Providing expert help for our local businesses

Oct 29 2008 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

LANARKSHIRE Chamber of Commerce is expanding the range of services it provides to local businesses by setting up a free Business Mentoring Service.

Alistair Johnston will head up the programme which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses grow by having an experienced business person on hand to prompt and advise.

He said: "The Mentoring Service can help a growing business by identifying issues it faces and match them with an appropriate mentor who has experience of those specific issues.

"The process is designed to speed the growth of the business by helping them avoid pitfalls and errors where others have found solutions."

Alistair, who will be based at Chamber offices in Hamilton's Barncluith Business Centre, added: "All businesses who have been trading for more than one year and have a turnover above the VAT threshold are eligible.

“Assistance can be given to businesses either through on-line support, group meetings or one-to-one Mentoring sessions.

“We have a pool of experienced, successful business people from a wide range of sectors and sizes of businesses who are willing to give of their time and share their experience to help others thrive in business."