GetSet for Growth launches back into Cornwall

Cornwall business owners are invited to take advantage of the return of fully funded specialist service, GetSet for Growth, thanks to funding from the Regional Growth Fund.Building on its success working with over 1,000 businesses nationally, GetSet is now back in Cornwall and offering all local SMEs access to an enhanced programme of finance and marketing masterclasses and workshops, including those from the tourism and retail sectors who were previously ineligible for funded support.

In addition to strategic business, marketing and finance guidance, the service will play an active role in helping businesses to access finance for growth, building on its 98% success rate for helping clients secure funding, totalling over £4 million nationally to date.

Chief Executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Kim Conchie says: “GetSet for Growth has provided ideal access to finance solutions for Cornwall’s micro and SME businesses. Business owners do not want to know the details of the funding, they just want it to be accessible and appropriate and GetSet has always ticked those boxes. We really welcome its re-introduction to the funding landscape here.”

Indeed, the return of the service will be welcome news to many businesses that need support on the road to growth. The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills’ 2014 Small Business survey found that despite 73% of UK SMEs claiming aspirations for growth, only 28% feel confident about entering new markets and almost half have had
difficulties in accessing finance to achieve this growth.

Bev Hurley, Chief Executive of YTKO Group claims: “Since launching GetSet in 2013, the service has more than proven its success at helping businesses combat the two biggest barriers to growth – finding enough profitable customers and accessing finance. This latest investment from the Regional Growth Fund is further validation of this, and we’re delighted to be able to continue our support to businesses in Cornwall.”

Highly experienced commercial marketing and finance professionals, many of whom have had first hand experience running their own businesses and overcoming these challenges, will help SMEs create robust, strategic growth plans, build effective marketing and sales strategies designed to increase organic growth and secure sources of finance.

GetSet South West Project Director, Matt Giles says: “There are so many companies in Cornwall who have the potential to take their business to the next level and it’s great to be back in Cornwall with this unique programme of support that’s already proven its impact on more than 1,000 UK businesses.”

For more information, go to www.gov.uk/guidance/understanding-the-regional-growth-fund