Growth Hub helps to create around 11,000 jobs in C&W in a decade

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A leading business support organisation in Coventry and Warwickshire has helped to create around 11,000 jobs since its inception a decade ago.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year and demonstrates its impact to date in the sub-region in the current SmartRegion report.

Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub offers independent advice, guidance, and ongoing support at no charge to businesses in the region and since the closure of CWLEP last March, it has become a stand-alone organisation with two shareholders, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council.

The SmartRegion report contains findings from research and engagements contributed by the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council, and other local and national business support organisations.

Over the last ten years, CW Growth Hub has built and sustained strong working partnerships with local partners including Local Authorities, Universities and Catapult Centres to ensure businesses have been able to access support and programmes that best suit their individual needs. This has added £410 million in gross value to the local economy and leveraged around £315 million in private sector investment for business in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The overview of the Growth Hub, its activities, and some of the outcomes from the last ten years in the report also highlights how the local economy has changed over that time.

Over the last ten years, Coventry and Warwickshire saw an increase in the employment rate and a decrease in the unemployment rate for the working age population. And the total number of businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire has increased from 31,590 to 37,345.

The percentage of people with no qualifications is lower for Coventry and Warwickshire (6.2%) compared to the West Midlands (7.3%) and Great Britain (6.5%).

The sub-region also has a higher qualifications percentage (49%) compared to the West Midlands (42.5%) and Great Britain (47.3%).

Phil Peak, Deputy Chief Executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said the organisation has helped over 10,000 businesses in the last decade.

“We have supported tens of thousands more through our work as Cluster Lead for the West Midlands Growth Hubs, but there are still many more businesses to reach, as well as taking businesses that we have already helped to the next stage of their growth,” he said.

“We also have new shareholders following CWLEP’s closure which is testament to all the work that we have done over the last ten years, and becoming embedded into Coventry and Warwickshire’s business community.”

Craig Humphrey, Chief Executive at Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub, said they have consistently been recognised nationally as one of the leading Growth Hubs in the UK.

He said: “It is now 10 years since the Growth Hub was established and as we celebrate our milestone anniversary, it is worthwhile reflecting upon our journey so far.

“Run by business for business, we are continually learning about what is, and what is not, working in terms of supporting businesses with their most challenging needs.

“It is recognised that engaging businesses with support is difficult, and we know that businesses often prefer to take advice from trusted sources and at trigger points when faced with challenges.

“The Growth Hub has become a trusted and invaluable resource for the business community of Coventry and Warwickshire, and my thanks goes to all of the partners that have supported us, and to everyone that has played a part so far.”

 

 

Made Smarter WM

Made Smarter is a national movement to drive growth amongst UK makers and advance the UK economy. Backed by world renowned businesses and the UK government, it will improve the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Making a real, everyday difference to people from the boardroom to the factory floor.

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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,

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Part of the Government-supported growth hub network