This progressive move builds on the joint working, which Nwes and NBV – two of the largest Enterprise Agencies in the UK – have enjoyed in recent years. The merger will bring together these two dynamic not-for-profit organisations to the benefit of the start-up and existing small businesses, and will aid the long term future of entrepreneurial support across the East Midlands, East of England and London.

With 2017 seeing both Nwes and NBV celebrating 35 years of enterprise support, integration is due to commence as soon as possible, and the merger is expected to be completed by the end of March 2017.

With a network of Business Advisors and an extensive property portfolio, the Nwes group offers 1-to-1 business advice, a range of business and personal skills training courses and events, access to finance and serviced business premises, for those wishing to start or grow a business.

Established in 1982 to boost enterprise and jobs in the Norfolk and Waveney area, the strong vision and leadership of Nwes has seen it widen its reach to offer total business support throughout Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex.  Having completed a merger with London Small Business Centre as recently as December 2016, this move cements the Nwes group as the largest enterprise agency in the UK.

Nwes CEO, Kevin Horne said.

“The political landscape of the country has changed immensely over the last few years and it is important that we adjust and realign accordingly.  Neither Nwes nor NBV are organisations which rest on their laurels and we are excited about our joint vision for the future.

“The merger forms part of our careful expansion programme to offer more services, to assist more people, and to continue to encourage enterprise and innovation in both the eastern region and the Midlands. Our existing and new clients and tenants will benefit from access to a wider range of Business Advisors, properties, products and services and will also be part of a bigger network.”

Formed in 1982, NBV offers a comprehensive business support services to aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses across the East Midlands and has recently opened a brand new Community Enterprise Centre in Basford, Nottingham.

Richard Dearden, NBV CEO, is delighted at the development of the relationship with Nwes.

“Over the last few years we have been working ever more closely with Nwes in delivering joint business support programmes but also in our planning and developing a vision for future business support. The merger process is a natural extension of this relationship and offers exciting opportunities for the business, our fantastic teams and, most importantly, the business community we are here to serve.”

“NBV will remain as a company within the Nwes group and the name ‘NBV’ will continue to be the go to place for high quality, friendly and professional business support services in the East Midlands. Our locations, staff and service offering will be developed further under the Nwes group as we develop the best examples of business support within Nwes and NBV.”

There are no planned job losses as a result of this merger with system efficiencies being implemented to ensure continuity in providing the best business support and workspace services for clients.

Richard Dearden continues, “Given our long relationship with Nwes and the similar history, ethics and culture of Nwes and NBV, the merger will be a smooth transition.

Richard Dearden has also announced that upon successful completion of the merger process he will be leaving NBV to pursue new opportunities.

NBV Chairman, James Pinchbeck comments.

“NBV has, since its inception some 30 years ago, played a key part in supporting and nurturing new business start-ups and growing businesses across the East Midlands.  It has earned an enviable reputation for both developing and delivering business support programmes and for working with a myriad of both public and private sector providers.

“The ability of the organisation to adapt to the often challenging and changing environment is in no small way due to the vision and resilience of the Board and the Senior Leadership team and especially its Chief Executive Richard Dearden and his Deputy Joanna Clarke.  The Board would particularly like to acknowledge the unstinting work and leadership of Richard Dearden, both over the years he has been involved, but more recently in the instrumental role he has played on the merger of these two key enterprise agencies.”

Mr Pinchbeck continues.  “The Board believes that by NBV and Nwes coming together individuals and businesses, now and in the future, will be better placed to receive an enhanced level of support, as well as the potential to benefit from some new and innovative business support initiatives.”

With a clear and deliberate desire to ensure that NBV’s work continues to address the needs of those in the East Midlands, Joanna Clarke will join the Board of Nwes, as will James Pinchbeck NBV’s current Chairman. Both look forward to working with other Nwes Board members and Chief Executive going forward.