The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and the Department for Business and Trade jointly hosted the latest Business Growth Service Roadshow.
More than 100 business owners, founders and leaders from across the region attended the event (Tuesday 31 March) to learn about the breadth of support available from the regional authority and national government.
Local entrepreneurs shared their experiences of the support they have received at various stages of their business journey while business owners learnt more about the benefits of the Business Growth Service and the West of England Growth Hub.
Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority delivered the opening address, followed by keynote speakers Nick Sturge MBE, Managing Partner, Omnigenix and West of England Business Board Co-Chair, and Annabel Thomas McGregor,CEO Raised In CIC and Business Board Member.
Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, said:“The West of England is a great place to do business, with plenty of opportunities to grow here in the fastest growing regional economy in the country.
“The number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has grown faster here than in any other area in the UK. Micro businesses (businesses with less than 10 employees) are more likely to survive in our region than the average UK company.
“Our Mayor has set out an ambitious strategyto continue to deliver growth in our region, so we can help create more opportunities and jobs for local people. The Business Growth Service makes it easier and quicker for business owners to get thesupport and advice that they need to start, scale-up, and succeed.”
The Business Growth Service is a new national service which makes it quicker and easier for businesses to get support.
Making support easier to access is essential as businesses which access external advice see a 22% rise in productivity.
Andrew Simpson, founder of Apex Pumps, said: “The Growth Hub gives you connections to lots of different services you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. It opens your mind to what’s available.
“If you’re a small or medium sized enterprise these events can be a chance to take some breathing space and think about what’s the next step.”
The West of England has the fastest growing economy of any combined authority in the country.
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, has made a commitment to secure investment for our region to help deliver change people can see and feel in their communities.
The Westof England Growth Hub offers free and impartial advice so support SMEs in the region including tailored support and access to finance programs. Pinkmans Bakery, Apex Pumps and Black Laboratory are among theorganisations to have already benefitted.
The Business Growth Service Roadshow was held at We The Curious in Bristol.
