Warwickshire business support scheme to be extended and expanded

University of Warwick Science Park is set to extend and expand Warwickshire’s Business Ready support scheme after a contract award by the county council.

The scheme, which helps innovative companies access finance and mentoring, contributed to the creation of more than £19 million in value and 175 jobs for the county’s businesses between 2016 and 2023.

Participants are offered free, tailored advice from mentors as well as the opportunity to access dedicated business workshops.

The Business Ready team has grown over the years to encompass around 40 advisors, with high demand from the marketing, tech and ecommerce sectors.

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Moving forward, the scheme will be delivered by University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of the county council and Warwickshire’s five district and borough councils.

Cllr Martin Watson, portfolio holder for economy at Warwickshire County Council, said: “We’re 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, programme manager, added: “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’s rare to find a business support scheme like Business Ready which 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 receives funding from the UK government and is designed to engage with over 2,000 businesses – more than 500 of which will receive intensive, bespoke support.

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