Growth Hubs are the core of West Midlands business support during Coronavirus outbreak
May 4, 2020
Over 13,000 businesses in the West Midlands have been supported in the Covid-19 pandemic by Growth Hubs in the region. Companies ranging from sole traders to multi-nationals in a range of industries have been in touch with their local Growth Hubs throughout the West Midlands cluster.
The figures show that during the 6 week Coronavirus lockdown period, a staggering 3,653 businesses have contacted Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub so far. This is followed by 2,581 in Coventry and Warwickshire, 2,050 in Worcestershire, 1,891 in Greater Birmingham & Solihull, 1,428 businesses in the Black Country and 3,163 for the first 4 weeks of lockdown.
Businesses in sectors from manufacturing and professional services, to retail, arts, leisure and culture have been asking for information ranging on topics from cash flow to supply chain issues.
Nicola Kent, Manager of the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub said, “This has been an extremely busy period and the number of calls and emails responded to demonstrates our commitment to supporting businesses through this incredibly difficult time. The Growth Hub Advisors are working tirelessly to help local businesses and the Staffordshire Business Helpline continues to be the ‘first stop shop’ for any business enquiry”
Craig Humphrey, the managing director of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, added, “There has never been as much demand for the services of each Growth Hub in the West Midlands, which underlines their value to the business community and the economy.”
“Every Growth Hub in the West Midlands – just like the others in England – is focused on helping their local businesses survive these challenging circumstances.”
“The surveys we have carried out have highlighted the concerns and needs of businesses which all the West Midlands Growth Hubs have passed on to the Government to help form future policy and shape the support that is being offered.
Nicola added “We continue to work directly with Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and collaborate with Regional Growth Hubs, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Local Authorities to ensure that the support we are able to offer businesses is relevant, up-to-date and comprehensive.”
Any business in the Staffordshire area is encouraged to contact Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email businessenquiries@stokestaffslep.org.uk
