The best of help
Bosses hail mentoring scheme
Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is a membership organisation that provides business support and networking opportunities for business across the region. More importantly it’s a small business itself and is very aware of the issues faced by many of its members over half of which are small businesses themselves. Not quite the one- stop shop but our business directory should have the name of someone who can help take your organisation to where you want it to go. Access to healthcare plans for employees, an HR service that provides you with the necessary staff contracts and a platform for you to promote your business to a massive audience, Ayrshire C h a m b e r o f Commerce is the ultimate business network for our membership. In partners h i p w i t h Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Ayrshire Chamber run the Business Mentoring scheme which is open to all businesses, not just members, in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
This fully funded initiative can put business owners and senior managers in touch with their own mentor to help with their personal and business growth ambitions. Mentors are paired with those looking for fresh ideas and advice to the benefit of their business.
Mentor Tom Martin, who worked with Volvo for over 30 years, explained: “Business Mentoring gave me an opportunity to connect with the business community again. Going in as mentor it was important to get an understanding of the business and what was required from me. For a mentor to be an effective help they need to understand the business, the first three months are important in doing this.”
Tom’s role as mentor can be to offer ‘ a fresh pair of eyes’ to a business problem or simply use his experience to offer support and guidance to the mentee. In this case, Colin Russell from Russell Consulting Scotland. The pair are currently halfway through their mentoring programme with both reaping the benefits.
Colin explained: “Building a good relationship with any mentor is essential and gives the business owners the opportunity to gain some time away from the day to day running and focus on building for the future. A good mentor should be challenging and supportive and for me has been a sounding block for discussions you may not want to have with your staff particularly around strategy.
“Our business has seen significant growth and it is important to match the mentor to what the business needs at that time. I have been involved with three previous mentors and all have helped in their own way as we have developed. I have been so impressed by the time given up to help develop my own business, I have begun my own mentoring with another Ayrshire company and am delighted to give something back.
“The support from Ayrshire Chamber has been excellent and they do a great job matching the needs of the Company and the Mentor.”
Business Mentoring Executive Rhona Brown added: “Mentoring does bring benefits to both parties involved. We can put you in touch with experienced professionals who’ll offer support and someone to bounce ideas off. Mentoring can help with your strategy, leadership or any aspects of your business by offering a fresh perspective.” You can find out more about Business Mentoring by contacting Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce on 01292 678 666.