Somerset Council has launched a new Growth Hub to help local businesses access fully funded, impartial support and signposting to specialist advice.
The Hub provides a central point of contact for businesses looking for guidance, programmes, networks and events.
Funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, the Growth Hub supports businesses of all sizes and sectors, working in partnership with the government’s Business Growth Service.
Through tailored one-to-one support, the Hub helps businesses identify opportunities, overcome challenges and develop an action plan to help them grow. It can also provide direct access to specialists and programmes, including mentoring and innovation.
A further benefit includes navigating the wide range of support that’s available to respond to business needs, including developing skills, adopting digital technologies, exploring new markets and products, reducing costs and working towards net zero.
Businesses can also receive guidance on accessing finance and identifying external funding opportunities where available.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets said:
Somerset’s businesses are central to our local economy, and we want to make it easier for them to access the right support. The Growth Hub offers fully funded, impartial guidance rooted in local knowledge, with tailored support and signposting to specialist providers.
By bringing this support together in one place, we can help businesses save time, strengthen productivity and resilience, build valuable connections and develop a clear plan for long-term growth and success.
More programmes are being developed in response to current business needs and emerging trends. Businesses are encouraged to sign up to the newsletter and check the Somerset Growth Hub website regularly, where details will be added as these become available.
To find out more and access support, businesses can visit the Somerset Growth Hub website and contact the team.
