Welcome from Mark Ryder

Hello and welcome to the March edition of Warwickshire Means Business.

Skills and Business Support both feature hugely this month as we highlight just some of the schemes that are available for businesses and education-providers to access across the county.

We report the resounding success of the Local Communities and Enterprise Fund, delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust as part of the County Council's £64 million Warwickshire Investment Fund to boost the county’s post-pandemic economic recovery. In less than two years, the LCE has distributed nearly £2.5 million of funding to small businesses and social enterprises.

We also hear how a Small Capital Grant has “transformed” Gripper Differentials, in Exhall, and how Leamington-based Hilo is flourishing thanks to WCC’s Digital Creative Recovery Co-Investment Fund.

Our Special Feature focuses on Warwickshire Careers Hub and how it’s move into the Warwickshire Skills Hub, at Eliot Park, Nuneaton, has proved a huge success, delivering more and better careers connections between the business community and schools, colleges and young people. Other skills news includes the Skills Escalator, now up and running for SMEs in Nuneaton and Bedworth who are looking to retrain or upskill their employees.

Kenilworth is in the spotlight in our Talk Up Our Towns section. Businesses there are coming together to make the most of the town's distinctive offer. We also bring the inspiring story of LoudLocal, the small Kenilworth business which, with the support of Warwickshire Skills Hub, is building a big reputation largely on talent recruited from those who were Not in Employment Education or Training (NEET).  

All this in the March edition of WMB and lots more, including a new Visit Shipston website, the recent Supported Internships Fair, Warwickshire’s fantastic Food & Drink offer and exciting news from Ryton Pools Country Park.

Please do visit  https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/business-support to see how we and our partners across the region can help you.

Mark