Stoke LEP enhances business support with upgraded helpline

A BUSINESS helpline set up by the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership to support business growth is to widen the range of its services.

The LEP appointed Stafford-based Winning Moves to deliver the telephone support and following a successful pilot the partnership has chosen the firm to provide the new look service.

It offers information to those looking to start or grow a business, as well as help taking on an apprentice. It operates from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. The helpline number is 0300 111 8002.

As well as providing telephone support, the helpline will also launch a range of initiatives throughout the year, including business surgeries to allow face-to-face discussions with business professionals; topical events around key business processes and online initiatives that will provide out-of-hours support.

LEP chairman Ron Dougan said: “Small businesses are crucial to the economic success of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. They represent the bulk of private-sector employment and are the cornerstone for economic and employment growth.  

“There is a vast range of support available to businesses, especially smaller ones seeking to grow, and it can be difficult for those people running a business to identify their best options, particularly with limited time.”
 
He said Winning Moves had an impressive track record in helping businesses start and grow and the LEP was pleased to be working with it.

“The Business Helpline fits perfectly with the recommendations outlined in Lord Heseltine’s report, ‘No Stone Unturned’.  Together with its wide network of partners, the helpline will ensure that local business can access the support and advice which they need,” he added.

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