Business expert set to take up residency in The Atkinson to help drive local business growth

An Enterprise Hub business expert is set to take up a weekly residency at Southport Library, in The Atkinson, to help Sefton residents start and grow their new businesses.

This fully-funded business support is aimed at helping those in the Sefton area who are looking to start a business, or those who are looking to grow a new business which is under three years old.

Enterprise Hub is Liverpool City Region’s “one front door” access point for business support, offering clients a programme of 1-2-1 business support and advice, as well as access to training courses, to help develop their ideas and learn core business skills.

Enterprise expert Jacqueline Daley will be offering a number of 1-2-1 appointments every Thursday between 10am - 12pm at Southport Library in the iconic Atkinson building. Appointments should be pre-booked by those wishing to register onto the Enterprise Hub programme.

This support will help clients understand the process of starting or growing a business and to research and develop a business plan or growth strategy. Budding entrepreneurs will also be able to learn key skills to develop a sales and marketing strategy, as well as understanding the everyday practicalities of running a business and looking at ways of accessing finance.

The new outreach appointments will mean those with a business idea can receive support on their doorstep, without having to travel to Enterprise Hub’s Liverpool City Centre base.

Jackie Williams, Enterprise Hub Project Manager and Enterprise Director at Liverpool social enterprise The Women’s Organisation, says: “We’re delighted to be bringing Enterprise Hub straight to the Sefton community at Southport Library to give local people that all-important helping hand and confidence boost to pursue or develop a business dream.

“We would highly encourage anyone who is either sat on an idea they’d like to explore or has a new business that is ready to grow, to get in touch and see how we can help. The community here is always brimming with entrepreneurial spirit and ideas, so we’re excited to see what is in store!”

Vicki Rutland, at The Atkinson, says: “We are delighted to welcome the expertise of Enterprise Hub into The Atkinson and hope this new partnership will be of immense benefit to the residents of Sefton”

The support and training is available fully-funded under the Enterprise Hub programme, which is receiving funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Eligibility criteria does apply and Enterprise Hub support is available to men and women living in the Liverpool City Region, who have not yet registered with Companies House or HMRC, or any business under three years old in the Liverpool City Region.

Those who would like to take advantage of the drop-in at The Atkinson should pre-book by calling 0151 706 8113 or e-mailing enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk to register for the programme.