SWLEP
The SME Competitiveness Programme
Tackling the challenges faced when starting , growing and running a business in Swindon and Wiltshire .
The SME Competitiveness Programme is a threeyear programme awarded to the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership ( SWLEP ) aimed at providing bespoke support to businesses in the Swindon and Wiltshire area and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund ( ERDF ). It has now been running for almost a year with much success and is a broad and exciting programme delivered by the SWLEP Growth Hub in conjunction with chosen delivery partners .
It has three main elements : 1 – Pre-start and start-up support 2 – Growth and scale-up support 3 – Support for individuals being made redundant within the area wishing to start a business
The Growth Hub Business Navigator Team led by Rob Creer under the direction of the Growth Hub Manager , Chris Stevens , recognise that businesses need access to trusted business support advisers , enabling them to grow . Timely , informative and useful guidance ; signposting to the best options available and a knowledgeable ear are essential at all stages of operating a business and more so than ever as a result of the pandemic and needing to manage the dynamic expectation of both customers and employees .
The Business Navigators at the Growth Hub have decades of collective experience as well as the ability and sensitivity to assist businesses at any stage of their development . They find the best possible solutions to problems whether the business is an embryonic idea or is wellestablished ; with staff or without . As part of the
programme , they identify the myriad of support available ; offering free and impartial advice and highlighting the right route for the particular business to consider taking , following an effective and initial diagnostic conversation .
The navigators are already assisting a large number of local and diverse businesses . Recent examples include a battery technology company with 12 employees who received bespoke help to navigate their way through how best to refocus their digital strategy ; a tree surgeon who successfully gained new business having explored new marketing opportunities ; a Pilates business considering alternative utilisation of studio space to increase revenue and a company setting up racing car simulators where funding options were provided to assist with new premises in addition to a referral to one of our chosen delivery partners .
The support provided is very much valued and appreciated . A director of a boutique hotel chain said ,“ The team at the Growth Hub have been totally amazing with the support they have given me from digital MOT ’ s to getting me involved in Zoom meetings with other business owners . If you are looking for solid business support without the sales angle , then you should be speaking to these guys .”
The support capabilities of our chosen delivery partners , YTKO , SETsquared , Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council ensure that all aspects of an SMEs journey are covered and easily accessed .
SETsquared provide tailored workshops to specifically support digital businesses ; YTKO offers those referred by the Growth Hub the opportunity to attend one of their valuable Outset programmes and start-up businesses might also be referred to The Enterprise Network , led by Wiltshire Council , which provides workspace as well as support , training and advice .
Another intrinsic part of the SME Competitiveness programme is to support with known economic shocks such as the closure of the Honda factory in July 2021 . The programme funds support for those wishing to start up their own business following redundancy as well as companies in Honda ’ s supply chains . In addition , there is also a coordinated approach to contacting companies who might need staff with the skills of ex-Honda workers . This support has been made available thanks to the match funding made available by Swindon Borough Council .
To find out more about the SME Competitiveness Programme call : 01249 477287 or email : smecompetitiveness @ swlep . co . uk
Register as a Growth Hub member for free . Sign-up by visiting : www . growthhub . swlep . co . uk
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