Ann Doughty, owner of Abacus Accountancy Christchurch, is one of over 50 business owners who applied for the special Business Resilience Service we launched in March, to support and help business owners facing the extraordinary challenge presented by the C-19 pandemic and lockdown. Ann has kindly offered her testimonial:

I run an accountancy practice and requested a mentor because with the onset of Covid 19 my business was suddenly struggling. I had just taken on an office and the Covid 19 situation caused most of my clients also to have business problems, both financially and emotionally. Most businesses run on a cash flow shoestring and my business was no exception. I saw the advert for Dorset Business Mentors support, which popped up by email at the perfect time.

I was hoping for motivation and positive feedback to save my business from complete shutdown, and that so far is what I have received.

I was suffering. My business was doing really well before lockdown and I had planned for a total shift into expansion before Covid 19 but in just one day it was all gone. All my clients had shut up shop and had no money to get through, they couldn't afford to pay for anything because it had a knock on effect to all. Everyone was devastated and penniless which, in turn, affected my business. Having no money and very little chance of getting any I was worried. I isolated for health reasons and didn’t have anyone to help me to get food into the house. Having a mentor helped me focus on what to do about it all. Crying a lot helped to start with but just talking to someone prepared to listen, helping me resolve one issue after the other has been a real help.

''My mentor helped me realise that you can dig yourself out of a big hole called Covid 19 if you have a big enough shovel''.

My mentor was well matched and gave me the determination to succeed. It was really hard, and I am not there yet, but I am feeling more confident and have started planning for the exit of being shielded.

Abacus Accountancy offers full book-keeping, payroll, VAT and accountancy services and can be contacted on 01202 480432.

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Dorset Business Mentors is a part-funded program operating as a not-for-profit program. All mentors volunteer their time, giving business owners the benefit of their experience without charge. Consequently, all we ask is a contribution of £200+VAT towards our administration costs, in return for up to 12 months 1:1 support from a mentor matched to each business owner’s goals and needs. Currently, we are offering 3 months free of charge without any obligation to renew. Please complete the application form HERE.