As Emma Chapman retires, Ruth Westwood steps in to lead the next chapter of the Shropshire Growth Hub

In 2026, the Shropshire Growth Hub will enter a new phase as Emma Chapman, its manager for the past seven years, retires. Emma, alongside Anna Sadler, has been at the heart of supporting local businesses in Shropshire, helping the Hub grow into a trusted resource for entrepreneurs and enterprises across the county.

Since its launch, the Growth Hub has delivered nearly 19,000 business interventions, supported more than 1,200 start-ups, and helped businesses secure funding, adopt new technology, and develop skilled workforces.

Since 2018, it has invested £1,437,901 of funding provided by government into Shropshire’s business community, providing grants, 1-2-1 support sessions, advice and guidance, workshops, training, webinars and conferences.

In 2024 alone, the Hub assisted 1,420 businesses, launched 195 new ventures, and hosted 123 events for over 2,500 delegates.

Emma Chapman said:
“Leading the Growth Hub has been an incredible experience. I’ve worked with so many inspiring business owners and advisors and seen first-hand how the Hub makes a real difference. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Ruth Westwood

Ruth Westwood (right) takes over as Growth Hub Manager in January 2026. Ruth joined Invest in Shropshire in 2022 with a focus on supporting large companies. Prior to that she led business growth projects across the West Midlands. Ruth now looks forward to working with Anna to support Shropshire’s wider business community and to furthering the Shropshire Growth Hub’s mission.

Ruth said:
“I’m excited to build on the strong foundations Emma and Anna have created. The Growth Hub is here to help businesses in Shropshire start, grow and thrive and I can’t wait to continue that work.”

Ruth Martin, Director of Martin & Jones Marketing, benefitted initially from support from the Growth Hub and is now a business advisor and an advocate for the help it provides. She said:

“Emma Chapman was the first person I met as I started our entrepreneurial journey. I can honestly say we wouldn’t have become the growing business we are without her and the Shropshire Growth Hub’s support and guidance over the last seven years.”

The Hub’s programmes and services rely on external funding from government contracts and grants, ensuring businesses continue to access vital support.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“The Growth Hub is instrumental in driving economic growth and resilience in Shropshire. Emma’s dedication has left a lasting legacy, and we remain committed to supporting our Shropshire businesses in their efforts to innovate and achieve success.”

For more information about the Shropshire Growth Hub and its services, visit Shropshire Growth Hub – Invest in Shropshire

Notes to Editors

Part of Invest in Shropshire at Shropshire Council, the Shropshire Growth Hub provides information and support for businesses in the Shropshire Local Authority area.

The Growth Hub runs an extensive yearly calendar of free events and webinars and offers advice on grants, loans, and assistance for companies of any size or sector, from start-ups to established enterprises.

The main contracts funding the work of the Shropshire Growth hub are:

• Marches Growth Hub (MGH) core funding through the Department for Business and Trade.
• UK Shared Prosperity Fund