The Help to Grow scheme to improve productivity through funded support for digital solutions could be a game-changer for many businesses, according to web tech expert Shaun Carvill.

Mr Carvill, Managing Director of West Midlands-based Clickingmad, said the pandemic had forced many small businesses to move their services and products online and adopt digital technologies earlier than planned.

“Any support which can be provided to smaller businesses to enable them to keep up with this radical and irreversible digital shift is welcome news and we’re certain many business owners across our region will benefit from this new scheme. It could be a game-changer for a generation of enterprises,” he said.

Proposals to provide funding to the tune of £5billion to support the recovery of local high streets following the Covid pandemic was also welcomed by Mr Carvill.

“It is absolutely vital that we get our town centre businesses up and running as soon as it’s safe to do so and this funding will hopefully help to soften the enormous financial strain which many high street businesses have faced.

“Our Shropshire office is located in the heart of Bridgnorth, a usually busy, vibrant, market town, but the pandemic has turned it into a ghost town. It’s been so sad to see local coffee shops and non-essential shops closed for so long whilst we fight against this terrible pandemic. They need all the support they can to get back on their feet quickly and these restart grants will hopefully play a big part in getting our towns moving again.

“It will be essential however for the Government and local councils to ensure these grants are accessible easily and speedily to avoid any further financial burden.”

For more information, please contact Amy Bould or Lorna McCann, Be Bold Media, on 01952 898121 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photo caption: Clickingmad Ltd Managing Director Shaun Carvill