A programme of support for Midlands businesses is to continue, bosses have said.
The Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) confirmed the Growth Hub would remain in place until December 2023.
There had been uncertainty after the Government announced in its Levelling Up White Paper earlier this year that local enterprise partnerships in England would integrate into local democratic institutions.
But at a Better Your Business event held at Birmingham City University last week, GBSLEP confirmed it will remain running the Growth Hub whilst the integration of wider functions is considered as part of ongoing engagement with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and local councils.
Anita Bhalla, GBSLEP’s interim chair said the need for support to remain in place was greater than ever.
“It has never been more important to ensure our businesses are supported with the rising cost of living, soaring energy prices and the effects of the EU exit and the ongoing Ukraine war,” Anita said.
“In this transition year as the LEP is integrated with other bodies, it’s important that businesses do not feel there is any disruption to the help and support they receive from the Growth Hub.
“We are continuing to work with the WMCA and Solihull and Birmingham local authorities to work out how future services will be delivered.”
To date, 5000 businesses have contacted GBSLEP Growth Hub since its formation to seek support, including access to finance and help with measures to decarbonise.
Geeta Salhan, Green Sisters co-founder, said: “I can’t stress enough how valuable the GBSLEP Growth Hub has been to growing our business over the last five years.
“From my initial conversation, I received really important advice on how I could access finance and support packages which I didn’t even know existed.”
