More support for businesses struggling in recession (From Watford Observer)

More support for businesses struggling in recession

1:20pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Businesses in Watford suffering in the recession are being offered a helping hand with the launch of a new partnership.

Watford and West Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with a business support company, Branduin, to offer strategy advice and support to small businesses in Watford to help get them back on their feet.

Roger Gagan, chief executive at the chamber of commerce, said: "We are in unprecedented times of economic recession and have been since it all started back in 2000.

"This is a great opportunity to give small businesses in Watford an opportunity to gain some advice and it is a very important role in these times.

"We are really looking forward to working with Branduin, which is a much needed service and of great benefit to businesses in Watford."

The website launched today (Wednesday) and small businesses or even future businesses can book themselves in for one-hour business clinics, to gain planning and strategy advice. 

Clive Ross, who set up CJ events and media, an events organiser, website and photography based business, a year ago in Watford, said you couldn’t get too much advice.

Mr Ross said: "Despite tough times, my business has got off to a great start. I always find making contacts is the right way to being successful and gaining clients. However a bit of advice and the right services along the way are needed so this will be very helpful."

The partnership aims to provide smaller businesses with one-to-one help in identifying their goals and requirements to get to where they want to be.

Businesses who are members of the chamber will not have to pay for the service.

Steve Forey, a business advisor from Branduin, said: "Every business has a different issue they wish to tackle.

"So we are here to offer particular advice and support to those who need it for their particular problem for however long they wish to receive it.

"We will talk to people about what they want to do with their business and how they want to achieve it.

"Our business advisors are people who have a lot of experience in business or have had their own businesses, so we can offer the best advice and know what people are experiencing. 

"Hopefully this is the start of a beautiful friendship."

The first business advice clinic will take place on Tuesday, October 2, at the Green Room in Wenta Business Centre, Watford. For more information, go to www.businesssupportwatford.co.uk.