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News
17th October 2005
New Business Service to support West Midlands' smaller firms.
Initiatives in Business Development Group Ltd. (ibd),
the national business advisor network, has launched a new service
for smaller firms based in the West Midlands. ibd
has announced the formation of a specialist Regional team who will
focus their energies and expertise toward firms based in the Region.
ibd West Midlands will be managed by Regional Chair,
Chartered Engineer, Jim Bell of Bromsgrove (pictured below).
 ibd,
founded some three years ago by four entrepreneurs, has developed
into a national network of independent business professionals dedicated
to supporting the needs of smaller firms. Since then, ibd's
300 plus members have helped over 6,000 small businesses, assisting
them with a range of issues from sourcing finance, to formalising
their business processes to developing and implementing manufacturing,
sales and marketing strategies. Because ibd's members,
like Jim, previously operated at senior levels in industry - with
many having run their own firms- the practical expertise available
through the ibd network is immense.
Jim Bell believes that the changes being made to publicly funded
business advisory services by the DTi and the Small Business Service
means that owner managers of smaller West Midlands firms will welcome
easy access to the skills and expertise they need via ibd's network
in they Region. "Indeed we believe the service we offer is
unique." said Jim.
ibd's West Midlands team comprises over 20 hands on experts, people
with real management experience and real experts in the pressures
facing owners of smaller firms. "We have 'been there' and 'done
it' ourselves." Added Jim. "We roll up our sleeves and
help implement ideas and business development strategies. And we
are far from expensive management consultants. Our West Midlands
team is local to our customers in the West Midlands. It is trained,
ready and available to help owner managers grow successful concerns.
The additional focus this dedicated West Midlands service brings
will enable ibd to offer tailored services that better fit the particular
needs of the Region."
Small firms interested in finding out more about ibd and its services
can use the network's web site, www.ibd-uk.com or call 0115 988 6215 and ask for a free business 'Health Check'. This is a no obligation
service and enables ibd advisors to work with a small firm's owner
and its management team to identify the company's strengths and
weaknesses and plan ways in which issues can be addressed
ENDS
For more information about ibd in the West Midlands
please contact Jim Bell on 07833 340698.
Editor's Notes
About ibd
Initiatives in Business Developments Ltd. (ibd was founded in 2002
by Terry Forrester - now the group managing director- and marketing
director, Alan Ford.) Now a 300 strong membership organisation,
ibd works with start ups and small to medium sized businesses offering
hands on business development advice and implementation support.
ibd members typically are experienced, senior managers who bring
maturity and experience and who have previously held senior level
positions in business. ibd operates throughout the European Union
and a South African operation will be launched in 2005. Since its
foundation, ibd members have worked with over 6,000 small companies.
About Jim Bell.
A former General Manager with a significant track record of success
in managing and directing manufacturing and service based organisations
through rapid and continuous improvement/ restructuring/ change,
whilst retaining their operational effectiveness as a business.
Jim has strong strategic vision and business planning capabilities
combined with the ability to lead and develop teams to maximise
the resources and market opportunities of a business, profitably
and effectively. He has experience of managing multi-facility operations,
turnarounds, take-overs, divestments, new product developments and
the introduction of T.Q.M. and Lean Manufacturing techniques.
Pic shows Jim Bell, Chair of ibd in the West Midlands
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