Innovator Randell targets SME growth with new venture

BUSINESS consultant Oli Randell has launched an innovative new business aimed at helping SMEs grow.

Mr Randell – who won pro.manchester’s Professional Innovator award this year – is the majority investor in Local Business Partners – which he says will fill a gap in the market by helping SMEs implement advice already available.

Aimed at established companies in Greater Manchester with a turnover of between £2m and £20m Local Business Partners will provide its clients with finance, HR and marketing expertise from a growing network of specialists.

One of his partners in the venture is established marketer Nigel Sarbutts, who as well as being one of the advisers, has a stake in the business.

The partners will work part time with clients and be focused on helping them grow by forming, or executing growth strategies they already have in place,  It will give SME owners access to director-level advice without them having to incur the cost to hiring a full-time executive.

Mr Randell said: “I am passionate about small businesses – we are a small business ourselves – so we know well what the challenges are. Our network is unique in combining knowledge gained at the highest level with a passion of being small business owners.

“We think SMEs want not just expertise but the commitment that comes from actually running a business yourself.”

He says Local Business Partners is complementary to, not competing with services such as the Business Growth Hub and local chambers of commerce.

“These services are great – but we are not just about advice – but action. Business coaches and mentors by their nature are not about delivery, what we will provide is support to the business owner during a critical phase of growth.”

LBP’s assignments are based on a simple pricing model with a commitment from as little as half a day a month. Its flexibility and cost-effectiveness avoid the risk of a full time appointment.