Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Growth Hub’s community joined forces with enterprising business leaders from across the region at a celebratory event, to shine a light on the economic impact the European Regional Development Fund has had on local enterprise over the last seven years.
The ‘Showcasing Success’ event, held at Aston Marina in Stone, reflected on the milestones achieved, through ERDF funding, across the county since the Growth Hub formed in 2014.
Over the years, highlights have included the unlocking of £2.3 million in private sector investment, the distribution of more than £2 million of ERDF grant funding and the delivery of business growth support to 1,550 SMEs.
As well as reflecting on the past, the participants also looked to the future, to see how business support will operate now across the county as the ERDF funding draws to a close.
Rebecca Parker, the Head of Business Growth Hub at the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Showcasing Success event provided a great opportunity to reflect on the Growth Hub’s outstanding achievements through the partnerships formed and supported through funding from ERDF.
“We looked back at some of the key milestones since the Growth Hub launched in 2016 and the impact the funding has had on local business growth and the wider economy.
“It was great to see so many people involved in the ERDF funded programme, both the businesses we have supported and the delivery partners, all under one roof.
“As we move to our next chapter, working closely with key stakeholders remains key to deliver maximum impact for SMEs.
“We look forward to continuing to play a major role in the drive for strong, sustainable business activity across the region, acting as a focal point for SMEs with growth ambitions.”
