Liverpool LEP’s Local Growth Hub helps SMEs create 850 jobs

The Liverpool Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) Local Growth Hub has helped more than 4,000 SMEs create 850 jobs, according to new figures.

Since its launch last year, the service has offered thousands of companies in the Liverpool City Region access to the support and guidance needed to unlock growth.

The Local Growth Hub is managed by the LEP and delivered through a network of regional brokers, including Liverpool Vision, Invest Sefton, Halton Borough Council, The Women’s Organisation and Chambers of Commerce for Knowsley, St Helens and the Wirral.

With a goal of increasing awareness of the private and public sector support available for entrepreneurs, SMEs and high-growth businesses, the network’s members have so far handled 6,000 individual business enquiries and carried out 2,136 business health checks.

The brokers have also referred more than 4,000 SMEs to a range of Local Growth Hub business support programmes, including New Markets 2, Manufacturing Growth Fund, Enterprise Hub and dozens more.

LEP boss Mark Basnett said: “From day one, the Local Growth Hub has provided a support network to businesses across the Liverpool City Region to support their long-term business growth.

“Our priority is and will continue to be to simplify and co-ordinate the landscape of support services, providing companies with a single point of access.”

He added: “Each of our regional brokers are dedicated to encouraging businesses to thrive by ensuring they have the knowledge and support to benefit from both commercial advice and the various funded and subsidised initiatives available.”

Speaking further, he said that ensuring businesses have the necessary financial, staff and skills support “will not only benefit the business community but ultimately the wider Liverpool City Region economy”.