Growth Platform’s New Markets 2 ERDF Programme allows Liverpool city region SMEs to access commercial business advice and support but the programme ends in December. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool city region businesses are being urged to apply for growth support from a scheme that has already benefited more than 240 firms to the tune of £840,000.

Growth Platform’s New Markets 2 ERDF Programme provides a method for SMEs to access high value commercial business advice and support, to assist them with their growth plans. The current programme ends in December.

Eligible businesses can receive a 35% contribution up to the value of £2,450, to the cost of services which can include financial advice, legal advice, export and supply chain development, as well as strategic development including marketing and sales.

Janice Mears, head of business growth at Growth Platform, said: “Helping businesses to grow and thrive is at the heart of what we do at Growth Platform. We know that business owners and directors can often be unaware of the support available to them when looking to take their companies to the next level.

“That is why programmes that can equip businesses with the tools and support to grow and invest are so vital in helping our economy grow. It is fantastic to see how this programme has, so far.

“I would urge any business looking for commercial advice and support to contact our commercial broker team at Growth Platform before the programme ends later this year.”

Part funded by the European Union, the programme was developed by Growth Platform working with local partners across the city region.

Rachael Davies, director at Three Dimensional Training, added: “The support the New Markets 2 ERDF programme fund allowed Three Dimensional Training to invest in a learner management system.

“As a result, we have streamlined processes and we are now working in a more productive and efficient way. It has also enabled us to use our data more effectively so we can plan further growth for the company.”

Click here for more information on New Markets 2 programme.