A new organisation that will offer advice to firms in Swindon is being launched to plug the gap left by the withdrawal of the Government’s Business Link services.
The Business Foundation and Enterprise Scheme will go live in September – two months before the closure of Business Link – and is aimed at helping new and growing businesses or those needing expert advice.
It will be sponsored by Swindon-based Banks Chartered Accountants and run by former Business Link adviser Keith Farmer, who was with the Government-funded agency for 13 years following a 30-year career in banking.
Banks director Richard Mathews said: “There is a real need for business advice in Swindon to help the local economy.
“We’re not doing this as a money-making exercise, and the nominal fee for the advice sessions will be just to cover our costs. Keith has all the expertise following his career in banking and Business Link and we wanted to offer that up to Swindon businesses and those just starting up.”
The Business Foundation and Enterprise Scheme will offer two levels of advice: half-day training courses on business basics, including legal structures, marketing, finance, business planning and cashflow to be held on Tuesdays, and one-to-one sessions with Keith, for bespoke business advice on Wednesdays. Businesses can opt for either or both sessions, which will be held at Banks’ offices in Devizes Road, Old Town.
Keith added: “We’re working closely with the JobCentre and the banks so people running or starting up businesses will find out about the new scheme. Since Business Link has virtually disappeared there’s nothing in its place to help the local economy.”
The Foundation will be launched at the beginning of September and is already open for bookings. For more information, or to book, contact Shelly Hacker at Banks Chartered Accountants on 01793 616284.
