A NEW package of support is being offered for new or existing businesses across St Helens - to help fill the void following the collapse of the town's chamber of commerce. 

St Helens Borough Council confirmed this week it has appointed the Growth Company, an award-winning social enterprise, to deliver a range of business support across the borough.

The support is being funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

This package of support will run until March 31, 2025.

Help for emerging businesses

It will be available to businesses of any size and in any sector as well as for new and emerging businesses, leading to the creation of new jobs.

The Growth Company will offer a range of support that includes workshops on various topics such as growth support, marketing innovation, manufacturing process and efficiency, and supply chain process and management.

It will also be providing support and advice to individuals looking to or are in the process of starting-up a business.

The move will aim to fill the void left following the collapse of St Helens Chamber earlier this year.

The chamber had previously supplied support services across the borough.

In a statement, Richard Jeffery, the national director for business at the Growth Company said: "We have a history of successfully supporting businesses across the North of England to start up and grow.

"We use innovative ways to engage with individuals seeking to start their own businesses, we will advise on best practice providing an exemplary service to St Helens Borough Council, as well as to businesses and individuals residing in the borough."

The Growth Company has offices based in St Helens, within Century House on Hardshaw Street.

Richard added: "We are delighted to be a part of the plans to further help the area prosper, and this is an exciting time for the council, as they invest in the borough of St Helens and create opportunities for residents, and businesses in the area.

"We are proud to be supporting them with this important business support activity."

Range of support

The service provided by the Growth Company will include a range of support and advice to help regenerate the borough, including:

· One-to-one specialist tailored business and general business advice.

· Business support to newly trading businesses.

· Fully funded business support events, · Information and guidance to those looking to start-up a business.

· Help accessing finance to help local businesses grow.

· Finding sites and premises to start, expand or relocate businesses in St Helens.

The move has been welcomed by Councillor Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for business, culture and leisure at the council, who said: "Providing high quality support to new and existing businesses is a key part of our Inclusive Growth Strategy and our aspiration to bring growth and jobs to St Helens Borough.

"Getting advice and support from business experts can help turn an idea or a passion into the reality of a thriving business, or help turn a one-person side hustle into a company that employs many local people.

"With the many transformational projects coming across the borough, which include the regeneration of Earlestown and St Helens town centres, Parkside Freeport, the Life Science Investment Zone, and so much more, there are lots of opportunities for growth and supply chain opportunities for our local business community.

"With the closure of St Helens Chamber we recognised the gap in business support and so we are pleased to be working with the Growth Company to offer this crucial service, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The company already offers employment and training services in the Borough, so are well-placed to expand into business support.

"They have a proven track record of delivering help across the UK and will use their expertise in business to provide a wealth of knowledge and advice to our business community."

St Helens Borough Council have received the funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is provided by central government to invest in and regenerate local communities and places.

To find out more information, email sthelensenquiries@growthco.uk with your enquiry or ring 01744 415 322 to speak with an advisor.