Business Renovation Programme

Introduction – Every small business needs to take a step back and analyse what has worked and what could be done better after a few years of trading. One thing that many SME’s discover is that their level of innovation has remained unchanged; they need to re-discover the spirit that drove the business in its early days. The business renovation programme is designed to create competitive advantage for local businesses by helping them create a new strategic proposal which they can use to modernise and innovate their operations.

Who’s it for? – The business programmes are designed for any businesses based in the Castlereagh Borough, from small one person operations to larger SME’s. We are here to help whatever the size of your business.

What’s the cost? – The programme is partially funded by Castlereagh Borough Council and the European Competitiveness Fund, so all your business has to pay is a registration fee of £150 per business payable to Castlereagh Borough Council.

So what will I get for my registration fee? – The Business Renovation programme is broken down into several parts as follows:-

• A tailored workshop designed to “get you thinking again” – How can we innovate and where do we get information?
• Initial One to One business consultancy session to include a business audit, benchmark and overall assessment.
• Innovation and Modernisation Site-Visits and Case Study Visits.
• Creation of an action plan designed to aid innovation and key business priorities.
• Agreement of individual action plan for modernisation and advice on potential sources of funding.
• Completion of new revised business plan.
• Ongoing mentoring support and assistance to help modernisation plan from Investment and Enterprise Development Officer.

Overall each business will receive two days business advice from Full Circle (times arranged to suit your business) and further backed up with ongoing support from the Investment and Enterprise Development Officer from Castlereagh Borough Council. Overall a great package to help drive your business forward in 2010 and beyond.

So What Consultants will be working on this programme? – We have enlisted the help of Full Circle Management Solutions.

Why Full Circle? – Full Circle is an independently-owned management consultancy practice which specialises in working with micro enterprises and SME’s. Over the last few years, Full Circle has delivered some of the largest, most innovative and most successful business growth programmes in Northern Ireland and works closely with Invest NI and many of the local councils throughout Ireland.

The Full Circle ethos centres on “rolling up the sleeves” and working with clients to assist them in a practical way to grow their businesses. They work with clients across a wide range of sectors and these clients range from one person operations to some of the largest companies in Northern Ireland.

When and where? – The initial workshop will take place on Wednesday 20th January and then individual mentoring sessions will be arranged between the businesses and Consultant. We will come to you to minimise any disruption to your working day.

When and where? – Wednesday 20th, January, 9.30AM to 1PM at the Castlereagh Hills Golf Club (Tea and Coffee included). After the workshop Full Circle will arrange follow up mentoring sessions and site visits.

How do I apply? – If you’re interested in joining us contact:- Roger Warnock, Investment & Enterprise Development Officer on 028-9049 4500 or by email growbusiness@castlereagh.gov.uk .