News
The Business Gateway growth hub connects businesses to many different providers of business support services. Below is a selection of case studies for business that we have supported with our business support partners.
News
UK Government Launches Consultation on Copyright Laws for Creative Industries and AI Developers
18 December 2024The UK government has launched a public consultation to clarify copyright laws in response to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on creative industries. This initiative aims to ensure a balanced approach, protecting the rights...
The New Fair Payment Code: Supporting Small Businesses
4 December 2024Late payments are a major obstacle for small businesses, with 15% of SMEs citing cash flow challenges due to delayed payments in 2023. To tackle this, the UK government has introduced the Fair Payment Code, a transformative initiative aimed...
Beware of Scams as the Self-Assessment Deadline Approaches
27 November 2024With the self-assessment tax deadline on 31 January fast approaching, businesses and self-employed individuals must remain vigilant against a rising wave of scams targeting taxpayers. Fraudsters often take advantage of the urgency and stress of tax filing season, posing...
New Funding To Transform Cyber Training In The East Midlands
18 November 2024A ground breaking project to close the cyber skills gap and create a resilient workforce to protect businesses and communities against online threats has won Government funding. CyberSprint: Fast Track to the Future, will redefine how cyber security training...
Winter-Proof Your Small Business: A Practical Guide for UK Entrepreneurs
18 November 2024As winter approaches, UK small businesses face unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to shifts in consumer behaviour. Preparing your business for the colder months ensures smooth operations and continued success. Here’s how you can winter-proof your business: 1. Review...
Green Skills Update, Leicester & Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership November 2024
14 November 2024LinkedIn data suggests that demand for green skills is set to double but there are significant skills gaps which could be viewed as impediments. The Green Skills Update, Leicester & Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership November 2024 is a...
International Fraud Awareness Week: A Call to Action for Businesses
14 November 2024International Fraud Awareness Week (November 17-23) highlights the hidden dangers of fraud, affecting businesses, individuals, and communities. Its goal is to raise awareness, promote prevention, and foster a culture of integrity and accountability. This week serves as a vital...
LLBSP Hosts Successful Industrial Strategy Consultation Event
7 November 2024LLBSP Hosts Successful Industrial Strategy Consultation Event at the 2024 Leicester Business Festival. On Tuesday, 5th November, the Leicester and Leicestershire Business and Skills Partnership (LLBSP) hosted a interactive Industrial Strategy Consultation event at Leicester Space City, as part...
Skills Bootcamp in Sustainability and Environmental Management reopens in Leicestershire
4 November 2024The popular Skills Bootcamp designed to help people find rewarding jobs in the emerging green economy has reopened to individuals who live or work in Leicestershire. As well as supporting job seekers, the course assists those already in work...
Understanding Menopause: Embracing Menopause Awareness Day and Supporting Women in the Workplace
15 October 2024Menopause is a natural biological process that impacts half of the global population, yet it is still surrounded by stigma and misconceptions. In the UK alone, there are 3.5 million working women aged 50 and older, meaning it’s likely...
Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace: A Guide for Businesses on World Mental Health Day
3 October 2024Every year on October 10th, World Mental Health Day brings attention to the importance of mental health awareness and support. In today’s fast-paced work environment, the mental wellbeing of employees is more crucial than ever. Businesses that prioritise mental...
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month: Protect Your Business with Essential Tips
1 October 2024As we mark Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, it’s the perfect time to evaluate and strengthen your business’s online defences. Cyber threats continue to grow, and for small businesses, the risk of a data breach or attack can...
Office for Life Sciences R+I Workforce Survey
20 September 2024The Office for Life Sciences (OLS), a collaborative unit between the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is sharing its latest bulletin through our networks. Our contacts at the...
Forging connections between businesses and young people
17 September 2024As businesses evolve and new career opportunities emerge, it’s more important than ever to forge connections between businesses and the young people who will shape the future workforce. There are many ways for you or your employees to get...
Regional Skills Bootcamps Employer consultation now open
16 September 2024Do you have skills or recruitment gaps? The Skills Bootcamps programme is a crucial way to support Leicester and Leicestershire’s employers, economy, and labour market, offering flexible, free, or low-cost short, flexible courses in the skills employers need, giving people...
East Midlands Create Growth now open to businesses for Cohort 5
11 September 2024Applications are now open for the fifth and final cohort of the £1.2 million support programme for creative businesses in the East Midlands, set to begin on October 16th. Companies are invited to apply for the Create Growth programme,...
