Growth Hub Week Puts Business Support in the Spotlight

Businesses in the West of England are being encouraged to take advantage of an online portal offering a one stop shop for local business support.

The latest call comes as part of the national Growth Hub Week (16 – 20 May 2016), which is celebrating the completion of a network of 39 Growth Hubs across the UK.

As part of this impressive network, the West of England Growth Hub, which was launched in January, is revolutionising business support by creating a web-based community linking local small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with support providers.

With over 250 businesses and 50 support providers registered on the West of England Growth Hub, the national celebration provides a timely reminder for SMEs in the West of England who are in need of support.

Phil Smith, managing director at Business West, said:

“With 99% of companies classed as SMEs, small business means big business. Of course, we know that the support is easily available, but if you go out to any business show in our region you will undoubtedly meet small firms that are in need of valuable advice, but just aren’t aware of how to get it. Growth Hub Week is the perfect opportunity to spread the word both nationally and in our region.”

Neil Way, West of England LEP SME sector group chair, said:

“The West of England Growth Hub serves as the first port of call in the hour of need. SMEs are always facing difficulties when managing their businesses and the Growth Hub provides a one stop shop for the support and advice they need to overcome these issues. The West of England economy is performing strongly, and we are being recognised as one of the best places in the country to start and grow a business. To build on this, we need to see more businesses take advantage of the support available to them.”

Business Minister Anna Soubry said:

“Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and this government continues to build the right environment for them to thrive. We will keep cutting red tape and business taxes, improving access to finance and broadband, and taking forward the measures in the Enterprise Act to cement our position as the best place in Europe to do business.

“Growth Hubs have already helped thousands of businesses and, with the full network up and running, every registered business in England can access the expertise they need to succeed.  The West of England Growth Hub will help entrepreneurs boost their business and create more jobs for people in the local area.”

Join the Growth Hub Week conversation on Twitter with #GrowthHubs