Free support service helps small businesses in Leeds

Small businesses in Leeds are being offered a free support service to help them recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Leeds MicroBusiness Support Service provides expert advice on a range of topics, from contingency planning and social media messaging to brand creation and Christmas preparation.

The scheme has been offering one-to-one phone mentoring sessions since the summer for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with fewer than 10 employees.

The second element of the scheme has now launched, providing a wide-ranging virtual support programme.

Microbusiness owners who sign up to the support programme get access to weekly e-mails, online workshops and videos, covering topics including owner wellbeing, finances, marketing, customer service excellence and taking a business online.

The scheme is being organised by Leeds City Council and business transformation agency Insight with Passion, with both elements of the scheme running until the end of November.

Cllr Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: ‘Businesses large and small across Leeds have faced incredible challenges since the start of the pandemic and we have worked tirelessly throughout the crisis to support them.

‘We’re determined to keep playing our part and schemes like this, aimed at some of our smallest businesses, are an excellent example of that approach. If you think you can benefit from the expertise on offer, then please get in touch with ourselves and Insight with Passion as soon as possible. We’re here to help.’

Jo McBeath, who owns Chirpy, a design-led gift shop and workshop space in Chapel Allerton, used the service in 2020 and has signed up again this year: ‘It is very useful and I’d recommend it to anyone – it’s good to know there’s someone there looking out for you and that you can use them as a sounding board. For me personally, I’ve found that it’s an excellent way of solidifying and organising ideas you might already have floating around and making the best possible use of them.’

In related news, a new programme focused on helping young people aged 16-18 reach their full potential and enter the workforce is being launched by the Welsh government.

Photo supplied by Leeds City Council