Timeline – Emma Selby *Flexspace Operator*

Emma Selby *Flexspace Operator* posted an update

a year ago
😻Hey everyone I’d love your views to take to a meeting of business community leaders I go to each month . The challenges we take with us get edited into a paper that goes to Cabinet each month. This is what Ive been asked to think about ahead of tomorrows meeting, if you have any thoughts Id appreciate them 🚀
- 1. Considering the main Strategy pillars, what are the priority barriers/issues to growth and productivity that SMEs in your local area face? How do these differ depending on the type of SME (for example, their size, location, sector, level of ambition) at different stages, and what support might make the biggest difference to them on their journey?
• 2. What case studies are there of excellent business support programmes being delivered locally that are having a clear impact in boosting SME growth and productivity?

• 3. What gaps have you identified in the national, regional and local provision of business support services and how do you think the BGS could help close these?

• 4. How best can the new national BGS and Growth Hubs work with stakeholders and support providers across the local ecosystem?
Hannah Logan and Cerys Baigent

1 Comment
- Hannah Logan
  
  So, these are some of my thoughts, for what they are worth.
  
  Priority barriers/issues to growth and productivity – I am mainly focussing on the start-up stage here, but when I was first starting out, one of the key problems was fully understanding and putting together my offer, then getting myself ‘out there’ locally. I am fortunate enough to know a lot about websites and marketing, but I knew that a large percentage of work comes from recommendations. So, with no clients at the beginning, that was hard to come by. This is why I came to Signal Bizhub; the focus on local like-minded businesses reassured me that there would most likely be many people in the same position or with the experience to help me. Many start-ups, especially when they are sole trader individuals going freelance for the first time, have little budget to spend on launching themselves. So, at that stage, it’s about finding the resources quickly and cost-effectively.
  
  Solution – A ‘one-stop shop’ for SMEs that offers advice for start-ups and SMEs looking to grow/improve their business is always helpful. Because so many SMEs don’t know what support is available or how to access it. It needs to cover advice/support on things like;
  Access to finance/funding (grants available)
  Skills support
  Understanding their legal obligations, such as insurance and regulations
  The best digital tools to utilise
  collaboration opportunities
  General business support programs
  Local mentoring
  Upskilling opportunities/where to find them
  
  Case study – I appreciate that you might not be able to go to your meeting to recommend your business. However, I think Signal Bizhub is an excellent case study as it is much more than networking. It is a massive hub of knowledge and support where everyone really wants their colleagues to succeed. When networking groups are often about selling to each other, which can be very off-putting, Signal Bizhub is not. it’s a source of knowledge and support; finding collaborations and new clients within it is just a side bonus.
  
  I hope some of that helps!
  
  2
  
  a year ago