Somerset Council is offering local businesses the opportunity to get mentoring support from some of the best business minds in the county.

Following a highly successful search for mentors it is now time to match them to local business owners who can benefit from six hours of free mentoring. All businesses who have been trading for over a year and employ two or more staff are welcome to apply, although the programme is particularly aimed at businesses who are looking to hire new staff or those planning to introduce new products and services.

Forty Mentors have been selected from executive and senior management level business leaders and successful entrepreneurs. They include a former NASDAQ CEO, a soft drinks manufacturer who supplies major retailers internationally and a multi-million pound NHS equipment supplier. All understand the challenges associated with running and growing a business and the value of an impartial sounding board.

Aside from offering valuable feedback, mentors specialise in a range of subject areas including; growth strategy, finance, marketing, HR, e-commerce, bid writing, acquisition, exit strategy, and much more.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets at Somerset Council, said:

Owning a business is more challenging now than ever before. This programme offers the invaluable opportunity to bounce ideas off people who have successfully navigated similar challenges.

Small and emerging businesses are so often critical to economic growth, and I must thank the mentors for coming forward and so generously offering their services.

Neil Basil, from Patient Choice is just one of the mentors on the programme. Neil said:

I believe I have some useful experience in growing a business, having grown my own to £10million turnover and 41 staff.  I am familiar with many of the growing pains that others may be experiencing and am interested in supporting someone locally to develop their business.

Kerry Hole-Stuart of Transformations Ltd said:

I was raised within a family business and have always had a keen interest in the mechanics of business and want to help others succeed. At 19 I joined the biggest spa company in the world and quickly moved up the corporate ladder, working with a budget of 22 million US dollars. I have managed many top UK health clubs and hotel spas. I now own a day spa and a successful country wear retail store.

The scheme is funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and there are 40 spaces for mentees available. Businesses are encouraged to visit the website to find out more information Somerset Business Mentoring.