Marches LEP develops business growth hub

A NEW project which will provide businesses in the Marches with support and advice is to be launched this autumn.

The Marches Growth Hub, developed by the region’s local enterprise partnership (LEP), will bring together national and local business support in a ‘one stop shop’ for the first time in a bid to help businesses in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin to grow.

The hub will be based around a business support website and dedicated enquiry phone line for firms to access funding, support and advice.

The LEP is working with its local authority partners, Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council on the project, as well as the chairs of the three area Business Boards.

In addition to the ‘virtual’ support centre, three hub offices are planned for Hereford, Shrewsbury and Telford, where business support specialists will be on hand to provide bespoke advice to anyone from sole traders to start ups and SMEs.

LEP chairman Graham Wynn said: “Research has shown businesses are frustrated with, and confused by, the wide range of support services and products that are currently on offer.

“The Marches Growth Hub will offer a single reference point where they can access relevant information and support rather than having to navigate their way through the different levels of support available locally and nationally that are available through local partners and advisors.

“The hub will offer an ‘always-on’ point of information to help businesses find out exactly what is on offer.”