Helping hand for businesses

Business owners and managers can feel very alone, writes Paul Watson.

Who can you turn to when things go wrong?

Who has the key that can help unlock more sales and bigger profits?

Where is the expert advice that can make a big difference?

This month’s Business Scene talks to some of the people in the Uckfield area whose life is spent working with other business people and giving them a “helping hand”.

Make good use of quiet time

Phil Edwards, owner of Weald Business Solutions, strongly suggests quiet times are an opportunity to strengthen your enterprise ready to take full advantage of the upturn.

He said: “The good thing to do if it is quiet is to use that time actively and get systems in order.”

That does not necessarily mean computer systems but look at the way stock, orders etc are handled.

Find out, he says, what is actually profitable in what you do.

“There will usually be a range of things you do and you will find that some of that is far more profitable than other work,” Mr Edwards said.

Weald Business Solutions, based in Uckfield offered a “fresh pair of eyes” when it advised a business.

One of the keys was having systems in place that could quickly give the owner/managers financial information and data.

It was important to avoid making this job a separate task – often done after 5.30pm when you have closed for the day.

He said: “We make collecting and analysing data almost seamless. You don’t have to do anything more to get that information because it is always there.”

When the quiet time was over, a business that had worked on its systems and processes would be poised to make big strides when the market improved.

Law firm offers free specialist business advice

Solicitors Dawson Hart emphasise the importance of having relevant agreements and documentation in place to protect your business whether you are setting up a new one or already running one.

They say thinking ahead is crucial. For example, as an employer you are legally obliged to give your employee a Contract of Employment and having one prepared in advance gives you the opportunity to engage a new employee immediately on your chosen terms.

It is important to keep up to date with changes in employment law and seek help when producing and updating contracts, policies and draft standard letters for your company.

Dawson Hart can advise on such changes and offers a free regular email bulletin with updates on the latest employment law issues.

The firm customises human resources and employment services to suit individual businesses and, for a pre-agreed monthly fixed fee, provides access to specialist lawyers on employment law, commercial disputes and/or any other legal issues of concern together with insurance cover for Employment Tribunal and County Court claims.

If you would like to find out more or make an appointment for free specialist business advice which is offered on the first Wednesday of each month do call Dawson Hart.

Accountant offers five tips for success

Corporate and SME specialist at Swindells and Gentry, Robert Willison, said small and medium-sized businesses were of vital importance to the South East economy.

He said: “It is essential, particularly in these difficult times, to encourage excellence and enterprise in businesses

“We are fortunate in the South East to have some great businesses lead by inspiring entrepreneurs but we can all improve and achieve greater success.”

Here are five tips to business owners from Mr Willison:

1. Think straight – have a plan and write it down with clear objectives.

2. Build a great team who can convey an enthusiastic can-do impression of the firm. Hire the best and reward them well.

3. Know your customers well and do your utmost to ensure customer satisfaction.

4 Make sure your product and services please. How long is it since you launched a new product? It’s always the latest, newest idea that catches attention.

5. In difficult times “Cash is King”.

Swindells and Gentry has offices at Uckfield and Seaford.

Seek help in developing skills

Tim Rylatt, an ActionCOACH, is part of a world-wide network of business coaches.

He mentors owners to help them identify problems, how they can be overcome and to implement the solutions.

“I work more at a level with the businessman. I help them develop the skills they need,” he said.

It means that unlike consultants, who often operate in a business area where they have expertise, Mr Rylatt will work with a whole range of different business types.

He can cross-pollinate ideas from a wide range of industries.

He points out that if expert knowledge in a particular field is needed, he can tap into around 1,200 other ActionCOACHES across the world.

Mr Rylatt, who is based at Burgess Hill, also runs seminars and courses at Tunbridge Wells.

Make sure you have the right PR

That’s where Cathy Watson Associates (owners of this website) can help you.

Business principal Cathy Watson said: “We are specialists in communication and put people's feelings at the top of our agenda. It is important for the right people hear your news in the right way, at the right time, and we can help you reach out to them effectively.

“Our particular skill is in writing and distributing press releases but we can also write for your staff, customers and suppliers in blogs, newsletters, leaflets and brochures, help keep your websites up to date, compile briefing notes, carry out public consultation and put together information for exhibitions.”

New self-help group for businesses

A new self-help group for businesses is coming to Uckfield.

Profitnet was developed by the University of Brighton and has been successful for more than 600 businesses in the UK, Ireland and South Africa.

It enables small and medium-sized enterprises to learn from each other and gain access to the expertise of the University of Brighton, as well as receiving input from practitioners in every business area.

Owners and senior managers of businesses work together, in total confidentiality, to find solutions to their current business problems and help each other to seek new opportunities.

A new group will be starting in Uckfield on April 14 at Wealden Skills Centre, 1pm-4pm.