Enterprise Oxfordshire Business today announces its partnership with the UK Government’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on the new Business Growth Service, designed to make it easier for businesses across the UK, including in Oxfordshire to find and access the support they need to start, grow and succeed.
The new service addresses feedback from businesses that support has previously been difficult to navigate, by connecting support from the UK Government with the vital services also delivered through local partners.
Developed as part of the Government’s plan for small businesses, the new service responds directly to SMEs, supporting and complementing the experiences of existing business advice systems.
The Business Growth Service aims to streamline access to funding, expert advice and export opportunities too, helping businesses to start, grow and better thrive in today’s economy.
Delivered through a partnership model, the service looks to integrate national strategy and support with locally-led delivery via Growth Hubs, including Enterprise Oxfordshire Business.
In addition to support already provided by Enterprise Oxfordshire Business, the Business Growth Service has also introduced a new digital platform, which aims to act as a single-entry for those looking to access tailored support via a national digital route.
To support awareness of the Business Growth Service and to highlight its close relationship with Growth Hubs in England, Enterprise Oxfordshire Business has committed to a number of initiatives – this includes integrating the new service into its communications and promotional activities where possible.
This latest development follows further updates earlier this year, as Enterprise Oxfordshire became the new trading name of the Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) on 1 April.
The change marked the completion of a two-year process that saw the economic development functions – previously led by Local Enterprise Partnerships – altered so that they were to be overseen via a mechanism agreed by respective upper-tier local authorities, in this instance, Oxfordshire County Council.
Since becoming Enterprise Oxfordshire in April, Oxfordshire County Council now act as the organisation’s 100% shareholder, known as a Teckal company arrangement.
Enterprise Oxfordshire Business has demonstrated the importance of local business support for over a decade.
Through the combined support offer alongside the Business Growth Service, Enterprise Oxfordshire Business believes a robust level of fully funded support and advice is now available to SMEs.
Helen Brind, Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Head of Business and Skills, said: “Enterprise Oxfordshire has a legacy of bringing leaders and entrepreneurs together, creating a solid network of likeminded people as well as an ability to provide guidance and support, whether they are looking to start-up, grow or take on a new business challenge.
“As we enter our fifteenth year in operation – and with the recent changes associated with Enterprise Oxfordshire – we are more determined than ever to lead and coordinate a community that is effective for SMEs.
“We’re delighted to partner with the Business Growth Service as it backs this ambition even further and this collaboration will ensure businesses in our community can easily find the right help when they need it most.”
Businesses in Oxfordshire can also access a wider range of support from the Business Growth Service at www.business.gov.uk or by contacting Enterprise Oxfordshire Business.
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