Business support goes rural

Helping rural businesses to get all the help they need to thrive will be the focus of two borough council ‘Rural Business Connect’ events.

Rural businesses can face additional challenges, including logistics, recruitment and access to investment so the council has brought together a number of organisations that specialise in these areas to give free advice and support.

Cllr Simon Ring, the Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, said: “Rural businesses are crucial to the economic viability of this borough but we know that running a rural business can be really tough at times.

“We have committed to promoting growth and prosperity to benefit the borough and this is one of the ways in which we are delivering on that commitment.”

Initially, two events are planned, in Hunstanton and Downham Market. The events will be attended by a number of expert organisations, including New Anglia Growth Hub, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses, Boost, the Visitor Economy Network Initiative, the Department of Business and Trade, the Borough Council and more.

Collectively, these organisations will provide opportunities for businesses to access support and advice about business development, starting up, diversifying, growing and improving productivity, alongside information on available grants, support for upskilling and training staff and discussing apprenticeship opportunities.

Event details:

Wednesday 18^th June 1-4pm, Rural Business Connect: Hunstanton

Hunstanton Town Hall, The Green, Hunstanton, PE36 6BQ

Wednesday 2^nd July 9am - 12pm, Rural Business Connect: Downham Market

Downham Market Town Hall, Bridge St, Downham Market, PE38 9DW

More information about business support in West Norfolk can be found at: www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/businesssupport