Video Transcript
They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year. But before we fully step into Christmas, on behalf of the entire team here at the Worcestershire Growth Hub, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on 2024 and say a huge thank you to all of the incredible businesses we have worked with this year across the county. As well as acknowledging the support of each of our amazing partners, local and national, who have helped us to help you access a huge range of business support offerings.
We’ve seen informative events delivered county wide across a wide range of business topics, brokered new business connections, access to finance, mentors, commercial property listings, innovation tools, skills, resources and much, much more. All of these have been designed and delivered to support your businesses to thrive and grow. And with that, it’s hello and welcome to the December edition of the Worcestershire Growth Hub newsletter.
I’d like to start this month’s update by highlighting the fundraising efforts of a member of the Worcestershire Growth Hub team. Jamie proudly grew his mustache throughout November to show his support for the Movember cause, which raises awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s suicide. Jamie’s efforts have so far seen over £3,000 raised, and if you’re able and willing to add your own donation, then the fundraising page will remain open for a couple more weeks. So please visit the link in the newsletter. Any donations will be gratefully received.
Now, looking ahead to 2025, we have some exciting news to share about a project which is being worked on behind the scenes over the last few weeks. And I’m now delighted to be able to announce Innovation Worcestershire Tech Fest. Delivered in collaboration between the Worcestershire Growth Hub, BetaDen, Midlands Cyber and Worcestershire County Council, Innovation Worcestershire Tech Fest will comprise a series of events to be held over a two week period from the 27th of January, and will culminate in the BetaDen showcase event on the 6th of February. It will cater to businesses of all sizes and sectors, and has been designed to respond to and help local businesses, academic institutions and public sector partners with their understanding and adoption of technology to help drive their innovation and showcase some of the fantastic innovation, assets and practice that’s taking place across the county. Local businesses are encouraged to register their interest in Tech Fest early to avoid disappointment. If you’d like to be involved, you can find out more about Tech Fest via the link in the newsletter.
And having mentioned BetaDen, A huge congratulations must go to the team who have received national recognition for the second time, claiming the technology Accelerator of the Year Award 2024 at the UK Business Tech Awards that were hosted in London in November. Great credit to the team and partners involved, and it’s brilliant to see them gain deserved recognition for the quality of the support provided, and to have successfully fought off some fierce competition from the rest of the country. Well done to BetaDen.
Following the success of our HR essentials workshop that we hosted in November. I’m excited to announce the team is bringing another HR workshop to Worcestershire businesses. This time the focus is on attracting and retaining young people in your business. Feedback provided by businesses in the county suggests there are cohorts within the next generation that are not prepared for the world of work. Join us on the 23rd of January at Redditch United Football Club for an impactful workshop on how to engage with the next generation and grow your future workforce. More information on timings and how to register for this event can be found within the newsletter.
On behalf of the Worcestershire Growth Hub team, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We look forward to another year of supporting Worcestershire businesses in their growth and success journeys. We look forward to seeing you all in 2025.
