▪️Awareness of AI-Driven Threats

Who Should Attend?

🔸Entrepreneurs and small business owners in North Somerset
🔸Freelancers and remote workers
🔸Anyone curious about AI and cyber security
🔸Community leaders and digital advocates

This is a live online webinar, with opportunities for Q&A and practical takeaways you can implement straight away. It’s free to attend — all you need is a device and an internet connection.

Visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehiveweston to book your place.