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Gloucestershire Business News

Growth Hub celebrates third anniversary with major expansion plans

The Growth Hub last night celebrated its first three years helping to grow businesses and the economy in Gloucestershire.

The Growth Hub opened its doors to business in October 2014 when it was jointly created by the University of Gloucestershire and GFirst LEP to support business growth, enterprise and innovation.

Last night the great and the good from across the county gathered at the Business Hub at the University of Gloucestershire's Oxstalls campus.

They were told the Hub had:

• Attracted over 10,000 visitors

• Achieved over 90% satisfaction ratings

• Offered support to some 2,200 businesses and individuals

• Helped over 900 businesses with high growth potential to develop plans for business growth

• Introduced 21 business support services.

A new independent study of the Growth Hub's impact so far by Biggar Economics has concluded:

"Overall, the review of the evidence available shows how the Growth Hub has met its targets and key performance indicators and so, in that regard, can be considered a success."

The creation of the Hub at the University's Oxstalls campus in Gloucester was funded by the Higher Education Funding Council. Recently, the university won EU funding to extend the range of business support services available. And next year, the Growth Hub will move into purpose-built accommodation at Oxstalls, co-located with the University's Business School.

There was an excellent atmosphere at last night's event with plenty of networking and delicious food supplied by Gloucester Services.

Stephen Marston, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire said: "The University is committed to supporting economic growth and business success in Gloucestershire. The Growth Hub is central to that goal, providing a wide range of services to help businesses innovate, thrive and prosper.

"We are terrifically proud of what the Hub has achieved in just three years. It has worked with thousands of businesses and individuals, while also creating great opportunities for our students and staff to build their contacts and understanding of what it is really like to set up, run and grow businesses. And this is only the beginning.

"With help from EU funding, we are extending the services we can offer for new business start-up, innovation, and SME development. And this time next year we will finally achieve the original vision of integrating the Business School with the Growth Hub, creating a unique space where businesses, students and staff can work together to promote innovation, talent and creativity for the benefit of all."

Sarah Danson, Growth Hub manager said: "This is a fantastic way to deliver the next phase of Growth Hub and continue to build upon the momentum of the last three years. The Core Growth Hub team, based here at Oxstalls, are passionate about supporting businesses and really understand our business community."

One of 39 Growth Hubs across England, Gloucestershire's Hub is the only one to be formed through a University-LEP partnership and to receive funding through HEFCE.

It is now planned to roll out a network of Hub locations across Gloucestershire at locations including county libraries, the Royal Agricultural University and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

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