BUSINESS NEWS
Cover story :
Do you aspire to be in Wiltshire ’ s business elite ?
Inspire , previously known as Wessex Chambers is launching two unique programmes aimed at supporting growth in Wiltshire ’ s most ambitious companies . Significant public and institutional funding has enabled this work to get underway . The belief is that these are the businesses which will deliver the most significant growth for the local economy .
What are the programmes ?
Inspire Elite- Qualifying criteria
• Your business must have consistently enjoyed growth for the last three years
• Annual turnover in excess of £ 1 million .
Inspire Elevate - Qualifying criteria
• Your business must have a turnover of at least £ 100,000
• An ambition to grow
What the programmes offer :
• Dedicated peer to peer networking opportunities . You only mix with like-minded , growing businesses
• Shared learning – learn from other business leaders of significant companies as well as from a range of experts
• Access to Educational speakers
• Open doors to more Business opportunities
Both programmes are being delivered in collaboration with The Scale up Institute , The European Enterprise Network ( EEN ), The London International Business Programme and the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service ( SWMAS ), The London Stock Exchange , A leading city investment Bank and a number of expert commercial Partners . Many of these partners are offering fully funded programmes and in some cases , access to Grant Funding for growth projects .
The Delivery Partners
The Scale up Institute The Scale up Institute was launched by Angel investor Sherry Coutu CBE and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman . It ’ s a not-for-profit body whose aim is to help fast growth British businesses become ‘ global giants ’. Backed by Google , the London Stock Exchange and several advisory firms , the organisation will provide promising small businesses advice on leadership , export markets , raising finance and access to a network of advisors .
The European Enterprise Network ( EEN ) EEN connects innovators with manufacturers , distributors , co-developers and suppliers overseas . Experts advise those looking to commercialise new ideas and succeed in new markets .
The London International Business Programme A new exclusive programme that provides a bespoke mentoring scheme , delivered by leading entrepreneurs and business leaders , offering expert advice , workshops , trade missions and access to live leads and opportunities .
South West Manufacturing Advisory Service ( SWMAS ) SWMAS design and deliver programmes of support that enable ambitious businesses to increase their productivity , improve operational efficiency , develop skills and reach their growth potential . They work directly with manufacturers on the shop floor , delivering improvement programmes and at board level developing and refining strategy . They provide consultancy services , run public funded programmes , deal with complex funding arrangements and support businesses to leverage UK and European funding for growth and innovation .
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Support of Inspire ’ s Trusted Partners Locally , Inspire have a tailored support programme delivered by their trusted partners , offering expert help with marketing , sales , access to finance , corporate tax advice , leadership mentoring and more . They also work with Wiltshire College to deliver employee training needs and support with apprenticeships .
Rob Perks , chief executive of Inspire said : “ Nothing like this has been done before in Wiltshire . An exclusive programme specifically for business leaders of significant , growing businesses , delivering commercial value and not dependent on public funding . Whilst such funding is always a welcome addition , history shows that publicly funded programmes come and go depending on Government policy
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and tend to get infected with a public sector , sometimes bureaucratic approach to business growth coupled with an army of salespeople looking to push their wares to what they view as an attractive audience . We will not allow this to happen to this new network and lists of participants will not be published to ensure we retain this integrity .
" Around 60 companies have agreed to join since we started talking to business leaders and we hope to grow that to 75 by the time of our launch meeting on October 12 and to 100 by the end of the year .” Mandy Paterson , MIRP , business development director of Inspire added : " Finally , successful go ahead businesses have access to key business assets though Inspire Elite providing a new and innovative route for companies to excel . These businesses will make up Wiltshire ' s Elite ,
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with places limited to those who qualify based on their track record of success and ambition . Having spent years running successful businesses I know only too well , you reach a point where you are making long term business decisions , often on your own which can be daunting , particularly in areas you have yet to learn and experience . You may find other organisations offering support in similar areas however Inspire Elite is both new and unique bringing together a complete business package encompassing world class entrepreneurs , peer to peer introductions with full expertise spanning every aspect of your business . Whatever your business need , eg : ways to attract and retain talented people to expertise in helping you float your business on the stock market - please do talk to us "
If you think you qualify to become a
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member of the Inspire Elevate or Inspire Elite Programmes contact the Inspire team to find out more .
E : team @ inspirebiz . co . uk T : 01225 355553
To view a case study on how Inspire have helped Westbury-based Prezola , the UK ’ s largest independent wedding gift list provider go to :
www . inspirebiz . co . uk / elite / eliteinsight
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4 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2016 |
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