Archive for North Devon Business
A week to drive the North Devon economy forward
Sometimes businesses in North Devon feel they have to do a bit of jumping up and down to attract the attention the rest of the county. While we’re more remote than the cities and big towns in the South, there is a lot going on up here. And although we’re all facing tough conditions, the spirit of enterprise thrives in North Devon. Just this week I’m attending four meetings and events to help drive the economy forward.
As chairman of COMBEbusiness, I’m meeting with Jobcentre Plus to discuss what we’re doing with our training, development and support programme and how to build better relationships to help employers and jobseekers.
Then there’s the Business Support Network hosted by North Devon+ at which several Chambers, COMBEbusiness, the Federation of Small Businesses and the North Devon Business Alliance meet to discuss topical issues and how groups can work together to move things forward.
On Thursday I’ll be glad to be voicing the needs of businesses from Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe at a meeting hosted by the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership to examine business priorities.
And on Friday there is the 101 Days Employers Event in Barnstaple focusing on apprenticeships.
What is significant is that it is business that is driving the agenda at all these meetings and events. There is also action as a result of many of them too.
There’s no denying conditions are tough, but North Devon is not standing still.
What business support does North Devon need?
At the recent North Devon Tourism conference it was pointed out that the South West England Regional Development Agency and the regional Business Link service had both disappeared. What does this mean for North Devon businesses?
Surprisingly, it seems to me that business support is now far more focused. North Devon+ is offering a programme of affordable, practical business courses, while COMBEbusiness, of which I am chairman, has just obtained funding for a year-long highly targeted training, development and support programme for businesses in Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe. And the NDBA is staging social media workshops too.
Agencies such as Job Centre Plus and colleges such as Petroc appear keener to engage directly with businesses and are attending events to get out and about in the business community.
Perhaps with less funding, organisations are becoming more focused and, as a result, more effective. I remember Tony Robinson OBE at a business event in Barnstaple a few years ago saying that only 10% of the budget for business support reached businesses themselves with the rest spent on infrastructure.
Also, with online networking, businesses have access to unlimited expertise. Previously support organisations were not necessarily staffed by people with direct business experience, while training could be supplied by suppliers good at getting public sector contracts but not so good at training.
I have just received advice on buying a new piece of kit from an experienced user and an IT expert in London, both of whom I connected with via social media. This advice is going to save me money and ensure I get the most suitable piece of kit for my needs. I can’t imagine SWRDA or Business Link being capable of providing such useful, practical support because they were too remote from the day-to-day world of running a business.
I’m not pleased that budgets are being cut, but I think it is a reminder that throwing money at an activity has little bearing on whether it will succeed. Sometimes scarce resources can inspire ingenuity and innovation, which at the moment we need aplenty.
What do you think?
Category: North Devon Business /
Tags: advice, business, COMBEbusiness, expertise, NDBA, North Devon, social media, support, Training
NDMA Awards
NDMA – North Devon Manufacturers Association – are wanting entrants for their annual awards event!
Entries are required by February 28th and the awards event is on March 23rd!
This year the event has as special guests the Military Wives Choir!
Good luck to everyone that enters!
Can I afford an apprentice?
As the local press goes full swing into the 101 Days campaign I can’t help but wonder how could I afford an apprentice?
It isn’t the money that bothers me, as I know the cost is quite minimal, but for me it is finding the time, time is just not something that I have spare!
As many people will know, I have 4 businesses, my llama business – I have 11 acres, 19 llamas, 9 pygmy goats, countless chickens, cats & dogs – my consulting business, which is as busy as it has ever been, my infrared heating business, we’re coming to the end of year 4 and each year is getting better, finally I have a holiday cottage that we market & sell ourselves.
I also moved down here to North Devon to enjoy the area, the people, the pubs, the food, and feel that I contribute to the local community, so where can I find the time to look after an apprentice.
Catch 22 I hear everyone shout, find the time and the apprentice will give you some time, by taking some of your workload, easier said than done though as I am sure many other business folk out there will sympathise with the problem and the issues.
I wish I could afford an apprentice, but sadly I have to be realistic and say, not at the moment!
Don’t let me put you off though, I know many businesses that have taken that time out and have got apprentices on board and have never looked back!
Have you taken on an apprentice – share your experiences?
Are you like me, just too busy to think about it?