Free Strategic Business Advice for Farmers & Land Managers
6 September 2024Farmers and land managers in need of strategic business guidance can now benefit from a new initiative funded by the Defra Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF). DJM Consulting (DJMC) are offering up to two days of free, one-on-one strategic...
Investment Ready Workshop: Raising Funding for High-Growth SMEs
19 August 2024When and Where Date: 15 October 2024 Start & End Time: 9am – 1pm Location: Barclays Eagle Labs Address: The Innovation Centre, 49 Oxford Street, Leicester, LE1 5XY Register your interest here. Are you a startup or small business...
Business Networks Survey on behalf of the Local Resilience Forum
19 August 2024Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) are multi-agency partnerships made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, the Environment Agency and others. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic...
British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme
9 August 2024The British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme announced it has passed a major milestone of £150 million worth of loans delivered in the Midlands region. Over 6,000 loans to entrepreneurs within the East Midlands have been provided. A...
Unlocking the Future: How the UK Government’s AI Upskilling Fund is Empowering the Workforce
8 August 2024In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries and reshaping the job market, the UK government is taking decisive steps to ensure its workforce is prepared for challenges and opportunities ahead. One significant initiative in this...
43 new businesses created in first phase of Charnwood Incubator Programme
6 August 2024Hundreds of people have sought help from a Loughborough-based start up incubator – with more than 43 new businesses created as a result. The latest cohort of local entrepreneurs have now completed the fifth cycle of the programme, which...
High Street Businesses Provide Report Feedback
6 August 2024A new report has been released about what high streets need to survive and see continued growth, development and success. Linking into the future proofing of these assets to remain a vital part of communities and places. Aiding SMEs...
Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 Your Input Wanted
25 July 2024Following the re-election in May of Rupert Matthews for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner. The new Police and Crime Plan 2024-2028 is under development and a bespoke survey has been developed to help shape this. The toll...
September launch for 46,000 sq ft workspaces in Space City
24 July 2024September launch for 46,000 sq ft workspaces in Space City. Leicestershire’s first net carbon zero workspace for high tech and innovative businesses. * Dock 3 – 5: 45 offices and 9 industrial units in net carbon zero development *...
Elevate your business: Get the digital support you need!
23 July 2024Why not take an opportunity to elevate your business. You could have a digital skills coach helping you with a set number of hours of training in a designated digital skill if you are a business paying business rates...
Leicestershire digital inclusion research report 2024 launched
22 July 2024Leicester and Leicestershire digital inclusion research report 2024 has now been launched. The updated report on digital poverty within this area is now available. With an ever-increasing growth in the use of basic digital skills in the workplace, along...
Employers further develop your graduate talent pipeline
22 July 2024Employers further develop your graduate talent pipeline through the Loughborough Universities’ flagship event of the year. The Autumn Careers Fair will be returning on Monday 14th October (14:00 – 19:00) and Tuesday 15th October 2024 (11:00 – 16:00). The...
Sport and Physical Activity Local Skills Plan Launched
12 July 2024Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland have launched a new local skills plan for Sport and Physical Activity. This is the first of its kind for the area. The plan identifies key skills improvements, workforce challenges and priorities for local sport and...
Building Awareness of Public Sector Procurement Support
11 July 2024The latest edition to the business support offer the Leicester and Leicestershire Growth Hub are promoting has its focus on building awareness of public sector procurement support. The updated page found here provides background on how procurement processes work...
Could Beans Bring Opportunities To Leicestershire Businesses?
10 July 2024Could beans bring opportunities, support local people and businesses to become greener, healthier and more prosperous? That was the question discussed at an event which drew attendees from business, academia, non-profit organisations and local government to Winstanley House in...
Expanding Business Horizons with great.gov.uk
8 July 2024In today’s global economy, exporting offers immense opportunities for growth and expansion. For UK businesses, navigating the complexities of international trade can be daunting. This is where Great.gov.uk comes into play. As the UK government’s dedicated platform for export...
About the Leicester Employment Hub
18 June 2024Leicester Employment Hub is a business support service for employers in Leicester, run by Leicester City Council. The project team is dedicated to bridging the gap between employers and local people seeking meaningful employment opportunities. The hub has run...
Charity to Deliver £100k Worth of Business Grants
18 June 2024The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity DOUBLES its grants budget to support businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Having provided interest-free loans to help support aspiring and existing business owners within Leicestershire and Rutland since 1542, The Sir Thomas...
Data Protection for Small Organisations: A Guide
13 June 2024Data protection is a critical issue for all organisations, regardless of size. It’s about protecting the personal information you hold about individuals, such as their name, address, and email address. Complying with data protection law is essential to avoid...
