Boost; Lancashire's Business Growth Hub

✨ “It’s brilliant see so many of these businesses not only fulfilling their potential but also being recognised for their work.” ✨ That’s what Lancashire County Council’s Aidy Riggott said about this year’s 16th annual Be Inspired Business Awards (BIBAs 2024) entries… After rigorous rounds of judging, we’re thrilled to see Boost supported businesses representing almost half (43%) of the 89 shortlisted finalists. Among those up for the crown include: 🏆 Fleetwood-based Ecoduct Pty Ltd, in the running for ‘Low Carbon Business of the Year’, ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ and ‘Innovative Business of the Year’. 🏆Clitheroe-based specialist business podcast agency Voice It Podcast Agency, which is shortlisted in ‘Skills Provider of the Year’, ‘New Business of the Year’ and ‘Digital and Marketing Business of the Year’. 🏆 St Annes-based Clifton Homecare, shortlisted for ‘Employer of the Year’. A huge congratulations to everyone involved and to all the shortlisted finalists! You can read all about it in our news post 👇 https://lnkd.in/e4FKWhcY #HelpingBusinessesThrive #BIBAs2024

Is your business ready to export? Boost's Discovery Session star of the show today was Kathryn Nolan, International Trade Advisor, Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Kathryn outlined how DBT helps businesses to prepare for international trade: 🟡 Promote the benefits of exporting 🟡 Help companies overcome barriers to international trade 🟡 Develop a strategic exporting plan 🟡 Provide fully-funded one-to-one advice from specialist advisors 🟡 Facilitate access to grants, expertise, events, trade missions. 🟡 Providing embassy-based trade intelligence worldwide. She also offered information regarding the latest programmes delivered by DBT including: The Export Academy, and a new Digital Exporting programme for e-commerce businesses. If you would like to find out more about all the support services that are available for your business including exporting, call Boost's Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 or complete the Boost enquiry form: https://lnkd.in/eeJN5Brn #internationaltrade #export #HelpingBusinessesThrive

Have you got a great product that you think has the capacity to be sold in retail outlets? Would you know what to do next to make it happen? Business consultant Suzi Wynne, a specialist in retail business, outlines her helpful tips to help you do the right groundwork and prepare so you make the right route to retail. https://lnkd.in/eDh-y4rR If you are ready to grow your business and think it’s time to consider further routes to market for your brands and products, contact the Boost support helpdesk on 0800 488 0057. Our business advisers will guide you on what suitable support is available. #retail #brand #product #HelpingBusinessesThrive

Women of Lancashire; let’s grow! The Boost Women in Enterprise Hub showcases the latest support and groups available to Lancashire women in business, and inspirational female business stories. We've just added several more programmes to the Hub including: Digital Boost's Begin: A free course for aspiring female entrepreneurs Buy Women Built: An online platform to showcase products and brands Access: Founded by Her: For female leaders navigating the investment market, delivered by KPMG | Acceleris Take a look and see if there is a programme just for you! https://lnkd.in/e9wfwgW4 #Womeninbusiness #Lancashire

Do you recognise any of these barriers to scaling your business? 1. Lack of proper financial planning 2. Inadequate cashflow management 3. Failure to plan for growth expenses 4. Ignoring customer feedback and market trends 5. Lack of strategic planning and execution Scaling a business can take various forms, from expanding existing products to exploring new markets or embracing innovation. Understanding the common pitfalls and seeking solutions is crucial in steering your business towards success. Boost business adviser Jonny Slater, who is part of the Boost Scale to Thrive team, offers some practical tips to overcome these barriers. https://lnkd.in/emFNgX5G #ScalingLancashire #HelpingBusinessesThrive

"One thing everyone running a business needs is a trusted ally, someone who understands and listens." Having started his first business at university 27 years ago, Simon Brooke understands the realities of being in business. Discover what motivated him to become a business adviser and part of the Boost Business Advice service in our latest Meet the Boost team Q&A. https://lnkd.in/ejz4_evx #HelpingBusinessesThrive

Boost's Discovery Session star of the show today was Masuma Moledina, marketing and partnership manager at Digital Boost, a national online platform that connects entrepreneurs with volunteer business professionals for 1:1 and small group mentoring and personalised business support. She demonstrated how the platform works connecting people with the best match for a mentor that fits with their enquiry/business needs. Digital Boost backs Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub - by providing leads and resources for Lancashire businesses and entrepreneurs. If you would like to find out more about all the support services that are available for your business, call Boost's Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 or complete the Boost enquiry form: https://lnkd.in/eeJN5Brn

Do you have a business plan? Do you keep it up to date? A business plan is a strategy for a business that highlights its goals and how it will achieve them. A well-written business plan is the foundation for the success of a business. Here, Boost business adviser Gill Nolan explains the benefits of a well-written business plan, explaining how often you should update your plan and highlights the consequences of not regularly reviewing your strategy. https://lnkd.in/eRBspDCe As part of Boost's Business Advice Service, Gill provides helpful guidance to trading businesses in Lancashire that are ready to take the next steps for a successful, thriving business. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more. #businessplan #strategy #HelpingBusinessesThrive

“My clients often share their fears and challenges around the logistics of business. This ranges from a lack of knowledge in accessing finance for growth, angel investing and commission readiness to embedding sales and marketing strategies for growth and sustainability.” In our latest Boost adviser Q&A, Lynn Trickett explains what she believes is the greatest challenge for Lancashire businesses in the current economic climate. Read Lynn’s answers here: https://lnkd.in/ejGZqhtg #HelpingBusinessesThrive

Another great Boost Discovery Sessions star of the show today - Delyth Edwards Edwards, senior manager at the British Business Bank! Delyth discussed the British Business Bank’s programmes and services for business in Lancashire: 👉 Start Up Loans 👉 Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II 👉 Regional Angels Programme 👉 Recovery Loan Scheme She also highlighted businesses the British Business Bank has supported, including Lancaster based Fuuse. Located in Fraser House Hub, the company received equity finance through the Regional Angels Programme from Par Equity. Boost’s Access to Finance can help you understand more about the British Business Bank’s services and your external business finance needs.: https://lnkd.in/er9AezZd Thank you Delyth for such an informative presentation 😊 #HelpingBusinessesThrive