A REAL energy was generated when 40 business people attended the Cornwall Growth Hub Roadshow, hosted by Bude Chamber on Friday, September 16, the first of the Hub’s roadshows in the county.

Richard Scutt, senior business connector with Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, presented the opportunities available to businesses via the Hub.

The Hub has been set up as a ‘one stop shop’ for all the support businesses may need, from information to sources of finance; from one-to-one advice and signposting to other expert services.

The Hub is available to businesses at all stages, whether pre start-up, new, growing or established.

Richard said: “I was very encouraged by the turnout today and the energy in the room. I look forward to helping local businesses realise their growth plans and potential.

“Businesses can register at www.ciosgrowthhub.com/growth-hub-registration and complete a simple online questionnaire to identify the help they need, following which a discussion with a personal advisor will be arranged.”

The event also marked a re-launch of the Bude Chamber itself.

Businesses were introduced to the new website, designed by local company Bude Solutions, at www.budechamber.uk, and the planned series of monthly events, details of which can be found there. The next is a breakfast event on October 4 at 7.45am.

Bude Chamber is affiliated with Cornwall Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Holmes from Cornwall Chamber gave a presentation about the benefits of membership, its current work and aims for the future, including extra events in the North and East of the county.

Verity Lawson, events manager for the Bude Chamber, said: “We were very pleased with the interest shown in the roadshow and the numbers who came. Four businesses joined the Chamber at the event, and we are expecting further growth in the coming months. The Chamber is not just for Bude businesses, but also the whole of the surrounding area.”

Membership is free until March 31 2017, and the first year’s membership after that is half price.

New members can apply via the website at www.budechamber.uk/sign-up