AFTER a delay of nearly two years due to the pandemic, the Growth Hub, Stroud finally opened at SGS College on Friday.

The original launch event was planned for March 2020 but lockdown scuppered the celebration plans.

Undeterred, the Hub has been providing online support for businesses throughout Covid and with the easing of restrictions, is delighted to now welcome businesses through their doors.

With MP Siobhan Baillie leading the proceedings, special guests and businesses attended a launch event of the go-to place to receive free business support, network, attend workshops, or simply escape the isolation of working from home.

Stroud and the surrounding areas have a proud history of producing successful businesses and displaying entrepreneurial spirit, however, with the uncertainty that Covid-19 and Brexit have presented, the need for a trusted and knowledgeable support hub for businesses is more crucial now and then ever before. 

Being flexible, innovative and embracing technology are key attributes of modern business and The Growth Hub, Stroud aims to support employers to do this by:

• Delivering assured support that meets the specific needs of the local district business environment that is sector specific, responding to known and emerging needs

• Supporting people to reach their potential through skills development

• Supporting and strengthening the local business community through increased routes to market and increased networking opportunities

• Providing an innovation base for businesses to work from including private offices, co-working space and a large meeting room available for hire

Additionally, by being based in an educational setting the Hub is ideally placed to raise standards across the county in employability skills and qualifications and to provide alignment between education and business.

It is part of the Gloucestershire Growth Hub Network.

SGS College principal Sara-Jane Watkins said: “SGS is a huge supporter of The Growth Hub Network and we are delighted to be able to further support developing and growing local businesses within the Stroud area and enabling innovators to achieve their ambitions and make their great ideas become reality." 

The Hub includes three private offices available for hire to start-ups and growing businesses.

The free to use co-working space is also ideal for professionals who need a break from working at home and want to make connections with other Gloucestershire businesses.

SMEs are invited to visit and see facilities first-hand.

Call 01453 761184, email stroud@thegrowthhub.biz or visit thegrowthhub.biz/stroud