Facing the challenges: help is at hand for Hertfordshire businesses (From Watford Observer)

Facing the challenges: help is at hand for Hertfordshire businesses

12:26pm Thursday 21st October 2010 in Business Link

A recent survey conducted by Business Link in the East of England has revealed that finding new customers is the biggest challenge currently concerning local businesses. Just under half of respondents (48%) highlighted this as their main obstacle, with finding time to grow identified as the second highest issue of 17% of respondents.

Allan Barrows, Head of Business Advice at Business Link, says: “Talking with our customers about the challenges and opportunities facing their business enables us to mould our services and provide solutions that meet their changing needs.

“That’s why we’ve introduced a new programme of workshops and seminars to help address some of the concerns highlighted in the survey, including ‘Planning for growth’, ‘How to turn your website into a customer magnet’ and ‘Finding and keeping customers’. In addition, our team of experienced telephone and field based advisers are on hand to provide free bespoke business support and expert guidance to help businesses address their needs.”

Two new additions to the West Herts adviser team are Julian Greenaway and Tony Cox. Julian’s expertise enables him to advise on strategic company reviews, customer service, re-organisation and management accountability, sales and marketing, and internal and external communications. Tony has experience in the automotive, engineering, packaging and electronics sectors. His knowledge of sales and marketing, lean manufacturing techniques and financial and operational systems helps businesses to make informed decisions on business development.

Other areas of concern identified by the survey include accessing finance, which was cited by 11% of respondents, and getting paid, identified by 10% of the businesses asked.

Business Link provides free, professional and impartial business advice in Hertfordshire and this can be accessed in various forms: online, by phone and face-to-face. For more information call 08457 17 16 15 or visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/east

About Business Link in the East of England:

• Business Link… the place to go for business support
• Business Link provides information, practical advice and support to help people to start, run or grow their businesses
• Our clients fall in to two main categories:

• Those running or working in established small and medium sized businesses
• Those who want to start their own business

• Both client groups can access independent, impartial and, in most instances, free help and support from Business Link in the form of:

• Free one-to-one help from an experienced Adviser (established businesses) or Enterprise Awareness Manager (start-ups)
• Workshops and briefings on a range of business subjects such as business planning, sales and marketing, legislation, developing people
• Telephone and online support through our Regional Information and Intelligence centre

• Business Link supports businesses and entrepreneurs in the 6 counties in the East of England: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk
• Business Link is a government initiative to promote enterprise, funded in the East of England by the East of England Development Agency, who offer an extensive portfolio of business support in the region.
• T 08457 17 16 15 E info@businesslinkeast.org.uk www.businesslink.gov.uk/east