Due to increasing costs, businesses in Manchester facing these challenges can access high quality support from the new #HereForBusiness campaign.
GC Business Growth Hub has launched this new support package to help local businesses to manage the increasing cost of doing business, together with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), local authorities and business representative organisations.
With a dedicated advisor on the ground in Manchester, the support can be tailored to local challenges and opportunities.
A number of drop-in sessions are being held for Manchester businesses to find out more about the support on offer. The next three sessions are taking place on:
- Wednesday, 18th January, from 10am to 12pm, at Clockwise, Linley House, Dickinson St, Manchester, M1 4LF
- Thursday, 19th January, from 10am to 12pm, at Lloyds Bank business lounge, 42-46 Market St, Manchester, M1 1PW
- Thursday, 26th January, from 2pm to 4pm, at Hotel Brooklyn, Portland St, Manchester, M1 3HP
Contact a #HereForBusiness advisor on 0161 237 4128, email hereforbusiness@growthco.uk for more information or to book a 1-2-1 session.
Or visit the dedicated website https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/here-for-business that has been launched for the campaign which includes useful information and advice on what support is available, blogs and case studies. You can check the website for updates to the programme.
Support being offered by #HereForBusiness includes:
- A series of webinars and Strive & Thrive workshops which will help companies develop a plan to respond to the current economic situation, focusing on areas such as energy management, financial planning, and people and cost management. A library of previous webinars is available to view on the website.
- The next Strive & Thrive workshop in Manchester takes place on 7th March, between 5.30pm and 7pm, focusing on financial resilience and aimed at businesses that provide everyday essential services, such as food retail, care sector, health and beauty and retail. Keep an eye on the website for location details.
- One to one support from advisors, supporting businesses with practical solutions to the immediate challenges businesses are facing, along with longer-term planning, bespoke to their sector.
- Access to Finance, which works with businesses to understand their costs, their cashflow and their income patterns with the aim of helping business owners understand where efficiencies can be made, where costs can be reduced and enabling the finance cycle to work in the best way for the business.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester’s businesses have already shown so much resilience through the challenges of recent years, but the difficulties we are all facing this winter with energy bills and other increasing costs can seem overwhelming. That is why it is so important that there are schemes like #HereForBusiness to signpost the right support.
“If you have any concerns about the immediate future, whether it is with regards to paying bills, achieving growth, reducing costs or improving productivity, there are high quality resources available right on your doorstep for you. Now is the best time to start to take advantage of what’s out there.”
Lou Cordwell, Chair of the Greater Manchester Business Board, said: “During difficult times, businesses in Greater Manchester have always pulled together and supported each other. The cost-of-living crisis is exactly the kind of situation where that collective support is so crucial. The help provided through the #HereForBusiness campaign could be the difference between a long, hard winter and being able to plan for growth. Business leaders in Manchester should get in touch today to see what resources they can access.”
Janine Smith, Director of the GC Business Growth Hub, said: “As we head towards winter, rising energy bills and supply chain prices are causing real challenges for businesses here in Manchester and around the country. But support is available and it’s crucial to act sooner rather than later to start to access this help rather than wait until the new year when the situation could be even more difficult.
“#HereForBusiness has resources and tailored support available for businesses, whatever they are facing right now, whether it’s focusing on getting through this current crisis or planning for how to keep their growth plans on track with an uncertain landscape ahead of them. It’s available in various formats to suit your needs and availability and the local expertise to make a real difference.”
Visit the digital hub today – businessgrowthhub.com/here-for-business – to find out more about the support that’s available for Manchester businesses.
Businesses looking to access specialist support can visit www.businessgrowthhub.com for more information about the organisation’s extensive range of services.
