Businesses from the Alcester area received some expert guidance at a ‘New Year Boost Your Business’ advice and support session at Minerva Mill Innovation Centre in the town.

Event organiser Vicky Griffith from the Rural Enterprise Hub at Minerva Mill was joined by Kerry Smith from the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and Heather Docksey from the Warwickshire Skills Hub at the event on January 7th.

Attendees were introduced to the Rural Enterprise Hub as Vicky providing them with an insight into the vision of the hub and how it can support local businesses and start-ups.  Kerry then provided valuable information into the free support and resources available to local businesses, allowing the attendees to understand how they can be helped to flourish and grow.

Heather then outlined the vast array of options and opportunities available from Warwickshire Skills Hub to help them and their businesses. Attendees were then given the opportunity to speak to each of the team on a 1:1 basis in a confidential but relaxed environment in the Bubble (business café) at Minerva Mill. 

Among the attendees was Marc Shuttleworth, director of AVInteractive, based at Minerva Mill.

He said: “I was really surprised to hear the level of free support that is provided by the local authorities. It seemed like a no brainer so we asked to sign up to some of the workshops on SEO and social media. I’m really looking forward to attending these and gaining some knowledge free of charge - thanks Vicky!"

Alison Poole, managing director of  Kendall Poole Consulting Ltd, added: "The Advice and Support event at Minerva Mill showcased the amazing free business support that leaders can tap in to and I personally met a few fascinating people who are driven achievers.  The session was informal, interactive and welcoming to newcomers and established devotees.

“The presentations from Vicky, Kerry and Heather reinforced the amount of free business support on offer from digital boost guidance and strategy coaching on a one-to-one basis. I look forward to the next event at Minervia Mill and meeting even more business leaders from start-ups to established businesses”.

The Rural Enterprise Hub has a Pop up session at Minerva Mill on the 20^th February 9am-2pm. Planning is also underway for it to host an event for the farming and agricultural community in March, date to be confirmed.