Compete Fairly In Business

The Competition and Markets' Authority have worked with the Federation of Small Businesses to develop a suite of at a glance materials to help smaller businesses understand more about anti-competitive activity so that they can identify when:

Suppliers may be colluding to charge higher prices
Competitors may be acting unfairly and illegally
Colleagues and staff in their business may be breaking the law

Our ‘Competing-fairly-in-business’ materials are made up of:

eight short films
two at a glance guides – a simple explanation of anti-competitive behaviours and a check-list, and
a ‘test yourself’ quiz
And here’s a link to the press release on these materials: http://bit.ly/Competing_Fairly_In_Business_PRESS

This subject is particularly pertinent to the West Midlands as our research has revealed knowledge of competition is relatively low in the region (as compared to the national average)

11% of businesses in the West Midlands have had senior level discussions about competition law (versus 19% nationally)

1% of business in the West Midlands have had training on competition law (versus 6% nationally)
43% of businesses in the West Midlands understood that agreeing prices in order to avoid losing money was illegal (versus 55% nationally)
39% of businesses in the West Midlands knew that price-fixing could lead to imprisonment (versus 53% nationally)

Date:

Thursday, 11 February, 2016 to Tuesday, 31 December, 2019

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,