New business support service
Businesses across Blaby District now have access to a new, funded, business support programme, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service.
The free support, from expert consultants Exemplas, will include everything from start-up workshops to accelerator programmes. One-to-one advice and more will be available to help businesses at all stages of their journey.
Blaby District businesses will be able to access face-to-face appointments with advisors as well as a range of training workshops across Leicestershire. For more details visit: Leicestershire Business Advice Service
The service is a partnership between the seven District Councils in Leicestershire: Blaby District Council, Harborough District Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Melton Borough Council and Charnwood Borough Council.
Each authority has funded the project through their allocation of the UK Shared Prosperity Funding. This project has received £83,478 from Blaby District Council.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: "We are well aware that businesses of all sizes continue to face challenges, so this new, extra support for firms in our District is most welcome. The provision of more local-based support will give people the information, skills and connections to start up, protect and grow their enterprises. Thriving local businesses are essential to the continued growth and prosperity of our District."
Service provider Exemplas are experienced in delivering business support programmes that help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop. The wider benefits encourage communities to thrive and local economies grow.
Martin Coats, Operations and Commercial Development Director at Exemplas, said: "We are pleased to bring our expertise and proven experience in economic support and development to deliver this much-needed service. We’re excited to introduce a team of advisers who not only have experience in starting and running successful businesses but also know the county well and will help businesses flourish."
This support replaces previous EU funded programmes which have now ended. The Leicestershire Business Advice Service will run until March 2025.
Notes to editors:
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda. It will provide £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK. It will invest in communities and place, supporting local business and people and skills. For more information visit: Shared Prosperity Fund
Councillor Terry Richardson
Leader of the Council