SC20032 South East Business Boost II

Growth Hubs are locally based, Government-backed services linked to the national business support helpline.

They enable businesses to access local and national business support. Government funding for Growth Hubs is made available via the 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) covers Kent and Medway, Essex, Southend, Thurrock and East Sussex. It is the largest LEP in England. The SELEP (via Essex County Council as its accountable body) receives funding from Government for a Growth Hub. The SELEP operates a federal model, with local partnerships for each economic area within the LEP. For Kent and Medway, this is the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP). The Growth Hub for the SELEP area reflects this federal model, with separately procured and managed services in Kent and Medway, Essex and East Sussex.

The current Kent and Medway Growth Hub service can be accessed at www.kentandmedwaygrowthhub.org.uk The core Growth Hub service is enhanced through a SELEP-wide South East Business Boost (SEBB) ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) programme, led by Southend Borough Council the lead accountable body. This service provides additional activities beyond what can be provided through the BEIS funding and delivers an offer that compliments and enhances the existing ‘core’ Growth Hub programme.

Kent County Council procured a SEBBII service which will provide of one to one and one to many interactions that create growth and facilitate innovation within local companies. The programmes are aimed at pre-start, start-up and Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) who wish to scale up production to increase turnover. The service also offers ‘Growth Grant’ programme designed to facilitate growth and increase productivity within local companies.

The contract duration is for 23 months, from June 2021 to engage and support 262 SMEs to enable them to increase turnover, improve productivity, generate new products /services, and create jobs.

Key activities include:

• Marketing and Engagement of the service to eligible businesses
• Productivity and competitiveness direct one to one business support for high potential businesses.
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Support for start-ups and new businesses.
• Promotion and management of Business Grants Programme with eligible businesses.
• Development of strategic partnerships and robust referral networks
• Data collection, verification and reporting in line with ERDF requirements.