Hereford and Worcester firms urged to apply for Growth Vouchers

FIRMS in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being urged to sign up for the Government’s Growth Voucher programme.

The programme, being delivered in the counties by the chamber of commerce, offers businesses the chance to apply for up to £2,000, to match their own investment, to be spent on strategic business advice covering topics such as finance, recruiting and developing staff, leadership and management, marketing, and making the most of digital technology.

John Legge, managing director of John P Legge Computer Services Ltd, is an early beneficiary of the scheme. He used the vouchers on web and digital marketing development costs.

Mike Ashton, chief executive, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce said: “We are really pleased to be a part of this programme providing support to businesses across the two counties. We are already seeing benefits and I would encourage other businesses to get involved too.”

The programme is available to all businesses which are VAT registered, have been trading for over a year and have 49 employees or less. It will be available until March 2015.  

Lack of business plans costing SMEs profits claims accountancy body

WEST Midland members of the UK200Group of independent chartered accountants and lawyers have warned SMEs failing to make adequate business plans they face making a loss.

The warning comes after a survey by business software provider Exact revealed that more than 1.5m SMEs did not have a business plan and could be missing out on an extra 20% of profit as a result.

Nick Willis, president of the UK200Group, said: “Many of the small businesses which are the backbone of the British economy are not adequately prepared for the challenges they may face in the future.

“As the economy gradually recovers, firms with solid business plans in place can put in measures to take advantage of the improving conditions, including exploring potential growth like expanding premises and taking on new staff.

“We would urge SMEs without business plans to speak to a chartered accountant who can advise them on the best course of action. With the help of an adviser, business plans can be created easily, and can lead to significant business benefits.”

The UK200Group has members across the region, including CB Chartered Accountants, Dains, Deans, JW Hinks, Nicklins, Whittingham Riddell, MGC Hayles, Randall and Payne, Guilfoyle Sage, who provide specialist accountancy and business advice to hundreds of SMEs.

Warwick BNI group tops £1m of business in first year

A PROFESSIONAL network founded in Warwick has celebrated its first anniversary by announcing it has generated business worth more than £1m.

Warwick 49ers is part of the BNI global business network. The business has been generated through business referrals among its 23 members.

Zoe Keay, director of Warwick 49ers, said: “We have had a fantastic first year and always felt we could hit the £1m mark because of the quality of our businesses and the professional camaraderie and support among the group.

“Our name reflects our ambition to grow to 40 members and the fact that we meet at 9am which makes us unlike any other BNI group in the UK, and is one of the reasons why we were recently voted the most innovative in Warwickshire.”

The first year anniversary was celebrated at Leamington’s Binswood Hall, the newly-opened Audley retirement village, where the group meets every Tuesday.

Ross Mounsey, general manager of Audley Binswood, said: “Being part of the Warwick 49ers has been perfect for establishing our new business in Leamington, not only for contacts and referrals but also for showcasing us as a venue with facilities that are open to the public.”