New business growth service showcased across Warwickshire

Representatives from Warwickshire County Council are speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s Local Business Forums in Rugby, North Warwickshire, Mid-Warwickshire and South Warwickshire to showcase the new Warwickshire Business Growth Service.
Isobel Woods, Head of Economy and Growth at Warwickshire County Council, and Ian Flynn, automotive & future mobility specialist at Invest in Warwickshire, attended the Rugby Local Business Forum at WAGO’s headquarters at Houlton.

The event, chaired by Dan Mann and attended by John Slinger, the MP for Rugby, Bulkington and Villages, heard how the service has replaced the CW Growth Hub in Warwickshire.

Isobel said:

“When the Growth Hub closed, we had a short space of time to launch a new service. Warwickshire County Council, alongside the Department for Business and Trade, are putting our own funds into this service because we recognise how important it is to help businesses to grow.
“That means we can be a little bit more agile in they way we support businesses and freedom on how we deliver it. All of the districts and boroughs are part of this and we have different programmes being delivered by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, University of Warwick Science Park and Oxford Innovation Advice.
“This is very much about us being able to provide that one front door. It's a model that's been around for many years, but this is something we're really passionate about delivering. 
“So, there is different types of support on offer and there is some money available too to help businesses grow through initiatives such as the Local Communities Enterprise Loan Fund. There’s also a small capital grant programme. 
“And, through our Warwickshire Skills Hub there is lots of help available to both businesses and to individuals because we all know how big an issue the skills gaps is for the economy right now.
“We were delighted to be able to speak at the Rugby Local Business Forum and will be going on a roadshow of other forums and events around the region to get the message out there that this help is available.”

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“Our forums are an opportunity to speak to decision-makers such as local MPs and local authorities but also to amplify important news for businesses across the region.
“This new service is really important. We’re proud to be part of the delivery of it and we’d urge businesses to engage and find out what help is available.”

For more information go to business.warwickshire.gov.uk