High street business owners in our village are being invited to sign up to a new support programme to access a range of free advice, training and grant opportunities, to help their business grow and become more sustainable.
Even better, it won’t cost them a penny since the Rushcliffe Accelerator project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Through the Accelerator, businesses can access a range of support including:
• 1:1 business advice
• A range of free training and workshops
• Energy audits
• Assistance with grant funding
• Up to six hours of specialist consultancy and training
Since Rushcliffe Borough Council‘s project launched in 2023, over 100 local businesses have benefitted from the programme, including Ruddington village centre trader Debbie Bryan which received support to help them create and safeguard jobs, reduce costs, increase sales and brand awareness. The gallery, tearoom, and creative space at 15, High Street received 1-2-1 advice from Accelerator Business Adviser Insan Farooqi (pictured top right in The Ruddington Arms), who helped to elevate the way the business sells online and from its retail shops.
Managing Director Debbie Bryan was also successful in applying for up to six hours of specialist consultancy support which enabled them to move to the ‘Shopify’ platform to help expand online bookings. She says: “The support has been exceptional. Our business adviser Insan has helped me develop the project based on our expansion plans for 2024. We are now implementing the project with the technical expertise of Ian Lockwood and feel very optimistic about the outcome and the benefits it will bring to the business and the team.”
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford adds: “Specialist consultancy and training is an important part of the Rushcliffe Accelerator offer. Up to six hours of support is funded, at a rate of 100%. It means high-street businesses can tap into much-needed expertise to help deliver their strategic plans, whether that be adapting their website to fulfil online sales or attracting new customers through better social media engagement. This support is offered on a first-come, first-served basis so I would strongly urge businesses to speak to RBC or the Chamber to register their interest.”
RBC’s Director for Development and Economic Growth Leanne Ashmore says: “Through our allocation of UKSPF we’re pleased to support Rushcliffe Accelerator which is designed to help businesses across Rushcliffe to start, sustain, grow and innovate. There is a range of support available from 1-2-1 advice and mentoring, training and workshops, grant funding opportunities, up to six hours of specialist support, networking opportunities, peer support and much more. We’ve seen over 100 businesses across the Borough engage with the programme so far and we’re encouraging all business owners who could benefit from additional support and advice to sign up to the programme!”
Ruddington business owners can register for the free programme, which runs until 31st March 2025, >>HERE<< or by emailing RBC’s Economic Growth team at econdev@rushcliffe.gov.uk. It’s also been announced that a business advisor will be coming to Ruddington for a ‘Business Surgery’ on Wednesday 24th July. Interested traders are being encouraged to get in touch now to book a one hour slot on that day.
