1:1 Support for Dorset businesses during the C-19 pandemic
1:1 Support for Dorset businesses during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Dorset Business Mentors – Business Resilience Team
Structured, confidential business mentoring
Applications to Dorset Business Mentors: T: 01202 607530 / E: office@dormen.org.uk
(Please read Structure of Support & Terms of Service below)
In response to the developing economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, Dorset Business Mentors are announcing a tailored service to help support Dorset’s small businesses through an unprecedented period of uncertainty.
Dorset Business Mentors is an acknowledged centre of mentoring excellence. We have delivered high quality business support to local micro, small and medium sized businesses since 2005.
Our unique proposition offers business owners confidential mentoring and ongoing personal support provided by a team of over 120 highly experienced, volunteer business professionals with a strong reputation for working with small businesses.
The service provides business assessment of critical priorities and signposting of key support services including: Financial, Staff, Suppliers and Turnover implications; we also act as a sounding board for the main Director’s decision making and well-being during a time when many individuals may feel isolated and under pressure.
Business Resilience Team
Initial assessment will be undertaken by a dedicated Business Resilience Team of experienced individuals in business disruption, HR, crisis management and business finance. Matching to individual mentors will then be undertaken by the Dorset Business Mentors Program Managers.
The service will be delivered by phone or web link and is given on a one-to-one basis. Mentoring will be highly focused on the circumstances and needs of each business.
Dorset Business Mentors is scaling up its operation to meet these unprecedented demands over the coming months and will operate in close association with Dorset’s business support services, including: Dorset Growth Hub, BCP Council, Dorset Council and Dorset Gateway.
Business resilience Team – 5 Point Structured Support
We aim to tailor all mentoring support to meet the specific needs of each business. The Team have adopted a structured approach which will be supported by a new internal technical resource. Discussions with each new mentee will be guided by the following 5-Point Structured Plan:
1. Situation Analysis
Objective: to understand the business’s situation as it is NOW.
Discussions to clarify and understand the current situation: business operating status, current issues, risks and implications. This will involve discussions on customer demand, suppliers, status of debtors and creditors, staff, business assets as well as cash flow position.
2. Signposting
Objective: to ensure mentored clients understand the help available and where to go for it
Directing to Government support and where possible offering guidance on access and referral to partner services (e.g. Council, Dorset Growth Hub, Dorset Gateway)
3. Navigating the downturn
Objective: Mentoring to encourage and challenge to find the best a strategic response
Topics will likely include:
Financial: managing costs, business assets, debtors/creditors, loans/ grants, banks, forecasting
Commercial: opportunities in the downturn/ encouraging creative thinking, keeping orders and sales moving, keeping in touch with customers, supplier challenges
People: redundancies, lay-offs, furloughing, short term working, wage strategies
Management: working from home challenges, how to keep the workforce engaged and working together, effective remote working
Contingency planning: business continuity, critical unwell/ absent, business owner illness
4. Planning for the future
Objective: Ensure the business is positioned for a stronger future.
Strategy discussions to ensure a plan is in place to maximise opportunity as the brakes are taken off the economy. Maintaining client marketing and communication. Preparing resources and investment. Assessing expected demand and exploitation.
5. Well-being
Objective: To support the well-being of business leaders under pressure due to the Coronavirus
The pressures on business owners/ leaders can be intense at this time. Mentoring can provide a reassuring resource that helps facilitate a calm and logical assessment of priorities. A mentor can provide an independent and experienced sounding board and can help business owners feel less isolated. Promotion of the well-being of the owner is critical.
TERMS OF THE SERVICE
· This service is part of a business support programme, funded by The European Regional Development Fund, who will require forms to be signed to evidence hours of support received.
- Applications to be completed through the application form on this page. On receipt applications will be assesses for suitability and successful applicants will be assigned a mentor.
· Any business owner taking up the service should sign our standard ‘Service Agreement’ which includes topics such as confidentiality.
· This is not an advisory service, business owners will receive guidance and support. Mentoring helps business owners develop priorities and build robust plans and solutions.
· Mentors of current/existing clients can consult the team or link their business to any other member of the team if they require additional specialist help.
· The service will be delivered via live web-link or phone, in line with the Government’s social distancing guidelines.