City region-wide growth hub launched
THE Liverpool City Region Local Growth Hub, a new platform making it easier for businesses to discover the best commercial advice and support to help them grow, has been officially launched.
Developed by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in consultation with business, government, local authorities and support organisations, the Local Growth Hub is designed to provide a single access point for businesses across the six local authority areas, to discover the right advice and support they need to flourish.
The new Local Growth Hub web portal localgrowthhub.com, aims to create a joined up approach to business support by actively engaging SMEs and growth businesses. By connecting them with over 300 specialist advisers from a wide range of key professional and commercial disciplines, it will help to drive economic growth in the area.
The new service is supported by eight Local Growth Hub regional brokers who play a strategic role in signposting and co-ordinating local and national support, making it easier for businesses to access the face to face advice they need. The regional brokers are: Liverpool City Region LEP, Liverpool Vision, Halton Borough Council, Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, The Women’s Organisation, Invest Sefton, St Helens Chamber and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.
Chair of the LEP Robert Hough, said: “The launch of the Local Growth Hub marks a hugely important milestone for business support across our City Region.
“We often hear from businesses that the business support landscape is a real challenge to negotiate; the Local Growth Hub will now provide a support network to deliver long-term economic growth across our region. It has been developed to serve one function – to help businesses grow.
“Many businesses simply aren’t aware of the support available to them, and the innovative Local Growth Hub portal opens the door to opportunity for businesses.”
Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, said: “We can help both start-ups and established businesses, and provide support and advice that is free and impartial. Our priority is to help more businesses grow, invest, and prosper by ensuring that they receive the relevant information, tailored support and guidance at the right time.”
Wirral Chamber of Commerce chief executive Paula Basnett said: “We are enjoying working closely with our City Region partners in delivering a simple, accessible and co-ordinated approach to business growth support which meets the needs of our business leaders.”
Tracy Mawson, director of business services at St Helens Chamber of Commerce said: “Whether starting a new business, looking for funding, or wanting to achieve increased competitiveness and growth, we can help businesses to unleash their potential through the support of the Local Growth Hub.”
Cllr Eddie Jones, executive borough member at Halton Borough Council said: “Together the Chamber and the Council are best placed to understand and support the local business community to grow and prosper.”
Cllr Ian Maher, Labour leader for Sefton Council, said: “Local businesses are very important to the region’s economy and it is vital that support is available to help business owners overcome challenges they face.”
Jo Austin, engagement and digital marketing coordinator for the Women’s Organisation, said: “The Women’s Organisation have proudly been offering enterprise support in the Liverpool City Region for 20 years this year. Our experience over those 20 years has shown us that there is definitely an ongoing need for businesses to be supported from concept to growth in order to sustain their enterprises.”
