Three new Business, Innovation and Growth (BIG) Hubs are being set up across the county to provide a boost for small local firms.
The sites will be in the HQ Building in Chester, Theatre Porto in Ellesmere Port and Meridian House in Winsford.
These will receive delivery of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Business Support Programme (UKSPF), whose Year 3 schedule launched officially in May 2024. It aims to finalise all projects by March 2025.
Its core focus is on supporting growing businesses with innovation and opportunities to progress towards Net Zero goals, as well as startup activities aimed at creating new businesses and helping existing firms to recruit, nurture, retain and train staff. The Hubs will offer facilities for workshops, networking events and entrepreneurial activity, working in conjunction with local business support programmes and partners and from elsewhere around the country.
In a statement, Chester West and Chester councillor Nathan Pardoe said the hubs are designed to provide support for local businesses across West Cheshire, and that the local authority is dedicated to helping businesses benefit by improving connectivity and sharing ideas. He added that the council are supporting business as part of their drive towards a greener and more socially inclusive local economy to work and prosper in.
New business ventures of this nature may be of interest to anyone considering investment planning in Cheshire.
The July launch event at Meridian House on the Winsford Industrial Estate was billed as a chance for businesses to find out more about the respective Hub services and the wider role of the UKSPF Business Support Programme.
