Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub celebrates milestone anniversary

A leading business support organisation which is celebrating its tenth anniversary is continuing to support hundreds of companies annually in Coventry and Warwickshire.

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub was set up in 2014 to provide independent business-led support to companies ranging from sole traders to global giants.

Following the closure of Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership last March, Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub became a stand-alone organisation.

Its sought-after services have remained unchanged with around 859 businesses receiving advice and information from its highly-experienced account managers over the last 12 months.

Over the last decade, Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has created around 11,000 jobs, added £400 million in gross value to the local economy, and leveraged about £300 million in private sector investment for businesses with the funding support, help and information it has provided to firms across the sub-region.

Annual performance data and firm level data has shown that Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub has an average of 22 per cent engagement – almost triple the average of other Growth Hubs in England.

To mark its major ten-year milestone, a celebration event took place at its office in Puma Way in Coventry.

Alicia Law, Growth Hub Lead from the Department for Business and Trade, along with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Board Members, Les Ratcliffe, Brian Colquhoun and Mark Ryder, attended the celebrations.

Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said the organisation has helped to boost the area’s economy over the last decade.

“This is an important moment in our history because over the last ten years, we’ve helped over 10,000 businesses with expert advice to increase their turnover, access finance, or recruit more staff,” he said.

“We are proud of the part the Growth Hub has played in the expansion of businesses in a wide variety of sectors since we were established in 2014.

“As part of our celebrations, over the last year we have re-visited a number of companies who have received our support over the last decade from all corners of Coventry and Warwickshire and it has been fantastic to see first-hand the difference we have made to their growth.

“We have also grown to become one of the most successful Growth Hubs in England and we remain committed to helping Coventry and Warwickshire businesses by providing high-quality business support and advice.”

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is supported by funders including Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and Warwickshire’s District and Borough Councils.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change said: “The Growth Hub has done some great work over the last ten years – supporting local Coventry businesses to protect existing jobs and create new jobs.

“We have got some fantastic local businesses and often all that’s needed is a little bit of support with funding or expertise and that’s what the team at the growth hub delivers. I wish them well for the future.”

Councillor Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council said: “This is a hugely significant milestone for the Growth Hub, ten years of supporting businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire is a fantastic achievement and one to be proud of.

“Through its work the Growth Hub has boosted the regional economy supporting thousands of people into employment. It provides a highly valuable ‘front door’ for businesses to access and navigate the vast range of business support opportunities that are available to them.”

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is part of the CW Growth Hub Group which includes CW Champions and C&W Business Solutions.

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Client testimonials

Without the Growth Hubs help and assistance, we would never have been able to increase our sales & output and also grow our local business. With this help in purchasing new equipment we have expanded our operations and gained a new and increased customer base.

Nuneaton Roof Truss,

Over the past few years, Armstrongs has built up a fantastic relationship with Gary Thyeson from the Growth Hub. His advice on grants and funding has been really valuable to both Armstrongs and some of our clients. His knowledge of local business support has been helpful in signposting us to relevant support agencies as required. We look forward to working with Laura Delahunty moving forwards.

Armstrongs Accountancy LTD,

In the short time since first engaging with the Warwickshire Growth Hub we feel that Laura has understood our vision and has been so very supportive in linking us to the specialist teams who are now supporting us with training, finance and recruitment. A great service that every growing organisation should connect with

MES Systems Limited,

I have had an excellent experience working with Laura from the Growth Hub, from day one, she was taking detailed attention to my concerns and ideas. She was able to put me in contact with different organisations and people to find out answers to my questions and help me to solve some inquiries I was having. I feel this support definitely had a positive impact in my plans.

PALACIOS LTD,

It’s been a fantastic inaugural eight months for the TalentTech Recruitment team and, although the reality of setting up and running a company can be a somewhat daunting experience, we have been extremely grateful for the superb help, advice and guidance given to us along our journey by Gavin Barnett and the team at CW Growth Hub. Gavin’s introductions to both Warwick & Coventry Universities and his wider business network have been absolutely invaluable.

TalentTech Recruitment LTD,

For many individuals out there, it is very hard to figure out ways and know which direction to go when it comes to setting up a business. The challenges of taking your idea and bringing it to life and not knowing where to go and who to speak to for advice. it can get very frustrating..

King of Saffron LTD,

This grant [which we received with the help of the Growth Hub and Coventry City Council] will really help us get on track for business growth and succeed with our vision. Personally, I would also like to thank the team for supporting me through the grant application process. You have been very approachable and attentive throughout.

Exeter Analytical (UK) Limited,

Thank you for the comprehensive and professional guidance

Burbidge & Son Ltd,

Over the years since the Growth Hub was set up we have habitually gone to our Account Manager as a one-stop shop for all business-related information. It has been a really convenient way of finding suppliers, advisors and, on one occasion, we even asked for assistance with finding customers. We are invited to a wide range of business events including business development workshops, Brexit roundtable discussions, seminars on various topics and have also been asked to speak at some events. When we have needed additional information, for example, finding finance sources or help with selecti

Marchantcain Design Limited,

Thanks to CW Growth hub getting us access to grant funding we have been able to invest in the latest computer monitoring system, which will enable us to compete with the national companies within our industry.

Comrie Leisure Limited,