Funding opportunity for SME's to help grow their businesses

FUNDING is available for senior executives which could help both them and their companies achieve and exceed their growth potential.

Leaders in small and medium-sized businesses - those employing up to 250 people - could be eligible for a grant of up to £1,000 to help them engage more effectively with their workforce, and therefore, help the company grow and develop.

Any senior executive within a North East private sector business or social enterprise could qualify for the funding, which is provided by the Government's Leadership and Advisory Service, and delivered through Assessment North East and NBSL.

However, for individuals within an organisation to qualify, businesses which have been trading for more than 12 months must demonstrate potential to increase year-on-year turnover for three years. Start-ups need to show they are capable of significantly increasing their sales within three years of inception.

Once an application has been made and approved, a personal development plan will also be devised, in addition to the grant being paid, to help the individual achieve defined targets. Support will be ongoing through a dedicated business advisor.

Robert Macleod, managing director of Assessment North East, said: "We are very pleased to be working alongside NBSL to deliver this very valuable programme, which could help both individuals and businesses within our region to achieve and better their potential. The crieria for the eligibility and use of the funds have very recently changed and it's a tremendous offer to help North East comanoies develop and high perforamance culture.

"We have had reports from those using the service of increased productivity, profitability and sales, and hope many others in the future can report such positive results as a result of this funding."

For more information on how to apply for the funding, contact Assessment North East on info@aneltd.co.uk or 0191 5166464.