Funding will enable Growth Hub to offer a wider range of support to local firms.
The Greater Birmingham Growth Hub has secured a £1 million funding package to help more businesses across the region for the next two years.
The Growth Hub is the single point of contact for advice, funding and support for any business across Greater Birmingham. This free service offers information online or through expert advisers, on the phone or in person. The Growth Hub links to a range of partners around the region, from local authorities to science parks, funding providers, universities and chambers of commerce – ensuring any business gets the support they need.
The funding, from the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, will enable the Growth Hub to expand its support programme and provide more specialists in sectors such as manufacturing.
Run by the Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP, the Growth Hub has assisted more than 2,000 companies across the region since launching five months ago. During the past month alone, it has received more than 500 enquiries – about 25 per day.
Ian Mclaughlan, Manager of the Growth Hub, commented: “The number of enquiries we are receiving has really started to gain momentum, so it is great news that the Growth Hub’s future has been confirmed for another two years.
“We are planning to use the funding from BIS to develop the amount of support available – enabling our partners to offer greater levels of expert knowledge to local businesses. The Growth Hub is frequently contacted by businesses wanting access to finance or funding, and this will be a priority for us in the coming months. I am also keen to ensure that key industries in Greater Birmingham, such as manufacturing, are provided with more support.”
The funding starts from April 2016 and will finance the Growth Hub and its support programmes until March 2018.
Anna Soubry, Minister for Small Business, Industry & Enterprise, added: “Small businesses are the fuel that powers the Midlands Engine. We are getting behind them so that they can create more jobs and opportunities across the country.
“The Greater Birmingham Growth Hub plays an important role in promoting enterprise in the region by ensuring businesses can access the national and local support they need to succeed. I’m confident the new funding will help lots of entrepreneurs to boost their business, adding value through local expertise.”
To register at the Greater Birmingham Growth Hub, visit www.gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk.