GROWING a business can include anything from taking on your first employee to moving into bigger premises or developing your customer base, and in today’s competitive world businesses need to be able to keep pace with their peers. But how do smaller businesses make it happen?
Some businesses are reluctant to take those first steps towards growth because they feel hampered by skills gaps or financial constraints. Others are taken by surprise and are not ready to deal with rapid growth. Sadly, both types of business often put themselves at risk of being left behind by more agile competitors.
The Ready2Grow project offers to eligible Northamptonshire businesses and individuals a variety of workshops which can help them overcome some of the skills gaps and financial constraints which can hold them back from growing and being more innovative. Our workshops cover a variety of subjects and are designed to fill gaps in a business owner’s knowledge, helping them to develop their skills and grow their businesses. These workshops not only provide relevant up-to-date knowledge and information, but they are also an excellent networking opportunity. Each workshop is typically attended by up to 20 businesses, usually all at a similar stage of development. In many of these workshops it has been the case that positive business relationships have been established between clients who attended, resulting in effective collaboration and mutually beneficial outcomes.
The project also offers access to experienced business advisers for one-to-one support, information, advice and guidance as well as a range of business support services including workshops and events.
A summary of the workshops offered as part of the current business support project Ready2Grow can be found below.
Ready2Grow – Established businesses
* Developing a sustainable organisation
* Developing new markets and new customers
* Building a team for success
* Funding for business growth
The Ready2Grow is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered by Northamptonshire Growth Hub – a partnership between The University of Northampton and Northamptonshire County Council, providing comprehensive and unbiased support for your new or growing business.
The Growth Hub regularly organises networking events and other support workshops, webinars, and forums open to all businesses in the county of Northamptonshire and each of which is advertised on our website www.northamptonshiregrowthhub.co.uk.
The website is also an excellent source of information to help business owners explore the range of support options that are currently available and in addition, our business advisers are also available to provide further information, advice and guidance.
To find out more about the workshops and what other support is available for your business through Ready2Grow call 01604 212696 or email