Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub CEO, Craig Humphrey, reflects on Labour’s first party conference since their return to power

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub CEO, Craig Humphrey, and deputy CEO, Phil Peak, attended the Labour party’s annual conference in Liverpool at the end of September. In Craig’s latest blog, he reflects on the party’s first conference since their return to power after a 14-year hiatus and his thoughts on the importance of their focus on facilitating consistent, stable, business support.

Our main reason for attending the Labour party’s annual conference for the first time was to showcase our new national prospectus, written on behalf of the Growth Hub Network.

This document highlights the vital role the 41 Growth Hubs in England play in supporting growth and increasing productivity by developing locally delivered business support using our collective experience. I believe our network can help Labour succeed in their objectives to create a strong economy.

The conference was a great opportunity to meet with influential people who represent business groups within the Labour party, such as SME4Labour lobby group, which is very well connected.

I gave a copy of the Growth Hub report to their Co-Chair, Ibrahim Dogus, and we are meeting in London to continue our discussions on how Growth Hubs support growth.

With the long-term future of Growth Hubs still in the balance, we want to meet people at the highest level of Government to personally connect and highlight the crucial work we do in our regional business communities.

There have already been some positive messages from Jonathan Reynolds, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, who indicated he wants Growth Hubs to continue but it’s vital we continue to push this whenever and wherever possible.

I also had chance to chat to Rugby MP, John Slinger, to congratulate him on his success in the General Election. He was already aware of our work having met our account manager for Rugby, Adam Plumb, and our finance specialist, Jon Bass.

We have also arranged a follow-up meeting because, as a non-political organisation, it is important we are in regular contact with all our MPs in Coventry and Warwickshire so we can be one of the drivers for growth that our area needs.

We attended a host of fringe events and another person I enjoyed meeting was the actor Toby Jones, who was so brilliant in the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. I congratulated him on a strong piece of work which has played such a crucial role in helping post masters and mistresses over-turn the miscarriage of justice.

Phil and I also attended events hosted by Britain’s leading think tank Reform, and Centre for Cities in conversation with Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to make the most of the broad range of events that were held.

One of the messages that came through loud and clear was the importance of Labour introducing an Industrial Strategy, which can underpin growth, and it was a topic that could be heard being discussed around the exhibition halls and within fringe events.

This strategy will be vital in securing long-term, sustainable economic growth – and our Growth Hubs need to be at the heart of that.

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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,