Business experts unite to provide free advice to Horsham enterprises

FLEDGLING firms and established enterprises in West Sussex are being urged to make the most of free advice from a consortium of business experts.

Specialist sessions are being held across Horsham by professionals from the University of Chichester as well as MDHub and Business Navigator Growth Hub, which is part of a new partnership funded by its District Council.

The first workshop, aimed at pre-start and early-stage businesses, is taking place in Horsham this month for entrepreneurs thinking of starting a company or developing an idea.

The masterclass, which start at 9am on Saturday 20 May at the Horsham Training Centre, will be led by Gareth Sear of the University of Chichester’s Business School.

He said: “Our aim is that people who attend the sessions come away with the ability to vocalise and plan their business, setting the foundations for a successful start-up.

“If you are starting a business, or interested in becoming self-employed, the workshop will help overcome any barriers you may face.

“The event is also a good chance to meet other business owners and find out about opportunities of working with the University, MDHub, Business Navigator, or Horsham District Council.”

The event on Saturday 20 May marks the start of a year-long programme of Microbiz business support across the District.

It includes a series of growth groups for established businesses, facilitated by business experts, as well as business knowledge networking, and access to one-to-one business advice and mentoring.

Full details of the programme are available on the University of Chichester and Horsham District Council webpages, which explain how businesses can sign up now for the growth groups.

Ms Clare Mangan, Head of Economic Development at Horsham District Council said: “It is important to support our existing small businesses and those thinking of taking the first steps in starting up their own enterprise.

“In partnership with the University of Chichester, MDHub, and Business Navigator, the Microbiz year of business support is an innovative way of delivering free accessible advice to our businesses.”

To find out more about the specialist sessions taking place in Horsham visit www.chi.ac.uk/business or www.horsham.gov.uk/businesspages/Business-Development.