Free advice and support on a 1-2-1 or group basis.

Do you ever feel that you need a bit of support when growing your business? Would your business benefit from the input of an experienced mentor who is there to support and challenge you? then the mentoring service might be for you, and it’s free!

Dunbartonshire Chamber are affiliated with Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce who deliver mentoring across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Inverclyde, Dunbartonshire & Helensburgh.  The mentoring programme has established a pool of experienced mentors, men and women who have many years of experience of running businesses who have signed up to offer mentoring support to growing businesses. (over 700 mentors)

Criteria to be eligible for a free business mentor:

• in business for 1 year with plans to grow
• turnover of £100K or plan to achieve that level
• not involved in the programme on a 1-2-1 level for the last year (but can move into a 1-2-1 from a group)

Linda Perry

Linda Perry is the Business Mentoring Executive for Renfrewshire Chamber  - Linda lives in Gourock as has an extensive HR background. Linda work 3 days a week and can be contacted on 0141 847 5458 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mentors:

• come from a wide range of sectors and professions
• have experience of working at senior level such as CEO or Director level
• have a wide range of skills, for example strategic development, growth, sales, marketing, finance, or operations
• are willing to share their experience and their expertise.

Mentor Profile example:
Colin Neill is a Director at the drinks company Diageo in Shieldhall and has been a mentor since 2005.  Over this period Colin has successfully mentored 9 companies in a variety of sectors and sizes, from SME’s to large Blue Chip organizations.  Colin’s strengths lie in business development, people development and business strategy.  He is a keen supporting of the business mentoring programme and would recommend it as a valuable support to all companies especially in today’s economic climate.

Renfrewshire Chamber staff work with businesses to help then determine what they want from a mentor, this will then influence the type of mentor ‘matched’ to the business.

There are two programmes under the Business Mentoring Scotland Programme

One to one:
This is aimed at businesses that are seeking to grow.  The benefit of a one to one mentor is someone who has ‘been there and done it’, someone who can offer guidance on how to overcome barriers, and someone who can offer an objective point of view and a fresh approach.  Businesses can benefit from one to one mentoring for up to 12 months, and the process is typically a 2 to 4 hour session once a month with telephone and email contact in between, however the programme is flexible and the level of contact is agreed between the Mentor and the business.  The service really is tailored to the needs of the business being mentored

Group mentoring:
This is for growing businesses which are seeking support across a number of topics for example finance HR or marketing.  Groups of up to 8 companies meet for a minimum of 3 times and benefit from the input of an experienced mentor on a specific subject.

Testimonials

“We had a great first meeting with our mentor.  He was really nice and helpful.  He definitely helped to focus our minds.  We are looking forward to working with our mentor.  A great match.”
Eddie Tweedie, First Choice Finance Scotland (Ltd)

“We had quite an in depth conversation with our mentor at the first meeting.  We felt very comfortable with him.  We are looking forward to future meetings and driving our business forward.  Thanks for all your help.”
Joanne Shaw & Anne Bryan, Gilding the Lily.

“Our mentor has worked with us to assist in improving the health and safety culture of our business for staff and customers alike.  The mentor has supported us in the development of a new health and safety strategy.  This has been highly beneficial to our business.  I would recommend the mentoring programme to all businesses”
Derek Provan, BAA Glasgow Airport.

Click here to download Business Mentoring Application Form (link from Renfrewshire?)

Click here to download Business Mentoring Guidlines (link from Renfrewshire?)

For further information contact Linda Perry, Mentoring Exec' at Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone: 0141 847 5458