Celebrating Small Business Saturday in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire’s business community contains many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with almost 70% of businesses employing less than 5 people; just higher than the UK average.

GFirst LEP are supporting Small Business Saturday, which exists to support, inspire and promote small businesses - however we believe in supporting small businesses all year round!

The county currently boasts a high level of start-ups and business retention rates, with an enviable record for entrepreneurship: in 2012, over 5,000 new businesses were started, and the county has the second highest 3-year business survival rate in England at 63.5%, signifying the importance of business support services in Gloucestershire.

Helping to encourage growth in SMEs in Gloucestershire, the GFirst LEP Banking Sector group has been recognised by the Government and the Bank of England for its ability to overcome competitive rivalries. This has enabled small businesses to access financial support, including running start-up seminars. This collaborative way of working saw business loans in excess of £100m to over 250 SME businesses across the county, within an eight month period.

GFirst LEP work with small businesses, including Cloud 2020. Ian Bourne, Company Director and Chair of GFirst LEP ICT Sector, commented: “Working with GFirst LEP on the ICT Sector Group is great for actively raising awareness of the business support initiatives available to Gloucestershire’s SMEs. Also, for my small business, I can personally see the benefits of the work of the LEP from a constant flow of up to date information and networking opportunities, to help us meet our personal growth aspirations.”

GFirst LEP have secured funding to help SMEs, recently including £116,000 to increase online presence for local businesses, through a range of workshops, online tools and access to local expertise. This will equip local SMEs with the skills and knowledge to pursue online growth strategies.   

Gloucestershire’s businesses can also benefit from the services of The Growth Hub, which is currently providing small businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to build their business. Local family-run business Bon Appetit have used the expertise on offer in order to grow; Owner Tam Emirali, said: “Working with The Growth Hub has provided us with the best links to help improve and grow our marketing, we didn’t realise there were so many innovative services available for small businesses like us.”

Sarah Danson, Business Engagement Manager at GFirst LEP, commented: “Small Business Saturday is a great way to celebrate SMEs in Gloucestershire, as they form such an important part of our economy. Recognising their hard work is vital; and we are working alongside The Growth Hub team to offer personalised and innovative services that will see businesses thrive.”