Herefordshire Growth Hub

16/06/2026

New grant launched to boost defence and security innovation in Herefordshire

A new funding scheme has been launched to support businesses in Herefordshire working in, or developing ideas for, the defence and security sector.

The Herefordshire Defence and Security Research and Development Grant will provide financial support for research and product development, helping local businesses to turn ideas into new technologies, services and commercial opportunities.

Funded through business rates generated by businesses in Herefordshire’s Enterprise Zone, the scheme aims to strengthen the county’s growing reputation as a centre for defence, security and advanced innovation.

The grant will support a range of activity including feasibility studies, prototyping, testing, and specialist technical support. It is designed to help businesses develop new products and services, access new markets, and create high-skilled better paid jobs.

Herefordshire has established itself as a growing centre for defence and cyber security innovation. The county is home to the Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security at Skylon Park, a £9 million research, training and business hub, and forms part of the wider Cyber Valley cluster stretching across the West Midlands. The sector benefits from strong links with industry, academia and defence organisations, alongside a growing network of specialist businesses operating in cyber security, communications, engineering and advanced technologies

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member of Economy and Growth, Councillor Graham Biggs said:

“This new grant will help unlock the potential of Herefordshire’s growing defence and security sector".

“Herefordshire is already home to a thriving ecosystem of innovative businesses, research facilities and specialist skills. Through assets such as Skylon Park and the Cyber Quarter, we have built a strong reputation as a place where businesses can develop new technologies, collaborate with partners and bring ideas to market".

“We want to support ambitious businesses to develop new products and services, create skilled jobs and access new markets. This funding will help ensure Herefordshire remains at the forefront of defence and security innovation.”

The scheme is open to eligible Herefordshire-based businesses developing projects that support the defence and security sector, with grants available on a first-come, first-served basis until the funding is fully allocated.

Applications are now open and business can find out more and apply, here: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/directories/grants/herefordshire-defence-and-security-research-and-development-grant/

Herefordshire Council Marches Growth Hub

Herefordshire Council

15/06/2026

The Herefordshire Growth Hub will be attending the NMITE Military to Business Showcase at the NMITE Skylon Campus in Hereford on 18th June 2026.

This event brings together employers, investors, defence organisations and education providers to explore how military skills can help address workforce needs and support growth across key sectors such as cyber security, defence and advanced engineering.

We’ll be on hand to share how the Herefordshire Growth Hub supports businesses and entrepreneurs to start, grow and innovate in Herefordshire.

If you’re a business, investor or service leaver interested in opportunities within the county, come and have a chat with the team.

NMITE invites you to the Military to Business Showcase, sponsored by

12/06/2026

Sending huge congratulations to all the Herefordshire finalists and winners at the Chamber Business Awards 2026 🎉

Held yesterday evening at Worcester Arena, with 700 people coming together the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Chamber Business Awards celebrate the very best of our local businesses!

Congratulations to this year’s Herefordshire winners:

✨ Hereford Cathedral School – Best Use of Technology & Trends
✨ Dawleys – Excellence in Customer Service
✨ KGD Industrial Services Ltd – Excellence in Manufacturing & Engineering
✨ Emily Rose Fine Art and Framing – Most Promising New Business
✨ KGD Industrial Services Ltd – Business of the Year

A special shoutout to KGD Industrial Services Ltd for winning two awards—what an achievement 👏

Herefordshire businesses continue to shine, and it’s fantastic to see their hard work and innovation recognised. Well done to everyone involved! 🌟

10/06/2026

Free funding and finance sessions — coming this June!

Are funding and finances holding your business back? We've got just the thing. 🙌

The British Business Bank's Funding & Financial Management series kicks off this month, bringing you free, expert-led webinars packed with practical advice you can put to use straight away.

Here's what's coming up:

📅 10 June — Understanding grant funding
📅 22 June — Accessing finance to prosper and grow (featuring the British Business Bank)
📅 24 June — Getting your business investment ready
📅 29 June — Financial mastery: compliance, clarity and confidence

Whether you're exploring your options for the first time or ready to scale up, there's something here for every stage of your business journey.

Spaces are limited — don't miss out 👉

Develop the skills to grow your business

10/06/2026

Find out more about how to fund your business..

Let's be honest, working out how to fund your business can feel like one of the most daunting parts of running one.

There is a lot of information out there and it is not always easy to know where to start or which options are actually available to you.

So we've put together a plain-English guide to some of the finance options available to businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin — from government-backed Start Up Loans to innovation grants, equity finance and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.

