A new one-stop-shop for information to help UK business thrive has been launched by the newly-created Department for Business and Trade (DBT) to make it easier for firms to find, access and use the support they need to grow.

The Help to Grow website provides a raft of guidance and support to take businesses from start-ups, to scaling-up and then exporting their goods and services across the globe and help to unlock global markets for British businesses. The website is targeted at helping businesses of all sizes but especially the UK’s 5.5 million small businesses that drive the economy.

This DBT says the site will enable more businesses to reach their trading ambitions, by boosting exports in the UK’s race to £1trn a year, increasing inward investment and removing business trade barriers. It includes information on research and development support, access to finance, details of leadership and management skill training and guidance on HR issues including recruiting staff, flexible working and paying people correctly.

The portal also points website visitors in the direction of Levelling Up projects in their area plus details of business support provided by Local Enterprise Partnership Growth Hubs.

Business and Trade Minister Kevin Hollinrake MP said he hoped the website would become a vital tool in helping businesses to thrive and succeed both in the UK and trading across the world: 

“When businesses are given the right tools to grow, it boosts profits, increases well-paid jobs and lifts the whole UK economy. This government is committed to supporting small businesses and the self-employed who are at the heart of our communities.”

Simon Gray, Head of Business at ICAEW, emphasised the importance of growth to the UK’s future: “Business growth is critical to the success of the UK economy, and the launch of the Help to Grow website from the Department for Business and Trade is a step in the right direction. 

“As trusted advisers, chartered accountants play a vital role in supporting the growth of businesses, and this website can serve as an invaluable resource to support them and their clients. By providing easy access to government information and support, Help to Grow can help businesses of all sizes to develop and thrive, boosting productivity, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”

 The Help to Grow website will be continuously updated and improved by DBT, working across government as well as listening to the business community and their feedback.