Growth Hub

Overview

Established in 2014, the Growth Hub is the business support division of the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).

The Growth Hub is all about providing funded business support, business growth strategies, they help local businesses to identify and connect with the right guidance and funding to maximise potential and overcome challenges.

What’s in it for me?

• Advice and coaching from expert advisors on a 1-2-1 basis
• Business Growth Strategies

South East Midlands Kickstart Growth Scheme

The recently announced kickstart package is to help small and medium sized businesses recover from the financial impact of COVID-19.

In the Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes area SEMLEP’s Growth Hub is responsible for allocating grants.

Find out more about that grants and how to apply here

Funding can be used for specialist professional services, to purchase minor equipment or adopt new technology and to diversify in response to the pandemic.

The Resource Hub

This is an online tool that provides detailed information about local, regional and national support options available. This will give you an idea of what support is available for you before contacting them.

The Business Resilience Talkbook

This was created in response to the challenges facing business today, particularly coronavirus and our exit from the EU.

The tool is to ensure understanding on how your business can be resilient and robust, addressing key areas such as supply chain, finance and new opportunities that allows you to plan for your business’ future.

Webinars and workshops

These are a schedule of workshops covering the key topics to run a business, this includes everything from business growth strategies, social media basics to pitching for finance.

You can find the latest webinars here.

Inward investment

Support for businesses looking to expand or locate in the South East Midlands region. This is achieved by connecting businesses to a network of local and national investment and business support services.

Providing tailored, confidential assistance, they can:

• Provide guidance on access to funding, including grants and investments 
• Introduce you to corporate networking and peer networks, trading partners and supply chains
• Provide you with detailed information about the region
• Support you with land and premises search, selection and acquisition 
• Connect you to property agents, professional services, recruitment consultants, training providers, universities, colleges and public agencies
• Advice on availability of skilled workers and link to universities, colleges, public agencies and training providers

Sector specialism

They run initiatives that are aimed at sector clusters.

Dedicated Business Development Managers, Employer and Skills and Investment teams all work alongside the Business Advisor team to assist businesses in key sectors that are prominent or growing in our area.

These include businesses operating in the advanced manufacturing, food and drink, innovation and high technology, logistics, cultural and creative, financial and business services, as well as initiatives with construction, health and social care and education sectors.    

What’s my commitment?

Since Growth hub is made up of different services the criteria varies.

As a starting point you will need to meet the following criteria

• An SME business
• Based in South East Midlands

Contact an advisor to find out more.

Get started

We specialise in providing access to Government programs and business growth strategies to help you grow your business and the region bounce back.

Digital Future First is a part funded EU project; its partners (Supplyant, DBFB and The Learning & Skills Academy) have access to many projects across the SEMLEP region and are here to support you and your business.

Click here to check your eligibility now.

Find out more about Government Support

Although, we have access to a range of Government programs and incentives, you may want to look at the Government website.

See guidance and resources on good work experience including:

• work experience placements that work guide from CIPD
• employer case studies from Skills Training UK
• why they work videos from the Learning and Work Institute
• work experience quality standard accreditation from Fair Train

Get support to deliver work experience for people with learning difficulties or disabilities from:

• Access to Work