Strong start for Rural Enterprise Hub 

“It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the Support Agencies providing access to the fully funded business resources available to so many dedicated local business owners, startups and entrepreneurs over the past six months."

The Rural Enterprise Hub at Minerva Mill is proud to celebrate six successful months of championing local enterprise, under the direction of Rural Enterprise Development Officer - Vicky Griffith. Since launching, the Hub has supported over 40 businesses and startups across Alcester, Studley, Bidford, and surrounding villages—offering free funding advice, business support, and invaluable networking opportunities. 

Backed by Alcester Town Council and ongoing collaboration with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Warwickshire Skills Hub, and the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, the Rural Enterprise Hub has rapidly become a base for supporting business growth in the area. 

Highlights from the Past Six Months Include: 

Monthly Activities: 

• Pop-up business advice sessions 

• Alcester Business Club Networking Breakfasts 

• Studley in Business meetups 

• Regular meetings with Alcester Town Council and Partner Organisations 

Key Events & Achievements: 

• Participation in Business Development Day at Minerva Mill 

• Attendance at CW Champions Networking Breakfast and Coventry Wellbeing Forum 

• Warwickshire Towns Network Christmas Get Together 

• Minerva Mill Christmas Fayre 

• Video Podcast collaboration with AVInteractive, a resident business at Minerva Mill 

• Hosting of events such as “Boost Your Business” and “Fields of Opportunity” for rural and farming businesses 

• Collaborations with Shakespeare’s England at the University of Warwick 

• Attending industry events including Dairy Tech 2025 and Low Carbon Agricultural Show at Stoneleigh   

• Exhibited at a Focus on Farming Schools Event at Ragley Hall with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) 

• Engagement with agricultural and wellbeing events such as the RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) Farmhouse Breakfast, Fit For Farming with Warwickshire Rural Hub, and LEAF/CAVAS training 

This growing momentum reflects the demand for accessible business support in rural Warwickshire. 

“It’s been an amazing journey so far,” said Vicky Griffith. “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside the Support Agencies providing access to the fully funded business resources available to so many dedicated local business owners, startups and entrepreneurs over the past six months. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and hope the momentum we’ve built will continue to benefit the community.” 

To learn more about how the Rural Enterprise Hub can support your business, please contact: 
Vicky Griffith – Rural Enterprise Development Officer 
📧 vicky@minervamill.co.uk 📞 01789 761334 
📍Minerva Mill, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5ET