Herefordshire Growth Hub

20/01/2026

Red Squirrels This Way…

The Small Breeds Farm Park in Kington has recently become an important hub for red squirrel conservation.

With the support of a grant from the Rural Tourism Grant from the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), the park was able to build a dedicated enclosure aimed at supporting the breeding and reintroduction of red squirrels in the UK.

Visitors to the park can now see Britain’s native red squirrels up close, while learning about the wider conservation efforts to restore the species to areas such as Herefordshire, where numbers have declined due to habitat loss and competition from grey squirrels. The long-term goal is to support future releases back into the wild and the new resident male squirrels Cyril, David and Richard will be joined by female squirrels in 2026 with the aim of starting the breeding programme.

Administered by Herefordshire Council, The Rural Tourism Grant is a capital grant scheme funded by the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), part of the wider UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSFP). The grant is for capital projects to support the tourism sector to help with business growth, developing visitor infrastructure and developing tourist attractions and accommodation to improve the Herefordshire tourism offer.

This scheme is currently closed but please sign up to the Herefordshire Growth Hub mailing list for up to date information about grants, funding, events, workshops and other business support opportunities in Herefordshire.

Click Here To Join Our Mailing List: https://herefordshireapi.evolutive.co.uk/form/anonymousform/686b8f92b415fa5ddfbbe659

Small Breeds Farm Park https://www.owlcentre.com/

14/01/2026

Business Surgeries with Herefordshire Growth Hub February 2026

5th February, Ledbury
10th February, Hereford
17th February, Leominster
25th February, Hereford

Come and have a chat with one of the Herefordshire Growth Hub team for free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

This support is fully funded by Herefordshire Growth Hub and is open to Herefordshire based businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs across the county, regardless of sector, business age or size.

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/herefordshire-growth-hub-41350470203

13/01/2026

Nominations close at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 January 2026

Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards Open for Nominations
Herefordshire Council is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the first-ever Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards. These awards will celebrate excellence among apprentices, employers, and training providers across the county, shining a spotlight on those helping to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Hosted by the Herefordshire Growth Hub in partnership with local training organisations, the awards ceremony will take place during National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at The Yard, Hereford.

The awards will feature three main categories:
• Apprentice of the Year (with sub-category awards)
• Apprentice Employer of the Year (with sub-category awards)
• Mentor of the year

To find out more about the award categories and submit a nomination, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/apprenticeship-awards

Nominations close at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 January 2026.

Cllr Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards are open for nominations.

“We’re providing an opportunity for people and businesses to come together to recognise and celebrate the success of our apprentices and highlight the incredible opportunities available through apprenticeships in Herefordshire.”

David Williams, Chair of the Herefordshire Skills Board and Principal of Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, added: “Apprenticeships are a vital part of our local economy. They offer young people a real chance to learn, earn and grow—not just in terms of technical skills and qualifications, but also in confidence, independence and ambition.

“These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the people and organisations who are making a real difference.”

The new awards will be delivered in partnership with Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association, and Riverside Training, and part sponsored by The Marches Careers Hub.

12/01/2026

Some places still available - book today!

✨ WorkWell Insights: Leading with Mental Health in Mind ✨

Supporting employee mental health isn’t just the right thing to do it’s a strategic advantage.

Join us on Monday 19 January, 9:30am to 1:30pm, for a session packed with practical tips and actionable advice to help your teams thrive and build a stronger, healthier business.

Whether you’re an employer, HR professional, workforce strategist, or manager, this event will show you how prioritising mental health can:

✔ Create a happier, healthier workforce
✔ Improve retention & reduce recruitment costs
✔ Boost productivity and performance

Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workwell-insights-leading-with-mental-health-in-mind-tickets-1916732912739

06/01/2026

DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS APPROACHING

Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards 2026

Nominations are open until 12pm noon on Wednesday 14 January 2026. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. We will acknowledge receipt of your application and we will contact you if you have been shortlisted.

On the evening of Tuesday 10 February 2026, during National Apprenticeship Week, Herefordshire's first countywide Apprenticeship Awards will take place, hosted by the Herefordshire Growth Hub and taking place at The Yard, Hereford.

The Awards will recognise and celebrate excellence among apprentices, employers and the training providers that support them, at a countywide level.

Enter now to be part of this prestigious event.

The Awards are being delivered in collaboration with Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association (HWGTA) and Riverside Training and will be part-sponsored by the Marches Careers Hub.

