GWE Business West's adapt to survive programme (From Swindon Advertiser)

GWE Business West's adapt to survive programme

There is a wealth of information aimed at businesses on how to address the challenges they face in the current economic climate.

But what about direct assistance? The new Adapt to Survive programme fits the bill with a combination of free workshops, free mentoring, and vouchers to implement business improvement measures.

Over the last year GWE Business West has successfully secured several new business support contracts – a South West Internationalisation Project through UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), and another to manage the business support delivery for a new Enterprise and Innovation Centre – Castledown Business Centre in Ludgershall.

And, working in partnership with Wiltshire Council, has now secured South West Regional Improvement and Efficient Partnership funding to deliver a new business support and improvement programme – Adapt to Survive – through its Enterprise Services division.

Peter Beech-Allen, director of Business Development for GWE Business West, pictured, said: “GWE Business West has a successful track record of delivering business support throughout the South West, and are acutely aware of the challenges faced by small businesses in the current climate.

“We are perfectly placed to work with Local Authority partners to bid for funding that provides direct support for businesses facing both opportunities and threats due the economic downturn.”

Subject to eligibility, the Adapt to Survive programme is available to small and medium-sized businesses and comprises workshops, mentoring and vouchers.

The free half-day workshops are interactive, action learning sessions focusing on how to make realistic improvements to products, services, processes and marketing to maximise efficiencies, minimise costs and improve performance. Each attendee will come away with a Work Smarter Action Plan specific to their business needs.

Free post-workshop mentoring sessions (one-to-one meetings, telephone and e-mail support from a business mentor) help owner/managers carry out the plan.

In addition, vouchers give businesses up to £250 to help cover the costs of implementing the Work-Smarter Action Plan, or to put towards specialist advice on specific areas of the business needing expert guidance.

The half-day workshops will be held in Devizes on September 17, October 27 and December 1.

Peter Beech-Allen said: “Businesses today face challenges with raising finance, cash flow, and finding new routes to market. What is not always clear is how they can best tackle these issues.

“We are delighted to be delivering practical active learning opportunities to help business owners and managers identify ways to improve business. And to be providing much needed ongoing support to make the changes happen.

“Business owners and managers need to find innovative ways to drive their business forward in difficult economic times. This can be achieved by thinking and acting differently.

“Enabling owner/managers to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to implement innovation, rather than simply providing them with solutions, creates a mindset that not only survives the economic downturn but also capitalises on the recovery when it comes.”

John Brady, Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for economic development, planning and housing said: “Now more than ever it is critical that businesses look to innovate and adapt their business practices to ensure their future sustainability.

“The Adapt to Survive project is one of a number of initiatives Wiltshire Council is engaged in which supports businesses through the credit crunch.

“The skills learned and relationships built with the mentors will be invaluable in these uncertain times and will support businesses face current challenges and improve their longer term sustainability and success in the future.”

For further information on the Adapt to Survive programme, phone 01225 338 383 or visit www.adapt2survive.co.uk