Free advice and support sessions to boost local business

Residents and businesses in South Cambridgeshire are being offered free drop-in sessions and practical workshops centred around starting a company – or growing an existing one.

From Monday 4 June, advice and support will be provided during regular times at the District Council’s Cambourne offices by experts at Nwes, the UK’s largest not-for-profit enterprise agency.

Around 900 new businesses start-up in South Cambridgeshire every year, with the district currently home to more than 8,100 companies.

The drop-ins and workshops are aimed at South Cambridgeshire residents who are thinking of starting a business, and owners and managers of existing local firms. They will focus on either start-up companies or growing a business. Delegates wishing to attend simply need to register their interest at www.scambs.gov.uk/business

Those attending a drop-in will have the chance to speak with an Nwes Business Adviser about subjects around starting and growing a business. These one-to-one advice sessions last for around 30 minutes. Following the drop-in sessions, there may also be the chance for participants to sign-up for a further programme of support.

Additionally, a free workshop called ‘first steps to start-up’ is being made available. This will offer detailed insights into starting a business, and is tailored towards those considering ideas for new ventures. This will cover elements such as calculating start-up costs, registering with HMRC and the legal side of naming a firm. They’ll also run through how to plan and present financial forecasts.

Separate free workshops aimed at existing business owners or managers are also being offered. These sessions will include practical and tutored sessions to help delegates spot, manage and maximise opportunities for their companies to grow. Topics will include learning styles, disruption and innovation, how to build strong teams and effective communication.

All the above sessions are free. Delegates simply need to register to attend their choice of drop-in or workshop via www.scambs.gov.uk/business

Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council and responsible for economic development at the authority, said: “Whether they’re just getting going in business or looking to grow a company, these free sessions give local people real, tangible support that will provide a useful helping hand. We’re rightly proud of South Cambridgeshire’s economy, from farming to bioscience, but we’re determined to find even more new and exciting ways to give companies more practical help. We want to make it as easy as possible to live and work in the district, so offering this type of hands-on assistance, for free, as close to home as possible, is fantastic. If you’re thinking about setting up a new venture, or already up-and-running, I’d urge you to book a place.”

Suzanne Willett, Partnership Manager at Nwes, said: “Here at Nwes we are very pleased to be offering business support directly to the residents and businesses of South Cambridgeshire. Along with free workshops for start-ups and businesses looking to grow, we are able to offer one-to-one advice sessions with our local advisor. We truly believe that businesses receiving assistance and guidance in those early and crucial stages have a better chance of sustainability. We very much look forward to working in partnership with South Cambridgeshire District Council.”