I joined the local growth hub, just over a year ago taking on the role of Business Navigator. I suspect like many who operate SME’s, act as advisors, financiers, etc. within the East Sussex region (probably most UK regions), I was aware of the growth hub but exactly what it did was something of a grey area.
In the fifteen months I have been inside the organisation I have had my eyes opened to the many different connections they can access. On my travels around the county talking with and working with SME’s I have been struck by many things, but two in particular. The lack of awareness of what the growth hub can do (directly or indirectly) to help SME’s and the view that access to “other” funding schemes is the realm of larger businesses.
In making these observations I confer no criticism on local SME’s, the fault (if any) lies with the Growth Hub and the administrators/promotors of the other schemes. It is clear we have failed to get over the right message that we are here to support the SME community, with practical advice and professional guidance.
In the past fifteen months I have also met some wonderful, inspiring business owners who, I like to think I have helped in some small way, as they strive to develop their offering and build their businesses.
I hope over the coming months through the blogs I post, readers will enjoy the stories, get a better insight into what support is available and how to make best use of it, but most of all be inspired and proud of the region.
I have had my eyes opened to the number of budding entrepreneurs and hard-working business folk there are in the local area. I hope I can in some small way share a smidgen of their story in the hope it makes you feel proud of our region also.
