SMEs get a taste of Sugar

ENTREPRENEURS from across the West Midlands got to picking the brain of Apprentice star Lord Sugar when he visited a business workshop in Birmingham.

Lord Sugar, who was visiting the city in his capacity as Enterprise Champion to the Government, met around 400 representatives from SMEs across the region.

The event, which took place at the International Convention Centre, was organised by Business Link West Midlands (BLWM), Advantage West Midlands and The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS).

In his role as Enterprise Champion, Lord Sugar was seen as someone in a unique position to raise the concerns of small businesses on a grand platform, having the ear of key decision makers in Government and with the banks, suppliers and other parties.

Demand for places at the event, which is being split into two question and answer sessions, was very high due both to the problems surrounding small business currently and, Lord Sugar’s special status.

Lord Sugar said he had wanted to talk to businesses about the issues they were facing and would answer any questions or requests firms had for advice on how to overcome business challenges based on his experience of running a range of companies.

The challenges West Midlands businesses face are significant. The region is one of the worst affected by the economic downturn with many of its traditional industries hit particularly hard.

BLWM has been providing support to SMEs throughout the recession, not just to help them survive and safeguard local jobs, but to come out of the downturn in shape ready to take advantage of improved market conditions.

Lorraine Holmes, BLWM chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Lord Sugar visited the region to meet with business owners who are so vital to our regional economy.

At the event businesses were also able to attend drop-in clinics to talk one-to-one with a qualified Business Link adviser who could provide them with practical business support.