Businesses across Greater Essex will once again benefit from free and impartial business advice and access to national and local business support services, thanks to the relaunch of the Business Essex, Southend and Thurrock (BEST) Growth Hub.
The service delivery contract has been awarded to Colbea, who have a proven track record in supporting local businesses.
The BEST Growth Hub had temporarily closed its doors on April 1, 2023. However, with the successful collaboration between Essex County Council and the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, the Growth Hub will resume its vital role in assisting businesses throughout the Greater Essex economic area.
Growth Hubs are established business support services provided by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) and funded by Government. They offer invaluable resources such as free and impartial signposting, information, and advice to local businesses. These services play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of business support.
The BEST Growth Hub will engage and enable support for businesses across the economic area, encompassing Essex County Council, Southend Unitary Authority, and Thurrock Unitary Authority. From July 2023 to March 2024, businesses will have access to a range of services aimed at supporting growth and success and will help local businesses facing the current cost-of-living challenges.
Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Planning a Growing Economy said “Supporting local businesses and providing them with the necessary tools and guidance is paramount to fostering economic growth. Business support is a key component to help increase productivity, harness innovation and ensuring good jobs for our residents. I am therefore delighted that local business will continue to receive free impartial business advice and help to access national and local business support services, with the awarding of the service delivery contract to Colbea.”
For more information about the BEST Growth Hub and the services offered, please go here: https://southeastbusiness.org.uk/essex-southend-thurrock/
Craig Baston, Colbea’s Operations & Partnerships Manager said, “The BEST Growth Hub has provided a great source of information, advice and guidance for businesses across region for many years. Colbea are pleased to be continuing this vital service to offer free support, helping businesses overcome recent economic headwinds and make the most of growth opportunities.”
Adam Bryan, South East LEP Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to see the BEST Growth Hub reopen. BEST is well known as a reputable, impartial source for free advice, guidance and support which at this time is so important for local businesses and those looking to innovate, expand, diversify and grow their operations. Colbea have great connections and networks within the area and we look forward to working with them to deliver this service over the coming months.”
Contact BEST by calling 03330 348998 or emailing info@bestgrowthhub.org.uk
Click here to visit the website.