Support on offer to help Greater Manchester businesses during lockdown 3.0

The Growth Company is reminding businesses across the region that vital help and support remains available for those struggling under England’s third nationwide lockdown.

This follows government advice of fresh restrictions that will last until at least mid-February which has seen all non-essential retailers, along with gyms, hairdressers, sports facilities, pubs and restaurants, once again close their doors.

The Growth Company, a not for profit dedicated to economic growth, is supporting Greater Manchester Businesses during this challenging time through a package of support and assistance ranging from access to finance to leadership and mentoring, peer networks and support with the workforce through skills, training and recruitment. All this support is entirely free of charge.

Richard Jeffery, Director of Business Growth at The Growth Company, said: “Throughout the pandemic and through Brexit we have helped thousands of business owners with support at a time when they needed us the most.

“It has been a challenging 10 months as businesses have been impacted by lockdown, Tier 3 and Tier 4 measures as well as Brexit, but there are high levels of resilience in the business community.

“While tough times lie ahead, particularly since the announcement of a new national lockdown just a few days into 2021, we want to reassure business owners that we are still here to provide ongoing support to help them to get through the months ahead and help protect jobs and the economy.

“We have a team of trusted business advisors across a number of sectors who are here to help businesses of all sizes throughout this lockdown period and together we can work through the ongoing challenges.”

Some of the current services that are available from The Growth Company include:

Navigating Covid-19 business challenges: The GC Business Growth Hub summarises the latest guidance into digestible summaries, whilst demystifying and signposting support packages offered through Central and Local Government or other providers via its dedicated website.

GC Business Finance:Impartial business finance service provides alternative options for growing businesses that have been unable to obtain funding through a mainstream lender.

Business advice on EU Exit:For businesses seeking help with new rules and regulations now we have left the European Union, GC Business Growth Hub’s team of advisors are on hand to provide guidance and practical support to make the most of new growth opportunities.

Employ GM:This is a free service to help businesses overcome challenges such as businesses needing to recruit due to increased demand for goods or services or for those struggling to keep their workforce in meaningful employment.

Tourism and Hospitality Talent Hub:Support for businesses and individuals within the hospitality, leisure and tourism industry across Greater Manchester through skills, training and recruitment.

Skills for Growth – SME Support:Fully funded tailored service to help up-skill your employees and improve business productivity.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources Pack: Information on how the pandemic may affect mental health of colleagues along with guidance on how to best manage this during these challenging times.

National Careers Service: Providing free, impartial career advice and guidance across the North West. Speak to an adviser on 0800 100 900

Skills Support for the Workforce: Helpsto upskill your staff through bespoke support and training.

Enterprising You: Offers a unique support programme to the self-employed in Greater Manchester.  

Peer Networks: Peer Networks is a national peer-to-peer networking programme for SME leaders that want to grow and develop their organisation for future success.

The latest support and advice builds on GC Business Growth Hub’s #HereForBusiness campaign, the coronavirus microsite contains general information for companies contending with the impact of covid-19.

For more information and to get help from The Growth Company visit www.growthco.uk .

Businesses looking for support can also visit the Coronavirus microsite at https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/Coronavirus or get in touch for more advice and support by emailing BGH@growthco.uk or call us on 0161 359 3050.