The programme’s business support package is led locally by Hertfordshire LEP and aimed at SMEs within the county's booming film and TV sector, and those looking to join the sector's supply chain. Businesses are invited to register now, ahead of the programme's start date of April 2024.
Programme breakdown:
Scale & Growth Assessment
Applications will be assessed by Hertfordshire Growth Hub, with all applicants gaining access to targeted 1-2-1 business support to help boost scale up and growth.
Circa 60 eligible businesses will be invited to participate in the Supply Chain Innovation Programme, with the option of receiving additional New Product Development Support and Investment Readiness Support.
Supply Chain Innovation Programme
This 8-week programme is delivered on behalf of Hertfordshire LEP by Estu and the Royal College of Art, in association with Hertfordshire’s major studios. The programme supports business leaders from all sectors looking to grow within the film and TV production ecosystem, helping them to make connections and develop their proposition to establish and enhance their role in the supply chain. The programme will run in three cohorts launching in April 2024, September 2024 and January 2025.
New Product Development Support (optional)
In addition to the Supply Chain Innovation Programme, businesses have the option to access intensive 1-2-1 support from the University of Hertfordshire to help speed up their development of new high-value products or services.
Investment Readiness Support (optional)
Upon successful completion of the programme, if businesses require additional funding to carry out planned activity, Hertfordshire Growth Hub will assess their deal propositions and provide support to improve any weaknesses, to help them secure external investment.
Hertfordshire Growth Hub is also developing a Hertfordshire-focused Investor Network to complement and run alongside the network established by Innovate UK.
Investor network
Innovate UK have a list of approved investors whom creative businesses can approach to secure the investment they need to make a Create Growth Programme Innovation Grant application. As part of the programme, Innovate UK will also be working to add and approve new investors to its national network.