92 per cent of Blackpool businesses recommend Blackpool academies

Blackpool Council have announced the launch of their new ‘Driving Growth, Achieving Net Zero’ Legacy Brochure highlighting the success of the first phase of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). During this phase Blackpool Council have supported over 600 local businesses through two key initiatives: the Blackpool Growth Business Academy and the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy.

With 92 per cent of businesses recommending the project, an average of 47 per cent in energy cost reductions and over 3,400 hours of business growth support provided, the Academies are making an impact on the local economy.

These fully funded Academies have delivered tailored support, from hands-on workshops and business planning sessions to 121s with experienced scale up advisors to sustainability specialists creating personalised decarbonisation action plans.

So far some of Blackpool’s most established names, as well as new start-up businesses have benefited from the support. These include Blackpool Pharmacy whose goal was to scale to a £1million+ business. Top Gun who applied strategic support to target a £5m turnover.

Notarianni who deepened its commitment to energy-saving initiatives. And Hotel 242 who received a tailored decarbonisation plan along with hands-on advice to guide future plans.

Angela Kershaw, head of the Business Growth Team at Blackpool Council, said: “The response from local businesses has been incredible in the first phase.

"It has been amazing to see how many businesses we have been able to support already. It means so much to offer this kind of help to Blackpool businesses and play a role in both the town’s economic growth and sustainability goals.

"The results really are impressive, and I encourage Blackpool leaders to take advantage of the tailored support that we offer to each individual business. We are looking forward to being able to support more businesses in the second phase.”

To deliver this programme the Business Growth Team have worked alongside three local businesses; Happy Creative, The Small Business Academy, and Adler and Allan.

As part of their contracts, they have contributed to Blackpool’s wider community through their social value commitments. Collectively they have delivered over £21,000 in charitable donations and business sponsorship, helped Blackpool Samaritans answer over 70 calls, and supported the provision of 9,100 meals to Blackpool Foodbank*. This collective effort reflects the lasting positive impact of the programme beyond business support.

To explore some of the Academies success stories and see the impact from the initial phase of support, take a look at their Legacy Brochure here.

With fully funded support readily available Blackpool businesses are being encouraged to contact the Blackpool Net Zero Business Academy or the Blackpool Growth Business Academy for tailored support.

*Source: Fareshare