Tewkesbury Borough Council has opened a new space where local companies can work, meet and get access to important resources in a supportive environment.
The local authority claims its new Growth Hub, which is based in the council’s Public Services Centre, is the first of its kind in the country and offers unrivalled support, including important regulatory, planning and environmental health advice.
The space includes three incubator units and the tenants benefit from access to a wide range of support services.
There is also the opportunity for businesses to use the corporate meeting room suite for events, seminars or training. The rooms have all been upgraded, so they are business ready with updated IT equipment.
A full business navigator service is provided along with a range of workshops and training events, bringing these services out into the local Tewkesbury area.
It also forms part of the Gloucestershire Growth Hub network, supporting local enterprises to achieve their potential, expand and create jobs.
‘The Tewkesbury Growth Hub is a major boost for local businesses of all types and sizes, and I encourage everyone to make full use of the help, advice, resources and facilities available,’ said council leader, Cllr Rob Bird.
“It fulfils two key council objectives: practical support for business growth and prosperity and the one-stop customer service experience, by co-coordinating our services to businesses through one contact point.
‘This is the first Growth Hub in the UK hosted by a local council, illustrating our driving ambition to help businesses grow successfully, which creates prosperity for a thriving community,’ added Cllr Bird.
The launch of the new facility has also been welcomed by local government minister Jake Berry, who said: ‘The latest addition to the Gloucestershire Growth Hub network in Tewkesbury, backed by £465,000 from the Local Growth Fund, will deliver jobs and boost productivity for local businesses.
‘It’s great to see the network expanding right across Gloucestershire, part of a £9.4m investment in Growth Hubs across the county.’