Sponsorship Opportunities 2024/2025 Leicestershire World of Work
13 June 2024Securing the right skills and fostering young talent is crucial to many employers across Leicester and Leicestershire – providing you with fresh insights and developing the workforce needed in the future. However, young people are not always aware of...
Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act receives Royal Assent
12 June 2024The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC Act), which became law in May 2024, marks a significant shift in how the UK regulates digital markets. This act aims to create a fairer and more competitive landscape for both...
Melton United Event Connecting Businesses and Local Students
11 June 2024The Melton United networking event will provide local businesses opportunities to meet their local educational establishments and gain insight into: • Helping students gain employability skills • Influencing your future workforce • Inspiring young people • Learning about how...
16 firms kick off latest cohort of £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme
20 May 2024The latest group of creative businesses to register for the £1.3m East Midlands Create Growth programme have started their investment readiness journey. Cohort 2 of the regional programme kicked off in Lincoln with an in-person session led by delivery...
East Midlands Create Growth now open to businesses for Cohort 3
14 May 2024Businesses can now apply for Cohort 3 of £1.2m East Midlands Create Growth Programme. Applications have opened for the third cohort of a £1.2 million support programme for East Midlands creative businesses. Companies are being encouraged to apply for...
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
10 May 2024Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities: A Closer Look at Manufacturing in the East Midlands. The manufacturing sector is facing a challenging road ahead, with forecasts indicating two years of sluggish growth across Britain. According to the latest insights from...
Business Benefits from a free workshop around inclusive recruitment
10 May 2024Businesses are invited to strengthen their links with education through an upcoming workshop. Organised by the Leicester and Leicestershire Careers Hub and Business In The Community (BITC), the free event will offer insight to business benefits through the opportunity...
New free management course for small businesses
10 May 2024The Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new, free, bite-sized online course to help small businesses grow. Delivered by the Government in partnership with the Chartered Association of Business Schools, Help to Grow: Management Essentials covers...
Winners of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024 are revealed
21 March 2024The winners of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024 were revealed at an event at SportPark in Loughborough. Dozens of finalists across 10 categories gathered last night for the sixth annual awards. They were joined by Leicestershire Innovation Festival sponsors, guests,...
Transition begins after LLEP helps bring £860m into Leicester and Leicestershire
20 March 2024The impact of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) over the last 13 years was celebrated during an event at the National Space Centre. The business-led strategic development body helped to bring almost £860 million of investment into...
First LLEP green skills newsletter out
15 March 2024Following the issue of the LLEP area Green Skills report last year, comes the first Green Skills Newsletter. This has been created in collaboration with our local authorities, districts and wider partners. It aims to bring information together around...
New Leicestershire entrepreneurs advised to “Find your reason”
13 March 2024An audience of new businesses and those thinking about taking the plunge came together yesterday at the Business Boost Start-Up event, organised by the LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub. The event held at Leicester Racecourse, aimed to provide information...
Contacting the Business Gateway
11 March 2024We are experiencing problems with our telephone systems at the moment and apologise for any inconvenience this is causing. Please use our email – growthhub@bizgateway.org.uk if you need to contact us. Thank you.
Business leaders receive progress report on £40m Loughborough Town Deal
7 March 2024Business leaders gathered to find out more about the multi-million investment being delivered through Loughborough Town Deal. Around 90 guests attended a business briefing to hear about the progress of the 11 projects worth over £40 million of investment...
Finalists gather ahead of Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024
7 March 2024Leicestershire Innovation Awards finalists met to exchange ideas as anticipation builds ahead of the presentation ceremony later this month. Shortlisted businesses joined sponsors and other guests gathered at De Montfort University (DMU) last night for a pre-awards event.
Pace of AI adoption means Government and education system have to catch-up fast, say small firms
5 March 2024Small firms need protection from deepfakes and improvements to the education system to allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) to live up to its true potential, a new report by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. Redefining Intelligence: The Growth...
Adey Steel’s Digital Transformation Story with Made Smarter East Midlands
4 March 2024In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in competitive landscapes. Adey Steel, a prominent player in the UK’s infrastructure sector,...
New business owners don’t need to go it alone, says Leicestershire Growth Hub
4 March 2024Starting a new business can seem like a daunting prospect for many. There can be so much to think about and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. With this in mind, LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub is running Business Boost:...
