The University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Ready programme will continue supporting Warwickshire’s innovation-led businesses until March 2028...
The University of Warwick Science Park’s Business Ready programme will continue supporting Warwickshire’s innovation-led businesses until March 2028, following a funding extension from Warwickshire County Council as it marks ten years of delivery.
Since launching in 2016, Business Ready has helped hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome barriers to growth, secure investment and create jobs. Over the past decade, the programme has supported around 1700 businesses, helped them secure £20M+ in grant, debt and equity funding, and contributed to the creation and safeguarding of many hundreds of jobs. It has also helped businesses enter new markets, develop innovative products or services, or achieve other significant growth milestones.
The funding extension forms part of the Warwickshire Business Growth Service, through which the County Council has extended three specialist business support programmes. This will enable Business Ready to continue helping local businesses grow, improve productivity and explore new opportunities over the coming years.
At the heart of the programme is a tailored approach to business growth. Each business starts with a Discovery and Assessment review, followed by a bespoke support plan covering areas such as finance, market access, skills and knowledge, and incubation. Support is not time-limited, allowing businesses to return as their needs change.
A team of Business Growth Advisers brings decades of combined experience in finance and investment, digital marketing, product development, innovation and market entry. They are supported by specialist mentors with first-hand experience of running and growing businesses.
Ian McFarlane-Toms, Business Ready Programme Manager, said:
“Reaching our tenth year is a real milestone, and we’re grateful to Warwickshire County Council for its continued support. Over the past decade, we’ve helped businesses secure grant, debt and equity funding, break into new markets and create hundreds of jobs. Every Adviser brings their own specialism, enabling us to match each business with the right expertise at every stage of its growth.
“With funding secured through to March 2028, we look forward to building on this work and helping more ambitious businesses across Warwickshire realise their potential.”
Councillor Rob Howard, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Rural Development at Warwickshire County Council, said:
“Over the years Business Ready has helped ambitious businesses across Warwickshire turn their ideas and potential into growth, investment and jobs.
“By extending our support to March 2028, we can build on that strong track record and ensure more businesses can access the specialist advice and expertise they need to innovate, improve productivity and seize new opportunities.”
Warwickshire-based tech businesses can find out more about Business Ready by calling 024 7632 3000, emailing businessready@uwsp.co.uk or visiting https://business-ready.co.uk.
Business Ready forms part of the Warwickshire Business Growth Service. It is delivered by UWSP on behalf of Warwickshire County Council. To find out about other support available via the Warwickshire Business Growth Service, visit www.business.warwickshire.gov.uk.