The New Anglia Growth Hub’s team of 10 business advisers have now provided 20,000 hours of support to help ambitious business owners source funding, grants and services to support expansion.

Established in June 2014 by the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as a one-stop-shop for business support, the hub has already engaged with nearly 5,000 businesses and potential entrepreneurs seeking to start a business across Suffolk and Norfolk.

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, which is contracted to deliver the hub service, said: “The team has recorded an impressive number of hours between them and the service they offer is of the highest standard.

“To further ensure we are providing the most effective advice and support to local businesses, all advisers are working towards their Level 7 Diploma in Professional Business and Enterprise Support, nationally recognised by the Secretary of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

“With the excellent support of our colleagues at the New Anglia LEP, we look forward to continuing to provide the local business community with this successful and much needed service in 2016.”

Chris Starkie, managing director of New Anglia LEP, added: “We set up the Growth Hub following significant demand for guidance from local businesses on how to navigate through the complex opportunities for funding and support.

“Our primary goal has always been to ensure business owners have access to a straightforward and professional service, regardless of size, industry or stage of development.”

Growth Hubs are part of Government’s new-look plan to support businesses. With the closure of the national Business Growth Service, incorporating the Manufacturing Advisory Service and Growth Accelerator, the New Anglia Growth Hub is now the primary gateway for business support across Suffolk and Norfolk.