Over 2,000 companies have already been engaged with by the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub in one year.
The Growth Hub, which was the idea of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP), has helped to administer £2.2 million of capital grants from its base in Cheylesmore House, Cheylesmore, Coventry.
Craig Humphrey, managing director of the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, told the fourth meeting of the Growth Hub Directors’ Club that its existence was providing businesses across the region with access to support and funding much more easily.
“Previously there was 125 public funded business support initiatives dispensed through 61 different organisations,” he said.
“That was confusing for businesses and that is why the Growth Hub was established to provide a one-stop shop to deliver business support across Coventry and Warwickshire.
“In one year, we have dealt with enquiries from some 2,000 businesses and administered capital grants to help companies buy machinery, expand, move premises or take on extra staff.
“This shows we are delivering strong and sustainable growth for the sub-region.
“Post-election, businesses continue to need stability and consistency and the government needs growth to deliver stability and consistency.
“It is important initiatives like the Growth Hub are able to flourish because we can provide the conditions to help businesses grow or attract new investment to the area.
“To achieve that it is important to have a high percentage of knowledge-driven businesses, a highly-skilled workforce, strong connectivity, access to local services, employment land and retain the talent we have nurtured at Coventry University and the University of Warwick.”
Around 20 businesses attended the Directors’ Club which was set-up to give owners and managers of companies, which have been helped by the Growth Hub, to exchange good practice and form business partnerships.
A B2B Business Expo was also held with organisations ranging from the Warwick Manufacturing Group to the Business Growth Service and Wright Hassall to Penso making contacts and discussing their products and services with other Directors’ Club members.
Craig said the bi-monthly Directors’ Club meetings were proving popular with companies and business organisations alike.
He said: “We are always trying to develop and tailor our services to businesses across the area to ensure we are providing the type of business support which is needed whatever the sector or size of business.
“The Directors’ Club is a great opportunity for members to showcase their services to other businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire and to find out information about the funding opportunities which are available.”