SMEs invited to attend North East Growth Hub workshop

We are holding a workshop for SMEs interested in shaping the development of the North East Growth Hub.

Taking place on Monday 20 April at 2pm at Watson Burton office, 1 St James’ Gate in Newcastle, the workshop will give SMEs based in the North East the opportunity to feedback on initial plans for the new online business support platform.

Led by Escher Group – recently appointed to build and develop the Growth Hub – and delivered in collaboration with Digital Leaders and the FSB, the workshop will help us better understand the needs of the businesses community and what different types of businesses want from the Hub.

The workshop will focus on early plans for the business support platform and give SMEs the chance to have their say on how its initial functions should develop.

A Beta version of the Growth Hub will be launched in the coming weeks, at which point the wider business community will be able to test and trial some of its features.

We are working to make the North East Growth Hub become the nucleus for business activity in the North East. The peer-to-peer platform will provide a digital environment for businesses to network and collaborate, as well as develop strong links with business support organisations in the region. The aim is to create a community of 2,000 active Growth Hub users by September 2015.

The Growth Hub’s success will be determined by the engagement and support of the business community. By developing a trusted platform where users can generate enquiry streams and stimulate business growth, it is hoped the online business support platform will become an invaluable tool for the North East that is ultimately managed and owned by North East businesses.

SMEs interested in playing an active role in the development and testing of the North East Growth Hub are invited to submit an Expression of Interest here. Escher Group, on behalf of the North East LEP, will be in touch with businesses that register interest.

To attend the North East Growth Bub Business Workshop, please contact Steve Blanks.