Improving Businesses
The Agency's main
objective is to support the business base of the
region. We do this by offering advice and support on growth,
innovation, productivity and efficiency. We can also assist with
staff and management training through schemes such as Train to Gain
and business mentoring.
We don’t just help Northwest businesses strengthen their
position locally; we also help them expand outside of the UK. The
Agency is working with UK Trade and
Investment to support businesses considering
trading internationally.
Find out more about the different types of support offered
below.
On March 17 Mark Prisk, Minister of State for Business and
Enterprise, announced a streamlined and refocused Solutions for
Business portfolio. The range of Solutions for Business products
will be rationalised and simplified during this financial year.
Growth and Innovation
High Growth Programme
Intensive coaching, workshops, networks and online resources for
new businesses with the potential to create a turnover of £500k
within three years, and SMEs with a turnover of under £10 million
which are capable of achieving at least 20% growth per
year.
Innovation Advice & Guidance
Advice and specialist support to help SMEs innovate and improve
performance, including a diagnosis of innovation needs.
Knowledge to Innovate
Free, intensive support to introduce
organisational innovation for the whole business.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
A grant to support the placement of a recently qualified person
in a business. The grant covers two-thirds of the costs for SMEs
and half of the costs for large companies.
Leadership and Management
LEAD
A leadership programme designed specifically around the needs of
SME owners and managers to encourage leadership skills and improve
business performance.
Business Mentoring
Support from an experienced business mentor either on a group or
one-to-one basis for leaders, managers and entrepreneurs to improve
their business performance and growth.
Productivity and Efficiency
Manufacturing Advisory Service
Offers specific support for manufacturing SMEs to help reduce
costs and improve productivity and efficiency. Find out more
from MAS Northwest.
Improving Your Resource Efficiency
Advice and support to help businesses become resource efficient,
reduce their carbon impact and increase competitiveness.
International Trade
Export Credit Guarantee
Insurance policies for contracts involving the export of capital
equipment and project related goods and services.
Accessing International Markets
Specialist and in-depth market research and advice for
businesses considering exporting into new overseas markets. Also
includes financial support towards the costs of overseas trade
fairs and missions.
Developing Your International Trade Potential
Advice and funding to businesses to support preparation, entry
and expansion into overseas markets.
Business Support
You can get more information on any of our products and services
that could help improve your business from Business Link
Northwest.
By phone: 0845 00 66
888
Online: www.businesslink.gov.uk/northwest