Free business surgeries at The Heath

BUSINESSES in Halton are being offered free advice through a series of one-to-one business surgeries, to help them overcome the pressures they are facing in the downturn.

The impartial service is being hosted from early September at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn.

The sessions, which will be by appointment only, will offer practical support on topics such as cash flow, accessing finance from the private and public sectors, and the legal issues involved in tackling slow or non-payment by customers.

Individual surgeries will be hosted by business consultant Chris Burgess, who also serves as a mentor for the Prince’s Trust, although he will also be referring businesses to other experts if their queries require more specialist advice.

He said: “In the present economic climate there’s a need for clear, pragmatic advice. The surgeries are designed to help people in business to stay in business.

 “A lot of companies across the country have been forced to restructure – for example by cutting staff or reducing working hours. We’re trying to help companies in the Halton area get through the present situation by making them more sustainable and helping them to thrive and grow.”

The initiative is being launched by SOG, which owns and manages The Heath, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses, NatWest bank and law firm Irwin Mitchell. It is also supported by Halton Borough Council.

John Lewis, marketing director at SOG, said: “The launch of free one-to-one surgeries is designed to focus on aspects of the current global slowdown that are of critical importance to the local business community. All Halton-based businesses are eligible to take part.”

Businesses can make an appointment by calling  01928 511441 from September 1, or by emailing 121businesssupport@sog.ltd.uk.