Business help for traders in Honiton

MONTHLY business advice clinics have started in Honiton, following a successful visit by a traders' organisation in March.Business Link has confirmed that it will hold the clinics at the East Devon Business Centre, in partnership with East Devon District Council, Honiton Town Council and Honiton Chamber of Commerce.The March clinic saw high visitor numbers at Business Link's Mobile Advice Centre, which the organisation said demonstrated a clear demand for impartial and comprehensive advice and support on the doorstep.Penny Bond, the organisation's business adviser, said: "Formation of Business Advice Centres is a central feature of our strategy to ensure that support services to help businesses survive, prosper and grow is readily accessible to small and medium-sized businesses."The success of our visit to Honiton in March prompted further conversations with all local partners, including the Blackdown Hills Business Association and the Federation of Small Businesses."I'm delighted to say we can confirm regular monthly clinics at the East Devon Business Centre, at Heathpark."This is not only good news for firms looking at new ways to rise to challenging economic conditions, but will also help those enterprises looking to prepare firm foundations for the economic upturn, when it arrives."The monthly advice clinics offer businesses a 90-minute one-to-one meeting, at no charge, with an experienced business adviser to review key areas of the business and the main issues it is facing so that activity and support can be identified to help improve productivity and maximise performance. Nigel Harrison, economic development manager at East Devon District Council said: "These new Business Advice Clinics are evidence of the very real benefits from working in partnership with key service providers."The first clinic took place last Friday and the next is on Wednesday, June 24. To make an appointment call 0845 600 9966 or email enquiries@blpeninsula.co.uk