A new business hub is offering a fully funded programme of support focusing on preparing local companies for the problems they may face following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Delivered through the University of Wolverhampton in Stafford, the Stafford Business Hub programme is providing over £500 worth of support for business start-ups, re-launches or up scales through a structured and dedicated service based in Stafford.
The project is funded through Stafford Borough Council’s Economic Growth programme and is available for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) of Stafford Borough to support their business growth plan.
UwiS Centre Co-ordinator, Trevor Humphreys, said: “In addition to giving access to a wide range of training courses and qualifications which we provide at the Centre, Stafford Business Hub provides businesses with expert support to identify ways in upscaling their business or setting up a new venture.
“The free training will pinpoint ways in which they can facilitate their growth plans as well as improving their ability to adapt to the evolving business environment in Stafford Borough.”
The full programme is based on attendance at four key phases and the business must be based within Stafford Borough.
Phase 1 focuses on starting or growing a business and is designed for those responsible for growth or business development. It will focus on the basic principles of running a small business with basic marketing techniques, opportunities and pitfalls as well as business planning.
The second phase of the programme is a 2-day more intensive look at the skills needed for start-ups and up-scaling, including in depth marketing of the business, networking and pitching to clients.
Stafford Business Hub will also provide individual 1:1 support to help plan business development and growth.
Councillor Frances Beatty, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning at Stafford Borough Council, said: “The Stafford Business Hub will complement the range of successful skills development programmes we already have up and running within the Borough.
“Our strong partnership with the University of Wolverhampton in Stafford is built on a shared ambition to deliver our strategy for growth.”
Delivered by the University of Wolverhampton in Stafford, through local providers, the training is for business operating in Stafford Borough.
The business programme will play an important role in supporting Tourism and Leisure businesses who have been most affected by the recent pandemic.
The courses are designed to support those who sell their services directly to the consumer, advising on planning ahead, cash flow, marketing support and digital development.