Wigan Council’s Business Engagement Team helps 500 firms in 12 months

A Wigan Council team set up in 2014 to support enterprises in the area is celebrating a ‘successful’ opening year.

The council’s four-strong Business Engagement Team has managed to help over 500 firms in its first year of operation, which includes support with staff, funding, training courses, apprenticeships, events, networking, digital and exporting.

The team was launched to help the economy of the Wigan area grow by offering support to local businesses. Gina Yates, Janis Maleedy,Wendy Coyle and Emma Gaster, who make up the team, also work with the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub (BGH) to increase the breadth of their support.

Councillor David Molyneux, the cabinet member for regeneration, said: “At Wigan Council we are 100% committed to growing our local economy and assisting businesses on their way to success.

“The Business Engagement Team was formed to offer a free and independent service and help businesses access the support that is available to them. It’s great to see they have been so successful in their first year and engaged with a wide range of businesses.

He added: “The help the team provides can be absolutely crucial in helping a business gain success and I would urge businesses to get in touch if they require any advice or support.”

The Business Engagement Team is part of Wigan Works, the strategy that the council launched earlier this year with the aim creating new jobs, stimulating investment, improving infrastructure and drawing skills to the borough, potentially increasing its influence within the economy of the North.

Richard Jeffery, the director of business growth at the BGH in Manchester, said: “The joint work we have done with Wigan has really shown how joining up our approach is benefiting businesses, by making it simpler for them to find the range of services they need to grow.”