I want to employ my first employee - are there any grants?

[thecount]

Hi all, this is my first post, so if its in the wrong place, I am sorry!

I've been working on my own from home for about 10 years as a graphic and web design and development consultant, using a handful of designers and programmers externally but things are getting so busy now, that I feel it would be easier to take on someone.

All very daunting to think about, but I was just wondering if such a thing as a grant for this type of thing exists? and if so, how do you go about getting it?


thanks for any pointers you can give.

[Scootek]

I heard something in the press about a government scheme to employ apprentices. You might want to contact Business Link and maybe the Job Centre as they might be able to point you in the right direction.

[Indizine]

You wont get usually get a grant as such, but there are some times such things as graduate subsidies,etc. or as above, schemes.

Seek out the local job schemes, ask at the local uni or college, do a bit of digging - when it is available it's never widely advertised.

Most of all though, don't rely on cheap labour for your business. Account for NMW and then if you get any discounts, see it as a bonus.

[HuggyBear]

Also, I've you employ somebody who has been seeking JSA for more than 26 weeks you receive money from the DWP that essentially pays for the NMW of an employee for 6 months...

Info here =>

[virtuallysorted]

Honestly, employment is such a minefield I would look to subcontract some work to another company rather than employing someone.

Look for jobs you could package into a task and start with that. It's a lot less risky than employing someone because if their work isn't up to scratch you aren't obligated to keep them on.

[Scootek]

Honestly, employment is such a minefield I would look to subcontract some work to another company rather than employing someone.

Look for jobs you could package into a task and start with that. It's a lot less risky than employing someone because if their work isn't up to scratch you aren't obligated to keep them on.

I would agree to some extent. I would employ the essential people.

[Paul Norman]

It is not wise business to employ on the back of government subsidies. Your business must be able to support the cost of the employee from the revenue it generates.

Having said that, if grants are going - have them!.

Usually, there are not many, but it is worth researching just in case. Speak to your regional development agency, and to business link. Plus do a bit of google work!

[thecount]

thanks for your replies - sorry for not responding sooner, for some reason, even though I set my posts to "instant email" I haven't been getting them.

Well, right now, I already sub contract to other freelancers but I'm finding that I really need someone in-house as I will get reliability, project management for each job and loyalty. Plus, I am essentially paying for in-house knowledge too. I am in the web design/development sector so what with programming, a lot of the time, it can be bespoke to the individuals skills. By keeping it in-house, it means the knowledge is mine too.

Been working for 10 years on my own, sub contracting and its difficult to keep on top of projects sometimes, plus, I'd feel more confident with an in-house expert too.

Well, thats what I am thinking.

Just really looking for a subsidy really for a certain amount of time as it will be a scary step upwards financially.

My aim is to give them a 3 month probation and then I will see what they are like.

Scootek, you mentioned "regional development agency" who and what might this be?

thanks

[Indizine]

the RDA dont usually get involved at that level; go to Business Link, as thats who the RDA contract to for business support.

[thecount]

ok, thanks very much. All I am really after is help to grow my business.

Stupid question, but I guess its not always cut and dry when it comes to grants, ie, are grants loans, or are grants what I imagine they should be - helpful cash injection?