Council agrees to continue backing business support service
A BUSINESS support hub which has benefited nearly 4,000 companies across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will continue to deliver its services in 2017 after renewed backing from the county council.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub is delivered by the area’s Local Enterprise Partnership and has supported 3,852 businesses since it was established in 2014.
Its advisors refer businesses to relevant organisations that can assist with a range of issues including access to finance, resource efficiency, innovation, mentoring, skills, growth coaching, manufacturing advice, start-up support, strategic relationships and export advice.
The hub also runs the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Business Helpline – 0300 111 8002. A quarter of calls to the helpline have been about access to finance.
Staffordshire County Council is a major partner in the hub, forming part of a wider package of support to businesses.
In addition to support and advice, the hub manages a new small business grant fund, offering grants of between £1,500 and £10,000 and arranges support events across the county.
Cllr Mark Winnington, Staffordshire’s economic growth leader, said: “The growth hub has played an invaluable role in supporting small and medium-sized businesses in Staffordshire and guiding them to future growth.
“It has achieved a great deal since it was set up in 2014 and we will be working closely with partners to ensure this continues.”
LEP chairman David Frost said: “Our region has a strong track record of innovation, enterprise and creativity driven by small and medium enterprises – many of which have gone on to become household names. We are delighted that the Growth Hub’s advice services are supporting so many local businesses in bringing more and better jobs and continuing economic growth to our area.”
