An innovative idea to support local businesses has led to the creation of the area's first one-stop-shop business support facility at Yeovil Innovation Centre.
 

The new 'Business Solutions' facility - set up in conjunction with Business Link, Yeovil College and South Somerset District Council - is a drop-in resource room open all week for any local business or entrepreneur to use without prior appointment.

And South Somerset District Council's Economic Development Team, which is operating from the Innovation Centre, is keen to further build the centre as a truly all-inclusive resource with the added benefit of permanent onsite advisors.

Gerard Tucker, Economic Team Leader for South Somerset District Council explains, "In these economically trying times it is important that a business can access information which will assist them with the decisions they have to take. Unfortunately, this recession is causing trading difficulties for many businesses who are now in need of support and guidance.

"This, quite simply, is something that any business or new-business starter can benefit from, without hassle. They can turn up. They can talk to us. They can contact a specialist instantly in a quiet space, and even take part in a free telephone clinic on a chosen topic, or access over four hundred toolkits. They can find out what's available to them in terms of grants, loans or support and find out what they need to do next to make progress."

First of its kind in Somerset, the facility offers free access to the most up-to-date online information on loans and banking, recession-beating ideas and guidance on HR issues such as redundancies.

Unscheduled one-to-one sessions with South Somerset District Council's onsite Economic Development Team and information on the range of services provided by Yeovil College are also available - including business support courses, apprenticeship programmes and the Train to Gain scheme.

Mr Tucker added, "This isn't just a 'business library' facility. We are talking about the Innovation Centre as a whole - a centre for all businesses to use, to network from, to join in the business community, to meet potential investors, to find new accommodation, access data, and discover mentoring opportunities. The centre houses our Economic Team and all the services we provide, as well as a whole host of services from the new facility within it.

"It's a facility that we want businesses - or those thinking of starting up a business - to use to its full potential and it's not just to counteract the recession - it's for all aspects of business."

Users can also sign up to receive e-alerts and events listings from Business Link - which has a permanent base within the Innovation Centre - and attend monthly business clinics run by Business Link advisors that provide personal business reviews and offer opportunities to discuss issues and identify activities to help improve performance.

Roger Bacon, an experienced Business Link Advisor says the support available at the new Innovation Centre is great news for the local economy. "Local businesses now have all the help they might need right on their doorstep. We're delighted to be playing such an active role in this new initiative.

"With our partners, we very much look forward to helping those businesses who may be experiencing difficult trading conditions, those who are looking to harness opportunities when there is an economic upturn as well as providing comprehensive advice and support for anyone who may be considering starting up their own business."

Cllr Peter Seib, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Planning and Transport at South Somerset District Council added, "New business starters can find out what they need to do - from licensing and meeting regulations, to getting patents and promoting their services. Existing businesses can find out what support and growth opportunities there are available to them.

"South Somerset's economic strategy focuses on creating local jobs by encouraging and supporting new start-ups, growing existing businesses and moving in new businesses from outside the County. What we're doing now is extending the incubation services at the Yeovil Innovation Centre so that it becomes a "one-stop-shop" for all local businesses. As well as expert advice and resources, the centre provides access to networks of partners across the business community."

Businesses are invited to visit the facility at Yeovil Innovation Centre, on Copse Road. Directions and information can be found at the Yeovil Innovation Centre website or by telephoning 01935 385900.