Safer Leicester: Leicester city centre awarded Purple Flag as crime at night falls by 28%
1 March 2024Crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Leicester’s city centre have seen a reduction of 28% over the five years from 2018 to the end of 2022. What assessors described as “great” crime and disorder statistics were noted as part...
Launch of Midlands Engine Investment Fund II provides £400m boost for small businesses
29 February 2024The British Business Bank is launching its £400 million Midlands Engine Investment Fund II today, unlocking additional funding to help smaller businesses in the Midlands prosper and thrive.
Finalists revealed for Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024
27 February 2024The finalists have been revealed for Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024. Judges had a record number of entries to consider, as almost 100 nominations were received from local businesses, non-profits, researchers, education, and other organisations. The Leicestershire Innovation Awards –...
Leicester Scheme For Better Pubs And Clubs Wins National Award
22 February 2024The first year of Leicester’s Best Bar None scheme secured the ‘Best New Scheme’ award at the national Best Bar None awards, hosted at the House of Commons this week. The scheme is a national initiative that rewards well-run...
Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 set to be biggest yet
22 February 2024Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024 drew more than 1,000 attendees over a busy fortnight of events. Organisers say that 2024 looks set to be the biggest innovation festival to date – with further events still to come after the Business...
TBAT Innovation Launches the 2024 Innovation Challenge
19 February 2024TBAT Innovation is excited to announce the launch of The Innovation Challenge, an initiative aimed at supporting SMEs in their quest for innovation and growth. The programme, meticulously crafted by TBAT’s expert team, brings together key partners to provide...
Students learn how to apply ideas during unique innovation day at Holovis
16 February 2024Dozens of young people learned how to turn ideas into action as they explored innovation during a unique visit to Holovis. The sixth form and college students received a masterclass in developing design and proof concept while visiting the...
Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur OBE recognises key role of business innovation
14 February 2024The Lord-Lieutenant has encouraged more of Leicestershire’s small business innovators to put themselves forward for a King’s Award. Speaking at an event staged as part of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024, Mike Kapur OBE described the benefits of receiving the...
Made Smarter East Midlands Supporting Manufacturers in the Region Towards Their Net-Zero Goals
12 February 2024Made Smarter East Midlands Supporting Manufacturers in the Region Towards Their Net-Zero Goals Through Digital Transformation Manufacturing is a driving force behind economic growth, but it also shoulders a responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Recognising this dual role,...
Unlock projects with the Community Energy Fund
8 February 2024Up to £100,000 is available to community groups to develop energy projects in their local area. The Community Energy Grant is a £10m grant scheme funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The scheme aims to...
BLOG: De Montfort University: ‘Innovation is at the heart of everything we do’
7 February 2024De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) collaborates with businesses, community partners, third-sector organisations, Government and learners to share knowledge, expertise, skills, technologies and facilities to encourage innovation in everything it does. DMU’s business services team helps companies of all shapes...
BLOG: RBC Brewin Dolphin: ‘We recognise that innovation drives progress’
7 February 2024RBC Brewin Dolphin has been serving clients for more than 250 years, guiding their growth through all market cycles. The wealth management and financial planning firm’s history shows the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective and seeing beyond short-term...
Health Minister attends Innovation Festival life sciences event at Charnwood Campus
7 February 2024A Government Health Minister joined the first life sciences event of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. Andrew Stephenson CBE MP visited Charnwood Campus to join more than 100 delegates considering innovation as a potential solution to health disparities and inequalities....
£14 million of investment delivered by Loughborough Town Deal and more on the way
6 February 2024Millions of pounds have already been invested into the area thanks to Loughborough Town Deal and more developments are on the way. The Town Deal is backing 11 projects with several already being completed or progressing well and 2024...
BLOG: Cross Productions: ‘Small change can add tremendous value’
6 February 2024Cross Productions advises on, and educates around, the implementation of marketing solutions for businesses. Cross is a team of creative thinkers who will go above and beyond to add value to clients and their brands. The Leicester-based marketing consultancy...
BLOG: Loughborough University: ‘Innovation has the power to improve lives’
6 February 2024Loughborough University is somewhere that anyone can realise their full potential. It is consistently ranked among the top-performing institutions in the country and holds an array of awards and accolades. These evidence its strength across all areas of delivery...
Praise for regional approach to productivity at launch of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024
6 February 2024Leicestershire is ‘leading the way’ in promoting regional business innovation, says the National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). Speaking after delivering the keynote at the launch of the Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024, Martin McTague OBE said:...
