Launching 2 new services and streamlining its business operation was made possible for one Shropshire Business through the support it received from the Shropshire Growth Hub.

Signing up for the Growth Hub’s Business Boost 360 programme meant that Rachael of Rachael Brown Equine Chiropractor received funding to work with local consultant Zebra PR.  She also accessed additional funding from the Small Capital Grant Scheme for Businesses to buy a new piece of laser equipment.

Zebra PR provided support in social media and email marketing to effectively communicate Rachael’s new ‘zone days’ to her clients, an operational change that allowed her to concentrate appointments in a specific area and cut down on travelling time.

Zebra PR also helped Rachael to plan and launch a new canine chiropractic clinic and, as a result of buying a new piece of equipment, a new service offering laser treatment that can aid the rehabilitation of both dogs and horses after injury.

The support Rachael has received has meant an increase in her profit margin and overall income. Because she now operates in a more time-efficient way, she also has the space to market and build her business.

Rachael said,

“Having the knowledge and expertise of Zebra PR to guide me through this process has been fantastic. I now understand how the launch process will work and feel I will be able to market this new piece of equipment far more effectively than if I had been going through the process on my own.

Signing up for Business Boost and working with the team at the Shropshire Growth Hub has had a real positive impact on my business.”

Emma Chapman, manager of the Shropshire Growth Hub said,

“Business Boost is one of our most popular and successful programmes. Over 150 businesses have engaged with us so far. It offers up to six hours of fully funded advice from a range of highly skilled advisors waiting to help Shropshire businesses make that next step towards growth and development.

We are also in the fortunate position of having capital funding available through the Small Capital Grant Scheme for Businesses. As in this case, a business can access both at the same time to make positive change happen.”

Mark Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth and regeneration, said,

“This is yet another example of the excellent support the Shropshire Growth Hub can offer. All programmes have been carefully designed to meet the needs of Shropshire businesses and it is great to see examples of businesses making full use of these amazing opportunities.”

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Business Boost 360 is a programme offered by the Shropshire Growth Hub.

Funded through UKSPF, Business Boost 360 provides 6 hours of fully funded support tailored to a business’s specific needs.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. Shropshire’s allocation was just under £15m. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

The Small Capital Grant Scheme for Businesses:  Capital grants from £2,000 to £10,000 are available for small and medium- sized businesses (1 – 49 employees) to purchase new equipment or make premises improvements that will create new jobs, or develop new products, processes or services. The next window for applications is due to open in September 2024. Please watch the press and social media for details Download the leaflet will full details or visit https://www.investinshropshire.co.uk/relocating-and-investing/uk-shared-prosperity-fund/