Suffolk b2b Mentoring showing ‘real benefits’ for local companies

Suffolk Chamber, working alongside the Suffolk County Council's Transforming Suffolk Innovation Fund, is working to address local concerns and barriers to business success.

Amongst the barriers highlighted by its members is business knowledge and support for start-up companies in Suffolk. Suffolk b2b Mentoring is a scheme created to build confidence and overcome the barriers faced by local businesses.

The new scheme is already making a big difference to individuals and business. Some of its most recent participants have shared their experiences exclusively with Business East Monthly.

Christopher Johnson is a Founder Director and CEO of Meritas International, which is based in Suffolk and has been part of the Mentoring Scheme since early 2010.

“This scheme provides real benefit for individuals requiring guidance or advice on starting a company, business or indeed when they are considering changing the direction of a current enterprise,” Christopher told Business East. 

“Although I specialise in healthcare, my mentees have come from sectors including public and media relations, not-for-profit, dietary foods consultancy, educational and training and a number of other small businesses. The advice can range from creating a business plan, marketing and business strategy, fund-raising, increasing daily fee rates and general business mentoring and coaching.”

“I believe strongly in supporting local companies and if I can add value to organisations that will benefit from my skills and experiences then I am fully committed to do so,” he added.

Christopher is qualified to MBA and DBA level, has twenty five years’ experience in blue chip companies at director level in three continents, and is a Trustee with Suffolk Mind, Committee Member of the Suffolk Institute of Directors, A Princes Trust Mentor and acts as visiting lecturer in healthcare at Essex University.

Celia Bird is from Hypnotheraphy Associates, an organisation which serves a wide range of people in London and Suffolk, based at Barrack Lane Medical Centre.

“We help people with the changes they wish to make in their lives, from non-smoking and weight management to phobia and panic attack relief, performance improvement, through hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming,” Celia told Business East.

“We are experienced clinical hypnotherapists, trained in Harley Street, London, who thoroughly enjoy working with people from all walks of life to help them make beneficial changes.”

“I joined the Suffolk Chamber EEP Scheme about 4 months ago to re-launch our business, through creating a new website and networking with other business people. I am now delighted to be part of the Mentoring Scheme, which I joined in order to have one-to-one guidance through the process of the re-launch.”

“I have found the benefits to my business invaluable as I have made positive connections with many skilled and enthusiastic people, including my mentor, whose ideas and expertise have already been extremely helpful. I intend to continue to contribute to Suffolk Chamber Mentoring events as I believe that I am already seeing the fruits of the connections that I have made so far,” Celia added.

Michael Coe is from Dimension Eighty Eight, a HR and Training business.

“In 2011 I started my own company Dimension Eighty Eight HR and Training Ltd based in Ipswich,” Michael told us.  “I have always wanted to run and own my own business and even in a recession it is still a good route into employment. During the setting up of my business I came across the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce at a business meeting. I was so impressed with how helpful the Chamber of Commerce representative was because they took the time to understand my new business venture.”

“I had always thought starting up in business was very daunting and lonely, but I am pleased to have found out otherwise. Being Part of Suffolk Chamber's Enterprise Engagement Programme means help is always at hand and as a business owner you are never on your own!”

As part of the programme Michael was allocated a mentor to assist him with talking through his business ideas and its development. Mentoring is a great way to meet up with other professional business people to bounce ideas off of and to discuss future plans.

“My mentor is Mike Southgate from 4HR Solutions. He has been excellent and has really understood my business. I am looking forward to developing my business.”

For more information about the Suffolk b2b Mentoring scheme please click here.