TWO Devon agencies are calling on West Devon firms to get into shape during 2007 by taking up the offer of free business support. West Devon Business Information Point and North Devon Enterprise Agency are offering up to five days of free support to help established companies grow their business through the Rural Enterprise Development (RED) programme. This recently launched demand-led project is working with a growing number of industry sectors. It is open to businesses that have been established for more than 12 months in West Devon, Torridge and North Devon. Stewart Horne, manager of West Devon BIP, said: 'We have had a very good response to this programme from a wide range of business managers but there are many others who could benefit. 'Retailers in particular are taking advantage of the merchandising seminars to raise their game in this increasingly competitive market. 'Equally, tourism businesses often feel that last season could have been better, and our diagnostic team have assisted many to gauge current performance and obtain a quick overview on how well they are doing. West Devon Borough Council has offered support to local businesses by providing the newly opened units at Tavistock Business Centre, Pitts Cleave as a venue for meetings and seminars. Tim Beavon, head of economic and community development at the borough, said: 'This great initiative gives local businesses access to funded business support programmes in West Devon and to the facilities at Pitts Cleave Industrial Estate, and will undoubtedly lead to business growth and job creation.' Eligible businesses for the RED programme can benefit from a combination of workshops, tutorials and intensive one to one assistance and the growing portfolio of seminars includes master classes in merchandising, technology skills for businesses and optimising profits through pricing and marketing. The Rural Enterprise Development programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Devon Renaissance. Businesses with more than 250 employees or that are farm and land-based businesses are not eligible. Further information is available from West Devon Business Information Point on freephone 0800592872, the North Devon Enterprise Agency on 01237 426416 or general business information can be obtained from Business Link on 0845 6009966.
