RURAL BUSINESS MENTORING
SUMMARY

the aim of this project is to provide accredited mentors for small rural business within the SSDC area. Mentors will be identified and trained so that they can become the resource to provide business support and mentoring specifically for the smallest rural business as well as a resource to the network of chambers of commerce within Somerset. The project will be managed by the South Somerset District Council regeneration team for the pilot. Future access to mentors will be provided via the network of Chambers

ABOUT THE PROJECT

WHAT IS MENTORING?

Many people can remember being helped by someone who took an interest in their welfare, shared their experience and knowledge with them, and enabled them to develop. Often this plays a crucial part in personal and professional development.

The mentor is non-judgemental, and does not impose his/her views. The aim is a transfer of knowledge, skill and wisdom from an experienced person for the benefit of the Business Manager. Mentors are experienced business people who have developed their own companies from scratch or have held senior management positions in industry. They have undergone an interview, induction programme and continuing assessment to verify that they have the necessary credentials in key business knowledge and appropriate skills.

Amongst other things, a Mentor can:

• Offer a fresh perspective on developments.
• Act as a ‘sounding board’ for your ideas and on managing employees.
• Gain credibility with other business agencies and funders.
• Provide reality checks and help businesses to help themselves
  

THE SERVICE

The Area East Mentoring service provides businesses with focused, in-depth and impartial confidential coaching and guidance to help companies succeed.  Mentors are trained to a key standard. They have the experience to present an informed, independent view and will suggest relevant disciplines, strategies and tactics.  Regular meetings, agreed with the company will take place to review ideas, provide guidance and discuss issues and problems. 

Standards of mentors SFEDI standard or professional qualification (ACCA)

Who is eligible

All existing businesses with fewer than 10 employees, whose headquarters are based in Area East of South Somerset, are eligible for the Area East Mentoring Service.  We are particularly keen to help businesses who employ 5+ people and are facing the need for establishing a new management structure 

Availability

The Area East Mentoring Service is available across Area East in close cooperation with local Chambers of Commerce and with Somerset Chamber of Commerce.  Mentoring visits take place at company premises. 

Delivery

You can access the service by contacting Mike Allen at Area East address above. It is part-funded by Somerset Rural Renaissance 

Costs: Businesses are charged a subsidised once-off fee of £200

 Supported by funds from Somerset Rural Renaissance and partnership help from Chambers of Commerce, Accountants and Lawyers, Public Sector Economic Development Officers, Agricultural Development Officers, Southwest RDA specialists and Peninsula Business Link. 

Contact:  Mike Allen  Tel:  (01963)  435025  mike.allen@southsomerset.gov.uk