50 days after its launch, more than 400 businesses have been set on the road to business growth by the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub and more are signing up every day to get some GAS (Guidance And Support).

The Growth Hub, which finds the right support to help people start or grow their business, was launched in Cornwall Business Week and since then has seen 450 sign up to the new website and over 100 contact the Team to start their growth journey.

Victoria Fox, owner of Liskeard based Party Parade said: “We met the Growth Hub at the Cornwall Business Fair and thought they might be able to help us expand our e-commerce business into new markets. Our Connector has been amazing, and the speed of the response was particularly impressive. Within two weeks he had visited and referred us on to three support opportunities, who were then in contact within a day. It’s a fantastic network of support and I am recommending it to all my business contacts.”

Since the launch the Growth Hub Team, which includes Navigators on the phone and Connectors in the field, have used planes, trains and automobiles to reach companies across the region and from a wide variety of sectors. From a flower grower on St. Marys to software developers in Bude, the Growth Hub is available to any business who would like to grow.

David Jackson, Executive Director of the Islands’ Partnership commented: “Since its launch in May, the Islands’ Partnership has developed a positive relationship with the Growth Hub team and it’s been great to have seen both Stu and Chris over here engaging with the local business community. When combined with the Isles of Scilly voucher scheme, we’re sure that the support available through the Growth Hub will prove invaluable in facilitating business growth on the islands.”

Growth can mean different things to different people, from taking on their first employee or business premises to launching a new product or selling overseas and the Growth Hub can help with all of these steps and more.

Sara Pugh from design and marketing firm Eight Wire in Falmouth added: “It is a very easy way to get up-to-date information on what is available and it’s great to have one place you can go to find the support you want”

Businesses signing up to the Growth Hub get access to a Business Connector, who will work with them to understand their ideas and ambitions. The Connector then refers the business on to right support that can help them achieve their goals, which could include local, national and international services depending on their needs.

Clare Colledge from Bad Boy Chilli Mash in Lostwithiel said: “We were looking for some PR and marketing advice and, after signing up with the Growth Hub and meeting a Connector, we now have a business coach that can work with us to broaden our market appeal. We have found the Growth Hub a really straightforward way to get the support we need.”

Businesses that sign up to the Growth Hub via the website will not only get access to support information but will also be able to promote their products and services on the Business Directory, check out upcoming events and start sharing their news the straight away.

Businesses across the Isles of Scilly are being urged to take part in the islands’ inaugural Taste of Scilly Festival that will be taking place across the whole month of September.

Taste of Scilly festival will celebrate the very best in local food and drink from across the islands with an exciting programme of events. On the proposed menu are pop-up beach barbecues, Taste of Scilly markets, Taste Trails, Taste of Scilly Breakfasts, foodie breaks, and daily specials, masterclasses, chefs’ demos, bake-offs, in-store promotions etc etc. It us being coordinated by the IP’s Scilly Events Team and supported by the Coastal Communities Fund.

“We’re looking for lots of businesses to work with the Islands’ Partnership on the festival,” says Zoe Parry, Events Manager, Islands’ Partnership. “If you are a food supplier, food retailer, butcher, baker, chef, restaurant owner, even a B&B owner prepared to do Taste of Scilly breakfasts then we’d like to hear from you! This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business and highlight Scilly as a fantastic foodie destination,” she adds.

So if you’re a lover and purveyor of food on Scilly and want to get involved, please take the time to read the special Taste of Scilly Engagement Pack and get in touch by Monday 13th June.