Most of us start a business individually or with a very small team. Many of us feel lonely and isolated - particularly for those used to working in a larger organisation. As a business owner, we face issues which we may not have come across before - how to market the business, customer service, book-keeping, VAT returns - but the problems that we experience in the early months of trading are usually not unique to us and can be quickly identified and resolved with the help of someone who has been there before.

Our second level of support concentrates specifically on experience and training. Through our mentoring and networking programmes you can voice and work through your problems with more experienced mentors and members of the network.

We can also help you to identify your training needs to compliment your already growing range of skills.

• Network for advice, guidance and support
• Access to sample polices and guidelines
• Access to a wide range of reference and resource material
• Member -2- Member offers
• Potential client introductions
• Help to access funding and tender opportunities
• Collaborative opportunities with other members
• Access to corporate and public sector members
• Access to accredited training
• Access to specialist advice, as required (e.g. How to franchise a business)

• Mentoring for pre-start members
• Input to web resource library
• Input to networking meetings, training and mater classes
• Input to forums and debates
• Support for local enterprise activities