The programme will play a major role in strengthening small and medium-sized businesses across Warwickshire.
A leading business support scheme that helps innovative businesses across Nuneaton and Bedworth and the county access finance, mentoring, and more is set to continue after the University of Warwick Science Park tendered successfully to extend and expand the programme.
Business Ready forms part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme, which is designed to engage with over 2,000 businesses, of which more than 500 will receive intensive, bespoke support.
The programme will play a major role in strengthening small and medium-sized businesses across Warwickshire in the short to medium term and has already helped create more than £19 million in value and 175 jobs for businesses across Nuneaton and Bedworth and the county between 2016 and 2023.
High-growth, innovative businesses in need of support will be referred to Business Ready through the programme, and will be provided with free, tailored advice, including access to sector-specific expertise, specialist mentors, advice around finance or grant funding, and dedicated business workshops.
The team of advisers at Business Ready has great expertise across most business disciplines.
They have recently recruited and added to their resources to meet the needs of those areas where demand is greatest, particularly around marketing, tech, and e-commerce.
The extended team of around 40 advisors can deliver informed, bespoke support to the businesses they work with.
Cllr Kris Wilson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration, said:
“As a council that is committed to growing its local economy and supporting businesses to ensure they achieve their true potential, I very much welcome the continuation of the Business Ready programme.
“The tailored support and expertise that the Business Ready advisers provide is second to none.
“The scheme has already had a huge impact across the county, and I look forward to seeing even more businesses benefit from this fantastic programme.”
Cllr Martin Watson, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Warwickshire County Council, added:
“We are delighted to be able to continue with the Business Ready programme and to expand its successful delivery model across the county.
“Many local businesses have benefited massively from the help provided by Business Ready advisers.
“This has led to growth and new jobs, helping to grow the regional economy, particularly in sectors that are crucial to our future, which has a positive knock-on effect for everyone.”
Ian McFarlane-Toms, Business Ready Programme Manager, said:
“It’s great news that Business Ready, which achieved so much success over the last eight years, is being brought back as part of the Business Growth Warwickshire Programme.
“It is rare to find a business support scheme like Business Ready that offers longer-term, fully-funded, tailored advice to individual businesses.
“We’re really looking forward to helping more forward-thinking Warwickshire businesses take the next step in their growth once again, and we’re confident we can bring similar levels of success to those that come through the scheme.”
The programme is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council, Stratford-on-Avon District Council, and Warwick District Council and is delivered on their behalf.
Find out what other support is available to your business by calling Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub on 0300 060 3747.