Calderdale businesses can now benefit from more free advice to help them grow and manage challenges like the cost of living.
In 2021, Calderdale Council set up the Place Development Team to help local hospitality businesses recover from the pandemic. Since then, the team has evolved and now provides support and business engagement to a wider range of sectors, in person through visits and drop-in events, by email and over the phone.
To build on this continued support, the team is now holding online advice sessions, in addition to its regular in-person drop-ins at libraries across Calderdale. The Virtual Hub sessions give businesses a more convenient way to get the support they need if they are unable to attend the physical business hubs.
When the national cost of living challenges increased last year, the team started running regular business advice hubs in libraries. Over 65 local businesses have visited so far, with a range of enquiries ranging from support with event promotion to details of major regeneration projects in their area.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Towns, Tourism and Voluntary Sector, said:
“Our advice hubs in libraries have proved to be a great addition for local businesses since we set them up last year. We understand the difficulties they are facing, especially with the cost of living crisis. Our Place Development Team is always there to lend a helping hand, both in and outside of the sessions.
“By adding the Virtual Hub sessions, we’re hoping to make the team’s support even more accessible to all businesses in Calderdale. Helping our towns and places to thrive is a priority.”
Leanne, Manager at The Space at Field Lane community centre, has thanked the Place Development Team for helping to promote the centre’s hire facilities and Changing Places accessible toilets through the Council’s website and Visit Calderdale. Leanne said that thanks to the support provided, the centre has seen a massive increase in bookings, generating much-needed additional revenue.
To book a place on a Virtual Hub session, please visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/calderdale-council-place-development-team-71831403553(external link)
The in-person hubs are running as follows:
Beechwood Road Library, Illingworth: first Thursday of the month, 10.30am – 11.30am
Brighouse Library: first Thursday of every month, 1pm – 2.30pm
Elland Library: first Wednesday of every month, 10am – 11am
Hebden Bridge Library: first Wednesday of the month, 10.30am – 12pm
King Cross Library: first Monday of every month, 1pm – 2pm
Sowerby Bridge Library: first Friday of the month, 10.30am – 12pm
Todmorden Library: first Friday of the month, 10.30am – 12pm
The Place Development Team is working hard to connect with businesses across Calderdale. It recently won the Town and Place Ambassador Award in the Council’s Our Stars staff awards.
If you are a business in Calderdale and would like some advice or support, please visit the hub drop-in sessions at your convenience (no need to book) or arrange a one-to-one visit by emailing placedevelopment@calderdale.gov.uk You can also follow the Place Development Team on Facebook to find out more (@Business Support Calderdale). Building resilience is a key part of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday and there is less than a year to go. Where do we want to be by 2024? What’s our ambition and what will be different? Find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision