New business support service launched by Melton Borough Council

Businesses across the borough are encouraged to access a new programme of business support, the Leicestershire Business Advice Service (LBAS), funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The free-to-access support will include start-up workshops, accelerator programmes, local one-to-one advice clinics, and more, all to help businesses at every stage of their development and growth journey. The service is being delivered in partnership with the seven district councils in Leicestershire: Melton Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Blaby District Council, North-west Leicestershire District Council, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Charnwood Borough Council, although support in the Charnwood will not commence until April 2024.  

Melton has contributed approximately £125,000 to the service, which replaces the previous EU funded programmes which have now ended. The Leicestershire Business Advice Service will initially run until March 2025 and all small to medium businesses in the borough are encouraged to access the opportunity of support for business growth. 

The service is being provided on behalf of the Leicestershire District and Borough Councils by Exemplas Ltd, who are experienced in delivering comprehensive business support programmes across the UK. The initiative aims to harness the already existing entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated throughout the borough and will support businesses to grow and thrive in an ever-changing market. 

Martin Coats, Operations & Commercial Development Director at Exemplas said, “Exemplas is pleased to bring our expertise and proven experience in economic support and development to deliver this much needed service. We are excited to introduce a team of advisers that not only have experience in starting and running successful businesses, but also know the county well and will help businesses flourish.” 

Melton Borough Council will be launching the first Prepare Workshop on Wednesday 25th October 2023, at Parkside (Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1GH). The Prepare Workshop is designed to help businesses build a clear action plan and will provide insights and guidance as to what is involved in running a business fit for the future. For more information and to access this service please visit  www.lbas.online or email enquiries@lbas.online   

For more information please contact: 

Website: www.melton.gov.uk/BusinessHub 

Email: business@melton.gov.uk 

Notes to editors:  

For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus