Member Article

Business Northumberland High Growth programme helps create 100 jobs

The Business Northumberland High Growth programme, a European-funded business support programme, which has seen Northumberland’s high growth businesses create more than 100 new jobs, is coming to an end this month.

The programme, which has been delivered across the county by coaching specialists Oxford Innovation, has also safeguarded more than 150 existing jobs and has seen participating companies increase their turnover by a combined £4.5 million.

Oxford Innovation’s work with high growth businesses formed part of the £1.35m Business Northumberland Programme which was funded by the North East European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and was delivered on behalf of Arch, The Northumberland Development Company and Northumberland County Council.

Since April 2013, Business Northumberland has provided cost-free support to startups and established companies with growth potential.

Mike Jobson, Oxford Innovation programme manager, led the delivery of the high growth programme. He said: “We’ve had a fantastic two years working with some inspirational entrepreneurs and truly innovative businesses across Northumberland. The programme has supported a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from advanced manufacturing businesses to creative industries.

“A key factor in the successful delivery of the programme has been the collaboration between support agencies. On behalf of our clients we have worked with UK Trade & Investment, the Manufacturing Advisory Service, Growth Accelerator and a number of funding partners.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .