The team at InvestSefton has supported local businesses with nearly 7,000 enquiries in the past three years.
During the same period, the InvestSefton website has had nearly 70,000 unique sessions.
InvestSefton is Sefton Council’s business growth, enterprise and inward investment service.
It provides support to all businesses in Southport, Bootle, Formby, Crosby and across Sefton with a specific focus on small to medium sized businesses.
It achieves this via current external funded European and Government programmes – these are due to end this Friday (30th June 2023) and are being replaced by UK Shared Prosperity Funding.
The figures were revealed at Sefton Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills) meeting on Tuesday (27th June 2023).
InvestSefton also organises regular networking events, including Sefton Huddle and the Business, Professional and Finance event.
In her report, Sefton Council Cabinet Member Regeneration and Skills Cllr Marion Atkinson said: “Since the new InvestSefton website went live on Monday 30th March 2020 until Thursday 18th May 2023, the site has had a total of 67, 376 unique sessions.
“Since March 2020 InvestSefton has handled 6,657 enquiries from a wide range of businesses.
“The team continues to engage with businesses as part of its one-to-one delivery support.”
Cllr Atkinson also revealed case studies of some of the local businesses which InvestSefton has helped recently across the borough:
Bootle based business specialising in natural and synthetic wigs and hair systems for men, women and children.
The business offers off-the-shelf ranges, and bespoke hair systems for people suffering from alopecia and baldness from £1k upwards via a dedicated clinic as well as offering wigs to local hair salons. The business is looking to bid for public sector framework contracts with the NHS. InvestSefton supported the business by researching NHS supply chain opportunities as well as assisting the business with the tendering process.
Digital Marketing Agency based in Southport.
The Business has managed to access BeMore skills funding from Liverpool LCR and is looking to work with Sefton in delivering training and hopefully grow the client base. InvestSefton assisted the business by reviewing their presentation slides and co-hosting a workshop which also supported other Sefton businesses.
A trauma-informed mental wellness and community development institute based in Litherland.
Through partnerships with local charities, they have received funding to deliver courses to beneficiaries most in need of support including veterans, victims of abuse and the homeless. InvestSefton supported the business by reviewing their current slide deck which they use for presentations and recommending improvements to more clearly describe their offering to businesses.
Food trailer business primarily based in Southport.
The business specialises in Caribbean food and in addition to having the food trailer is looking to partner with local restaurants to provide sauces and guidance on more authentic Caribbean food. The business is also looking to attend food festivals and take on bookings for corporate events. The business needs to improve its understanding of its future business position. InvestSefton supported the business by creating a business cashflow that reflects new planned business activity including a review of their current pricing.
LCR Business & Enterprise Board
Plans are underway to establish a new LCR Business and Enterprise Board under the Metro Mayor. The LCR-CA is leading on this and has asked local councils to promote the concept to encourage greater geographical coverage and diversity representation.
InvestSefton is pushing this out through its various channels and advisers.
Several local business leaders have already expressed interest.
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