£160m boost to Greater Manchester as the Hub celebrates five years
BUSINESS Growth Hub has contributed £160m gross value added to the Greater Manchester economy and has helped to create 8,000 jobs and safeguard another 11,000 as it celebrates five years of working with the region’s businesses.
Since inception, the Hub has supported more than 7,300 businesses and says its specialists have ensured that businesses across the region have secured more than £153m in funding while also saving £318m through improved environmental performance.
Part of the Manchester Growth Company and backed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Hub offers support for ambitious Greater Manchester SMEs across a range of sectors including manufacturing, digital, creative and technology, life sciences, low carbon and textiles.
Speaking at the Hub’s fifth birthday event at Manchester Art Gallery, director Richard Jeffery said: “From day one we have seen the businesses we work with thrive regardless of the wider political and economic landscape.
“This important milestone shows that we have a thriving group of entrepreneurs who create and exploit opportunities and continue to drive Greater Manchester’s future prosperity.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of our employees and mentors, and also collaborating with our partners and networks in the region. Together we have made an outstanding contribution to the economy and it is important that we continue to build on this momentum over the next five years.”
Richard Topliss, chair of Manchester Growth Company and key note speaker at the event, said: “Business Growth Hub has played a vital role in the development of SMEs across the Greater Manchester region over the last five years.
“The Hub’s commitment to local businesses and strong network of partners has enabled businesses to succeed and prosper which not only benefits the business community but all of Greater Manchester, and we wish all involved with the Business Growth Hub every success for the future.”
