Partner Article

NBSL’s business support programmes filling the gap

Following the implementation of radical changes in the business support arena with the Government’s closure of the Business Link regional centres, people could be forgiven for thinking that there is no longer any face to face support for new and growing businesses.

Nothing could be further from the truth however, as clients of NBSL will testify. The Enterprise Agency has been serving the region for 10 years now and exists to help create and grow businesses in Northumberland and regionally, working with people who wish to start businesses as well as with those whose existing enterprises show growth potential.

NBSL is now, more than ever, filling the gap in business support and its team of skilled specialist advisers who have all attained the ‘Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative’ (SFEDI) mark of quality provide free and confidential assistance to clients.

For people wishing to start a new business, ‘one to one’ and group sessions are available at the six Northumberland Business Advice Centres in Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth, Hexham and Morpeth and at outreach centres too. Sessions are designed to strengthen skills and abilities and develop business knowledge and confidence in subjects such as market research, marketing, business planning and bookkeeping. Clients are also supported to enable them to manage their time, focus on the essentials and structure the future by completing a personalised action plan.

Existing private companies or social enterprises employing between 2 and 249 people which are planning to grow over the next three years can access up to £1,000 of funding to develop their senior leader’s capacity to grow and develop the organisation. The simple three step application procedure couldn’t be easier and to date over 5000 businesses in the North East have successfully applied for this support and have seen their turnover and profitability increase.

So for anyone considering starting a business or looking to grow and develop their organisation, NBSL may hold the key to future success. For more information about the available programmes contact NBSL NOW on 01670 813322 or go to www.nbsl.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Phil Langton .