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Spearheaded by North Somerset Councils’ economy team, this initiative offers one-to-one business mentoring from Riseley Consulting to help businesses address a range of challenges and barriers to growth.
Building on the success of previous programmes under the Community Renewal Fund and the Heritage Action Zone, this partnership promises to take even more businesses to new heights.
The one-to-one mentoring support is designed to empower retailers and hospitality businesses registered in North Somerset that employ less than 50 people. The programme includes:
- A review of business plan and social media prior to the mentoring visit.
- In person 2–3-hour session with a business mentor at the applicant's business premise.
- A follow-up appointment to measure progress against outcomes.
- Production of a tailored action plan.
Applicants must be available for an initial visit and be able to take forward the advice and recommendations within the next six months. The funding is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. It will be prioritised subject to need and available to approximately 27 eligible North Somerset enterprises.
The support will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each business and will aim to enhance profitability, optimise sales, and introduce new processes in buying, marketing, cash flow planning, and financial control. This support will build upon any previous advice and recommendations that have been provided to any applicants through similar programmes.
In addition to personalised mentoring, this project aims to signpost businesses to other available support. This includes collaboration with the hive, which has a strong local presence and understanding of the needs of North Somerset businesses, and the West of England Growth Hub, The Food WorksSW and Weston College.
This work builds on the success of the Town Centre Occupancy Project, also funded by UKSPF and currently underway. There was a huge amount of interest in the programme, which helps organisations to remain in or take on town centre units across the region. The council is pleased to offer another programme to meet the growing need to support local high streets.
Fran Riseley, Business Coach and Mentor, Riseley Consulting, said: “We look forward to working with more high street shops and hospitality businesses in North Somerset. We will be providing low or no cost recommendations and ideas to increase sales and profitability. Our mentoring focuses on using and enhancing the existing skills and expertise within the business, so is relevant and tailored.”
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Spatial Planning, Placemaking and Economy, said: "We are delighted to offer this free invaluable support to our local high streets, which will further help to foster a thriving business community in North Somerset. By providing tailored guidance and resources, we aim to help our retailers and hospitality businesses not only recover but also flourish in today's challenging economic climate. We encourage all eligible enterprises to take advantage of this opportunity and benefit from the expertise provided by Riseley Consulting."
North Somerset Council will oversee all initial enquiries through an expression of interest and application process to verify eligibility. Suitable enterprises will then be referred to Riseley Consulting for onboarding and support.
Apply here from Monday 2 September or initially enquire by emailing: business@n-somerset.gov.uk