February 2025
At ALP Synergy Ltd we are celebrating a major milestone this month, having reached 50% of our ambitious goal to support 10,000 UK small businesses by 2030. Since launching our focused business support programmes in May 2020, just after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, ALP Synergy team has been dedicated to helping businesses start, grow, and thrive.
Ant Parsons, Managing Director of ALP Synergy, expressed his excitement:
“Our mission is to support 10,000 small businesses to start, grow, or thrive as part of a sustainable and fair economy by 2030. Reaching the 50% mark in 2025 is fantastic, but we’re not slowing down. We’re determined to accelerate and exceed our target.
The real impact is seen in the businesses that have started and created jobs for their founders, those that have safeguarded jobs during tough times, and those that have expanded and generated new employment. We know that over 1,900 jobs have been created or protected through our support, and using the UK Government’s value for a job, this translates to over £70 million generated and retained in local economies!”
Driving Economic Growth Through Expert Support
ALP Synergy’s Economic Development services provide specialist knowledge and strategic delivery to support small businesses. By transforming local and regional economic development, their programmes deliver exceptional value for money.
The 5,000 businesses supported so far have benefited through various county-wide programmes and contracts funded by European ERDF, UKSPF, and REPF, including:
- Oxfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (OxLEP) Growth Hub – ALP Synergy has played a key role over the last five years, helping OxLEP become one of the top Growth Hubs in the UK.
- West Oxfordshire District Council Business Support Programme – A comprehensive initiative supporting start-ups and growing SMEs.
- Cherwell District Council Business Support Programme – Aiding businesses in developing, commercialising ideas, and expanding their market reach.
- Thames Valley Berkshire LEP Start-Up Programme – Delivering intensive pre-start and start-up support for early-stage businesses.
- High Growth Programme for Berkshire Growth Hub – Helping small business owners lead effectively, scale up, and launch new products and services.
- Decarbonisation Business Support for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils – Supporting businesses to adopt sustainable practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and embrace new technologies.
- Eleven Grant Schemes – Over £6 million in grants distributed to small businesses and charities across Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and beyond, including Rural England Prosperity Fund Grants supporting food, farming, and rural enterprises.
- Enterprising Worcestershire Start-Up Club – A programme supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in Worcestershire.
- Start-Up Workshops for Ukrainian Nationals – Helping Ukrainian nationals launch businesses in the UK through collaboration with Asylum Welcome.
A Proven Impact on Local Economies
With over 25,000 hours of tailored business support delivered, ALP Synergy has leveraged its deep understanding of small business needs, drawn from firsthand experience in managing a variety of organisations, including sole traders, limited companies, community interest companies, and charities.
Ant Parsons added:
“We may be only halfway to our target, but we’re actively engaging more clients who share our mission to empower small businesses to start, grow, and thrive. If you share our vision, let’s have a conversation and achieve success together!”
Looking Forward
As we continue to drive positive change for small businesses, the team is more motivated than ever to reach, and exceed our target. With our strategic programmes and unwavering commitment to economic development, the next 5,000 businesses are set to benefit from impactful support, fostering growth, sustainability, and job creation across the UK.
Want to learn more or get involved? Contact us here