The Growth Hub is the business support arm of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP). In addition to utilising an external social and economic research agency to survey its clients to gauge year on year progress, the Growth Hub also produces its own internal Impact Report based on the work carried out in the financial year.
The latest report highlights that between March 2021 and March 2022, 233 businesses each received a minimum of 12 hours support from the Growth Hub, with a further 921 businesses making use of 1-12 hours support and another 1248 businesses using the service for up to an hour each.
Rob Creer, Growth Hub Manager commented: “Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub continues to play a crucial frontline role, providing information, advice, guidance, brokerage and direct support to businesses across multiple and sometimes complex issues.”
Advice provided included:
Starting and growing a business
Understanding and accessing finance
Digital capability
Skills support
Innovation and technology
Marketing and sales
Tax and compliance
Sustainable business activities
Strategy
New product development
UK’s exit from the European Union
Coronavirus advice
Business help and support has been delivered in both digital/virtual and physical environments, combining one-to-one sessions, webinars and workshops. When necessary, specialist support is carried out in partnership with carefully chosen organisations. Areas covered throughout the year included carbon emissions reduction, data solutions, cyber security and health and well-being – specifically relating to managing change.
The team at the Growth Hub also supported 35 business with tailored sessions within the Peer Networks programme. Cohorts included specific business sectors or areas such as manufacturing, professional services and women in business. Each cohort received 18 hours of free intense business support delivered over a two-to three-month period as one-to-one support with a dedicated mentor as well as group work.
The Growth Hub supports organisations from all sectors, of all sizes and at differing stages of development. The Report includes a variety of case studies to highlight this, including the support provided to luxury, sustainable tennis apparel brand for women, Exeat, and community hub, Wylye Coyotes.
In addition to the Business Navigators, the Skills and Enterprise Advisers provide help and guidance on all skill-based activities, including apprenticeships. As one of the government’s Kickstart Gateway providers, the team also assisted employers to give 111 young people a six-month work placement via the programme.
During the year, the Growth Hub’s interventions contributed to the safeguarding of 149 jobs and £8.4m gross value added.
As government funding for the coming year has reduced by 50%, to enhance the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub offer, protect its longevity and become less reliant on government funding, 2022/23 will see the launch of Growth Hub Plus. Alongside its funded assistance (provided free to businesses) this sub-brand will provide additional support aimed at intermediate and advance level interventions for businesses with development and growth aspirations. This additional Growth Hub Plus support will be chargeable and delivered at exceptional value.
Chris Stevens, Head of Business Support for the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership said: “I am immensely proud of the work conducted by the entire Growth Hub team. We adapt the support provided to the specific needs of businesses and have also focussed on key areas such as funding, skills, the green agenda, digital and cyber. The introduction of Growth Hub Plus will enhance this offering as we move forward.”
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