Expert advice on doorstep

Expert advisers are set to deliver crucial business support to the doorsteps of south Shropshire companies, as part of a scheme run by Business Link West Midlands.

Thanks to a new agreement with South Shropshire District Council, a one-on-one clinic will be held each month so that local companies can tap into guidance on crucial issues, such as expansion plans, human resources, sales and marketing, meeting new legislation and raising finance.

The free-of-charge surgery, which can be up to 90 minutes long, will start on the February 12 at Craven Arms and will be followed by Bishop's Castle (March 13), Cleobury Mortimer (April 8), Ludlow (May 13), Clun (June 10) and Church Stretton (August 8).

Simon Drake, core brokerage director at Business Link West Midlands, believes that the ambitious initiative will be crucial in reaching established companies across the area.

"Businesses are so busy these days it is sometimes difficult for them to find the time to travel to get much-needed advice, which is why we want to give them the opportunity to access support within a few minutes of where they are based."

He continued: "Individual advice sessions will provide companies with an initial chance to talk about their challenges and opportunities. It may be that these can be solved there and then, or equally, the customer could embark on more in-depth support.

"All of the clinics are being hosted in partnership with South Shropshire District Council and places can be booked by ringing the dedicated 01584 813209 hotline."

Initially, the Business Link West Midlands' initiative will target established businesses with potential to grow and will provide general advice on improving productivity, sales and profitability. As more feedback is received from companies, there is the opportunity to tailor the clinics so that they tackle specific issues, including skills, manufacturing and international trade.

Making the most of IT will also be another major theme and one that will be rolled-out in conjunction with the launch of www.businesslinkwm.co.uk/tapintoit, a new drive to make businesses more aware of the benefits of technology.

"The idea is to work with our partners to promote these clinics and look at ways of reaching businesses that previously have not accessed support," explained Simon.

"Our advisers will be part of their community and companies will be encouraged to seek support in locations that they feel comfortable in. The partner organisations we work with will enable us to reach all audiences, including young firms, ethnic minority businesses and female entrepreneurs, an essential part of our desire to engage with as many growth companies as possible."

The move, which is in line with Business Link West Midlands' desire to provide easy access to assistance, will look to house a specialist adviser in the offices/premises of strategic partners, such as a banks, local authorities, libraries, business centres and universities.

Whilst Shropshire is at the forefront of the scheme, it is anticipated that similar surgeries will be established in Herefordshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire.

Victoria Jones, of the Shropshire Rural Hub, added: "Our area has changed a great deal in recent years and we need to make sure we give all of the businesses in our area the opportunity to access the best possible advice that could help them grow, generate wealth and create new jobs.

"The clinics are just one element of our relationship with Business Link West Midlands and we are looking forward to working together on more exciting projects in the future."

Business Link West Midlands provides a single access point to the most specialised business, skills and manufacturing advice ever assembled.

By 2010, this means that over 70,000 businesses every year will be helped with basic information, with a further 16,000 receiving intensive support from experienced advisers.

This level of support is expected to generate a £400 million improvement to the economic performance of the West Midlands.

For further information or to book your place at the clinics, please contact Joyce Brisbane at South Shropshire District Council on 01584 813209.