The New Anglia Growth Hub has become the first and only organisation in the country to have secured a coveted business adviser accreditation – the equivalent of a blue flag in this sector.
The Level 7 Diploma in Professional Business and Enterprise Support is the equivalent of a Master’s degree on the qualification and credit framework scale and it means business owners across the two counties can feel safe in the knowledge that the support they are receiving has been rigorously examined and is of the highest quality available.
The award is governed by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative (SFEDI), which sets the standard for business support services and is the exemplar standard for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
John Stenhouse who fronts the New Anglia Growth Hub, which is managed by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, explained how the fact that every single one of his business advisers had achieved Level 7 “was clear proof not only of their nine months of study and dedication, but their total commitment to always providing the best approach to advising businesses.”
“The Growth Hub will continue to have a major influence in helping our growing businesses access the right kind of financial and practical support”.
Small Business Minister Anna Soubry said: “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy and this government continues to build the right environment for them to thrive.
“Growth Hubs have already helped thousands of businesses and, with the full network up and running, every registered business in England can access the expertise they need to succeed. The New Anglia Growth Hub’s business adviser accreditation will help entrepreneurs boost their businesses and create more jobs for people in the local area.”
SFEDI Chief Executive Ruth Lowbridge added: “The New Anglia Growth Hub are an exemplar of best practise in enterprise support. SFEDI research shows that businesses that engage in support are more resilient and more than twice as likely to experience business growth. This cannot be achieved without a quality and consistent approach to learning and skills development.”
Chris Starkie, Managing Director of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The quantity of support offered by the New Anglia Growth Hub is there in black and white – over 20,000 hours of face to face advice to more than 5,000 businesses speaks for itself. This accreditation tells businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk they can also rely on the quality of support, and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.”
A free appointment can be booked with a local Growth Hub adviser by calling 0300 333 6536 or email: [email protected]