Warwick District Council is one of six local authorities that will start using the University of Warwick's science park to provide support for local businesses.

The Business Ready scheme helped create more than £19 million in value and 175 jobs for businesses in Warwickshire between 2016 and 2023, the council said.

This was part of the £4.6 million Business Growth Warwickshire Programme, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warwickshire County Council.

Businesses in need of support will be referred to Business Ready through the programme.

They will receive free, tailored advice, including access to sector specific expertise, specialist mentors, advice around finance or grant funding, and dedicated business workshops.

The team of advisers at Business Ready have a wide range of expertise and have recently added to their resources to meet the needs of those areas where demand is greatest, particularly in marketing, tech, and e-commerce.

The extended team of around 40 advisors is able to deliver informed, bespoke support to the businesses they work with.

Business Ready will be delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of Warwick District Council, Warwickshire County Council, North Warwickshire Borough Council, Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, Rugby Borough Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

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Cllr Ella Billiald, portfolio holder for arts and economy, said: "The renewal of the Business Ready Scheme is excellent news for the businesses of Warwick District.

"It provides them with access to invaluable resources, as well as bespoke expertise and guidance, which will support their own creation of jobs, supporting the growth of the local economy."

The Business Growth Warwickshire Programme is designed to engage with over 2,000 businesses, more than 500 of which will receive intensive, bespoke support.