It doesn't cover everything but it is a good starting point. 👉
https://marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/finding-the-finance-to-start-and-grow-your-business-in-the-marches/

Herefordshire Growth Hub, Shropshire Growth Hub, Business Support Service

05/06/2026

Keep Herefordshire & Worcestershire Working Conference - Book Now!

Time: 9:30am to3:30pm
Date: Wednesday 8th July
Location: Abbey Hotel, Malvern, WR14 3ET
Cost: FREE / Booking Required

Hosted by Herefordshire Growth Hub, Worcestershire Growth Hub, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commercer and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

Employers across the UK are operating in a challenging economic climate, where maintaining employee productivity is essential. Supporting staff to stay healthy and prioritising the protection and wellbeing of the workforce has never been more important.

This event will bring together experts, partners and employers from across both counties to share the latest insights and thought‑provoking perspectives, alongside real‑world learning and practical steps you can take to improve workplace health, reduce avoidable absence, and strengthen recruitment and retention within your organisation.

Whether you are a HR professional, workforce strategist or manager, this is an invaluable opportunity to explore the wide range of support available to help you build a healthier, more resilient and more productive workforce and to play your part in keeping Britain working.

Workshops will include:

• Recognising Neurodiversity – What’s behind the rise in numbers
• From Insight to Impact – Using workplace data to improve health and retention
• Brainwaves – Creating mentally healthy workplaces
• Making Flexibility Work – Hybrid working, healthy boundaries, and preventing overwork
• Healthy by Design – Creating better workplaces
• Ready Steady Return – Making work comebacks

Herefordshire Council

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

Could your business help shape the future of apprenticeships in the Marches?

Businesses across are being invited to get involved in an exciting programme designed to inspire the next generation of apprentices.

The Insight into Apprenticeships programme, delivered by EDT (The Engineering Development Trust) in partnership with the Marches Careers Hub and NMITE, is returning this summer — and organisers are looking for local employers to play their part...

Could your business help shape the future of apprenticeships in the Marches?

The Insight into Apprenticeships programme is returning this summer and we're looking for local employers to get involved!

Delivered by The EDT UK in partnership with the Marches Careers Hub and NMITE this is your chance to inspire the next generation.

Whether you can spare just 15 minutes or more, there are loads of ways to help:

• Host a company insight visit
• Deliver an industry challenge
• Run mock interviews

And more!

Two five-day programmes are planned:
📍 Hereford – 29 June to 3 July 2026
📍 Shropshire/Telford – 13–17 July 2026

This is your chance to raise your profile with young local talent and help build the skilled workforce the Marches needs.

Find out more 👉 https://marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/could-your-business-help-shape-the-future-of-apprenticeships-in-the-marches/

04/06/2026

Small Business Saturday 2026 – The Nation’s Favourite Businesses has launched

For 2026, Small Business Saturday UK will be re-branding the to the ‘Nation’s Favourite Businesses,’ and we would love your support to spread the word with Small Businesses in .

This is a fantastic opportinuty to showcase the brilliant, unique and wide variety of small businesses in the county...

Does your small business deserve its day in the spotlight?

The iconic Small Business Saturday campaign, which supports small businesses across the UK and encourages people to shop small, is gearing up for its return this winter!

Applications are now open for its Nation's Favourite Businesses – a line-up of the UK’s most inspiring small businesses from across the UK that will be spotlighted as part of this year’s campaign.

If you run a fantastic small business and would like to apply to be part of this year's Nation's Favourite Businesses, click here: https://lnkd.in/dYiQpJEs

The Nation's Favourite Businesses will receive exposure on Small Business Saturday's social media channels and in the local and national press, as well as invitaions to exclusive events and celebrations.

Applications close on June 30, 2026. Successful applicants will be notified by email in August.

Herefordshire Council Visit Herefordshire Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire Means Business

01/06/2026

Great to be featured—thank you for the spotlight!

At the Herefordshire Growth Hub, we’re proud to support businesses of all sizes and sectors with free, impartial advice, helping them access funding, develop skills, and unlock growth opportunities across the county.

We’re also delighted to be sponsoring the Medium to Large Business of the Year category at this year’s Herefordshire Business Awards, celebrating the ambition, resilience, and success of our local business community.

If you’re a Herefordshire business looking to grow, innovate, or explore the support available, our team is here to help so please get in touch.

Sponsor Spotlight 🌟

This week, we’re highlighting the Herefordshire Growth Hub.

The Herefordshire Growth Hub provides support to businesses of all sizes and across all sectors in the county. Their team offers free, impartial information and guidance on business grants, loans, support and other opportunities to help your business succeed.

Find out more: www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/about-us/herefordshire