The British Chambers of Commerce stands up for Start-Ups
| Published: 6th June 2008 15:53 |
The British Chambers of Commerce stands up for Start-Ups
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Accredited Chamber
Network announced a long term commitment to help UK start-up firms
become significantly more successful. The first service is a custom-
built Business Start-Up Pack. The Pack was designed in response to
feedback from start-up companies and specifically to solve common
initial challenges faced. It also offers an unequalled bundle of products
and services developed by the BCC in conjunction with a number of its
commercial partners*. The Pack includes three years free business
banking from RBS Group as well as instant tender alerts, exclusive
telecommunications and mobility offers, free software trials, unbeatable
discounts on products, half price Chamber membership and free legal
advice just to name a few of the benefits.
Full details available at http://www.thebusiness-startup.co.uk/.
It was frustration about the high number of start-up failures that led John
Dunsmure, Managing Director of the BCC to do something radical to help
these firms: "Encouraging entrepreneurship is high on everyone's agenda
but that is not enough - you have to match that commitment with practical
support for start-up businesses in their critical first few years. I believe it
is time for all the pro-enterprise talk to be matched by action. The BCC
intends to use its knowledge, influence, contacts and network to make a
major difference to the UK's start-up businesses.Our Business Start-Up
Pack is the first deliverable for this strategy."
He continued: "I meet with businesses up and down the country all the time.
Everywhere I went the story was the same - cash strapped new firms were
spending too much money they could ill afford, on things they did not need, or
buying the wrong equipment. There was no spare cash and when the going
got tough so many had to fold. It is heart breaking to witness this especially
when so many had such great potential. I was certain we had to act then but
with the economy taking a turn for the worse it was crucial we moved quickly."
Following the launch of the Business Start-Up Pack the BCC will add to its services
in the coming months. Future services will include an online business networking
and advice portal and a nationwide programme of Chamber Business Growth Clubs.
