By Daniel Hunter

The government Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is encouraging small businesses in London to apply for a Growth Voucher, and urging those who haven’t yet spent their voucher to use it and claim before time runs out.

The Growth Vouchers programme was launched in January 2014 and helps companies find and pay for professional advice. After applying, online successful businesses are allocated a voucher for up to £2,000 to cover half the cost of the advice. The closing date for applications is 31st March, with businesses able to redeem their vouchers for three months from the voucher issue date.

Growth Vouchers are redeemed through a marketplace developed and run by small business network Enterprise Nation. This allows business owners to select the right adviser to address their specific business needs. Advisers are paid directly by the small businesses who can then claim up to £2,000 back from the government.

Strategic business advice is available on the following topics:

- Finance and cash flow
- Recruiting and developing staff
- Improving leadership and management skills
- Marketing, attracting and keeping customers
- Making the most of digital technology

If you would like to apply for a Growth Voucher for your business, please visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-growth-vouchers for further information.