Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub launches GenAI business support chatbot

Greater Manchester’s Business Growth Hub has launched a cutting-edge GenAI-powered business support chatbot, enhancing its business support services.

This innovative tool is the first of its kind to be used by a business support organisation in the UK, providing instant access to vital information for entrepreneurs and enterprises across the region

The GenAI chatbot is a product of the social enterprise, the Growth Company, marking the debut of this advanced software in delivering business support.

By leveraging a decade of experience and insight from working with the local business community, the chatbot offers a comprehensive, accessible resource for addressing a wide range of business issues around the clock.

Coinciding with the chatbot's launch is the rollout of the newly revamped GM Business Growth Hub website.

The refreshed site design aims to further simplify the process for businesses seeking support, ensuring that crucial resources are just a click away. 

The chatbot integrates with the Hub’s existing services, allowing users to connect with experienced business advisors for more personalised guidance when needed. 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “For more than a decade the Greater Manchester Business Growth Hub has been at the forefront of delivering business support and this is another example of the Hub’s ability to adapt and respond to the needs of our business community. 

“As a city-region that has one of the fastest growing economies in the UK, Greater Manchester continues to develop different ways of delivering services, always embracing innovation and emerging technology.

Janine Smith, director of GM Business Growth Hub, said: “As Greater Manchester’s business support organisation, the Business Growth Hub has been dedicated to supporting the people and businesses of this city region and those interested in doing business here for over a decade.

“The launch of our GenAI chatbot is the next step in enhancing the support our experienced advisors are able to provide every day, building on their unique knowledge, expertise and insight to help our business community thrive.

“Alongside the launch of our chatbot, the Hub has also bolstered its team with advisors who have specialist knowledge of AI, to help businesses who need support to capitalise on this rapidly evolving technology.”

The business support chatbot has been trained on the latest information from the Growth Company’s extensive content bank which is drawn from ten years of working with Greater Manchester’s business community.

If the user is unsure where to start the chatbot will provide a series of prompts based on commonly asked questions or will direct the individual to an expert advisor.

The GenAI chatbot is aimed at any individual or business in, or interested in Greater Manchester, and can be accessed directly on the website businessgrowthhub.com