There are three award categories with a number of sub-categories in each

⚫ Apprentice of the Year
⚫ Apprentice Employer of the Year
⚫ Tutor, Assessor or Mentor of the Year

Find out more about the categories and submit a nomination: https://www.herefordshire.gov.uk/jobs-skills-and-opportunities/herefordshire-apprenticeship-awards-2026/

05/01/2026

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2026 are open for applications!

Whether you’re a start-up, small business, or established organisation, this is your chance to gain recognition, boost your profile and celebrate your achievements.

Entering the Chamber Awards is free of charge for Members and £50.00 + VAT per entry for Non-Members.

Businesses may submit a maximum of 3 entries.

Entries close: 16 March 2026

Enter now: https://hwchamber.awardsplatform.com/

30/12/2025

Strong teams start with strong support.

At WorkWell Insights: Leading with Mental Health in Mind, we’ll explore how leaders can cultivate workplaces rooted in care, resilience, and wellbeing.

This event is perfect for anyone committed to building healthier, more connected teams.

Take away real, practical tools to implement straight away.

📅 19 January
🕤 9:30am to 1:30pm
📍 The Abbey Hotel, Great Malvern

Book your place today🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workwell-insights-leading-with-mental-health-in-mind-tickets-1916732912739

Herefordshire Council | Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust

29/12/2025

Nominations open now!

Nominate now for the very first Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards, celebrating the brilliant apprentices, employers and training providers helping to build a skilled and future-ready workforce across our county
Hosted by the Herefordshire Growth Hub, the awards will take place during National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday 10 February 2026
Categories include:

Apprentice of the Year
Apprentice Employer of the Year

- with multiple sub-categories and three finalists in each
If you know someone who deserves recognition, now’s the time to shout about it, link in the comments below 🔽

23/12/2025

Business Surgeries with Herefordshire Growth Hub in January 2026

14th January, Hereford
15th January, Ross on Wye
22nd January, Bromyard
27th January, Kington
28th January, Hereford

Come and have a chat with one of the Herefordshire Growth Hub team for free impartial business support, information, advice and guidance to help your business succeed.

This support is fully funded by Herefordshire Growth Hub and is open to Herefordshire based businesses, professionals and entrepreneurs across the county, regardless of sector, business age or size.

Booking links in comments

22/12/2025

The new Business Growth Hub in the centre of Leominster.

SMEs, start-ups and larger businesses can all book meeting rooms – giving you a central location for interviews, presentations and more; drop in for hotdesking and coworking; and get free advice on everything from business planning to finding the right specialist sector support and networks to help you thrive.

18/12/2025

Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards Open for Nominations
Herefordshire Council is delighted to announce that nominations are now open for the first-ever Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards. These awards will celebrate excellence among apprentices, employers, and training providers across the county, shining a spotlight on those helping to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Hosted by the Herefordshire Growth Hub in partnership with local training organisations, the awards ceremony will take place during National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, at The Yard, Hereford.

The awards will feature three main categories:
• Apprentice of the Year (with sub-category awards)
• Apprentice Employer of the Year (with sub-category awards)
• Mentor of the year

To find out more about the award categories and submit a nomination, visit: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/apprenticeship-awards

Nominations close at 12 noon on Wednesday 14 January 2026.

Cllr Graham Biggs, Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth, said: “We are pleased to announce that the Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards are open for nominations.

“We’re providing an opportunity for people and businesses to come together to recognise and celebrate the success of our apprentices and highlight the incredible opportunities available through apprenticeships in Herefordshire.”

David Williams, Chair of the Herefordshire Skills Board and Principal of Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, added: “Apprenticeships are a vital part of our local economy. They offer young people a real chance to learn, earn and grow—not just in terms of technical skills and qualifications, but also in confidence, independence and ambition.

“These awards are a fantastic way to recognise the people and organisations who are making a real difference.”

The new awards will be delivered in partnership with Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Group Training Association, and Riverside Training, and part sponsored by The Marches Careers Hub.

12/12/2025

Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards – Nominations Now Open
We’re excited to launch the very first Herefordshire Apprenticeship Awards, celebrating the brilliant apprentices, employers and training providers helping to build a skilled and future-ready workforce across our county
Hosted by the Herefordshire Growth Hub, the awards will take place during National Apprenticeship Week on Tuesday 10 February 2026

Categories include:
Apprentice of the Year
Apprentice Employer of the Year
- with multiple sub-categories and three finalists in each

If you know someone who deserves recognition, now’s the time to shout about it, to find out more and to get your nominations in, visit the link in the comments below 🔽