For many businesses, growth is not solely about ambition, but access – to people, funding, new markets, or innovation opportunities. While reliable support channels do exist, knowing where to turn in a time of need can often be difficult, particularly for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
To help address these challenges, the UK Government is offering support tailored to help companies start and grow. A wide range of services have been brought together through the Business Growth Service: the Government’s new integrated business support offer, as well as recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The joined-up service sees business.gov.uk act as a central access point for trusted guidance.
Support for growth and trade
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) provides support to companies at all stages of development, from the first exciting start-up idea, to scaling and further growth. Through business.gov.uk, DBT offers guidance on the practical aspects of running a company, whether it is finance, skills or regulation.
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For businesses trading internationally, DBT highlights various export opportunities, offering insight on global markets and the best ways to navigate trade processes for both products and services. Whether a business is a first-time exporter, or a more established global trader, they will be able to expand into new territories with confidence.
Broader learning and development support is also accessible through DBT’s offer; for example, the Business Academy offers essential skills training such as leadership, management and digital skills to help grow and shape companies. The ultimate goal is to provide greater accessibility to trusted, Government-backed information – especially for SMEs that may not have specialist infrastructure in place.
Horizon Europe research and innovation funding
Throughout the UK, many businesses are working in research-led or innovation-driven sectors. The UK Government supports access to international research and development opportunities, particularly through horizoneuropeuk.org.
The website provides clear, practical information to help UK organisations learn more about Horizon Europe: the European Union’s £80 billion research and innovation programme. Businesses, researchers and universities can find guidance on eligibility, funding opportunities, building consortia and how to apply, as well as information on support and upcoming events. Horizon Europe plays a key role in helping UK organisations access opportunities for research, development and innovation. For SMEs in particular, participation can open pathways to significant funding – with the average grant to a UK business worth more than £400,000 – alongside opportunities to collaborate with world‑class partners across Europe and beyond.
Recruit the right people
Jobcentre Plus, part of the Department for Work and Pensions, is on hand to support businesses of all sizes with their recruitment. It includes a network of local Employer Advisers, who offer no-fee, tailored support with writing job descriptions, and promoting vacancies, including invitations to local recruitment events. Advisers can also support employers through the recruitment process, helping to review applications, interview candidates and provide use of Jobcentre Plus offices to conduct interviews.
In addition, Jobcentre Plus can help businesses access government support through the Youth Guarantee, which brings together a range of funded programmes and financial incentives to help employers fill skills gaps and ensure all young people aged 16 to 24 are earning and learning.
Employers looking to build a highly skilled workforce for the future can work with Jobcentre Plus to arrange work experience and work trials, where both employers and employees can decide whether a job is the right fit for them both before agreeing a permanent role. Apprenticeships are another way Jobcentre Plus is helping younger workers into paid employment, supporting businesses with training costs to help develop employees with the precise skills businesses need.
Visit business.gov.uk/recruit to find out more about what Jobcentre Plus can offer. You can also complete the online enquiry form or call us on 0800 169 0178. Eligibility criteria apply.
UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support exporting
One of the biggest barriers faced by businesses looking to grow their international business is their access to finance. To directly address this, UK Export Finance – the Government’s export credit agency – is on hand.
UKEF helps UK businesses win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers, enabling them to fulfil contracts by supporting working capital and trade finance, and ensuring they get paid by insuring against buyer default.
UKEF can also help through its network of regional Export Finance Managers, based around the UK, who can provide free and impartial consultations to businesses on their export finance needs. They help businesses to check they are getting the appropriate export finance support and, if not, guide them on how to bridge any gaps.
Further details are available at ukexportfinance.gov.uk.
Through this assistance, UK businesses will be equipped with greater confidence and control when pursuing international growth opportunities.
A joined-up approach to business support
The Business Growth Service brings together support from across Government and partner organisations to help businesses identify relevant advice and opportunities more quickly.
Companies can now use business.gov.uk as their first port of call and explore a wide range of support, including recruitment, finance, innovation and exporting. This service provides them with the tools to take the next practical steps aligned to their growth plans.
Access the right support for your company at business.gov.uk.
This content has been produced in partnership with the UK Government. While commercial support has enabled the creation of this material, all editorial decisions – including topic selection, interviews, analysis and final copy – have been made independently by the editorial team. Our commitment to impartial, agenda-free journalism remains unchanged.
