SSG programme offers businesses unique, in-depth support
"We knew that a programme is needed that is different to any other; one that offers a level of in-depth support which takes into account the emotional impact of the pandemic alongside the economic worries."
Helping businesses deal with the emotional challenges as well as financial pressures of the pandemic is at the heart of a Warwickshire County Council programme supporting the worst-affected sectors during the pandemic crisis.
The Survive, Sustain & Grow programme, part of the county council's £6million COVID-19 Recovery Plan, was launched to support business primarily in tourism, hospitality and retail. With those sectors hit hard by the pandemic, the council's Economy & Skills team moved swiftly to devise and roll out a programme to make support available as quickly as possible.
The £300k Survive, Sustain & Grow initiative offers an intensive, face-to-face consultation to businesses - but provides much more than traditional business support.
This very challenging year has brought considerable stress and anxiety to people faced with difficulties in running businesses into which they have put their heart and soul. So the SSG programme's specialist consultants provide a listening ear as well as sound practical advice.
"The challenges faced by businesses at this time are different, and on a different scale, to any other," said SSG lead consultant Jagdish Soor. "So Warwickshire County Council knew that a programme is needed that is different to any other; one that offers a level of in-depth support which takes into account the emotional impact of the pandemic alongside the economic worries.
"That's what the SSG does. Myself and other highly experienced consultants delve deep into the business to really understand it and the people running it.
"It is a programme of short, intensive support. With every business on the scheme, we carry out an in-depth support of between five to eight hours. We discuss what the business looked like pre-COVID, what it might look like after the pandemic and pinpoint what might be needed to make it survive and then prosper.
"Sometimes, that is building work. For example, a number of cafes have used the advice to improve outdoor eating areas that will benefit them far into the future. Our conversations with others led them to thinking about ways they can diversify.
"Delving into the businesses in depth means we can really flag up all the options, sometimes including some that even our consultants didn't expect. It's amazing what great things can happen when you have a good conversation.
"The programme has really struck a chord. We've had a lot of applicants and some really good stuff is happening from the programme that will strengthen businesses for the longer term as well as supporting them through the now."
All support through the programme is provided free of charge and it is open to all micro and Warwickshire-based small enterprises in the Retail, Hospitality, Tourism and other General business sectors.