Help for firms struggling to find the right places to go

Velocity, a business support initiative for companies across the South East Midlands, has been made possible thanks to grants worth £1.75 million from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund through Lancaster University and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP).

The growth hub aims to make it easier for businesses to maximise their growth potential. As well as an online portal at www.velocitygrowthhub.com and telephone helpdesk, there will be one-to-one mentoring and support from two locally-based Business Advisers as well as grants worth up to £3,000.

Clive Haywood and Richard Cooper are the Velocity Growth Hub Business Advisers for Bedfordshire. Highly experienced, having occupied senior roles in management, customer relations and business development, Clive and Richard will support businesses across the county to help them achieve their growth plans.

Clive said: “If you run a business and want to grow it can be very difficult to know where to go for information or even what support is available to you. Velocity Growth Hub aims to make it easier for businesses to access help and advice by bringing together information, mentoring and grant funding in one place.

“We are actively looking for business owners in Bedfordshire who want to take their business to the next level.”

Richard, also a Business Adviser for Velocity, said: “When you work in your business, it can be a real challenge to find the time or resources to work on your business. This is where we can help as Velocity Growth Hub Business Advisers. We can work with businesses, giving advice and knowledge, so that real growth and success can be achieved.”

The Hub is designed to attract over £2million of private sector investment and engage with 15,000 businesses by June 2015.

For more information and to make an appointment, go to www.velocitygrowthhub.com or call 0300 456 3565.