Businesses in Watford have been offered the opportunity to take part in a free support programme.

Watford Borough Council has partnered with not-for-profit and social enterprise, Wenta, to launch a programme which the council says has been tailored to the needs of businesses and residents across the town.

Business Recovery and Growth – Watford (BRG Watford), provides free of charge services including one-to-one business advice, skills training webinars and workshops, access to co-working, incubation space for small businesses and specialist support.

The programme is available to all Watford businesses as well as residents that are thinking of becoming self-employed.

For businesses looking to adapt their services and grow, the programme also enables them to access specialist advice for free – this includes topics such as legal, ICT, finance, accounting and marketing.

Free incubation workspace for start-ups and small businesses is also available through the programme at Wenta’s business centre on Colne Way

Setting up their own business in 2016, owners of d20 cafe in Queens Road, took advantage of the free support offered through Wenta.

Page Adela Costas, director at d20 said: "We’ve been to quite a few courses with Wenta which have been great; start up courses, finance courses etc. We’ve even been back onto the same courses that we originally did, now that we have a better insight into what we are doing."

Watford Observer:

Ed Jordan, chief executive of Wenta, said: "We’re excited to be partnering with Watford Borough Council on this initiative.

"The programme will deliver a very simple, direct and inclusive support service to the Watford community.

"A one-stop-shop for helping businesses and residents to adapt and strengthen in these challenging times.

"Wenta was born in Watford over 37 years ago, set up at a time of mass redundancies in order to support the community. Today, our same mission continues, providing free business support to everyone."

Watford Observer:

Watford mayor Peter Taylor at d20

Watford mayor Peter Taylor added: "Our small businesses are the lifeblood of Watford’s economy, providing thousands of jobs for local people and making a vital contribution to the success of our town.

"We know how difficult this year has been for many of these businesses and employees, with uncertainty high and unemployment growing.

"I would therefore urge anyone who needs support, to contact us as soon as possible and utilise Wenta’s support programme."

To register for free support through the BRG Programme, visit www.watfordbusiness.com/recovery, email businessrecovery@watford.gov.uk or call 01923 691 363.