Free business advice clinics

Business advice clinics organised by Shropshire Council’s business and enterprise team are proving popular for existing and new start-up businesses, with more being held to meet demand. 

The clinics, which are supported by Business Enterprise Support (BES), offer free and impartial advice to businesses throughout Shropshire.  The sessions are on a one-to-one basis with an experienced business adviser, and are designed to allow businesses to discuss and seek advice on any business-related issues.  They also provide an opportunity for businesses to discuss potential funding opportunities. 

Established clinics have been running in Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Bridgnorth, Cleobury Mortimer, Bishop’s Castle and Craven Arms for some time, and more recently have been held in Market Drayton, Wem, Shifnal and Ellesmere.  They have been well-attended, and businesses are invited to attend more clinics taking place in Oswestry, Whitchurch and Market Drayton up until the end of March 2012. 

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business support, said:

“Whether you have an established business, or are thinking of starting up a new business, you can book a one-to-one session with an experienced business adviser.  A whole range of advice is available from completing a business plan to exporting Shropshire beer to Europe. Their popularity clearly tells us that there is a demand for such advice, particularly during the current economic climate, so we are extending the service to other parts of the county.” 

Sessions lasting one to one and a half hours can be booked between 9.15am and 4.30pm, on: 

19 January 2012 – The Hollies, Chester Road, Whitchurch

16 February 2012 – Shropshire Council offices, Castle View, Oswestry

15 March 2012 – Shropshire Council offices, Castle View, Oswestry

29 March 2012 – Festival Drayton Centre, Frogmore Road, Market Drayton

Anyone interested in attending a business clinic should contact Shropshire Council’s business and enterprise team on 01743 252259 or book online through the website at shropshire.gov.uk/business