GC Insight was commissioned to deliver a programme of support for both established businesses and start ups in St Helens Borough.  

Businesses were offered a comprehensive suite of services to help them become more productive, efficient and profitable, including:

• one-to-one consultancy with a dedicated business advisor
• an objective diagnostic of its current strengths and weaknesses
• guidance in creating a business action plan
• workshops and masterclasses
• networking groups, both in person and online

All of the services were funded by St Helens Borough Council and offered free of charge to participating businesses. 

Within a tight timeframe of seven months, our team embedded themselves in the local business community, created processes to manage business support enquiries, engaged with 315 businesses and created an active and thriving peer-to-peer network. 

We also partnered with 30 organisations across the local business support eco-system to host joint events, established the St Helens Business WhatsApp group and LinkedIn page for networking, referrals, and cross-working, and created the 'Start Up Sips', weekly informal drop-in sessions to support start-ups and entrepreneurs. 

Outcomes

The St Helens business community responded enthusiastically, as the numbers evidence:  

• 89 established businesses completed a full business diagnostic and action plan with the guidance of their dedicated adviser
• 23 Start Ups received tailored support and guidance
• 12 jobs were created as a result of the programme, with a further 25 potential new jobs to be created within three months, and an additional 66 potential jobs within a year
• 37 events and workshops were delivered 
• 20 Start Up Sips were held
• The Peer-to-Peer Network and Meet LGC Finance Hub events were fully booked, with a waiting list

The work conducted in St Helens leaves a legacy of job creation and business growth, as well as platforms to connect local business leaders and owners which allows them to continue to support each other.