WORCESTERSHIRE companies will be able to take advantage of a new growth hub which has been launched in Birmingham.

Although run by Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, the hub is designed to assist companies along the region’s supply chains and across all sectors. Focused on small and medium sized businesses, it comprises a web portal, phoneline and one-to-one specialist advice and is a new home for all business advice, funding and support in the area, providing a route for businesses to local organisations offering business support or funding.

Mark Sayers, deputy director of business productivity and growth programmes at the Department for Business Innovation and Skills; and Saqib Bhatti, GBSLEP director and president of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce; both spoke at the launch event, which was held at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Mr Sayers said: "SMEs are pumping £1.3 trillion into the economy and are responsible for 50 per cent of private sector employment. Encouraging these businesses to scale up, innovate, secure funding, export and access new markets is key to unlocking growth."

During the next 12 months, the Growth Hub will help with 7,200 business enquiries and contribute to creating 500 new jobs. The Hub is progressing strongly already, with its site – www.gbslepgrowthhub.co.uk – receiving over 5,000 unique visitors and handling more than 300 enquiries and requests for support. The Growth Hub’s webs portal enables business owners to access information and advice about how to start, grow, run and finance their company effectively. Its tailored information directs users to the most appropriate information and support for them. Downloadable step by step guides, films and free event listings are also available online.