Press Release
Brentwood businesses to benefit from access to brand new support from 2023
Date: 26 January 2023
In response to recent pressures businesses are facing, SMEs can now access a package of support across Brentwood
To kick off 2023, Brentwood Borough Council and Colbea have joined forces to provide local organisations with access to a wide range of business support. This programme provides SMEs with access to the information, advice and guidance to tackle current challenges and build on new opportunities.
This project is fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The free support on offer includes access to:
- Free business consultancy – Available for those just thinking about starting up their own business and for established organisations. One-to-one sessions can be used to discuss any general business topic, from business planning to grant funding. This support is accessible for businesses of any stage, size and sector.
- Introductory business training - For entrepreneurs seeking an overview of what they need to know when starting up, Colbea offers its First Steps to Start-Up Success and Introduction to Finance courses.
- Specialist business carbon reduction consultancy – With increased energy costs and climate challenges, businesses are seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Colbea’s free expert business advice is delivered by ESG consultants who will help clients identify areas where they can make improvements to save money and support the environment.
Following the launch of the service, Colbea’s Chief Executive, Simon Mead said, “Businesses have seen multiple challenges throughout 2022 but the year ahead will provide opportunities in the local area. We look forward to working in partnership with Brentwood Borough Council to help businesses thrive.”
The Leader of Brentwood Borough Council, Councillor Chris Hossack, added: “Whether you are an established business looking for support to grow, an entrepreneur who just needs some guidance on getting your idea off the ground or trying to make your business more sustainable, I would recommend you seize this chance to get the free help and support on offer”.
To access any of the above services, businesses can contact Colbea directly by calling 01206 548 833 or emailing enquiries@colbea.co.uk for more information.
Colbea
Established in 1982, Colbea is a not-for-profit business support and enterprise agency designed to be an incubation centre for small to medium sized businesses, providing office space, virtual tenancies, meeting/training room hire, business advice and training opportunities.
Colbea helps new businesses get off the ground and supports businesses to develop into successful ventures. Its sole aim is to see the economic prosperity of the region improved through new business development.
For further information about Colbea, please contact Craig Baston via marketing@colbea.co.uk or by calling 01206 548 833
UKSPF
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus