Growth Hub opens in Stroud to support local businesses

Stroud and the surrounding areas have a proud tradition of producing successful business start-ups and displaying entrepreneurial spirit.

But with the uncertainty of Brexit and difficulties many traditional businesses face on the high street, the need for a trusted and knowledgeable support hub is crucial to help move things forward within the region.

Now Gloucestershire Local Enterprise Partnership has opened a Growth Hub in Stroud.

Well placed geographically, the site of the new Growth Hub, which has opened thanks to£494,340 of GFirst LEP and European Regional Development funding, is in an easily accessible location within a modern and attractive environment.

The new Growth Hub aims to support employers and businesses by helping  to do this offering a local, shared working environment that reduces the strain on local transport infrastructure and encourages the use of shared resources.

It will also deliver support that meets the specific needs of the local district business environment that is sector specific, responding to known and emerging needs and support skills development.

Sara-Jane Watkins, Principal of SGS College, said: “SGS College is a huge supporter of the Growth Hub Network and we are delighted to be able to further support developing and growing local businesses within the Stroud area and enabling innovators to achieve their ambitions and make their great ideas become reality.  As a College, we already work with over 2000 employers annually through apprenticeships, work placements and commercial training, and our new Growth Hub facility is an extension of our already excellent and expert team of employer advisers who are focused on supporting businesses to achieve their full potential.”

David Owen, CEO GFirst LEP said “We are delighted to see the Stroud Growth Hub open its doors to businesses and start to deliver outstanding business support.  This launch is a real testament to the collaboration, shared vision and dedication to delivering the very best level of business support to every Gloucestershire business that needs it.”