Cool Ventures, the business growth consultancy behind a number of successful small business support programmes, has appointed a new client co-ordinator as demand for them soars.
Lithuanian-born Laura Lewis, pictured, joins the Yate-based firm to help promote the programmes, which offer free expert business advice to growing firms. 
The number of businesses enrolled on the Bath & North East Somerset Business Support Programme has more than doubled in just six months to 250-plus. Cool Ventures also delivers the Swindon & Wiltshire SME Growth Programme.
Those taking part benefit from up to 12 hours of free business support, including expert coaching and access to workshops on business planning, finance, marketing and management.
Laura, who has a master’s degree in international management with marketing from the University of Exeter, previously worked as a client account manager at Bristol-based international digital marketing agency Zeta Interactive.
Prior to that she worked as a marketing executive at City Cruises, the leading tour boat operator on the River Thames.
Cool Ventures director Sue Marchant said: “The phenomenal success of the programme means we now need help to support the growing numbers of businesses we advise, so I’m delighted to welcome Laura to the team. Her appointment will allow more entrepreneurs and small businesses to take advantage of the expert advice on offer.
The business growth programmes are funded by Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon Borough and Wiltshire councils, the West of England Partnership and the European Union Regional Development Fund.
