The Gloucestershire Growth Hub continues to drive its presence in the county with the launch of the Cheltenham Growth Hub.

Opening its virtual doors to businesses this month, the Cheltenham Growth Hub will be on hand to deliver much needed free and impartial advice and guidance to local businesses, through a mix of online events and workshops, and one to one business support.

Whilst physical opening of the planned Growth Hub space is scheduled for later in the year, the Hub said that provision of virtual support means that businesses in and around Cheltenham can access a dedicated, local portfolio of tools and fully funded expertise.

A partnership between Cheltenham Borough Council, Workshop Group Ltd and GFirst LEP, the Cheltenham Growth Hub sets out to foster a tangible business support and development environment for Cheltenham.

And once the physical space is complete, it will provide a low-cost town-centre entry point for self-employed individuals, start-ups and SMEs across all business sectors, acting as a platform for innovation, creativity and commerce.

"I am delighted to see the Cheltenham Growth Hub come online. We have seen, over the last 12 months, the essential role that the Growth Hub network has played in helping businesses move through the pandemic," said director of Strategic Growth at GFirst LEP Sarah Danson.

"We, as all businesses, have had to adapt the way we work, having moved all of our business support delivery online from last April. In doing this, we have realised that we are able to deliver critical support and ensure our range of services can reach a wider audience at a time when physical delivery isn't possible."

Workshops Bruce Gregory, who will be managing the Cheltenham Hub, said: "Hub8 in partnership with Cheltenham Borough Council is delighted to support the delivery of Cheltenham's virtual Growth Hub. The service will provide a vital component for the local business ecosystem to enable our current and next generation of entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses"

Councillor Rowena Hay, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, added: "The establishment of a virtual growth hub service in Cheltenham is the first important step in creating a much-needed service, particularly following the pandemic. The growth hub is part of a network of growth hubs across the county providing invaluable support and advice to businesses which will aid business recovery and growth and help drive economic development in the town"

To find out more about the Cheltenham Growth Hub visit www.thegrowthhub.biz/cheltenham where you will find the contact information for the Cheltenham team.