The UK’s national Business Growth Service (BGS) has been launched, complementing the business support available locally from the team at the Shropshire Growth Hub.

The BGS introduces a nationally branded, locally delivered service that brings together the current complex range of business support from national and local government, into one unified platform. It aims to make it easier to find and access the advice and support businesses need, with the Growth Hubs continuing to play a key role in providing local support in England.

In Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, the Marches Growth Hub service is delivered by business support teams based within the three local councils: Herefordshire Council’s Herefordshire Growth Hub, Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Growth Hub and Telford & Wrekin Council’s Thrive Telford.

Emma Chapman, Manager of the Shropshire Growth Hub said,

“Businesses will continue to benefit from our events, initiatives and tailored sessions with experts to help them start, grow and succeed. But this additional resource can provide even more information and connections to wider UK Government resources and opportunities.”

The Business Growth Service will give Shropshire businesses access to several new features:

• A Digital Business Growth Service hosted on business.gov.uk, offering personalised dashboards and curated guides based on business stage, sector, and location.
• A Business Academy providing on-demand webinars and training to support growth at every stage.
• Enhanced real-time support via webchat, phone, and email through the integrated Business Support Service.
• A single access point for both online and in-person services, making it easier for SMEs to find the help they need.

Emma adds,

“Through the new Business Growth Service, we’re excited to offer Shropshire businesses even more support and resources. From a digital platform tailored to your specific needs, to real-time advice and a wealth of training through the Business Academy – which some of our companies have already been accessing.

“There’s never been a better time to access comprehensive guidance for your business journey.”

Matt Potts, Service Manager for Economy, Funding and Skills said,

“At the Shropshire Growth Hub we’ll continue to provide the personalised support which has made our Growth Hub so successful, but the resource offered through the Business Growth Service will be a great addition to our offer. “

Cllr Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Growth said,

“Our Shropshire Growth Hub has established a reputation for excellence and already given vital assistance to many businesses across Shropshire. This year alone it has supported over 3000 businesses and helped 279 new businesses to start.

“This new growth service promises additional support to help even more businesses across Shropshire start, grow and thrive.”

You can check out the new website from the UK Government, Business.gov.uk

Further information about the Shropshire Growth Hub can be found at Business Support – Invest in Shropshire

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