Boost launches new programme to help Lancashire business leaders flourish
Business owners and leaders in Lancashire are being invited to take part in a new funded programme which will allow them to work with other business owners to tackle key business challenges and maximise new opportunities.
The fully funded Boost Business Owners Network has been launched by Lancashire County Council through Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub.
Boost has engaged 13 leading business support organisations to establish 29 business cohort groups tailored to a variety of sector specialisms or unique business needs. A total of 319 business owners and leaders will have the opportunity to take part in the programme.
They will work in groups of up to 11 likeminded leaders, each facilitated by expert coordinators, to share and address their common challenges and understand how to maximise opportunities to grow and develop their business.
Andrew Leeming, programme manager, Boost, said: “The creation of Boost Business Owners Network is part of our new Helping Lancashire Businesses campaign.
“Every business owner has a wealth of skills and expertise. Bringing business owners and leaders together will allow them to share and solve unique challenges and also maximise on emerging business trends and opportunities.
“The Boost Business Owners Network is a great opportunity for business owners and senior leaders to build a quality, trusted network of likeminded contacts while receiving tailored advice and support which will improve their business performance.
“The best part is the service is fully funded by Lancashire County Council and the European Regional Development Fund so there is no cost to businesses for taking part.”
Andrew Leeming, Boost programme manager
Last week, Lancashire County Council launched Boost’s Helping Lancashire Businesses Campaign, aimed at increasing Boost’s support for Lancashire businesses during 2023.
Boost is Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub and is led by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). It is supported by funding from Lancashire County Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Boost Business Owners Network is eligible to small and medium sized businesses based in Lancashire, employing less than 250 full time staff or with a turnover of less than €50m. For full eligibility criteria, please visit the Boost website.
There are a range of tailored networks available through Boost Business Owners Network for businesses to join including those for automotive businesses, specific cohorts for female-led businesses, LGBT+ leaders as well as cohorts designed for scaleup businesses.
The Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) will facilitate a cohort providing specific support to advanced engineering and manufacturing companies, which is designed to help these businesses capitalise on current opportunities.
Paul Jones, chief executive, Northern Automotive Alliance, said: “The Boost Business Owners Network gives the NAA a unique opportunity to provide targeted, expert support to advanced engineering and manufacturing firms at no cost to the business, because it is fully funded by Lancashire County Council.
“We’re excited to begin working with businesses on our cohort and to facilitate meaningful discussions which allow businesses to learn from and support each other, while also providing them with targeted one-to-one support.”
A full list of available cohorts as well as contact details for enquiries and for businesses to register their interest can be found on the Boost website: https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/business-support/business-owners-network/
Companies can contact each delivery organisation directly. Alternatively, they can speak to Boost on 0800 488 0057 or via the Contact us page on the Boost website.
*This news release was originally published by Freshfield PR on behalf of Boost, Lancashire's Business Growth Hub
Notes to editors
About Boost:
Boost is Lancashire's Business Growth Hub and is led by Lancashire County Council and the Lancashire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). It is supported by funding from Lancashire County Council, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
The role of Boost is to help growth-hungry Lancashire businesses realise their potential by providing simple access to a range of leading-edge funded programmes, delivered by specialists with a track record of growing established and innovative start-up businesses. Boost also helps businesses access specialist private sector business support, as well as other nationally funded programmes, where relevant.
Since its inception in July 2013, Boost has provided growth advice and support to over 12,000 businesses across Lancashire, with many benefiting from tailored programmes of consultancy, grants or mentoring to support their growth. Boost has so far helped to create over 3,000 jobs and generated new economic activity valued in excess of £100m.
In December 2021, Boost secured £3.2m of new funding to run for a further 18 months from January 2022.
Boost has received £1.9m of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is the Managing Authority for ERDF. Established by the European Union, ERDF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding.
Growth Hubs and the Growth Hub Network - The 38 Local Enterprise Partnership led Growth Hubs across England bring together and simplify access to national and local business support. Supported by Government, Growth Hubs ensure that no matter the size, sector or maturity of a business they provide locally tailored business support and advice to direct businesses to the most appropriate organisations to assist with their specific requests.