Members of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce can get support, advice and guidance from industry experts as part of the Chamber’s Business Mentor Scheme. The Chamber has brought together a panel of volunteer mentors with extensive business experience. They will act as a sounding board to assist businesses in developing their ideas and plans for future growth and expansion.
The mentors represent a wide range of sectors including finance, marketing, travel, transport and management. The panel is chaired by Stuart Linn, the former MD of Southern Vectis who now works as a consultant for businesses across Europe.
“We’ve managed to galvanize the energy of the Island’s business community to support fellow businesses,” says Kevin Smith, the Chamber’s Chief Executive. “The Island is home to many successful businesses who have learned a lot over many years. This scheme provides a way of sharing that experience and short-cutting progress for newer businesses. As a Chamber of Commerce scheme this is unique in the country. It’s light touch and the mentors will listen and provide expert insight and gentle pointers. It’s a world away from the kind of conversation you might have with a bank manager.”
The mentoring scheme is completely confidential and mentors will be appointed to best reflect the needs and sector of the business.
“Mentoring provides guidance and support,” says Stuart Linn. “The scheme provides a fasttrack to achieving objectives and the mentor brings a new voice into the business. We aren’t reinventing the wheel but we can help businesses to avoid costly mistakes. The overall objective is to help businesses to grow and to employ more people.”
To find out more visit www.iwchamber.co.uk/businessmentors
