Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has launched the next, £895k, phase of Gather, his support scheme for digital, creative and tech businesses in the region.
The first £3.5m phase of Gather saw 178 digital, creative and tech (DCT) companies create 314 new jobs with a collective net turnover increase of £18m.
A further £895k will now enable Form, who deliver Gather on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, to work with around 120 more digital, creative and tech SMEs.
Rotheram said: “Our area is home to a burgeoning digital, tech and creative sector that supports thousands of local jobs and training opportunities. Through Gather, we’re helping the industry to strengthen the future of its workforce and create quality, secure, and well-paid jobs.
“We’ve launched our next round of support to ensure that even more businesses and local people can benefit and take advantage of all the opportunities that will come our way in an increasingly digital world.”
Katie Bolas from Form added: “Gather is back to amplify the success of the region’s growing businesses. A common misconception is that business support is for companies that are struggling, whereas Gather is about growth and success for businesses already doing well and looking to go further. We’re really excited about supporting more businesses and helping the digital, creative and tech sectors to thrive.
“Whether you’re looking to develop your future leaders, need support with plans to scale, or are battling with sales, there’s a programme – and a supportive community – to help.”
Alongside regular events, the four streams of support offered by Gather are:
- Outbound – a short course focused on sales, to help companies secure the clients they want to work with.
- Emerging leaders – a transformative programme for upcoming leaders to accelerate their personal and business growth.
- Beyond – 6-months of bespoke scaling support crafted with and for ambitious businesses.
- One-to-one advice – confidential support from experts who can help leaders move the dial on their biggest challenge or opportunity.
Among the digital, creative and tech businesses supported by Gather are Cybertill, Sood Agency, and online recruitment platform Redwigwam.
The funding also provided emergency business support to 221 non-DCT businesses through the related Sustain programme, which was launched by Mayor Rotheram as part of his £200m business support package to help business recovery both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
