Run by Liverpool social enterprise, The Women’s Organisation, the Enterprise Hub project offers free advice to entrepreneurs and is urging those affected by COVID-19 Tier 2 to get in touch. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool city region’s entrepreneurs support programme Enterprise Hub is offering free advice for any businesses affected by the new Tier 2 COVID-19 restrictions.

The current England-wide lockdown comes to an end on Wednesday, December 2 and, on that date, Liverpool city region’s six boroughs – Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton – will be put into Tier 2.

This will allow many business to reopen, including restaurants, gyms and hairdressers. However, pubs that do not serve ‘substantial meals’ will have to keep their doors closed in the run up to the usually busy festive period.

Enterprise Hub was first set up in 2015 and and entered its second phase at the beginning of 2020. Lead agency on the project is Liverpool social enterprise, The Women’s Organisation. It’s primarily aimed at people thinking of starting a business and those in the early stages of running one.

Since launching its first phase in December 2015, Enterprise Hub support has helped to create well over 1,000 new businesses so far. More than 6,000 individuals have registered for support during that period.

On Thursday, The Women’s Organisation chief executive, Maggie O’Carroll, said the Enterprise Hub team was ready and willing to offer advice and support to businesses affected by the new restrictions.

She said: “It’s encouraging to see steps in the right direction for our region thanks to those who have worked together to reduce the impact of COVID-19 locally so we can save lives and get our economy back on track.

“However, we recognise that many businesses, particularly in the hospital sector, will continue to be feeling the strain of ongoing restrictions. We invite businesses needing support to get in touch. Our Enterprise Hub team can offer business advice and support to help navigate this tricky time.”

To contact to the Enterprise Hub team email enterprisehub@thewo.org.uk or 0151 706 8113. Enterprise Hub is part-funded by European Regional Development Fund and is free to access.