Biggest energy price jump in four years ⚡ Do you really want to go viral? 🚀

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It's Amanda filling in for Liz this week and I thought I would start with the bad news first.

Britain is bracing for its steepest energy price rise since January 2023, with the Iran war choking gas supplies and EU storage at its lowest September level in 15 years. It's shaping up to be an expensive winter for anyone running a workshop or factory.

But there's a lifeline for makers. The new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme could slash electricity bills by up to 25%, worth between £1,150 and £1,300 a year for eligible workshops.

It's size-blind, too, covering everyone from a two-person joinery to a 200-employee factory. Applications close on 30 November, so don't hang about.

No newsletter is complete these days without the mention of AI.

In this week's article, a Dropbox-sponsored study found 84% of professionals using AI say it's creating work faster than their organisation's processes can keep up. Only 11% say it produces finished work without further barriers. Andy Wilson of Dropbox shares five practical tips to turn the pile of output into the real thing.

Finally, what happens when you swap business cards for brushstrokes? Our Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire Local Leader, Jarmila Yu, brought entrepreneurs to Kaizen Fine Art for a private preview of Tatia Starkey's first solo exhibition. Tatia is Ringo Starr's granddaughter and paints using her body as the brush.

It was our first in-person local meet-up in a while, and the feedback from attendees? "When's the next one?". Turns out networking is rather better when you're surrounded by art.

Energy costs set for biggest jump in four years as new scheme offers lifeline to makers

Make your mark: What happens when you bring art and entrepreneurship together?

Do you really want to go viral?

How to get more from AI: Five practical tips for small businesses

Predictability – the small exporter's best friend

🏆 Apply for the NatWest Accelerator Pitch – three winners will share a £100,000 prize fund. Applications close on 16 October.

⏳ Last chance to apply for the Enterprise Nation Next Generation Grant and give your business a £1,500 boost, plus six hours of mentoring.

💳 Thinking about opening or switching your business bank account? NatWest offers a range of accounts, including Mettle. Register your interest in a couple of minutes.

📊 Three in four high street businesses shelved a growth plan this year. Read the Growth on Hold report to find out what's behind it.

💰Share your experience with us and enter a prize draw for £300 in vouchers. Take our barometer.