BLOG: University of Leicester: Building innovation communities
1 February 2024From the invention of one of the most important discoveries in UK scientific research, genetic fingerprinting, to creating the first British degree in mass communications. From identifying supermassive black holes to uncovering the remains of King Richard III. The...
Final line-up revealed for launch of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024
1 February 2024All tickets have now been reserved for the sold-out launch event of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. Every place on the waiting list for returns for the event – taking place at Space Park Leicester on Monday 5 February –...
Funding boosts for borough businesses and organisations
31 January 2024Businesses and organisations are being invited to apply for two new grants to boost funds. The Rural Prosperity Grant offers a pot of £400,000 in support for rural businesses and organisations, while the Business Prosperity Grant is worth £150,000...
BLOG: MIRA Technology Park: ‘Partnership is essential to achieving our mission’
30 January 2024Innovation is everywhere at MIRA Technology Park. With more than 35 major companies on site, it is Europe’s largest mobility R&D cluster, establishing the very best collaborative environment for developing and commercialising new ideas. As a world-leading centre of...
FSB National Chair to launch Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024
29 January 2024The National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) will provide the keynote at the launch of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2024. Martin McTague OBE will address guests during the event at Space Park Leicester on Monday 5 February.
BLOG: Freeths: ‘Encouraging people to work smarter – not harder’
26 January 2024LIF24 sponsor Freeths is a leading full-service UK law firm, with 1,000+ freethinking colleagues all working together to make the future better for its people, clients and communities. Established more than 200 years ago, its guiding values – smart,...
QEST Emerging Maker Grants
24 January 2024The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers Emerging Maker Grants of up to £10,000 for the training and education of talented craftspeople at an early stage in their career. The Emerging Maker Grant is a new funding opportunity for...
New Guide Making Business Finance Work for You
23 January 2024Making Business Finance Work for You is a new guide created by the British Business Bank. The online guide aims to break down financial products available and cut through the confusion for business owners.
Business lunch briefing will update progress on £40m Loughborough Town Deal
23 January 2024Businesses are being invited to learn more about progress being made on Loughborough Town Deal while networking with local leaders during a free event. The Delivering the Deal business lunch – taking place on March 1 – will offer...
Leicester and Leicestershire Digital Inclusion Call for Evidence and Survey 2024 open
22 January 2024As part of the LLEP’s ongoing work to support digital inclusion, they are inviting partners, stakeholders, and employers to complete a short survey about current issues and challenges being faced by the local population.
£1.3m Create Growth programme ‘held a mirror up’ for us, says video business director
22 January 2024Participating in Create Growth enabled Ben Coates to reflect on how far his small business has come – and where he wants it to go next. Ben is the Director of Cande Group – one of 23 firms to...
BLOG: Exemplas: ‘Why innovation matters to our business’
22 January 2024LIF24 sponsor Exemplas enables companies to grow, scale, and excel by providing business support with exemplary expertise, advice, and networks. Staffed by a team of highly experienced advisors and specialists, they are able to help with every stage of...
Business Boost event kicks off Growth Hub’s 2024 events schedule
19 January 2024‘What’s your hourly rate and what do you cost your business?’ This was just one of the questions posed by growth specialist Maria Peggs at the Business Boost 24 event on Wednesday 17 January. Organised by the LLEP Business...
Skills for Life
11 January 2024Last week the Department for Education launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign, Skills for Life: It All Starts With Skills. It encourages and motivates young people, adults, and businesses to find out more about government skills and technical education...
Flood support for Leicestershire
10 January 2024Leicestershire County Council have provided an update on flood support. There are reported to be 400 residential and commercial properties affected by last week’s flood in the county. Leicestershire has qualified for the National Flood Recover Framework which means...
An award-winning business mentor will be key speaker for Growth Hub’s Business Boost event
9 January 2024The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub has announced Maria Peggs as its key speaker for the ‘Business Boost: Elevate your Business Growth’ event this month. The event aims to help Leicestershire small business owners kickstart 2024 with growth advice,...
Business Gateway Growth Hub takes lead on Leicestershire Innovation Awards 2024
4 January 2024Update: 19 February – the awards nomination deadline has now passed. Small businesses can now nominate themselves for recognition of their new ideas. The LLEP Business Gateway Growth Hub took the lead on the Leicestershire Innovation Awards just before...
Christmas opening times
22 December 2020Due to the festive season we will be closed from 1pm Christmas Eve then operating with reduced staff until Monday 4th January: Growth Hub T: 0116 366 8487 CLOSED: 25th, 26th, 27th December | 1st to 3rd Jan REDUCED...
