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Shipston Business Support Service has been offering business advice to people in and around Shipston since 2005. To date, over 60 clients have benefited from the scheme, accessing advice in a number of areas.
- Business planning
- Marketing
- Business registration
- Accessing training and development opportunities
- Diagnostic checks for existing businesses
- Access to a network of specialised business support for niche business
The service is free to all businesses at the point of use. The centre is open to any businesses idea, no matter how big or small and whatever the business. Examples of businesses that have benefited from the scheme so far include gardening; hair dressing, life coaching, a high growth product development company and a web based sales business. To date, the scheme has enjoyed a gender split of 50:50 male/female. Business Support is being provided through partnership working with Warwickshire County Council's Economic Development Team scheme.
The business support service is based on an appointments only system; the business mentor will arrange appointments to see clients at the base in Telegraph Street Shipston, or at an alternative convenient venue. (Please see foot of page for contact arrangements). This scheme ensures there is an opportunity for people in this predominantly rural area to access advice which works towards Stratford on Avon's stated aim of increasing the economic vitality of the market towns.
This project has evolved from the partnership established between Stratford on Avon District Council and the Market Towns Regeneration Group Stour Power, who commissioned a study to examine the opportunities for start-up businesses in South Warwickshire. The Business Incubation Feasibility Study (Irwin & Jackson 2004) was originally going to focus on the need for workspace in Stour Valley but was extended to wider South Warwickshire at the suggestion of Advantage West Midlands. The recommendations for Stour Valley included the launch of a pilot business start up programme to support new and growing businesses. A pilot programme was recommended as it provides an opportunity to test demand for such a facility, providing vital information which could inform a longer term project for the area. The pilot has proved the requirement for access to business mentor advice in Shipston is the most important factor to clients who registered an interest in the pilot scheme.
To arrange contact with the business mentor, please contact the Stour Area Coordinator on 01789 260637 or by email at sbc@stratford-dc.gov.uk. Your contact details will be taken and passed on to the business mentor who will contact you directly.  | | Telegraph Street, Shipston |
 | | The Old Mill Hotel |
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