£900k in support announced for digital, creative and tech businesses across Liverpool City Region

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has launched the next 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 across Liverpool City Region with a collective net turnover increase of £18m.

A further £895,000 will 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.

“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.”

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Business, said:

“I’d encourage local digital, creative and tech businesses to take advantage of the support we’re making available to them through Gather. We know from rigorous evaluation of the first phase that businesses who have gone through Gather have seen tangible benefits in terms of their turnover and job creation, as well as hugely valuing the community of fellow business leaders created through the programme.”

Katie Bolas from Form said:

“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.

Lorna Davidson, MD of Redwigwam said:

“The Gather team really take time to understand your business, put the right programme in place to support your growth and help you make the right connections.”

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.

Businesses in the Liverpool City Region can apply for a Gather programme or find out more here.