As we bid farewell to 2023, Emma and I at the Shropshire Growth Hub would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the businesses that have been a part of our journey during this year.

We frequently receive inquiries from individuals newly arrived in Shropshire, seeking to establish a business and in need of support and advice. One thing I consistently emphasize is the unbelievably supportive business community here in Shropshire.

Our weekly networking event, "The Friday Hub," superbly facilitated by Johnny of Good2Great, is a true testament to this community spirit. The fantastic friendships, collaborations, and partnerships that have blossomed from this community are amazing. Last Friday marked our final gathering of 2023, and it was filled with Christmas joy, Greek Christmas carols, meditation, Christmas quiz and some wonderful cracker jokes. (Apologies if you missed it, you can still join us in 2024, the Friday Hub is back on the 5th Jan)

Friday Hub - Marches Growth Hub

(Photo : An example of Attingham Park’s Christmas decorations 2023)

While the delivery of Growth Hub activities remains consistent, we'll be updating our brand focus based on insights from our recent business survey. So stay tuned for more news on this.

Our very first venture at the Growth Hub was with Buy-From and the Shrewsbury Shopping Centres to bring you the 'Pop in Shop,' providing independent traders and artisans a platform to showcase their products and reach new markets. This was one our favourite collaborations and we cannot wait for the relaunch of this programme for our independents again in 2024.

While I have been busy planning our event programme for 2024, Emma has diligently worked to reintroduce the specialist business support that proved highly successful during Covid. The programme supported numerous businesses, all reporting a significant impact on their business success.

We are delighted to announce that the scheme will launch again in January 2024, with a new team of fantastic business specialists ready to support you in sustaining and growing your business.

Here are some of our exciting new events for 2024:

Master how to pitch anything to anyone; learn the tips and techniques for great networking with Peter Hill who won investment in BBC’s Dragons’ Den.

Mastering the Big Three: Pitching, Networking and Business Success Tickets, Wed 17 Jan 2024 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

How Instagram can  promote and enhance your business with Sian Brennan-Todd

Instagram for Business Tickets, Wed 7 Feb 2024 at 09:30 | Eventbrite

Get a competitive advantage by using the latest AI tools and techniques  facilitated by Daniel Rowles - CEO & Lead Trainer @ Target Internet.

ChatGPT Hands-On Masterclass Tickets, Mon 18 Mar 2024 at 09:30 | Eventbrite

Do you have a noteworthy achievement or success story from your business in 2023? Share it with us and you could be featured in our ‘Hub Highlights’ newsletter in 2024.

Emma and I would love to hear from you.

Email: anna.sadler@shropshire.gov.uk

Thank you once again for being part of our community here at the Shropshire Growth Hub.

Emma and I look forward to working with you in 2024.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous 2024.

Warmest Wishes

                                                                                        Anna - Shropshire Growth Hub