31.01.05
Business Link's first class delivery to rural post offices
Businesses and start-ups in rural Devon and Cornwall can
now access valuable business advice and support from their local post
offices.
A new comprehensive Rural Business Services Directory,
compiled by Business Link Devon and Cornwall, has just been distributed
to over 270 rural post offices across the region for their customers to
use.
The joint initiative between Business Link for Devon and
Cornwall and the local Post Office network has been supported by Defra
and the Small Business Service.
The directory outlines help and support specifically available
for businesses in remote rural communities and outlines specific initiatives,
advice and contact information on finance, marketing, training, IT and
E business.
Mr Chris Read, postmaster at St Breward Post Office situated
on Bodmin Moor, one of the first postmasters to receive his delivery of
Rural Business Directories commented: "It's a valuable
resource for small businesses in our community. High proportions of my
customers are either involved in land based businesses or work from home
in IT, business consultancy or small cottage industries.
"Many use the post office for both their postal
and banking requirements. The customers have been very impressed by the
directory and it means we can provide services for many of their business
needs.”
Mr and Mrs Read have owned the Post Office for year and
a half and in that time have extended their business facilities to include
internet services, a tearoom, gift shop and pizza take away.
The project has been managed by Business Link Devon and
Cornwall. "Our role is to deliver information and advice to
the broadest business market. The post offices are the perfect network
to reach businesses in some of the most remote and economically deprived
parts of our region,” explained Business Link's project manager
Richard Adams. "Research undertaken amongst postmasters in the region
demonstrated overwhelming support for the proposed directory. It complements
their existing portfolio of services and potentially could lead to an
increase of custom from local businesses using their local post office.”
A local promotional campaign is planned to highlight the
new service to rural businesses and Post Masters will be offered support
and an introduction to the services listed in the directory.
Paul Garnham, the Post Office's Head of Area for
the Rural Agency Network in the South West, said: "We are delighted
to be able to work with Business Link on this initiative. It benefits
both our business customers and our rural postmasters by enhancing the
range of services we already offer to rural business, at the same time
as providing extra business advice and support to our sub postmasters
themselves.”
Business Link has received Objective One investment (European
Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies in a variety of
ways.
For further information please contact Carolyn Daw
on 01822 833488, mobile: 07866 697057, email: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk.
Editor's notes:
Business Link for Devon and Cornwall delivers the
national Business Link service to the region under contract from
the DTI's Small Business Service.
Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via
an information gateway on the web www.blinkdandc.com and via the
telephone on 0845 600 9966 to all businesses and those considering
starting a business. Additionally It provides impartial business
advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which
it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners.
Press Enquiries:
In the first instance, should be directed to press officers Carolyn
Daw on 01822 833488, mobile: 07866 697057, email: cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk.
Direct enquiries should be directed via the marketing department
to Leanne Lidstone or Janice Brazell on 0845 600 9966.
Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439
cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
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