Businesses in both of Halton's town centres are being offered additional help to boost  growth.

Halton’s Business Support Service offers fully-funded consultancy to eligible companies, with a focus on growing small and medium sized businesses. The scheme is now targeting town centre businesses for additional help.

A total of 47 businesses operating in both Widnes and Runcorn town centres have already been identified for the programme, which will see locally-owned companies helped to further develop their ideas and future plans with support from an advisor.

Experts from the programme are currently working with business owners to help them identify the right steps forward cross a range of core areas such as:

  • Finance
  • Sales and marketing
  • Employment and HR
  • Innovation
  • Technology
  • International trade
  • Skills and training

This can include specific help with things like digital marketing, financial management, business plans, as well as writing and tendering bids.

Cllr Paul Nolan, Halton Council's executive board member for employment, learning, skills and community, said: "We’re delighted to open up the fully funded support we can offer to town centre businesses, which means if businesses are in Runcorn or Widnes town centre then they will likely be eligible for this practical support to help them grow."

Once onboard, firms can also be referred to other business support programmes in the Halton area. The project is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.

The project is expected to run until March 2025.

The UKSPF is the government’s replacement for the European Structural and Investment Programme (ESIF). It provides local authorities funding for communities, places, businesses, people and skills. The Government has allocated £2.6 billion over two years and three months, with at least £1m earmarked for every lead authority.

Any business which has not been approached can contact business@halton.gov.uk to assess eligibility and access support.