Member Article

Growth Hubs encouraging more inward investment

Three Growth Hubs from the West Midlands joined forces to attend the Commonwealth Trade Expo to encourage more inward investment to the region.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Growth Hub, the Black Country Growth Hub and the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) Growth Hub were among 25 exhibitors.

The event, which was organised by the Greater Birmingham Commonwealth Chamber of Commerce, was held at Aston University.

The three Growth Hubs focused on highlighting the wide range of business services they offer to businesses from the UK and across the world who are considering moving to the West Midlands.

They also attended seminars providing information on procurement opportunities for businesses at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and an international trade workshop.

Sarah Gambrall, who focuses on Business Engagement and Strategic Development at the CWLEP Growth Hub, said around 300 delegates had attended the expo which attracted exhibitors from countries across the Commonwealth as well as organisations closer to home.

“There was a huge global presence at the Commonwealth Trade Expo and it was really worthwhile attending,” she said.

“We thought it would be a good idea to link up with the GBSLEP Growth Hub and Black Country Growth Hub under one banner to highlight to countries from the Commonwealth that there is a support network available. We find the continued collaboration useful because not only does it show our pro-active approach, but we made useful contacts in the process.

“We all promoted the inward investment opportunities that are available throughout our region and highlighted the free business services that we provide including planning, financial advice, legal services and grants.”

Wayne McFarquhar, Business Co-ordinator at the Black Country Growth Hub, said: “I’m glad that we were invited along to the event, seeing so many different businesses from around the world and getting to find out what each of them has to offer was really interesting.

“It was great working as a combined group because it allowed us to raise the awareness around the various support that can be offered to the vast array of businesses within the Commonwealth, and we were also able to develop some really good networking opportunities as well as discussing best practices.”

Jennifer Campbell, Business Advisor at the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP Growth Hub, said: “Behind every successful entrepreneur there is a team of business experts. It’s wonderful to be able to attend events like this and meet current and future business leaders.

“It gives me great delight to guide clients through the cloud of uncertainty they experience whilst scaling their business.

“As an experienced business advisor, I am able to connect my clients with the support they need to take their business to the next level.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .